My research involves the utilization of biogeoChemical indicators to interpret past events that have impacted various marine, estuarine and freshwater environments. Employing state-of-the-art analytical techniques, my group is currently examining the distribution, behavior, transport and retention of man-made and naturally occurring radionuclides in Puerto Rico, Southwest Florida and Savannah (Georgia) area inland and coastal ecosystems.

In addition to conducting aquatic science radiogeochemistry investigations, I also participate in several activities designed to facilitate the advancement and professional development of students representing diverse socioeconomic, cultural, gender, racial and academic backgrounds. Some of my most recent activities include directing the Minorities Striving and Pursuing Higher Degrees of Success in Earth System Science Initiative (www.msphds.usf.edu), co-directing the USF College of Marine Science OCEANS GK-12 Fellowship Program (http://www.marine.usf.edu/students/fellowships/GK12/) and serving as a member of the US National Science Foundation Advisory Committee on Environmental Research and Education (http://www.nsf.gov/geo/ere/ereweb/advisory.cfm), American Geophysical Union Diversity Subcommittee, American Society of Limnology and Oceanography Education Subcommittee, International Safe Water Conference Steering Committee, and Digital Library for Earth System Education Annual Meeting Planning Committee.

Selected Aquatic Science Research Publications

Ithier-Guzmán, W.R., and Pyrtle, A.J., 2004. Sources and Fates of Anthropogenic Radionuclides in Puerto Rico: An Overview. Journal of Environmental Monitoring and Restoration. In press.

Pyrtle, A. J., Wilborn, U.S., Ingall, E.D., Grantham, M.C., and Elliot,t W.C., 2004. Radionuclide Distribution and Geochemistry of the Savannah (Georgia) Aquatic Environment. Journal of Environmental Monitoring and Restoration. In press

Wilmore, C,. and Pyrtle, A.J., 2004. Southwest Florida Water Resources: An Overview. Journal of Environmental Monitoring and Restoration. In press.

Johnson-Pyrtle, A., 2003. Marginal Seas. In Water: Science and Issues, ed. E. Julius Dasch. New York: Macmillan Reference USA, p.54-57.

Johnson-Pyrtle, A., and Scott, M., 2001. Distribution of Cs-137 in the Lena River Estuary-Laptev Sea System. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 42(10), p. 912-926

Johnson-Pyrtle, A., Scott, M., Laing, T., and Smol, J., 2000. Cs-137 Distribution and Geochemistry of Lena River (Siberia) Drainage Basin Lake Sediments. The Science of the Total Environment, 255(1-3), p. 145-159

Cooper, L., Beasley, T., Dolvin, S., Grebmeier, J., Kelley, J., Scott, M., and Johnson-Pyrtle, A., 1998. The Distribution of Radiocesium and Plutonium in Sea Ice-Entrained Arctic Sediments in Relation to Potential Sources and Sinks. J. Environmental Radioactivity, 39(3), p. 279-303


Selected Professional Development Publications

Pyrtle A.J. and Williamson V.A. (2004) To Attract, Engage, and Mentor: Outcomes from the MS PHD'S in Earth System Science Initiative's Pilot Project. Journal of Geoscience Education. submitted

Weiler, C.S. and the Workshop Participants (including A.J. Pyrtle) (2004). Meeting the Needs of Interdisciplinary Ph.D. Graduates in a Changing Global Environment. Report from an Oct. 3-6, 2003 Workshop. 20 pp. Whitman College (available at
http://marcus.whitman.edu/~weilercs/biocomplexity/)

Weiler C., Beaulieu S., and other DIALOG III participants (including A. J. Pyrtle) (2000) Perspectives on Graduate Education Experiences in Aquatic Science. American Society of Limnology and Oceanography

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