DURHAM, N.C. – 51±¬ÁÏ’s Nicholas School of the Environment (NSOE) prepares to recognize 18 graduates receiving doctorate degrees and a Ph.D. certificate in at 51±¬ÁÏ’s Love Auditorium, May 10, 2024 at 10 a.m.

Peers selected the student speaker, Jessica Levasseur, Ph.D. who studied environmental exposure monitoring methods in the . Jessica advocates for better regulation of chemicals found in everyday products, and works to translate science to policy for improved health equity. She has consulted for federal and state government clients, primarily on building and maintaining human exposure models. Using biomonitoring data and other exposure assessment tools, her research focuses on how and when people are exposed to chemicals that may cause adverse health outcomes. Levasseur successfully defended her dissertation, which investigated and validated the use of silicone wristbands to measure chemicals present in personal care products, on April 3, 2024. Her advisors were Drs. Heather Stapleton and Jennifer Hoffman.

The recognition ceremony will be and recorded for friends and family members who cannot attend in person. The graduates specialized in environment, ecology research, marine science and conservation, and environmental policy. The environment program is organized around the research themes of ecosystem science, environmental chemistry and toxicology, aquatic and atmospheric sciences, and environmental social sciences. More information on the Nicholas School’s doctoral degrees can be found on the program page.

Additional Nicholas School recognition ceremonies include one for master’s graduates at 4 p.m. on Friday, May 10, 2024 at 51±¬ÁÏ’s Wilson Recreation Center, and another for undergraduates at 9 a.m. Saturday May 11, 2024 at the same center. To learn more about all Nicholas School ceremonies and receptions, visit the school’s graduation page.

 

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