The Environmental Health Laboratory (EHL)

The Environmental Health Laboratory (EHL) was established in 2005 to support research, teaching, and training focused on environmental contaminants and their impacts on human health. The laboratory serves as a hub for environmental health research and provides students with opportunities to develop practical skills in environmental sampling, laboratory analysis, and data interpretation. Research conducted in the EHL examines environmental exposures, environmental justice, and contamination pathways that contribute to adverse health outcomes. Current areas of investigation include heavy metal contamination in homes, schools, drinking water systems, soil, consumer products, food items, and mining-impacted environments. Through its research and training activities, the EHL contributes to evidence-based prevention strategies and advances environmental health and health equity in Nevada and globally.

The EHL houses a range of analytical instrumentation, including graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GFAAS), cold vapor mercury analysis systems, x-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzers, combustion-based mercury analyzers, UV/Visible spectroscopy, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). These technologies enable the detection and quantification of heavy metals and other environmental contaminants in water, soil, dust, food, and consumer products.

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.

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, Ph.D., MSc and Richard M. Oxborough, Ph.D.