About Us
UofL’s Superfund Research Center conducts scientific research to learn more about protecting the public from exposure to VOCs at hazardous waste sites in Louisville, Kentucky, and across the U.S.
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Creating new knowledge about VOCs
The University of Louisville Superfund Research Center (ULSRC) investigates the cardiometabolic effects of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at Superfund and other hazardous waste sites.
Center investigators conduct research to unravel critical pathways of toxicity and to identify the cardiometabolic changes brought about by VOC exposure. Using high throughput mass spectrometry and an innovative suite of mechanism-based biomarkers, animal experiments and human population studies, center investigations have contributed to the discovery and validation of novel biomarkers of both exposure and cardiometabolic injury that will lay the foundation for future remediation strategies.
State-of-the-art tools and methods
The ULSRC employs state-of-the-art tools to create environments for animal studies where the air quality is equivalent to Superfund sites to measure the specific biological effects related to cardiometabolic damage. The center has developed a new method to analyze urine for certain chemicals, improving the sensitivity and range of the tests. The center has also created a portable device to measure VOC levels in the air and developed low-cost VOC sensors. Additionally, ULSRC is working on low-cost ways to remove VOCs from the air. For biological studies, the center has established advanced laboratory tests to analyze cells and measure biomarkers related to cardiometabolic toxicity.
Training future environmental scientists and community engagement
Senior center members educate and train junior investigators, graduate students and post-doctoral fellows in the field of environmental science and promote relevant community awareness and participation to enhance mutual bidirectional understanding of exposure risk and the health effects of exposure. The findings and discoveries of the center are transferred to affected communities, end users in public and private sectors and other stakeholders. Collectively, expansion and growth of the center activities enhances its contribution and leads to rigorous evaluation and better understanding of the effects of these hazardous chemicals on obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
