Dr. Jason Unrine, Professor, has been awarded a 2019-2020 University of Kentucky Research Professorship.  This award recognizes faculty members who have demonstrated excellence in research and creative work that addresses scientific, social, cultural, economic or health challenges in our region and around the world.

The University Research Professorships were established by the UK Board of Trustees in 1976 to recognize outstanding research achievement.  The professorships program recognizes excellence across the full spectrum of research, scholarship and creative endeavors within each college at UK.  College leadership developed criteria for excellence within their area of expertise, and then nominated faculty who excelled at these criteria. Each University Research Professor receives a one-year award of $10,000 to be used to further their research, scholarship and creative endeavors.

Jason UnrineDr. Unrine joined the Plant and Soil Sciences Department in 2008.  His research group investigates the environmental fate, transport and ecotoxicology of trace-elements and engineered nanomaterials. Much of his research focuses on the transformations and impacts of trace-elements and nanomaterials in terrestrial and wetland environments. The Unrine Lab has developed tools that utilize advanced analytical, imaging and spectroscopic techniques to investigate the environmental transformations, bioavailability, bioaccumulation, trophic transfer and maternal transfer of these contaminants. Unrine's lab relates this information to adverse organismal effects with population level relevance. Working closely with Dr. Olga Tsyusko, Dr. Unrine also uses ecotoxicogenomics tools to help elucidate the biochemical mechanisms of contaminant bioaccumulation and adverse effects.

According to Dr. Unrine, "Our work with nanomaterials focuses on how the properties of nanomaterials relate to their bioavailability and adverse effects and how these properties change in the environment. We also work in the area of environmental health focusing on human exposure to trace-elements in support of epidemiology studies being conducted by the Markey Cancer Center and collaborate with scientists and engineers working to develop cost effective contaminant source reduction and waste handling techniques for mining. We frequently collaborate with outside researchers and have helped address a wide array of problems in trace-element biology, geology and chemistry." 

 

2019-2020 University Professorship Recipients

Dr. Unrine (back row, 5th from left) was recognized along with other recipients at a gathering at the University of Kentucky President, Dr. Eli Capilouto's home on April 30.



Jason Unrine

Dr. Jason Unrine, right, accepting a University of Kentucky Research Professorship from UK President Dr. Eli Capilouto. Photo by Dr. O. Tsyusko.

Jason Unrine and Eli Capilouto

Dr Eli Capilouto, left, presents University of Kentucky Research Professorship to Dr. Jason Unrine. Photo by Dr. Olga Tsyusko.



Jason Unrine and Rebecca McCulley

Dr. Jason Unrrine with Plant and Soil Sciences Department chairperson Dr. Rebecca McCulley. Photo by Dr. O. Tsyusko.