Brandi Shontia Echols
Salem,VA
Summary
Accomplished Biologist with a proven track record at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, specializing in human health risk and environmental impact assessments. Expert in toxicology analysis and project management, I excel in regulatory compliance and technical writing. Demonstrated leadership in driving environmental protection initiatives and presenting research findings to advance water quality standards.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Biologist
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
01.2023 - Current
- Conducted a human health risk assessment on surface water pollutants for the purpose of deriving and/or updating ambient water quality criteria pursuant to the Clean Water Act section 304(a)(1).
- Project Team Lead for Human Health Water Quality Criteria.
- Assist States and Tribal partners in adoption of ambient water quality criteria.
- Evaluate emerging contaminants for consideration of water quality criteria to protect human health and the environment.
- Presented research results at conferences and seminars to colleagues on water quality criteria and novel approach methods.
Aquatic Ecotoxicologist/Independent Consultant
Environmental Toxicology Associates, LLC
06.2017 - 12.2022
- Reviewed existing policies, procedures, systems, and processes in order to recommend changes or improvements.
- Identified needs of customers promptly and efficiently.
- Evaluated the effects of environmental stressors on aquatic species populations.
- Reviewed effects industrial discharges on aquatic organisms, interpreting findings and recommending alternative operating conditions.
- Investigated incidents involving chemical spills or other releases into the environment.
- Analyzed data from toxicology studies to determine possible adverse effects of exposure to hazardous substances.
- Participated in interdisciplinary teams that investigate potential sources of contamination or pollution.
- Presented research findings at scientific conferences and seminars.
Environmental Toxicologist
Chevron Energy Technology Company
04.2015 - 06.2017
- Assisted global business units with aquatic toxicology concerns from crude oil incidents.
- Subject matter expert in produced water discharges.
- Developed Environmental Risk Assessment protocols to inform business units.
- Worked with refineries to maintain NPDES permits and troubleshoot noncompliance in WET testing.
- Participated in Joint Industry Projects (JIPs) related to oil spill preparedness and response.
- Analyzed data from toxicology studies to determine possible adverse effects of exposure to hazardous substances.
Post-Doctoral Research Associate
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Baltimore, MD
04.2014 - 12.2014
- Designed and implemented a novel toxicity testing program in support of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Natural Resources Damage Assessment program.
- Led research team meetings with the project sponsor and other stakeholders, facilitating discussion and collaboration among members.
- Conducted toxicity experiments, collected data, analyzed results, and wrote reports and scientific publications.
- Met specific confidentiality requirements for all research, data and projects.
Research Scientist
Southeast Environmental Research Center, Florida International University
04.2011 - 01.2014
- Developed and implemented laboratory protocols to ensure compliance with NELAC accreditation.
- Designed and implemented toxicological experiments in support of the Natural Resources Damage Assessment for the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
- Oversaw the culture and propagation of research organisms.
- Managed and maintained laboratory equipment, including calibrations, repairs, and preventative maintenance.
- Provided technical guidance to staff members regarding complex testing projects.
- Recruited and trained new employees to meet job requirements.
- Reviewed analytical data from experiments to ensure accuracy and reliability of results.
- Evaluated test results and determined appropriate corrective action when needed.
Graduate Research Assistant
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA
08.2004 - 04.2011
- Monitored and observed experiments to assess progress, compile data and record findings.
- Participated in conferences related to biological sciences.
- Conducted research on various topics related to aquatic ecotoxicology and bioassessment.
- Maintained cultures for aquatic research organisms.
- I wrote the laboratory Standard Operating Procedures.
- Maintained water sample chain of custodies.
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA
06.2009 - 12.2009
- Principles of Biology for Majors Laboratory Instructor
- Created a positive learning environment through effective classroom management techniques.
- Adhered to university requirements for student assignments, testing and grading of work.
- Developed online quizzes and other assessments to evaluate student understanding of course material.
- Developed syllabi, visual aids and other teaching materials.
- Facilitated discussions among students during class sessions.
- Tutored or mentored students in need of additional instruction.
- Conducted weekly office hours to provide academic guidance to students.
- Led discussion sections, tutorials or laboratory sections.
Education
Ph.D. - Biological Sciences, Concentration Aquatic Ecotoxicology
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
Blacksburg, VA05-2011
Master of Science - Biological Sciences, Concentration Aquatic Ecotoxicology
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
Blacksburg, VA05-2007
Bachelor of Arts - Major Criminal Justice, Minor Biology
Roanoke College
Salem, VA08-2003
Associate of Applied Science - Major Administration of Justice
Virginia Western Community College
Roanoke, VA05-2001
Skills
- Human health risk assessment
- Environmental risk assessment
- Toxicology analysis
- Environmental impact
- Data analysis
- Laboratory management
- Regulatory compliance
- Project management
- Technical writing
Affiliations
- Golden Key International Honor Society
- Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC)
Orcid Id
0000-0003-0424-8196
Publications
1. Echols, B. 2021. Toxicity evaluation of Louisiana nearshore marsh sediments following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Mar Pollut Bull. 168: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112380
2. Echols, B., Langdon, C.J., Stubblefield, W.A., Rand, G.M. and Gardinali, P.R. 2019. A Comparative Assessment of the Aquatic Toxicity of Corexit 9500 to Marine Organisms. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol. 77: 40-50.
3. Echols, B., Smith, A., Gardinali, P.R. and Rand, G.M., 2016. Chronic Toxicity of Unweathered and Weathered Macondo Oils to Mysid Shrimp (Americamysis bahia) and Inland Silversides (Menidia beryllina). Arch Environ Contam and Toxicol, 71: 78-86.
4. Echols, B.S., Smith, A.J., Gardinali, P.R. and Rand, G.M., 2016. The use of ephyrae of a scyphozoan jellyfish, Aurelia aurita, in the aquatic toxicological assessment of Macondo oils from the Deepwater Horizon incident. Chemosphere, 144:1893-1900.
5. Echols, B.S., Smith, A., Gardinali, P. and Rand, G., 2016. An evaluation of select test variables potentially affecting acute oil toxicity. Arch Environ Contam and Toxicol, 70:392-405.
6. Echols, B.S., A.J. Smith, P.R. Gardinali and G.M. Rand. 2015. Factors Affecting Toxicity Test Endpoints in Sensitive Life Stages of Native Gulf of Mexico Species. Arch Environ Cont and Toxicol. 68(4): 655-662.
7. Echols, B.S., A.J. Smith, P.R. Gardinali and G.M. Rand. 2015. Acute aquatic toxicity studies of Gulf of Mexico water samples collected following the Deepwater Horizon incident (May 12, 2010 to December 11, 2010). Chemosphere. 120: 131-137.
8. Echols, B.S., R.J. Currie, D.S. Cherry and J.R. Voshell. 2013. Seasonal Availability and Sensitivity of Two Field Collected Mayflies (Isonychiidae and Heptageniidae) for the Development of a Standardized Toxicity Test: A One Year Feasibility Study. Environ. Monit. Assess, 185: 1341-1353.
9. Echols, B.S., R.J. Currie, T.W. Valenti, and D.S. Cherry. 2012. An Evaluation of a Point Source Brine Discharge into a Riverine System and Implications for TDS Limitations. Hum. Ecol. Risk. Assess. 18 (2): 588-607.
10. Echols, B. S., R.J. Currie and D.S. Cherry. 2010. Preliminary Results of Laboratory Toxicity Tests with the Mayfly, Isonychia bicolor (Ephemeroptera: Isonychiidae) for Development as a Standard Test Organism for Evaluating Streams in the Appalachian Coalfields of Virginia and West Virginia. Environ. Monitor. Assess. 169:487-500.
11. Echols, B.S., R.J. Currie and D.S. Cherry. 2009. An Investigation of Total Mercury in the North Fork Holston River, Saltville, VA. Hum. Ecol. Risk Assess. 15 (5): 968-984.
12. Echols, B.S., R.J. Currie and D.S. Cherry. 2009. Influence of Conductivity Dissipation upon Benthic Macroinvertebrates in the North Fork Holston River, Virginia Downstream of a Point Source Brine Discharge during Severe Low-flow Conditions. Hum. Ecol. Risk Assess. 15(1): 170- 184.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Biologist
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
01.2023 - Current
Aquatic Ecotoxicologist/Independent Consultant
Environmental Toxicology Associates, LLC
06.2017 - 12.2022
Environmental Toxicologist
Chevron Energy Technology Company
04.2015 - 06.2017
Post-Doctoral Research Associate
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
04.2014 - 12.2014
Research Scientist
Southeast Environmental Research Center, Florida International University
04.2011 - 01.2014
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Virginia Tech
06.2009 - 12.2009
Graduate Research Assistant
Virginia Tech
08.2004 - 04.2011
Ph.D. - Biological Sciences, Concentration Aquatic Ecotoxicology
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
Master of Science - Biological Sciences, Concentration Aquatic Ecotoxicology
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
Bachelor of Arts - Major Criminal Justice, Minor Biology
Roanoke College
Associate of Applied Science - Major Administration of Justice
Virginia Western Community College
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