Heather M. Stapleton
Dan and Bunny Gabel Associate Professor of Environmental Ethics and Sustainable Environmental Management

Dr. Stapleton's research focuses on understanding the fate and transformation of organic contaminants in aquatic systems and in indoor environments. Her main focus has been on the bioaccumulation and biotransformation of brominated flame retardants, and specifically polybrominated diphenyl ethers,(PBDEs). Her current research projects explore the routes of human exposure to flame retardant chemicals and examine the way these compounds are photodegraded and metabolized using mass spectrometry to identify breakdown products/metabolites. She uses both in vivo techniques with fish, and in vitro techniques with cell cultures to examine metabolism of this varied class of chemicals. Also of interest to Dr. Stapleton is the study of the fate of PBDEs in the environment which may lead to bioaccumulation in aquatic systems and examining their bioavailability under different environmental conditions.

Current Appointments & Affiliations

Contact Information

  • 9 Circuit Drive, Box 90328, LSRC Room A207, Durham, NC 27710
  • Box 90328, Durham, NC 27708-0328

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