Kathy E Lee

I started my career at at USGS as a hydrologic technician/student appointee in 1992. In my 26 year tenure as a scientist with the USGS, I have  actively participated as a team member or leader on numerous large multidisciplinary and multi-agency teams as part of the Toxic Substances Hydrology Program, National Water Quality Program, and the Cooperative Water Program. The emphasis of these studies has been the integration of chemical and physical stressors with associated biological responses in aquatic systems. I currently am serving in the role of the Deputy Program Coordinator for the Toxic Substances Hydrology Program in the Environmental Health Mission Area. 

Professional Experience Timeline

Deputy Program Coordinator for Toxic Substances Hydrology and Contaminant Biology Programs, December 2014 to current

As the Deputy Program Coordinator, I  serve the Program Coordinator by assuming programmatic activities including:

• Coordinate funding and allocations
• Manage and evaluate workplan and budget submissions
• Coordinate scientists and Office of Communications on newsletters and press releases
• Prepare concise science products to describe program accomplishments
• Evaluate quality assurrance plans and documents
• Provide oversight and review of Program plans and products

Hydrologist/Aquatic Ecologist Cooperative Water Program, 1998 – 2014 

As a senior scientist in the Minnesota Water Science Center (MNWSC), I developed and advanced a long-term (1997-current) contaminants of emerging concern (CEC) program in collaboration with State, Federal, and University partners.  We have addressed the chemical and biological indicators of resource quality that has resulted in over 25 publications. I am the lead investigator responsible for proposal development, financial management of 5 million, and guiding field data collection, data analyses, presentations, and preparation of technical reports and papers for the following projects:

• Effects of endocrine active chemicals on fish along a gradient of estrogenicity (300K)
• Occurrence, fate, and effects of contaminants of concern in the Great Lakes (2.5M)
• Occurrence of contaminants of concern in Minnesota waters (700K)
• Fate and effects of alkylphenols in tributary streams in Minnesota (400K)
• Occurrence of endocrine disrupting compounds in the Mississippi River (200K)
• Influence of wastewater effluent on fathead minnow endocrine systems (50K)
• Occurrence of endocrine disruption in common carp in Minnesota streams (300K)
• Occurrence of pharmaceuticals and endocrine active chemicals in Minnesota wastewaters, drinking waters, and water resources (450K)
•  Influence of riparian cover on aquatic communities in Minnesota (50K)

 Hydrologist/Aquatic Ecologist National Water Quality Assessment Program, 1992 – 2014  

• Lead scientist, advising 6 scientists and technicians, for the nutrient effects enrichment team in the UMIS
• Worked with a multidisciplinary team of technicians, hydrologists, biologists and other scientists to determine the stressors affecting water quality and aquatic biota (fish, invertebrates, and algae) in streams and lakes.
• Designed and led complex, interdisciplinary studies, completed data analyses, and prepared publications to accomplish project goals
• Managed a 600K annual budget for implementation of ecological studies
• Supervised 4-6 employees to accomplish the field and office tasks 

Hydrologic Technician/Student, 1992-1995

•  Assisted project ecologists and hydrologists with implementation of the Central Nebraska Basins National Water Quality Assessment Program
•  Completed graduate research on the influence of wetland hydrophyte community structure on herbicide degradation rates

Research Assistant University of Kansas, 1989-1992 

• Examined light penetration in forest canopies at Los Alamos National Laboratory
• Reviewed industrial compliance regulations as a component of a study to develop an expert system for decision making related to state ‘Right-to-Know’ regulations

Education    

Bachelor of Science, Environmental Science 1991; University of Kansas,  Lawrence, KS       

Master of Science, Aquatic Ecology 1995; University of Kansas,  Lawrence, KS       

Professional Memberships

Society of Environmental Toxicologists and Chemists; Society for Freshwater Science 

Publications

Lee, K.E., Langer, S.K., Menheer, M.A., Foreman, W.T., Furlong, E.T., and Jorgenson, Zach, 2014, Chemicals of emerging concern in water and bottom sediment in the Great Lakes Basin 2012—Collection methods, analytical methods, quality assurance, and study data: U.S. Geological Survey Data Series in press.

Lee, KL, Jorgenson, ZG, Choy, SJ, Moore, JN, Banda, JA, and Gefell, DJ, 2014, Occurrence of Endocrine‐active Chemicals in Water and Bottom Sediments in Great Lakes Areas of Concern [abs], Proceddings of the Midwest Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Chicago, Il, March 24-25, 2014. [Link]

Martinovic-Weigelt, D., Mehinto, A., King, R., Villeneuve, D., Ankley, G., Denslow, N., Schoenfuss, H.L., Lee, K.E., Barber L.B. , 2014, Transcriptomic Effects-Based Monitoring for Endocrine Active Chemicals: Assessing Relative Contribution of Treated Wastewater to Downstream Pollution, Environmental Science and Technology, v. 48, pp 2385- 2394, DOI: 10.1021/es404027n. [Link]

Elliott, S., Lee, K., Furlong, E.T., Karns, B. 2014. Pharmaceuticals in water and aquatic biota of St. Croix River tributaries: 4th International conference on Occurrence, fate, effects, and analysis of emerging contaminants in the environment. Iowa City, IA, August 19-22, 2014. (Oral)

Jorgenson, Z.G., Schoenfuss, H.L., Choy, S.J., Moore, J.N., Banda, J.A., Gefell, D.J., Thomas, L.M., Lee, K.E. 2014. Detection and identification of contaminants of emerging concern and their effects to fish and wildlife: 4th International conference on Occurrence, fate, effects, and analysis of emerging contaminants in the environment. Iowa City, IA, August 19-22, 2014. (Poster)

Lee, K., Jorgenson, Z., Choy, S., Moore, J., Banda, J., Gefell, D. 2014. Endocrine-active chemicals in water and bottom sediment in Great Lakes Areas of Concern: 4th International conference on Occurrence, fate, effects, and analysis of emerging contaminants in the environment. Iowa City, IA, August 19-22, 2014. (Oral)

Ekman, Drew R.; Ankley, Gerald T.; Blazer, Vicki S.; Collette, Timothy W.; Garcia-Reyero, Natàlia; Iwanowicz, Luke R.; Jorgensen, Zachary G.; Lee, Kathy E.; Mazik, Pat M.; Miller, David H.; Perkins, Edward J.; Smith, Edwin T.; Tietge, Joseph E.; Villeneuve, Daniel L., 2013, Biological effects-based tools for monitoring impacted surface waters in the Great Lakes: a multiagency program in support of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Environmental Practice, 15: 409 - 426 [Link]

Elliot, S.E., Lee, K.E., Furlong, E. T., Kairns, B., 2013, Presence of Pharmaceuticals in Select St. Croix River Tributaries, Abs. Minnesota Water Conference-2013.

Lee, K.E., Barber, L.B., and Schoenfuss, H.L., 2014, Spatial and temporal patterns of endocrine active chemicals in small streams indicate differential exposure to aquatic organisms: Journal of the American Water Resources Association, v. 50, no. 2, p. 401-419, doi:10.1111/jawr.12162. [Link]

Lee, K.E., Lorenz, D.L., Petersen, J.C., and Green, J.B., 2012, Seasonal patterns in nutrients, carbon, and algal responses in wadeable streams within three geographically distinct areas of the United States, 2007–08: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2012–5086, 55 p.

Christensen, V.G., Lee, K.E., McLees, J.M., Niemela, S.L., 2012, Relations between retired agricultural land, water quality, and aquatic community health, Minnesota River Basin: Journal of Environmental Quality, v. 41, pp. 1459-1472.

Venkatesan, A.K., Pycke, B.F.G., Barber, L.B., Lee, K.E., and Halden, R.U., 2012, Occurrence of triclosan, triclocarban, and its lesser chlorinated congeners in Minnesota freshwater sediments collected near wastewater treatment plants: Journal of Hazardous Materials, v. 229-230, p. 29-35

Lee, K.E., Langer, S.K., Barber, L.B., Writer, J.H., Ferrey, M.L., Schoenfuss, H.L., Furlong, E.T., William T. Foreman, Gray, J.L., ReVello, R.C., Martinovic, D., Woodruff, O.P., Keefe, S.H., Brown, G.K., Taylor, H.E., Ferrer, I., and Thurman, E.M., 2011, Endocrine active chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and other chemicals of concern in surface water, wastewater-treatment plant effluent, and bed sediment, and biological characteristics in selected streams, Minnesota—design, methods, and data, 2009: U.S. Geological Survey Data Series 575, 54 p., with appendixes.

Lee, K.E., Langer, S.K., Menheer, M.A., Foreman, W.T., Furlong, E.T., and Smith, S., 2012, Characterization of chemicals of emerging concern in Great Lakes Areas of Concern 2012-2012, collection methods, analyses methods, quality assurance, and data, U.S. Geological Survey Data Series 575, 86 p., with appendixes.

Christensen, V.G., Lee, K.E., Kieta, K.A., and Elliott, S.M., 2012, Presence of selected chemicals of emerging concern in water and bottom sediment from the St. Louis River, St. Louis Bay, and Superior Bay, Minnesota and Wisconsin, 2010: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2012–5184, 23 p. with appendixes.

Tomasek, A., Lee, K.E., Hansen, D.S., 2010, Pharmaceuticals and endocrine active chemicals in the St. Croix River, U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investiagtions Report, 2010-xxxx, in review.

Lee, K.E., Schoenfuss, H.L, Barber, L.B., and Writer, J.H., 2010, Spatial Consistency and Temporal Patterning of Endocrine Active Chemicals in Small Streams: I. Implications for Aquatic Organism Exposure, Environment International, in review.

Lee K.E., Schoenfuss H.L., Barber L.B., Writer J.H., Blazer V.S., Kiesling R.L., and Ferrey M.L., 2010, Endocrine active chemicals and endocrine disruption in Minnesota streams and lakes—implications for aquatic resources, 1994–2008: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2010–5107, 47 p. with Appendixes. [Link]

Christensen, V.G., Lee, K.E., Sanocki, C.A., Mohring, E.H., and Kiesling, R.L., 2009, Water-quality and biological characteristics and responses to agricultural land retirement in three streams of the Minnesota River Basin, water years 2006–08: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2009–5215, 52 p., 3 app.

Christensen, V.G., Lee, K.E., 2008, Effects of Agricultural Land Retirement in the Minnesota River Basin, Proceedings of the American Water Resources Association, Summer Specialty Conference, June 30, 2008.

Lee, K.E., Schoenfuss, H.L., Jahns, N.D., Brown, G.K., and Barber, L.B., 2008, Alkylphenols, other endocrine-active chemicals, and fish responses in three streams in Minnesota—study design and data, February–September 2007: U.S. Geological Survey Data Series 405, 44 p.

Lee, K.E., Yaeger, C.S., Jahns, N.D., and Schoenfuss, H.L., 2008, Occurrence of endocrine active compounds and biological responses in the Mississippi River—study design and data, June–August 2006: U.S. Geological Survey Data Series 368, 27 p.

Barber, L.B., Lee, K.E., Swackhamer, D.L., Schoenfuss, H.L., 2007, Reproductive responses of male fathead minnows exposed to wastewater treatment plant effluent, effluent treated with XAD8 resin, and an environmentally relevant mixture of alkylphenol compounds: Aquatic Toxicology, v. 82, no. 1, p. 36-46, doi: doi:10.1016/j.aquatox.2007.01.003.

Fitzpatrick, Faith A.; Peppler, Marie C.; DePhilip, Michele M.; Lee, Kathy E., 2006, Geomorphic characteristics and classification of Duluth-area streams, Minnesota, U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2006-5029, 54p.

Bistodeau, T.J., Barber, L.B., Bartell, S.E., Roberto, A.C., Grove, K.J., Klaustermeier, J., Woodard, J.C., Lee, K.E., and Schoenfuss, H.L., 2006, Larval exposure to environmentally relevant mixtures of alkylphenolethoxylates reduces reproductive competence in male fathead minnows, Aquatic Toxicology, v 79, I 3, 268-277.

Lee, Kathy E.; Sanocki, Christopher A.; Montz, Gary R., 2005, Physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of Sturgeon Lake, Goodhue County, Minnesota, 2003-04; U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations report, 2005-5182, 31p.

Lee, Kathy E.; Barber, Larry B.; Furlong, Edward T.; Cahill, Jeffery D.; Kolpin, Dana W.; Meyer, Michael T.; Zaugg, Steven D., 2004, Presence and distribution of organic wastewater compounds in wastewater, surface, ground, and drinking waters, Minnesota, 2000-02 U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report, 2004-5138, 47p.

Kalkhoff, S.J., K.E. Lee, S.D. Porter, P.J. Terio, and E.M. Thurman. 2003. Herbicides and herbicide degradation products in Upper Midwest agricultural streams during August base-flow conditions. J. Environ. Qual. 32:1025–1035.

Zumberge, J.R., Lee, K.E., and Goldstein, R.M., 2003, Relation of periphyton and benthic invertebrate communities to environmental factors and land use at selected sites in the upper Mississippi River Basin, 1996-98, 2000, U.S. Geological Survey--Water-Resources Investigations Report 2003-4121 41p.

Zumberge, J. R., Perry, J. A., Lee, K.E, 2003, Influence of riparian cover and soil runoff potential on invertebrate communities in agricultural streams in the Minnesota River Basin, U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report, 2003-4068, 13p.

Lee, K.E., 2002, Water-Quality parameters and benthic algal communities at selected sreams in Minnesota, august, 2000---study design, methods, and data. U.S. Geological survey open File Report 02-43, 54 p.

Payne, G.A., Lee, K.E., Montz, G.R., Talmage, P.J., Hirsch, J.K., and Larom, J.D., 2002, Water-quality and aquatic community characteristics of selected reaches of the St. Croix River Minnesota and Wisconsin, 2000: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 02-4147, 43 p.

Lee, K.E. and Goldstein, R.M., 2001, Influence of riparian characteristics on fish communities at two spatial scales, Journal of American Water Resources, 37(6),p. 1465-1473.

Zumberge, J.R., Lee, K.E., 2000, Influence of local riparian cover and basin runoff potential on invertebrate communities in agricultural streams, US Beological Survey Water Resources Investigations Report 2003-4068,13p.

Zumberge, J.R., Lee, K.E., and Goldstein, R.M., 2000, Relation of periphyton and benthic invertebrate communities to environmental factors and land use at selected sites in the upper Mississippi River Basin, 1996-98, 2003, U.S. Geological Survey--Water-Resources Investigations Report 2003, 41 p.

Kroening, S.K., Fallon, J.D., and Lee, K.E., 2000. Water quality assessment of part of the Mississippi River basin, Minnesota and Wisconsin—trace elements in streambed sediment and fish Livers, 1995-96, U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 2000-4031, 26 p.

Lee, K.E., Blazer, V., Denslow, N., Goldstein, R.M., Talmage, P.J., 2000, Biological Characteristics of Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) as indicators of hormonally active agents in select Minnesota Streams, 1999. U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 00-4202

Talmage, P.J., Lee, K.E., Goldstein, R.M., Anderson, J.P., and Fallon, J.D., 2000, Water quality, physical habitat, and fish-community composition in streams in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, 1997-98: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 99-4247, 18 p.

Kroening, S.K., Fallon, J.D., and Lee, K.E., 2000. Water quality assessment of part of the Mississippi River basin, Minnesota and Wisconsin—Nutrients, suspended sediment, chlorophyll a, and phytoplankton in streams. 1995-96, U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 2002—4287, 34p.

Mcnellis, R.P., Lee, K.E., Fallon, J.D. 2000. Water quality assessment of part of the Mississippi River basin, Minnesota and Wisconsin—organochlorine compounds in streambed sediment and fish tissue, 1995-96, U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 2000-4213, 10 p.

Stark, J.R., Fallon, J.D., Fong, A.F., Goldstein, R.M., Hanson, P.E., Kroening, S.E., and Lee, K.E., 1999, Water-Quality Assessment of Part of the Upper Mississippi River Basin, Minnesota and Wisconsin--Design and Implementation of Water-Quality Studies, 1995-98: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 99-4135, 85 p.

Goldstein, R.M., Lee, Kathy, Talmage, Philip, Stauffer, J.C., and Anderson, J.P., 1999, Relation of fish community composition to environmental factors and land use in part of the Upper Mississippi River Basin, 1995-97: U.S. Geological SurveyWater-Resources Investigations Report 99-4034, 32 p.

Lee, K.E., and Anderson, J.P., 1998, Water quality assessment of the Upper Mississippi River Basin, Minnesota and Wisconsin---polychlorinated biphenlyls in common carp and walleye fillets, 1975-95: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 98-4126, 27 p.

Stark, J.R., Andrews, W.J., Fallon, J.D., Fong, A.L., Goldstein, R.M., Hanson, P.E., Kroening, S.E., and Lee, K.E., 1996, Water-Quality Assessment of Part of the Upper Mississippi River Basin, Minnesota and Wisconsin—Environmental Setting and Study Design: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 96-4098 , 62 p.