Kaptur Applauds Prestigious NIH Environmental Health Research Award To UToledo Press ReleaseHealth Care

Toledo, Ohio - Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) announced a significant research award to the University of Toledo from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. The award, totaling $459,353, supports NIH's Biological Response to Environmental Health Hazards Program and will focus on algal blooms and cyanobacteria.

"I am immensely proud of the University of Toledo and Dr. Isailovic for their commitment to pioneering research that addresses critical environmental issues affecting our Great Lakes Region. This award is a testament to their exceptional work and dedication to improving public health and safeguarding our natural resources," said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09). "I look forward to seeing the advancements and insights this project will bring to light as we continue to combat the impacts of harmful algal blooms on Lake Erie. Our Great Lakes are a precious natural endowment. We must do everything in our power to protect this treasure so important to our region of Northwest Ohio."

"I would like to congratulate Dr. Isailovic on this significant award from the NIH National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences," said Dr. Marc S. Seigar, Dean - College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics."Dr. Isailovic and others are doing critical work in the area of water quality to make sure Toledo does not suffer from another water crisis like the one we faced ten years ago."

"In addition to the significant collaborative research, the funded project will involve the training of undergraduate and graduate students, who will become the experts in the identification of novel cyanotoxins and studying their toxic effects," said Dr. Dragan Isailovic, Professor of Chemistry

This esteemed Research Enhancement Award (REA) underscores the vital research being conducted in NW Ohio to address pressing environmental health challenges. The project aims to identify and study new cyanotoxins using advanced bioanalytical and biophysical chemistry techniques. The University of Toledo's innovative research is set to make significant contributions to environmental health, particularly in understanding the impact of harmful cyanobacterial blooms in Lake Erie. Dr. Dragan Isailovic leads the research team with an impressive background in bioanalytical and biophysical chemistry.

This award will not only enhance the university's research capabilities but also contribute to the broader scientific understanding of environmental health hazards, potentially leading to new strategies for mitigating the effects of harmful algal blooms.

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