Aquatic Toxicology Lab

The Aquatic Toxicology laboratory (ATL) and its associated facilities are designed and equipped for carrying out modern toxicological research from the genetic and molecular level through field and mesocosm assessments. The ATL is located on the first floor of UNT's Environmental Education, Science, and Technology (EESAT) building.

Environmental Chemistry

Researchers in the Environmental Chemistry Laboratory study the analytical chemistry and fate of contamination in the environment. The lab has state-of-the-art chromatography and spectroscopy instrumentation for measurement of organic and inorganic contaminants. Laboratory personnel examine physical and chemical processes that control the distribution of chemicals in air, soil, and water.

Watershed and Reservoir Assessment and Management

The mission of the Center for Watershed and Reservoir Assessment and Management (CWRAM) is to conduct problem-solving research addressing water/land issues, to be an information resource on best management practices for addressing watershed and reservoir problems, and to provide educational programs about water and reservoir assessment and management.

Ecological Risk Assessment and the Experimental Stream

Primary research interests include contaminant effects on freshwater aquatic communities. Specifically, understanding linkages among fisheries and benthic population dynamics and how these are influenced by anthropogenic perturbations are studied by examining how chemical pollutants are distributed through biological communities and how they affect community structure and function. The Experimental Research Stream, recently constructed, is located at the City of Denton Wastewater Treatment Facility on Pecan Creek and is used to examine the effects of pollutants on benthic ecosystems.

Science Education Research

This area of research deals with both the learning and teaching of science. We qualitively and quantitively examine the barriers that affect each side of this paradigm, introduce intervention strategies to address them, and quantify and communicate the results. Furthermore, we examine the various aspects of scientific communication; how science is communicated to learners, the public, policy makers, etc; and how these individuals use science knowledge/ information in their decision making processes. Our UNT biological science education team also conducts a variety of public outreach programs throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. These programs include the Dallas Environment Education Initiative, which provides conservation education to more than 10,000 Dallas participants per year and the new Bear Creek Ranch Research Center, which provides environmental science education to a wide audience throughout the Aledo, Fort Worth area.