My research interests span several areas where modern trace analytical techniques can be applied to solve environmental, forensic, and archaeological problems. Our studies on the trace elements in Nile River sediments have shown that the mineral fragments reflect the relative contributions from different geological drainage basins. Over the years these relative contributions have changed, providing a means of characterizing the sediments from different time periods. This has enhanced our knowledge of ancient climates and landforms. As Director of the Office of Environmental Health and Safety, I am responsible for managing hazardous and radioactive wastes for the University of Virginia. This, combined with my interest in the migration of trace materials in geological processes, makes the study of the burial of wastes a natural extension of my interests.

Selected Recent Publications

Butler, J.M., McCord, B.R.., Jung, J.M., Lee, J.A., Budlowe, B., and Allen, R.O. 1995. “Application of Dual Internal Standards for Precise Sizing of Polymerase Chain Reaction Products Using Capillary Electrophoresis”, Journal of Chromatography A, Vol 716 and 717.

Butler, J.M., McCord, B.R., and Allen, R.O. 1995. “Molecular Size Determinations of PCR Products with Capillary Electrophoresis for Use in Human Identification. Journal of Chromatography A, Vol 716 and 717.