State of Illinois

Senior Environmental Health Specialist -- IDPH Vector Control Program Manager

Ken worked at State of Illinois as a Senior Environmental Health Specialist -- IDPH Vector Control Program Manager

State of Illinois

Environmental Toxicologist -- Toxicology Section Chief

Evaluate environmental data and recommend ways to reduce or eliminate hazardous exposures.

State of Illinois

IDOT Technical Manager -- Environmental Health, Noise and Air Specialist

Environmental health technical services and training provision on topics including NEPA coordination, air quality, noise impacts and water issues.

Noise and Environmental Risk Assessment

Senior Enironmental Health Specialist Consultant

Provide environmental health, noise, risk assessment, and food safety expertise.

University of Illinois at Springfield

Assistant Professor

Taught environmental health, risk assessment, global health, and public health policy classes; advised students; served on university and professional committees.

Illinois Department of Public Health

Division Chief -- Environmental Toxicologist

Managed the statewide environmental public health program. Supervised a staff of 16 section chiefs and program managers with a total staff of 130 in the division. Responsible for environmental health protection including water wells, private sewage, swimming pools, asbestos, lead, plumbing, pesticide applicators, toxicology, and indoor air quality.

Public Health Policy Options for Improving Well-Water Quality in West Point, Liberia

World Medical & Health Policy, Wiley Periodicals

In an attempt to characterize the quality of drinking water drawn from local wells, sampling of well water was conducted in West Point, Monrovia, Liberia in January 2011 using nitrate–nitrite test strips and materials that allow for field sampling of water for bacteria. Sampling found elevated levels of nitrates, nitrites, total coliforms, and E. coli. Possible policy options that could improve drinking-water quality in West Point include the installation of community latrines in areas downgradient and away from community wells; the installation of concrete lined, covered wells with hand pumps; or the provision of public water. Infrastructure analysis suggests that the most reasonable strategy for improved potable water and sanitation in West Point is a policy of incrementally implemented interventions. Residents of West Point have few resources and little political power, so the community can benefit from participating in an advocacy coalition with active nongovernment organizations and government agencies that not only plans for the provision of sustainable interventions, but looks for windows of opportunity to increase the awareness and the involvement of the Liberian government and the international community.

Public Health Policy Options for Improving Well-Water Quality in West Point, Liberia

World Medical & Health Policy, Wiley Periodicals

In an attempt to characterize the quality of drinking water drawn from local wells, sampling of well water was conducted in West Point, Monrovia, Liberia in January 2011 using nitrate–nitrite test strips and materials that allow for field sampling of water for bacteria. Sampling found elevated levels of nitrates, nitrites, total coliforms, and E. coli. Possible policy options that could improve drinking-water quality in West Point include the installation of community latrines in areas downgradient and away from community wells; the installation of concrete lined, covered wells with hand pumps; or the provision of public water. Infrastructure analysis suggests that the most reasonable strategy for improved potable water and sanitation in West Point is a policy of incrementally implemented interventions. Residents of West Point have few resources and little political power, so the community can benefit from participating in an advocacy coalition with active nongovernment organizations and government agencies that not only plans for the provision of sustainable interventions, but looks for windows of opportunity to increase the awareness and the involvement of the Liberian government and the international community.

I Am an Environmental Health Pracademic (And So Can You!)

Journal of Environmental Health

Public Health Policy Options for Improving Well-Water Quality in West Point, Liberia

World Medical & Health Policy, Wiley Periodicals

In an attempt to characterize the quality of drinking water drawn from local wells, sampling of well water was conducted in West Point, Monrovia, Liberia in January 2011 using nitrate–nitrite test strips and materials that allow for field sampling of water for bacteria. Sampling found elevated levels of nitrates, nitrites, total coliforms, and E. coli. Possible policy options that could improve drinking-water quality in West Point include the installation of community latrines in areas downgradient and away from community wells; the installation of concrete lined, covered wells with hand pumps; or the provision of public water. Infrastructure analysis suggests that the most reasonable strategy for improved potable water and sanitation in West Point is a policy of incrementally implemented interventions. Residents of West Point have few resources and little political power, so the community can benefit from participating in an advocacy coalition with active nongovernment organizations and government agencies that not only plans for the provision of sustainable interventions, but looks for windows of opportunity to increase the awareness and the involvement of the Liberian government and the international community.

I Am an Environmental Health Pracademic (And So Can You!)

Journal of Environmental Health

Reducing the Risk of Chemical Exposures in Schools

Journal of Environmental Health

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has completed several different activities aimed at reducing the risk of chemical spills and exposures in schools, including chemical collections, training workshops, and a mercury needs assessment. IDPH found that many schools store and use hazardous chemicals in ways that increase the risk of accidents and exposures. As a result of these activities and findings, IDPH developed strategies for educating teachers and drafted recommendations for schools.