AU research sparks further investigation of a public health threat

Scrap material used for cookware in 

Cameroon includes old engine parts

In 2013, Dr. Jeff Weidenhamer was contacted by Perry Gottesfeld of Occupational Knowledge International with a question about the safety of cookware.  Mr. Gottesfeld was working with colleagues at an NGO (see: http://www.crepdcm.com/) in Cameroon to reduce toxic exposures from lead paint, when questions were raised about the possible hazards of the aluminum cookware that most people there use.  In Cameroon, and throughout the developing world, the recycling of scrap aluminum into cookware is a widespread practice.  After a preliminary investigation we learned that source materials can include items such as old engine blocks, radiators, and computer parts.

Pots awaiting sale in a Cameroon market

Dr. Weidenhamer and several AU students – Peter Kobunski, Alison Biro, and Meghann Fitzpatrick – along with AU colleagues Dr. Rebecca Corbin and Dr. Michael Hudson, set out to investigate the hazards of this cookware by looking at the metals that leached from the pots in dilute vinegar solutions that mimicked mildly acidic solutions that are often used for cooking.  Working with Mr. Gottesfeld, and beginning with cookware from Cameroon and then ten other developing nations, they found a number of cookware items that released toxic levels of lead during simulated cooking.  The worst was a pot from Viet Nam that yielded more than 1400 micrograms of lead per serving.  Other metals detected in the leachates of some pots included arsenic and cadmium, and almost all of the items released levels of aluminum that exceed World Health Organization guidelines. 

The studies, which have been published in the journal Science of the Total Environment, have encouraged researchers in Cameroon, South Africa and other countries to conduct follow-up studies to assess the hazards of this cookware. 

Dr. Weidenhamer notes that it is not often that undergraduates can participate in research that has such direct and immediate impact on public health.  Two of the students involved in this work are pursuing medical careers.  Perry Gottesfeld comments, "Dr. Weidenhamer took on this research without hesitation and now we have seen these important results replicated by independent researchers in at least five countries demonstrating the significance of the work by he and his students."

Five Biochemistry Alumni earn Medical Degrees

The Biochemistry major has been popular with many of our students who plan careers in medicine. In the spring of 2019, five Biochemistry alumni earned their medical degrees.

Dr. Daiva (Gerbec) Mitchell (’13) completed her MD at the University of Toledo School of Medicine (MD) in Spring 2019, and is currently a resident in Internal Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.  Daiva writes,

“Ashland University was the perfect school to prepare me for medical school and my career as a physician. With the small class sizes, I was able to get to know my professors and easily find mentors and research opportunities. Also, with Ashland's wide variety of clubs and groups, I was able to develop my professional and leadership skills while in college. Finally, with Ashland's focus on Christian values, I grew in my compassion for others which has impacted the way I care for my patients now.” 

Dr. Aaron Tipton (’13) also completed his MD at the University of Toledo School of Medicine (MD) in Spring 2019, and is a General Surgery resident at the Case Western Reserve University/University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center.  Aaron writes,

“The experience at Ashland University prepared me for medical school in many ways from knowledge, critical thinking and a love for learning. Every class was taught by a professor who was passionate about the subject. They inspired me to become a lifelong learner, which is one of the most important traits of becoming a physician.”

Dr. Kayla Prokopakis (’15) completed her DO at the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine in Spring 2019, and is an Emergency Medicine resident at Mercy Health -St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital in Boardman, Ohio.Kayla writes, 

“Ashland University prepared me for medical school and my professional career in more ways than one. The science department and my academics at AU allowed me to establish great study habits and the knowledge and passion the professors had for teaching allowed me to thoroughly grasp concepts to build my medical education upon. Playing softball for AU allowed me to learn how to effectively work as a team, lead, and fostered a strong work ethic. The people of Ashland University and the community all want you to exceed and be successful in any field you chose which fosters a great environment to learn and grow. Overall, I believe I was accepted into medical school because of all of the opportunities AU allowed me to pursue and will forever be grateful for the education and relationships established there.”

Dr. Amber McDermott (’15) also completed her DO at the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine in Spring 2019, and is a Resident Physician at Aultman Hospital in Orthopedics.  Amber writes, 

"My time at Ashland University was the greatest four years and played an instrumental part in preparing me for medical school. Both my commitment as a member of the softball team as well as my courses and professors in the science department I was able to build leadership skills, time management and study skills that helped me not only get through medical school, but excel. I am thankful for both coaches and professors that pushed me, small class sizes that let me build relationships with both my teachers and classmates, and a university that helped me get to where I wanted to be." 

 

Dr. C.J. Hassmann (’15) received his degree from the Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) in Spring 2019 and is currently a Resident Physician at St. Rita's Medical Center in Lima, OH.

For information about the Biochemistry program, please contact Department of Chemistry, Geology & Physics Chair Dr. Rebecca Corbin.

Toxicology student presents research on Pesticide Analysis

Cillian Donahue, a senior Toxicology and Biology major (with a concentration in Forensic Biology) from Strongsville, had the opportunity to present her research on “Using Passive Sampling as a Method for Pesticide Analysis” at the recent National Collegiate Honors Council Conference in New Orleans.  Cillian has been investigating a new method using silicone tubing to absorb pesticides from sediment for her Honors Capstone project.  She is supervised by Dr. Jeff Weidenhamer (Chemistry) and Dr. Andrew Trimble (Toxicology).

Cillian writes that the feedback she received will be useful for other presentations of her research in the coming year, and that she was able to see projects that that Honors Students around the country are working on.  While in New Orleans, Cillian had the opportunity to check out a couple of museums related to her scientific interests – the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum and the New Orleans Museum of Death, which has memorabilia related to famous crimes among other forensic-related topics. 

The New Orleans Pharmacy Museum (photos below) was located in a pharmacy that was founded in the 1800s. The building housed old pharmaceutical equipment and various questionable medications. Tinctures ranged from mixtures of cocaine and red wine, to heroin and sodas. In addition, there was no shortage of heavy metals, including lead coated pills for the rich, and lead baby bottles to sooth young ones. Overall, Cillian found the museum was very educational and interesting, particularly for Toxicology majors. 

                               

Science alumni gather for Fall social at local brew pub

We had a great evening last Friday at our local brew pub Uniontown with 16 alums, their guests and a handful of faculty.  This was our third AU Science alumni social, with the next planned for the spring.

If you are a science alumni you should be receiving email invitations to these events.  If you are not, please contact us to update your email address by emailing us at ashland-science@ashland.edu.

Look for your fellow alums in the photos below.  We hope to see you at future socials.

Sandra Chapman ('86) and Steve Zody ('86)

Mason Posner (Biology), Janna Pearson ('10), Blair Bowers ('10),
Tricia Montgomery ('10), David Ellsworth ('10) and guests

Tyler McFarland ('18), Troy Chipka, Makayla Chipka ('17)
and Alyssa Predota ('16)

Cortney Kourie ('17), Paul Hyman (Biology), Amy Shuster ('17)

Ashland Toxicology and Forensic Biology major receives Ohio EPA scholarship

Senior Maria Kern is the latest AU Science student to receive a $2500 scholarship from the Ohio EPA’s Environmental Education Fund. Maria has conducted environmental science research as part of our University’s water monitoring program at our Black Fork wetlands preserve. More recently she has started a new research project with chemistry professor Dr. Jeff Weidenhamer. In the summer of 2018 Maria was part of the field research internship program at Central Michigan University. Maria is also a member of the University’s honors program and a Choose Ohio First scholar.

Maria writes about her new scholarship:

Winning the 2019 OEEF Scholarship was a great start to my senior year. This award provides valuable scholarship opportunities which allow natural science students with experience in environmental research to continue their education. This award will allow me to focus more fully on my classes and research without having to worry about covering the cost of books or any tuition not covered by other scholarships. Additional focus on my research will increase the quality of my capstone which I will be defending in the spring, and may create new job opportunities for me after graduation.  

Maria is the 24th Ashland University science student to be chosen for the Ohio EPA scholarship since 2006, including four just last year.