Contact information
Office: BMH 3117
Phone: 519-888-4567, ext. 42720
Fax: 519-746–6776
Email: brian.laird@uwaterloo.ca
Research interests
The underlying objective of my research is to improve the characterization of human exposures and risks from environmental contamination. I'm particularly interested in the development of tools and approaches that: (i) quantify the health risks from dietary contaminants, (ii) develop optimal intervention strategies where necessary, and (iii) explore the extent to which nutrients offset contaminant risks. To these ends, I have undertaken a two-pronged research program that: a) examines population level contaminant exposure through biomonitoring; and b) investigates the ways and means by which selenium and omega-3 fatty acids counter the health risks posed by methylmercury.
Graduate supervision and student opportunities
I am currently accepting applications from graduate students with research interests related to:
- Toxicology
- Exposure science
- Environmental health
- Risk assessment
MSc Public Health and Health Systems candidate, Danielle Brandow works with Professor Laird researching links between contaminant exposure, nutritional status, and food use in First Nation and Metis communities in the Northwest Territories. Watch Danielle's research experience from her perspective.
Graduate studies application details
Teaching interests
- Environmental health
- Environmental toxicology
- Chemical risk assessment and management
Education
BSc Environmental Toxicology, University of Guelph
PhD Toxicology, University of Saskatchewan
PDF Biology, University of Ottawa
PDF Community Health Sciences, University of Northern British Columbia
Selected publications
See Google Scholar for full list of publications.