Current Research

My research focuses primarily on the development, testing and evaluation of technologies for the decontamination of materials contaminated with biological agents and biotoxins. I also investigate related areas, such as the persistence of biological agents, treatment and disposal of waste materials contaminated with bioagents, and engineering aspects of decontaminant applications. I have been with the US EPA since 1991 and have been conducting decontamination and related research since 2004.  

Why This Science Matters

My research fills in some of the science and technology gaps related to EPA’s homeland security mission and enhances the Agency’s ability to carry out its mandated national preparedness and emergency response and recovery obligations and informs disaster response and guidance.

Education

1991 M.S. Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois at Champaign Urbana
1986 B.S. Civil Engineering (Environmental Engineering emphasis), Purdue University

Awards

2017 US EPA Scientific and Technological Achievement Award, Honorable Mention, for Demonstration of Methyl Bromide as an Effective Decontamination Technique for Inactivation of Bacillus anthracis Spores
2016 US EPA Gold Medal, Ebola Response Team
2014 Exceptional/Outstanding ORD Technical Assistance to the Regions or Program Offices; NYC Bioremediation Guide Team 
2012 US EPA Bronze Medal for efforts on the Bio-Response Operational Test and Evaluation Planning and Implementation Team
2005-2006 US EPA Award for Excellence in efforts to support recovery following Hurricane Katrina and Rita

EPA Publications

Joseph Wood's research publications in the EPA Science Inventory
Science Matters's Newsletter: Meet EPA Environmental Engineer Joseph Wood

Related Resources

Homeland Security Research Program
Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response (CESER)
Contact CESER