My research has been focusing on developing methods to analyze organic compounds in various
environmental compartments (such as air, water, soil, and plants) and biological fluids (such as urine and saliva)
using a green sample preparation technique- Stir Bar Sorptive Extraction- coupled with Gas
Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry. The projects in my research lab have involved (1) studies of
environmental endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs), such as pharmaceuticals and estrogens,
glucocorticoids, and polybrominated diphenol ethers, in wastewater and sludge samples, (2) monitoring water
quality in the Rio Grande and other water systems, (3) investigating estrogenic activities of EDCs in wastewater,
and (4) developing techniques to remove EDCs in drinking water and wastewater. Based on the occurrence and
concentrations of EDCs in the surface and other water sources, we are able to assess their impacts on human
health and aquatic life. Other projects in my group include chemical analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
in air, analysis of water soluble fraction of biofuel using environment friendly methods, passive sampler for
detection of VOCs.

Recently, we investigated the organic metabolites in urine to study the biomarkers in urine for cancer diagnosis. We are able to develop more accurate diagnostic tool for prostate cancer and renal cancer with over 90% accuracy.

I have 13 years of experience in providing research experience for undergraduate and graduate students
especially under-represented minority (URM) students in STEM fields. My mentorship expands from research activities to development of professional skills.