Armed with Science #31: Addressing Emerging Contaminants in the Environment -- A Defense Department Perspective

Listen to Episode 31

Shannon Cunniff is the Director of the Chemical and Material Risk Management Directorate within the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Her Emerging Contaminants program brings together science, technology and policy to identify chemicals with emerging environmental and health risks, evaluate mission risks as well as opportunities to manage risks, and oversees implementation of risk management measures. This discussion will focus on how emerging contaminants -- such as sulfur hexafluoride, nanomaterials, and perchlorate -- are reviewed and acted upon through the collaboration of multiple components and the Services within DoD. The Emerging Contaminants Program was recently recognized as a finalist by Harvard in its "Innovations in Government" award and relies on scientific expertise and input to carry out its work.

Innovations in American Government Program
2009 Finalists for Innovations in American Government Award
Chemical and Material Risk Management Directorate, Office of the Deputy Secretary of Defense, Installations and Environment

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Immobility remains a major problem for disabled veterans. Immobility and wheelchair dependence cause degenerative changes in the bones, joints, hearts, lungs, and skin. Dr. Ronald Triolo, Department of Veterans Affairs Senior Research Career Scientist, Case Western Reserve University Professor, Executive Director of the Advanced Platform Technology (APT) Center of Excellence, and Associate Director of the Cleveland Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) Center seeks to improve the quality of life for individuals with paraplegia following spinal cord injury through an innovative bracing system that will provide enhanced mobility. The ultimate goal is an articulated thoracic-hip-knee-ankle-foot orthosis that allows users to stand, walk, and climb stairs safely and efficiently with a minimum of effort.