The Environmental Health Laboratory (EHL)

The EHL was established in 2005 to contribute to our ability to analyze toxic contaminants in food, water, soil, and other media that directly impact human health. Some of the laboratory instrumentation available to students includes graphite furnace atomic absorption, cold vapor mercury analysis, x-ray fluorescence, combustion-based mercury analyzers, UV/VIS spectroscopy, and gas chromatography with mass spectral analysis. Several focal areas of the laboratory include the analysis of lead and mercury compounds in paint, soil, candy, fish, and other food items.

Emerging Disease Laboratory (EDL)

The Emerging Diseases Laboratory provides students the opportunity to conduct hands-on public health microbiology research.  In addition to traditional microbiology laboratory equipment, sophisticated instrumentation includes a KingFisher system for automated, magnetic-particle high-throughput extraction of DNA and RNA and an Applied Biosystems real-time polymerase chain reaction system for amplification and detection of target genes.  Current research includes surveillance of fungi, such as Coccidioides immitis, and sampling and analysis of environmental microorganisms of public health concern.

Co-Directors

Patricia Cruz, Ph.D. and Mark P. Buttner, Ph.D.

Location

MPE 231-232

CCSD/UNLV Pollen Monitoring Program

Airborne pollen is a health concern for many residents in Clark County. In 2013, the Clark County School District (CCSD) and the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) established the Pollen Monitoring Program to provide local pollen and mold spore counts in Las Vegas.

The CCSD/UNLV Airborne Pollen Monitoring Program monitors and reports airborne pollen concentrations, provides essential data for assessing aeroallergen exposure, supports clinical management of allergic diseases, and helps individuals and healthcare providers make informed decisions to reduce allergen exposure. Long-term pollen monitoring programs also help identify seasonal trends, geographic variations, and the impacts of environmental and climatic changes on allergenic pollen distributions, contributing to research and forecasting. Regular monitoring and reporting of airborne pollen concentrations can help allergy sufferers prepare for periods of elevated concentrations.

The Urban Air Quality Laboratory

The Urban Air Quality Lab (UAQL) is dedicated to protecting clean air resources for local and global communities. The laboratory advances measuring and modeling methods to identify air quality trends, quantify source contributions, and inform communities of associated health risks.

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Parasitology & Vector Biology (PARAVEC) Lab

The PARAVEC Laboratory was established in 2022 to provide expertise in medical parasitology and medical and veterinary entomology to regional Public Health authorities and global policy makers, actively engaged in the control of vector-borne diseases. The PARAVEC Laboratory also has a strong focus on teaching and mentoring the next generation of highly enthusiastic parasitologists and entomologists, in an array of field sampling and advanced molecular techniques. PARAVEC utilizes a One Health approach encompassing multiple aspects of human, animal, and environmental health to study infectious diseases and disease-transmitting vectors. The laboratory is sectioned into four spaces: (1) a morphology lab (CLB3-135) that specializes in microscopy, dissection, field sampling, and sample preparation; (2) a molecular lab (CLB3-144) that specializes in PCR, genomics, diagnostic assay development, and large-scale disease surveillance;  (3) a shared workspace (CLB3-141) with insect rearing chambers, freezers, and sample storage area; and (4) a bioassay testing facility (CLB3-137).

Co-Directors
Drs. Louisa A. Messenger, PhD, MSc and Richard M. Oxborough, PhD

Location
CLB3 135, 137, 141, and 144