What We Do

The U.S. EPA’s Homeland Security Research Program provides scientific solutions that:

• Improve water utilities’ abilities to prepare for and respond to incidents that threaten public health.
• Advance EPA’s capabilities to respond to wide area chemical, biological or radiological contamination incidents, including those caused by natural disasters.

This research program strengthens the resiliency of our communities by providing water utility managers, on-scene coordinators, laboratory technicians, risk assessors, and emergency responders with the scientific tools; methodologies and technologies; and technical support to prepare for, respond to, and rapidly recover from all environmental disasters.

Shawn Ryan, PhD, National Program Director

• Email: Shawn Ryan (ryan.shawn@epa.gov)
• Phone: 919-541-0699

Shawn Ryan, PhD, Lead for Decontamination Research

• Email: Shawn Ryan (ryan.shawn@epa.gov)
• Phone: 919-541-0699

Emily Snyder, PhD, Lead for Sampling and Analytical Methods Research

• Email: Emily Snyder (snyder.emily@epa.gov)
• Phone: 919-541-1006   

Sarah Taft, PhD, Lead for Exposure Assessment Research

• Email: Sarah Taft (taft.sarah@epa.gov)
• Phone: 513-569-7037   

Kelly Dipolt, Co-Lead for Water Security Research

• Email: Kelly Dipolt (dipolt.kelly@epa.gov)
• Phone: 513-569-7333  

James Goodrich, PhD,  Co-Lead for Water Security Research

• Email: James Goodrich (goodrich.james@epa.gov)
• Phone: 513-569-7605