image: Kevin Brix is the winner of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry/International Copper Association's 2012 Chris Lee Award. The award recognizes the exceptional contributions Brix has made to the understanding of the field of trace metal toxicity and environmental physiology of aquatic organisms while at the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science. view more
Credit: University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science
LONG BEACH, Calif. -- November 9, 2012 -- The Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry will present the SETAC/ICA Chris Lee Award to Kevin Brix at the its 33rd Annual Meeting, November 11 at the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center. Brix recently completed his Ph.D. at the Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science of the University of Miami (UM) and has already made exceptional contributions to the understanding of fate and effects of metals in the environment, to the mechanistic environmental toxicology of metals, and to the improvement of environmental regulations for metals.
Brix entered UM's PhD program in Marine Biology and Fisheries, where he was supervised by Professor Martin Grosell, in 2008. During the years 2008-2012 Brix published no less than 22 peer-reviewed papers, solidifying his reputation in the field of trace metal toxicity and environmental physiology of aquatic organisms. He was recruited, in part, through a Maytag fellowship and received a prestigious NSF Graduate Research Fellowship while at the Rosenstiel School. After defending his PhD in October, Brix accepted a Postdoctoral position at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada where he will continue his contributions to the field.
"The international SETAC/ICA Chris Lee Award given to Kevin this year, reflects his individual talent and commitment to advancing our knowledge of metals in the marine environment, and serves as an example of the valuable contributions our outstanding graduate students make when provided the opportunity," said Grosell, UM Professor and Associate Dean of Graduate Studies at the Rosenstiel School.
Brix's research focuses on the mechanisms of metal toxicity to freshwater and marine organisms, and his prolific publishing record, in both the peer-reviewed literature and through books and technical reports, underscores his influence in the field. In addition to research on the effects of metals on freshwater gastropods, Brix's work at UM has led him to study dietary metal exposure and its effects on aquatic organisms, an area receiving increased attention by regulatory agencies.
The SETAC/ICA Chris Lee Award, sponsored jointly by SETAC and the International Copper Association, recognizes the leadership and technical contribution of the late Chris Lee by providing up to $5,000 to a graduate student or recent graduate whose ongoing research focuses on fate and effects of metals in the environment.
The University of Miami is the largest private research institution in the southeastern United States. The University's mission is to provide quality education, attract and retain outstanding students, support the faculty and their research, and build an endowment for University initiatives. Founded in the 1940's, the Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science has grown into one of the world's premier marine and atmospheric research institutions. Offering dynamic interdisciplinary academics, the Rosenstiel School is dedicated to helping communities to better understand the planet, participating in the establishment of environmental policies, and aiding in the improvement of society and quality of life. http://www.rsmas.miami.edu
SETAC is a not-for-profit, worldwide professional organization comprised of more than 6,000 individuals and institutions in l00 countries dedicated to the study, analysis and solution of environmental problems, the management and regulation of natural resources, research and development, and environmental education. Our mission is to support the development of principles and practices for protection, enhancement and management of sustainable environmental quality and ecosystem integrity. http://www.setac.org