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Forecasting Fate and Effects: The Big Picture
The mass balance model is a powerful analytical tool that helps scientists understand and predict the fate and effects of chemicals in the environment - the "big picture" approach. Once the appropriate data is collected and analyzed, quantative links are established between sources, exposure and risk of effects. Furnished with this information, scientists, policy makers and practitioners can then make informed decisions to aid in the control of excessive sources of contamination on one hand and avoid uneconomic, unnecessary regulations on the other. Chris is currently involved in a collaborative research project with Unilever examing the fate and effects of "down the drain" chemicals such as laundry detergent, dish soap, and shampoo. Using a model he developed, the collaborators will be able to determine both the movement and concentration of these chemicals in lakes and river basins. In addition to his research in freshwater, Chris is also interested in the marine environment, particularly off the coast of Newfoundland. According to Chris, there has been little work in the field of modelling that examines both the chronic and acute, fate and effects of oil in the marine environment. The model under development will be used to look at marine oil spills, as well as process water released from an oil-drilling platform. Once completed, the model can be used to predict potential environmental damage, in addition to outlining steps necessary to minimize environmental degradation. Chris completed his undergrad degree in environmental science at Sir Wilfred Grenfell College at Memorial University located on the west coast of Newfoundland. It was on this small campus that Chris acquired a desire to continue his studies at the Masters level in environmental modelling and particularly in a small school setting. According to Chris, he "chose Trent because they have the graduate Program in Applications of Modelling of the Natural and Social Sciences and the Canadian Environmental Modelling Centre (CEMC). The CEMC mission statement is exactly what I wanted to do - it really fit with my interests, so that, along with the small university proved to be an exact fit for me." While completing his M.Sc. in Applications of Modelling under the supervision of Professor Don Mackay, Chris realized he wanted to continue to have the opportunity to work with Dr. Mackay. Now in his second year of doctoral work, the fit has proven to be right for Chris - working with Professor Mackay, a pioneer in environmental modelling, liking Trent, teaching and the opportunity to attend conferences and lectures is moving Chris closer to his desire for preserving the environment. Chris's early interest in science can be credited to the Canadian science journalist, Bob McDonald, host of the CBC children's science television program, "Wonderstruck". Chris's wife Joann, also from Newfoundland is very involved in the Trent community. Joann is the College Don for Otonabee College and has just begun her Masters degree in Applications of Modelling of the Natural and Social Sciences. Joann is working with Dr. Jim Parker examining aspects of emotional intelligence. When not studying, Chris and Joann enjoy cycling, skiing, camping, nature photography and sea kayaking in Newfoundland. Written by M. Dale Rodger '77, and excerpted from Trent Magazine. Posted May 10, 2004 |
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Chris Warren, a PhD. candidate with the Watershed Ecosystems Graduate Program (WEGP) was one of 143 recipients to receive the prestigious Canada Graduate Scholarship (CGS) from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) of Canada. Netting $70,000 over two years will assist Mr. Warren in realizing two of his long held goals - researching the fate and effects of chemicals in the environment using a mass balance model approach and the opportunity to teach science at the undergrad and graduate level.