Dr. Robert M Burgess is a Research Physical Scientist employed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) Office of Research and Development Atlantic Ecology Division in Narragansett, Rhode Island, USA. Dr. Burgess has been with the U.S. EPA for approximately 20 years. His current research focuses on better understanding the partitioning and bioavailability of organic and metal contaminants. Specifically, this research emphasizes the use of passive samplers for measuring the bioavailability of legacy and emerging contaminants, including nanomaterials, in the marine environment. He has participated in several review committees both on the national and international level as well as several scientific workshops. Dr Burgess is an active member of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, the American Chemical Society, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He has contributed to the authorship of approximately 80 peer-reviewed papers and book chapters, most of which are related to sediment contamination and aspects of risk assessment. Dr. Burgess received a Masters degree in Biological Oceanography and Ph.D in Chemical Oceanography from the University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography.