SRP Progress in Research Summer 2026 Webinar Series: Session II

This Progress in Research webinar series, hosted by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) Superfund Research Program (SRP), showcases research from 6 schools funded by SRP in 2025. These awards were made as part of the P42 grant solicitation RFA-ES-20-014. In the two-part series, awardees will highlight their research projects, accomplishments, and next steps. The newly funded centers, including Baylor College of Medicine, University of Arizona, and University of Iowa, are bringing fresh ideas and approaches to tackle complex problems related to hazardous substances.

The Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) SRP Center investigates whether the maternal exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) emanating from superfund sites, as well as other environmental chemicals, increases the risk of preterm births (PTBs) and augments major neonatal morbidities such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia. The BCM SRP Center wants to determine the mechanisms by which PAHs contribute to PTBs and understand the factors that could be targets for interventions to prevent and reduce the health burden associated with PAHs present in Superfund sites.

The University of Arizona SRP Center works to address the unique human health risks encountered in the U.S. Southwest, a region with a rich history of metal mining and generation of mine wastes. Their overall goal is to construct a mechanistic model of how chronic exposure to mining-impacted dust that is co-contaminated with metal(loid)s and fungal spores contributes to the development of nonmalignant lung diseases. They aim to implement this model to predict exposures and associated health outcomes, to inform public health prevention in communities neighboring mine waste sites, and design remediation-based interventions to exposure.

The University of Iowa SRP Center focuses its research on polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). The center studies PCBs in the air, particularly in schools and those emitted from contaminated soils and water of Superfund sites. Researchers examine the health impacts of inhaled PCBs, particularly on adolescents, with a focus on neurodevelopmental and metabolic effects. The University of Iowa SRP Center’s long-term goal is to develop recommendations to prevent and/or limit human exposure to airborne PCBs and to improve the health and well-being of the population.

To learn about and register for the other session in this webinar series, please see the SRP website.

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Moderator:

Ray Ledbetter, U.S. EPA Office of Superfund and Emergency Management (OSEM) (Ledbetter.Ray@epa.gov or 202-564-8564)
Ray Ledbetter brings over three decades of environmental expertise to his work, with a federal career spanning more than 17 years at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Currently serving as an Emergency Management Specialist in OSEM's Workforce Readiness and Training Branch, he leads the planning and delivery of training programs for On-Scene Coordinators and Remedial Project Managers; including OSC Readiness, NARPM, the CERCLA Education Center, and the CLU-IN platform. Throughout his EPA tenure, Ray has held notable roles including Acting Special Assistant to the OEM Director, Acting Associate Director, and Physical Scientist with the Environmental Response Team. Beyond his federal service, he has been appointed three times by U.S. Presidents to the Selective Service System and volunteers as a Hazmat Safety Officer with the Baker Heights Volunteer Fire Department in West Virginia. Ray holds both an M.S. and B.S. in Geology and is licensed as a professional geologist in multiple states. He is a Certified Professional Geologist through the American Institute of Professional Geologists and holds the dual distinction of Chartered Geologist and Fellow of the Geological Society of London.

• These materials will be available by Thursday, July 16, 2026

Webinar Slides and References:

• These materials will be available by Thursday, July 16, 2026

Additional Resources:

• These materials will be available by Thursday, July 16, 2026

The feedback form for this webinar will be available starting on Thursday, July 16, 2026.

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Rehabilitation Act Notice for Reasonable Accommodation

It is EPA's policy to make reasonable accommodation to persons with disabilities wishing to participate in the agency's programs and activities, pursuant to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. 791. Any request for accommodation should be made to Maura Cavagnaro at 202-715-3859 or maura.cavagnaro@nih.gov, preferably one week or more in advance of the webinar, so that EPA will have sufficient time to process the request. EPA would welcome specific recommendations from requestors specifying the nature or type of accommodation needed. EPA welcomes specific recommendations from requestors specifying the nature or type of accommodation needed. Please note that CLU-IN provides both alternate phone call-in options and closed captioning for all webinars, and requests for these specific accommodations are not necessary.

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