Janae Csavina, a University of Arizona Superfund Research Program (UA SRP) pre-doctoral trainee, was recently awarded an Australian Government Endeavour Research Fellowship. This scholarship will enable her to perform research in Australia in support of her PhD work at the University of Arizona. The Endeavour Research Fellowship is an internationally competitive, merit-based scholarship program. The aim of the fellowship is to allow high-achieving international scholars to develop research knowledge and skills, while further developing the social and economic environment of Australia, and strengthening international ties.

Ms. Csavina has received funding to travel to and reside in Australia from January to May, 2012. She will work with Dr. Mark Taylor, Professor of Environmental Science at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia. The main objective of her project is to determine the environmental health risks associated with metal contaminants (i.e. lead and arsenic) found in dust associated with mining operations at Mount Isa, Queensland and Port Pirie, South Australia. Her specific aims are to measure lead and arsenic in atmospheric dust as a function of particle size, and to develop better source apportionment tools to assist in improved remediation efforts. She hopes that her work will add critical information to a largely under-investigated problem of children exposed to the combined neurotoxins lead and arsenic. Ultimately, it is anticipated that this work will support more effective emissions management and practices that minimize health risks associated with metal extraction and processing.

Ms. Csavina is a PhD student in the University of Arizona’s Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering. She is mentored by UA SRP researchers Dr. Eduardo Sáez and Dr. Eric Betterton, who lead UA SRP Project #8, “Characterization of wind-blown dust from tailings and other mining operations in the southwest.” Ms. Csavina’s Australian study will draw from and enhance the research experience and technical skill set she has developed working in the UA SRP.

Please join the UA SRP in congratulating Janae on this prestigious scholarship and wishing her all the best in her study abroad!