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Shannon Griffin, M.S.

Biologist
EPA's Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response


Current Research

The focus of our research is on the development of quantitative approaches to evaluate community health. We have worked extensively on the development and application of innovative methods which utilize salivary antibody responses as non-invasive indicators of infection from environmental pathogens, including noroviruses, Cryptosporidium, Helicobacter pylori, Toxoplasma gondii, hepatitis A virus, Campylobacter jejuni, and others. This work is being expanded to include an innovative immunoassay to measure antibodies in saliva against SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19 disease, for population surveillance.

Why This Science Matters

The salivary immunoassay can help identify those microbial contaminants in the environment which have the greatest impacts on human health. In addition, this tool will support population surveillance efforts to better understand the scope of the COVID-19 outbreak and to track population immunity.  By integrating exposure measurements, like those obtained by this novel immunoassay, into our public health and surveillance programs, we provide data critical to identifying, managing, and mitigating risks.  

Education

2006 M.S. in Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati
2001 B.S. in Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati

Awards

2019, 2013, 2012, 2011 U.S. EPA Scientific and Technological Achievement Awards
2018 U.S. EPA National Exposure Research Laboratory Exposure Science Excellence Award
2014 YWCA Academy of Career Women of Achievement Rising Star Award
2012 U.S. EPA Office of Research and Development Honor Award for Outstanding ORD Technical Assistance
2011 U.S. EPA Office of Research and Development Bronze Medal Award
2011 U.S. EPA National Exposure Research Laboratory Meritorious Research Support Award

EPA Publications

Shannon Griffin's research publications in the EPA Science Inventory

Related Resources

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