Meet EPA Chemist Stephen Jackson, Ph.D.

Stephen (back left) and his dog Brynn (front right) take a break from hiking in the West Virginia mountains.

Dr. Stephen Jackson is a chemist developing methods to measure and analyze per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and other environmental contaminants of emerging concern. When not at work, he enjoys spending time with his dog, watching all sports, and exploring the area’s lakes, rivers, and other watering holes.

How does your science matter?

My work focuses on developing techniques to capture and analyze new chemicals of interest that are thought to be harmful to humans and the environment. It is important that these techniques are accurate and reliable, so we have a truthful assessment of the planet’s and our exposures to these chemicals.

Tell us about your background.

I received my Bachelor of Arts degree from Hendrix College where I studied chemistry and did research on chemical communication in African elephants and other mammals with Dr. Tom Goodwin. After that, I went to Vanderbilt University and got my Ph.D. in chemistry while working in Dr. David Wright’s lab. My dissertation was on developing DNA and gold nanoparticle-based probes for detecting diseases in living cells.

What do you like most about your research?

I like that it is possible to see an immediate impact from the work we are doing. Often the techniques that we develop at EPA will be the “gold standard” for the field and will be used by many others right away. I also enjoy that research is constantly evolving and every day is different in the lab.

If you could have dinner with any scientist, past or present, who would it be and what would you like to talk about?

I’d like to have dinner with Benjamin Franklin. I’d like to ask him about all kinds of things: his theories and experiments with electricity, his numerous inventions, and probably most of all his experiences as a Founding Father of the US.

When did you first know you wanted to pursue science?

I knew I wanted to pursue science after watching many hours of Bill Nye the Science Guy and Beakman’s World as a kid.

If you were not a scientist, what do you think you would be doing?

I think I would still be drawn to a career where the major focus was problem solving and trying to figure out the truth, like being a detective.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?

Teleportation, hands down. I could see the world and reduce my carbon footprint all in one!

You’re stranded on a desert island; how would you use science to survive?

Assuming my desert island has coconuts (don’t they all?), one of the first things I would do is build a fire and then burn some coconut shells in the fire to make charcoal. I would then use this charcoal to filter water to make it safer to drink.

Do you have any advice for students considering a career in science?

If you have the opportunity to do research, do it! Whether that is guided undergraduate research with a mentor or an unpaid internship, it is all valuable experience and will help you learn what you enjoy (and don’t enjoy) doing in the lab. I’d also stress that research is not for everyone’s cup of tea and there are many important science-based careers that are not in the lab so keep those options in mind as well.

Editor's Note: The opinions expressed herein are those of the researcher alone. EPA does not endorse the opinions or positions expressed.