Research

Prof. Burton obtained a Ph.D. degree in Environmental Science from the University of Texas at Dallas in 1984. From 1980 until 1985 he was a Life Scientist with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. He was a Postdoctoral Fellow at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences at the University of Colorado. Since then he has had positions as a NATO Senior Research Fellow in Portugal, Visiting Senior Scientist in Italy and New Zealand, and the Brage Golding Distinguished Professor of Research. Dr. Burton's research during the past 26 years has focused on developing effective methods for identifying significant effects and stressors in aquatic systems where sediment and stormwater contamination is a concern. His ecosystem risk assessments have evaluated multiple levels of biological organization, ranging from microbial to amphibian effects. He was active in the development and standardization of toxicity methods for the U.S. EPA, American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), Environment Canada, and the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Dr. Burton currently serves on U.S. EPA Science Advisory Board committees, a National Research Council committee, and has been on numerous national and international scientific committees, review panels, councils and editorial boards with over 200 publications.