Administration Core

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PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT – ADMINISTRATIVE CORE (AC) The URI-led Sources, Transport, Exposure, and Effects of PFAS (STEEP) Superfund Research Program (SRP) Center is focused on innovative research to determine: the ubiquity of emerging poly- and perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water (Cape Cod study site); the suitability of current federal regulatory standards; the significance of adverse health impacts, e.g., immune dysfunction and metabolic abnormalities during early development and possibly beyond (Faroe Islands); the predictors of vulnerability to health impacts; the development of novel detection tools (passive samplers) to test for the presence of precursors and concentrations of PFAS in groundwater and private wells; the implications of the presence of PFAS with regard to bioaccumulation in humans, the food web, and the environment; the engagement of affected communities with the presence and dangers of PFAS; and the dissemination of findings through state, regional, national, and international stakeholders. The STEEP II Administrative Core (AC) will continue its successful operation of the STEEP SRP Center by integrating advice from both the Internal Advisory Committee (IAC) and the External Advisory Committee (EAC) through regular retreats and joint video calls with the STEEP team. With the STEEP Coordinator's oversight and coordination skills, the AC will keep STEEP on target with respect to finances, reporting requirements, supplemental funding, data management, mission, and aims. The AC will further foster the integration of cores and projects by leading and organizing core and project specific cross-cutting meetings, workshops, retreats, and seminars for the STEEP team. As host institution, URI remains committed to the success of the STEEP Center and pledges $100k per annum toward STEEP II’s operation, including the STEEP Coordinator’s compensation, in addition to teaching relief and funding two additional minority graduate student assistantships. The AC research translation team will continue to serve in its central and well-integrated role of connecting intra-STEEP researchers to promote regular communication and collaboration by working toward goals in a coordinated and interdisciplinary manner that extends to the participating institutions. Beyond sharing data with interested parties external to the SRP Center, a main goal of the STEEP II AC is facilitating data and knowledge-sharing between and among projects and cores. The AC will ensure the success of the STEEP II Center through the following Aims: Specific Aim 1: Ensure the efficient integration of STEEP II's projects and centers Specific Aim 2: Provide leadership for STEEP II's mission and goals Specific Aim 3: Ensure that STEEP II provides relevant and timely research translation, technology transfer, and tools for stakeholders and communities Specific Aim 4: Identify and work with new stakeholders and collaborators