A Citizen Science Call to Action Flyer asking the public to mail in already deceased butterflies and moths to help establish an official Scientific Collection to be used by all scientists within the USGS to better understand environmental and chemical factors contributing to the decline of insect populations.
Julie E Dietze
Julie Dietze is a Supervisory Physical Scientist for the Organic Geochemistry Research Laboratory (OGRL).
Julie Dietze is the Unit Lead for the Environmental Organic Chemistry (EOC) Research Unit. She has over two decades of experience at the OGRL, conducting studies on the occurrence and fate of organic contaminants of global concern in the environment and leading laboratory operational and quality management efforts. Early in her career, Julie primarily contributed to research and occurrence studies related to pesticides and antibiotics in the environment. Julie has served as a laboratory subject matter expert on USGS Bureau and Mission Area Quality Management System (QMS) and Laboratory Advisory Board (LAB!) workgroups and currently provides QMS center support for laboratories within the Central Plains Water Science Center.
Some of her more significant contributions to the USGS include serving as a National Wastewater Surveillance System (NWSS) team lead on a USGS–CDC collaboration responding to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. More recently, in 2023, she spearheaded a community science call to action and established the Lepidoptera Research Collection (LRC) to advance insect research, resulting in significant national media coverage and outreach. The research collection is available to anyone within the USGS in need of specimens to advance insect research and is continuously being updated with new specimens at ReSciColl.
Her current work includes developing a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for the OGRL. Her emerging research interests focus on identifying environmental contaminants in fish hatcheries to inform aquaculture best management practices and the analysis of milkweed and other complex matrices to better understand factors contributing to insect population declines.
Journal Articles- continued in "Publications" section
Richards, B.K., Pacenka, S., Meyer, M.T., Dietze, J.E., Schatz, A.L., Teuffer, K., Aristilde, Steenhuis, T.S., 2018, Antecedent and Post-Application Rain Events Trigger Glyphosate Transport from Runoff-Prone Soils, ES&T Letters, 5, 249-254. DOI:10.1021/acs.estlett.8b00085.
Yost, E.E., Meyer, M.T., Dietze, J.E., Williams, M.C., Worley-Davis, L., Lee, B., Kullman, S.W., 2014, Transport of Steroid Hormones, Phytoestrogens, and Estrogenic Activity across a Swine Lagoon/Sprayfield System, Environmental Science & Technology, 2014, 48, 11600-11609.
Science and Products
FY26 Capabilities and Services
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Kansas Water Science Center Organic Geochemistry Research Laboratory (OGRL) was established in 1987. The OGRL is a multidisciplinary program that contributes knowledge about the distribution, fate, transport, and effects of new and understudied organic compounds that may affect human health and (or) ecosystems. The OGRL consists of two units: Algal and Other...
From Tread to Watershed: How Tire Wear Particle Chemicals 6PPD and 6PPD-quinone Are Impacting Waterways
Tire and road wear particles (TRWPs) are generated during normal driving conditions and contain both rubber and roadway materials. These particles travel from the roadways and urban environments into surrounding ecosystems where there are deleterious impacts from both the TRWPs and leached rubber chemicals. Recent studies have demonstrated the widespread occurrence and toxicity of TRWPs and their...
Organic Geochemistry Research Core Technology Team
About the Research The Organic Geochemistry Research Laboratory Core Technology Team (CTT) as part of the Environmental Health Program works to develop targeted and non-targeted analytical methods for the identification and quantitation of chemicals that can impact the health of humans and other organisms, and uses bioassays to screen for receptor inhibition.
OGRL Algal Toxins Methods of Analysis
Algal toxins are a group of toxic compounds produced by a range of photosynthetic freshwater and marine plankton. These toxins have the ability to cause sickness in animals and humans and in severe cases lead to death. OGRL has the ability to evaluate and conduct occurrence, fate, transport, effects, and treatability studies methods.
Glyphosate, AMPA, and Glufosinate Method of Analysis: OGRL LCGY
Glyphosate and glufosinate are herbicides used for weed and vegetation control. AMPA, aminomethylphosphonic acid, is a degradation product of glyphosate. Since the introduction of glyphosate resistant (round-up ready) corn and soybeans glyphosate has become the most widely used herbicide in the world.
Antibiotic Methods of Analysis: OGRL LCAB
Antibiotics are used for human health and livestock management and health. The increase of antibiotic resistant infections has resulted in concern that sub-therapeutic use of antibiotics for weight gain in livestock and the release of low levels of antibiotics into surface and groundwater from urban and agricultural sources may be contributing to this problem.
Parents and Degradation Products of Analysis: OGRL LCEA
Triazines and phenylureas are commonly used herbicides for controlling weeds in row crops. These herbicides and their degradation products have been found in samples collected from surface water, groundwater, and precipitation throughout the United States. Atrazine until recently was the most widely applied herbicide in the U.S. and is still a widely applied preplanting corn herbicide.
Acetamide Parents and Degradation Products of Analysis: OGRL LCPD
Acetamide herbicides are used to control weeds in row crops such as corn and soybeans. Acetamide herbicides and their degradates are common contaminants in surface and groundwater. Some of the widely detected acid degradates are on the USEPA contaminant candidate list (CCL).
OGRL Enzyme Linked-Imunnosorbent Assay Methods of Analysis
Immunoassays are rapid screening techinques that can be used to provide data on a specific compound or class of compunds on a large number of samples. We have used these methods to conduct large scale reconnaissance studies of atrazine in rainfall and cyanobacterial toxins in the USEPA national lake and reservoir reconnaissance study.
Citizen Science Call-to-Action Flyer
A Citizen Science Call to Action Flyer asking the public to mail in already deceased butterflies and moths to help establish an official Scientific Collection to be used by all scientists within the USGS to better understand environmental and chemical factors contributing to the decline of insect populations.
USGS scientist preparing specimens for the USGS Lepidoptera Research Collection
USGS scientist preparing specimens for the USGS Lepidoptera Research CollectionButterflies and moths are submitted to the KS WSC for the Lepidoptera Research Collection Citizen Science Project. Julie Dietze holds a sphinx moth received from Texas.
USGS scientist preparing specimens for the USGS Lepidoptera Research Collection
USGS scientist preparing specimens for the USGS Lepidoptera Research CollectionButterflies and moths are submitted to the KS WSC for the Lepidoptera Research Collection Citizen Science Project. Julie Dietze holds a sphinx moth received from Texas.
Lepidoptera Research Collection (LRC)
A Citizen Science Flyer requesting people to mail in deceased butterflies, moths, and skippers to help begin a USGS Scientific Collection to further research related to the decline of insect populations.
A Citizen Science Flyer requesting people to mail in deceased butterflies, moths, and skippers to help begin a USGS Scientific Collection to further research related to the decline of insect populations.
LRC_Outreach.jpg
An educational outreach resource created by USGS scientists comprised of different types of butterflies and moths and their corresponding host plants. This tool is useful for relaying the importance of planting native plants to support local pollinators.
An educational outreach resource created by USGS scientists comprised of different types of butterflies and moths and their corresponding host plants. This tool is useful for relaying the importance of planting native plants to support local pollinators.
Lepidoptera Research Collection Specimens
Specimens from a USGS Lepidoptera Research Collection stored at the Kansas WSC Organic Geochemistry Reseearch Laboratory. Specimens are received as part of a Citizen Science effort to establish a collection to further insect research.
Specimens from a USGS Lepidoptera Research Collection stored at the Kansas WSC Organic Geochemistry Reseearch Laboratory. Specimens are received as part of a Citizen Science effort to establish a collection to further insect research.
Organic Geochemistry Research Laboratory, KS WSC
This is the instrument laboratory of the Organic Geochemistry Research Laboratory located in the KS WSC.
This is the instrument laboratory of the Organic Geochemistry Research Laboratory located in the KS WSC.
Temperature Experiment Preparation
Julie Dietze checks suplies for the QAQC test on the temperature cards in a walk in freezer.
Julie Dietze checks suplies for the QAQC test on the temperature cards in a walk in freezer.
Logistics Team Members
Justin Krahulik, Logan Neal, Moussu Guira & Julie Dietze finish packing the last shipments for the field.
Justin Krahulik, Logan Neal, Moussu Guira & Julie Dietze finish packing the last shipments for the field.
Packaging Final Sample Boxes for the Facilities
Set of shipping containers heading to Tim Reilly for further distribution to field teams who will deliver them to the wastewater facilities.
Set of shipping containers heading to Tim Reilly for further distribution to field teams who will deliver them to the wastewater facilities.
Initial Package Assembly
The Logistics Team packs dozens of sample boxes to send to the field teams at multiple Science Centers across the country.
The Logistics Team packs dozens of sample boxes to send to the field teams at multiple Science Centers across the country.
New (2018) instrument laboratory at the OGRL
View of the new (2018) instrument laboratory at the Organic Geochemistry Research Laboratory (OGRL), Lawrence, Kansas. View of a row of instruments in the laboratory.
View of the new (2018) instrument laboratory at the Organic Geochemistry Research Laboratory (OGRL), Lawrence, Kansas. View of a row of instruments in the laboratory.
Time-of-flight mass spectrometer used for the analysis of pesticides
Time-of-flight mass spectrometer used for the analysis of pesticidesOrganic Geochemistry Research Laboratory — Lawrence, Kansas. Scientists working on at time-of-flight mass spectrometer
Time-of-flight mass spectrometer used for the analysis of pesticides
Time-of-flight mass spectrometer used for the analysis of pesticidesOrganic Geochemistry Research Laboratory — Lawrence, Kansas. Scientists working on at time-of-flight mass spectrometer
New (2018) sample processing laboratory at the OGRL
New (2018) sample processing laboratory at the OGRLOrganic Geochemistry Research Laboratory — Lawrence, Kansas. Sample processing laboratory.
New (2018) sample processing laboratory at the OGRL
New (2018) sample processing laboratory at the OGRLOrganic Geochemistry Research Laboratory — Lawrence, Kansas. Sample processing laboratory.
Pressurized fluid extractor used to extract organic compounds
Pressurized fluid extractor used to extract organic compoundsOrganic Geochemistry Research Laboratory — Lawrence, Kansas. Pressurized Fluid Extractor
Pressurized fluid extractor used to extract organic compounds
Pressurized fluid extractor used to extract organic compoundsOrganic Geochemistry Research Laboratory — Lawrence, Kansas. Pressurized Fluid Extractor
Toxic Water Filtering
Toxic water being centrifuged and filtered at OGRL.
Toxic water being centrifuged and filtered at OGRL.
OGRL Scientist in Lab
OGRL scientist running tests on samples of water in the lab at Kansas Water Science Center.
OGRL scientist running tests on samples of water in the lab at Kansas Water Science Center.
LCEA crops
Partly cloudly day where the sun shines on the crops in the middle of the picture. On the lower right of the photograph the edge of a dirt road is seen.
Partly cloudly day where the sun shines on the crops in the middle of the picture. On the lower right of the photograph the edge of a dirt road is seen.
LCPD crops
Rows of herbicide treated crops take up the majority of the photograph with trees in the background on a sunny clear day.
Rows of herbicide treated crops take up the majority of the photograph with trees in the background on a sunny clear day.
Algal Toxin Photo
Creek filled with Algal Toxins is surrounded by plant life on both banks. Trees line the background.
Creek filled with Algal Toxins is surrounded by plant life on both banks. Trees line the background.
LCGY photo
Photo taken on country road showing a field with green plants. Tree line the background on a partly cloudly day.
Photo taken on country road showing a field with green plants. Tree line the background on a partly cloudly day.
Science and Products
FY26 Capabilities and Services
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Kansas Water Science Center Organic Geochemistry Research Laboratory (OGRL) was established in 1987. The OGRL is a multidisciplinary program that contributes knowledge about the distribution, fate, transport, and effects of new and understudied organic compounds that may affect human health and (or) ecosystems. The OGRL consists of two units: Algal and Other...
From Tread to Watershed: How Tire Wear Particle Chemicals 6PPD and 6PPD-quinone Are Impacting Waterways
Tire and road wear particles (TRWPs) are generated during normal driving conditions and contain both rubber and roadway materials. These particles travel from the roadways and urban environments into surrounding ecosystems where there are deleterious impacts from both the TRWPs and leached rubber chemicals. Recent studies have demonstrated the widespread occurrence and toxicity of TRWPs and their...
Organic Geochemistry Research Core Technology Team
About the Research The Organic Geochemistry Research Laboratory Core Technology Team (CTT) as part of the Environmental Health Program works to develop targeted and non-targeted analytical methods for the identification and quantitation of chemicals that can impact the health of humans and other organisms, and uses bioassays to screen for receptor inhibition.
OGRL Algal Toxins Methods of Analysis
Algal toxins are a group of toxic compounds produced by a range of photosynthetic freshwater and marine plankton. These toxins have the ability to cause sickness in animals and humans and in severe cases lead to death. OGRL has the ability to evaluate and conduct occurrence, fate, transport, effects, and treatability studies methods.
Glyphosate, AMPA, and Glufosinate Method of Analysis: OGRL LCGY
Glyphosate and glufosinate are herbicides used for weed and vegetation control. AMPA, aminomethylphosphonic acid, is a degradation product of glyphosate. Since the introduction of glyphosate resistant (round-up ready) corn and soybeans glyphosate has become the most widely used herbicide in the world.
Antibiotic Methods of Analysis: OGRL LCAB
Antibiotics are used for human health and livestock management and health. The increase of antibiotic resistant infections has resulted in concern that sub-therapeutic use of antibiotics for weight gain in livestock and the release of low levels of antibiotics into surface and groundwater from urban and agricultural sources may be contributing to this problem.
Parents and Degradation Products of Analysis: OGRL LCEA
Triazines and phenylureas are commonly used herbicides for controlling weeds in row crops. These herbicides and their degradation products have been found in samples collected from surface water, groundwater, and precipitation throughout the United States. Atrazine until recently was the most widely applied herbicide in the U.S. and is still a widely applied preplanting corn herbicide.
Acetamide Parents and Degradation Products of Analysis: OGRL LCPD
Acetamide herbicides are used to control weeds in row crops such as corn and soybeans. Acetamide herbicides and their degradates are common contaminants in surface and groundwater. Some of the widely detected acid degradates are on the USEPA contaminant candidate list (CCL).
OGRL Enzyme Linked-Imunnosorbent Assay Methods of Analysis
Immunoassays are rapid screening techinques that can be used to provide data on a specific compound or class of compunds on a large number of samples. We have used these methods to conduct large scale reconnaissance studies of atrazine in rainfall and cyanobacterial toxins in the USEPA national lake and reservoir reconnaissance study.
Citizen Science Call-to-Action Flyer
A Citizen Science Call to Action Flyer asking the public to mail in already deceased butterflies and moths to help establish an official Scientific Collection to be used by all scientists within the USGS to better understand environmental and chemical factors contributing to the decline of insect populations.
A Citizen Science Call to Action Flyer asking the public to mail in already deceased butterflies and moths to help establish an official Scientific Collection to be used by all scientists within the USGS to better understand environmental and chemical factors contributing to the decline of insect populations.
USGS scientist preparing specimens for the USGS Lepidoptera Research Collection
USGS scientist preparing specimens for the USGS Lepidoptera Research CollectionButterflies and moths are submitted to the KS WSC for the Lepidoptera Research Collection Citizen Science Project. Julie Dietze holds a sphinx moth received from Texas.
USGS scientist preparing specimens for the USGS Lepidoptera Research Collection
USGS scientist preparing specimens for the USGS Lepidoptera Research CollectionButterflies and moths are submitted to the KS WSC for the Lepidoptera Research Collection Citizen Science Project. Julie Dietze holds a sphinx moth received from Texas.
Lepidoptera Research Collection (LRC)
A Citizen Science Flyer requesting people to mail in deceased butterflies, moths, and skippers to help begin a USGS Scientific Collection to further research related to the decline of insect populations.
A Citizen Science Flyer requesting people to mail in deceased butterflies, moths, and skippers to help begin a USGS Scientific Collection to further research related to the decline of insect populations.
LRC_Outreach.jpg
An educational outreach resource created by USGS scientists comprised of different types of butterflies and moths and their corresponding host plants. This tool is useful for relaying the importance of planting native plants to support local pollinators.
An educational outreach resource created by USGS scientists comprised of different types of butterflies and moths and their corresponding host plants. This tool is useful for relaying the importance of planting native plants to support local pollinators.
Lepidoptera Research Collection Specimens
Specimens from a USGS Lepidoptera Research Collection stored at the Kansas WSC Organic Geochemistry Reseearch Laboratory. Specimens are received as part of a Citizen Science effort to establish a collection to further insect research.
Specimens from a USGS Lepidoptera Research Collection stored at the Kansas WSC Organic Geochemistry Reseearch Laboratory. Specimens are received as part of a Citizen Science effort to establish a collection to further insect research.
Organic Geochemistry Research Laboratory, KS WSC
This is the instrument laboratory of the Organic Geochemistry Research Laboratory located in the KS WSC.
This is the instrument laboratory of the Organic Geochemistry Research Laboratory located in the KS WSC.
Temperature Experiment Preparation
Julie Dietze checks suplies for the QAQC test on the temperature cards in a walk in freezer.
Julie Dietze checks suplies for the QAQC test on the temperature cards in a walk in freezer.
Logistics Team Members
Justin Krahulik, Logan Neal, Moussu Guira & Julie Dietze finish packing the last shipments for the field.
Justin Krahulik, Logan Neal, Moussu Guira & Julie Dietze finish packing the last shipments for the field.
Packaging Final Sample Boxes for the Facilities
Set of shipping containers heading to Tim Reilly for further distribution to field teams who will deliver them to the wastewater facilities.
Set of shipping containers heading to Tim Reilly for further distribution to field teams who will deliver them to the wastewater facilities.
Initial Package Assembly
The Logistics Team packs dozens of sample boxes to send to the field teams at multiple Science Centers across the country.
The Logistics Team packs dozens of sample boxes to send to the field teams at multiple Science Centers across the country.
New (2018) instrument laboratory at the OGRL
View of the new (2018) instrument laboratory at the Organic Geochemistry Research Laboratory (OGRL), Lawrence, Kansas. View of a row of instruments in the laboratory.
View of the new (2018) instrument laboratory at the Organic Geochemistry Research Laboratory (OGRL), Lawrence, Kansas. View of a row of instruments in the laboratory.
Time-of-flight mass spectrometer used for the analysis of pesticides
Time-of-flight mass spectrometer used for the analysis of pesticidesOrganic Geochemistry Research Laboratory — Lawrence, Kansas. Scientists working on at time-of-flight mass spectrometer
Time-of-flight mass spectrometer used for the analysis of pesticides
Time-of-flight mass spectrometer used for the analysis of pesticidesOrganic Geochemistry Research Laboratory — Lawrence, Kansas. Scientists working on at time-of-flight mass spectrometer
New (2018) sample processing laboratory at the OGRL
New (2018) sample processing laboratory at the OGRLOrganic Geochemistry Research Laboratory — Lawrence, Kansas. Sample processing laboratory.
New (2018) sample processing laboratory at the OGRL
New (2018) sample processing laboratory at the OGRLOrganic Geochemistry Research Laboratory — Lawrence, Kansas. Sample processing laboratory.
Pressurized fluid extractor used to extract organic compounds
Pressurized fluid extractor used to extract organic compoundsOrganic Geochemistry Research Laboratory — Lawrence, Kansas. Pressurized Fluid Extractor
Pressurized fluid extractor used to extract organic compounds
Pressurized fluid extractor used to extract organic compoundsOrganic Geochemistry Research Laboratory — Lawrence, Kansas. Pressurized Fluid Extractor
Toxic Water Filtering
Toxic water being centrifuged and filtered at OGRL.
Toxic water being centrifuged and filtered at OGRL.
OGRL Scientist in Lab
OGRL scientist running tests on samples of water in the lab at Kansas Water Science Center.
OGRL scientist running tests on samples of water in the lab at Kansas Water Science Center.
LCEA crops
Partly cloudly day where the sun shines on the crops in the middle of the picture. On the lower right of the photograph the edge of a dirt road is seen.
Partly cloudly day where the sun shines on the crops in the middle of the picture. On the lower right of the photograph the edge of a dirt road is seen.
LCPD crops
Rows of herbicide treated crops take up the majority of the photograph with trees in the background on a sunny clear day.
Rows of herbicide treated crops take up the majority of the photograph with trees in the background on a sunny clear day.
Algal Toxin Photo
Creek filled with Algal Toxins is surrounded by plant life on both banks. Trees line the background.
Creek filled with Algal Toxins is surrounded by plant life on both banks. Trees line the background.
LCGY photo
Photo taken on country road showing a field with green plants. Tree line the background on a partly cloudly day.
Photo taken on country road showing a field with green plants. Tree line the background on a partly cloudly day.