Dr. Iwanowicz is a research biologist at the USGS, Eastern Ecological Science Center, National Fish Health Research Laboratory in Kearneysville, WV.
Biography
His primary research focuses on the application of resident fishes as sentinels of aquatic ecosystem health, the development of molecular tools for field study, and the identification of emerging diseases of fishes. He also leads a Core Technology Team established to evaluate environmental water samples for biological activity including endocrine disrupting activity and toxicity.
Professional Experience
Editorial Board, Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 2016-present
Adjunct Graduate Faculty, University of Maryland, College Park, 2015-present
Associate Editor, Journal of Aquatic Animal Health, 2009-2017
Research Biologist, US Geological Survey, Leetown Science Center, 2008-present
Research Fish Biologist, US Geological Survey, Leetown Science Center, 2006-2008
Biological Laboratory Technician, US Geological Survey, Leetown Science Center, 2002-2006
Scientist II, Virginia Institute of Marine Science, 2001-2002
Education and Certifications
Ph.D. 2008, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Department of Natural Resources, Advisor: Stephen D. McCormick
M.S. 2000, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Department of Aquaculture/F
B.S. 1997, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Major: Fish Biology, Minor: Biology
Affiliations and Memberships*
American Association for the Advancement of Science
American Society for Microbiology
American Fisheries Society
Microbiology Society
Society for Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry
Honors and Awards
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Scientific and Technological Achievement Award (2015)
Spotlight Feature Article, Journal of Virology (2015)
American Fisheries Society, Most significant paper in Journal of Aquatic Animal Health (2011)
AFS-Fish Health Section; Special Achievement Award (2011)
American Fisheries Society, Most significant paper in Journal of Aquatic Animal Health (2004)
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 100
Expanded target-chemical analysis reveals extensive mixed-organic-contaminant exposure in USA streams
Surface water from 38 streams nationwide was assessed using 14 target-organic methods (719 compounds). Designed-bioactive anthropogenic contaminants (biocides, pharmaceuticals) comprised 57% of 406 organics detected at least once. The 10 most-frequently detected anthropogenic-organics included eight pesticides (desulfinylfipronil, AMPA, chlorpyrifos, dieldrin, metolachlor, atrazine, CIAT, glyphosa
Methods used to characterize the chemical composition and biological activity of environmental waters throughout the United States, 2012-14
A vast array of chemical compounds are in wide commercial use in the United States, and the potential ecological and human-health effect of exposure to chemical mixtures has been identified as a high priority in environment health science. Awareness of the potential effects of low-level chemical exposures is rising. The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection
Low pathogenic avian influenza viruses in wild migratory waterfowl in a region of high poultry production, Delmarva, Maryland
Migratory waterfowl are natural reservoirs for low pathogenic avian influenza viruses (AIVs) and may contribute to the long-distance dispersal of these pathogens as well as spillover into domestic bird populations. Surveillance for AIVs is critical to assessing risks for potential spread of these viruses among wild and domestic bird populations. The Delmarva Peninsula on the east coast of the Unit
Environmental signatures and effects of an oil and gas wastewater spill in the Williston Basin, North Dakota
Wastewaters from oil and gas development pose largely unknown risks to environmental resources. In January 2015, 11.4 M L (million liters) of wastewater (300 g/L TDS) from oil production in the Williston Basin was reported to have leaked from a pipeline, spilling into Blacktail Creek, North Dakota. Geochemical and biological samples were collected in February and June 2015 to identify geochemical
Molecular detection of avian influenza virus from sediment samples in waterfowl habitats on the Delmarva Peninsula, United States
Avian influenza viruses (AIV) affect many species of birds including waterfowl and may persist in sediment in aquatic habitats. Sediment samples were collected from two areas representative of prime migration and overwintering waterfowl habitat in Dorchester County, Maryland in the fall and winter of 2013–2014. Samples were screened for the presence of AIV via reverse transcriptase–quantitative PC
Complete genome sequence of a novel aquareovirus that infects the endangered fountain darter, Etheostoma fonticola
Here, we report the complete genome of a novel aquareovirus isolated from clinically normal fountain darters, Etheostoma fonticola, inhabiting the San Marcos River, Texas, USA. The complete genome consists of 23,958 bp consisting of 11 segments that range from 783 bp (S11) to 3,866 bp (S1).
Transcriptome discovery in non-model wild fish species for the development of quantitative transcript abundance assays
Environmental studies increasingly identify the presence of both contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) and legacy contaminants in aquatic environments; however, the biological effects of these compounds on resident fishes remain largely unknown. High throughput methodologies were employed to establish partial transcriptomes for three wild-caught, non-model fish species; smallmouth bass (Micropte
Novel cell-based assay for detection of thyroid receptor beta-interacting environmental contaminants
Even though the presence of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) with thyroid hormone (TH)-like activities in the environment is a major health concern, the methods for their efficient detection and monitoring are still limited. Here we describe a novel cell assay, based on the translocation of a green fluorescent protein (GFP)—tagged chimeric molecule of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and the thyr
Endocrine disrupting activities of surface water associated with a West Virginia oil and gas industry wastewater disposal site
Currently, >95% of end disposal of hydraulic fracturing wastewater from unconventional oil and gas operations in the US occurs via injection wells. Key data gaps exist in understanding the potential impact of underground injection on surface water quality and environmental health. The goal of this study was to assess endocrine disrupting activity in surface water at a West Virginia injection well
Aerobic biodegradation potential of endocrine disrupting chemicals in surface-water sediment at Rocky Mountains National Park, USA
Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC) in surface water and bed sediment threaten the structure and function of aquatic ecosystems. In natural, remote, and protected surface-water environments where contaminant releases are sporadic, contaminant biodegradation is a fundamental driver of exposure concentration, timing, duration, and, thus, EDC ecological risk. Anthropogenic contaminants, including kn
Evidence of estrogenic endocrine disruption in smallmouth and largemouth bass inhabiting Northeast U.S. National Wildlife Refuge waters: A reconnaissance study
Intersex as the manifestation of testicular oocytes (TO) in male gonochoristic fishes has been used as an indicator of estrogenic exposure. Here we evaluated largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) or smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) form 19 National Wildlife Refuges (NWRs) in the Northeast U.S. inhabiting waters on or near NWR lands for evidence of estrogenic endocrine disruption. Waterbodi
Strategy to evaluate persistent contaminant hazards resulting from sea-level rise and storm-derived disturbances—Study design and methodology for station prioritization
Coastal communities are uniquely vulnerable to sea-level rise (SLR) and severe storms such as hurricanes. These events enhance the dispersion and concentration of natural and anthropogenic chemicals and pathogenic microorganisms that could adversely affect the health and resilience of coastal communities and ecosystems in coming years. The U.S. Geological Survey has developed a strategy to define
Non-USGS Publications**
Iwanowicz, L., L Brown, B Eltz, F Juanes and J Murt (2004) Book Review. In a Perfect Ocean: The state of fisheries and ecosystems in the North Atlantic Ocean. Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries.14: 149-151.
McIntire, M., L R Iwanowicz and A E Goodwin (2003) Molecular, physical and clinical evidence that Golden Shiner Virus (GSV) and Grass Carp Reovirus (GCRV) are variants of the same virus. Journal of Aquatic Animal Health. 15: 257-263.
Iwanowicz, L.R. and A E Goodwin (2002) Characterization of a new bacilliform fathead minnow rhabdovirus that produces syncytia in tissue culture. Archives of Virology 147: 889 – 916.
Iwanowicz, L.R. A E Goodwin and J Harshbarger (2001) Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the giant gourami, Colisa fasciata (Bloch & Schneider). Journal of Fish Diseases 24:177-179
Iwanowicz, L.R. A E Goodwin and N Heil (2000) A small RNA virus isolated from apparently healthy wild sandbar shiners, Notropis scepticus. Journal of Fish Diseases 23: 349-352.
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
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Science and Products
- Publications
Filter Total Items: 100
Expanded target-chemical analysis reveals extensive mixed-organic-contaminant exposure in USA streams
Surface water from 38 streams nationwide was assessed using 14 target-organic methods (719 compounds). Designed-bioactive anthropogenic contaminants (biocides, pharmaceuticals) comprised 57% of 406 organics detected at least once. The 10 most-frequently detected anthropogenic-organics included eight pesticides (desulfinylfipronil, AMPA, chlorpyrifos, dieldrin, metolachlor, atrazine, CIAT, glyphosaMethods used to characterize the chemical composition and biological activity of environmental waters throughout the United States, 2012-14
A vast array of chemical compounds are in wide commercial use in the United States, and the potential ecological and human-health effect of exposure to chemical mixtures has been identified as a high priority in environment health science. Awareness of the potential effects of low-level chemical exposures is rising. The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental ProtectionLow pathogenic avian influenza viruses in wild migratory waterfowl in a region of high poultry production, Delmarva, Maryland
Migratory waterfowl are natural reservoirs for low pathogenic avian influenza viruses (AIVs) and may contribute to the long-distance dispersal of these pathogens as well as spillover into domestic bird populations. Surveillance for AIVs is critical to assessing risks for potential spread of these viruses among wild and domestic bird populations. The Delmarva Peninsula on the east coast of the UnitEnvironmental signatures and effects of an oil and gas wastewater spill in the Williston Basin, North Dakota
Wastewaters from oil and gas development pose largely unknown risks to environmental resources. In January 2015, 11.4 M L (million liters) of wastewater (300 g/L TDS) from oil production in the Williston Basin was reported to have leaked from a pipeline, spilling into Blacktail Creek, North Dakota. Geochemical and biological samples were collected in February and June 2015 to identify geochemicalMolecular detection of avian influenza virus from sediment samples in waterfowl habitats on the Delmarva Peninsula, United States
Avian influenza viruses (AIV) affect many species of birds including waterfowl and may persist in sediment in aquatic habitats. Sediment samples were collected from two areas representative of prime migration and overwintering waterfowl habitat in Dorchester County, Maryland in the fall and winter of 2013–2014. Samples were screened for the presence of AIV via reverse transcriptase–quantitative PCComplete genome sequence of a novel aquareovirus that infects the endangered fountain darter, Etheostoma fonticola
Here, we report the complete genome of a novel aquareovirus isolated from clinically normal fountain darters, Etheostoma fonticola, inhabiting the San Marcos River, Texas, USA. The complete genome consists of 23,958 bp consisting of 11 segments that range from 783 bp (S11) to 3,866 bp (S1).Transcriptome discovery in non-model wild fish species for the development of quantitative transcript abundance assays
Environmental studies increasingly identify the presence of both contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) and legacy contaminants in aquatic environments; however, the biological effects of these compounds on resident fishes remain largely unknown. High throughput methodologies were employed to establish partial transcriptomes for three wild-caught, non-model fish species; smallmouth bass (MicropteNovel cell-based assay for detection of thyroid receptor beta-interacting environmental contaminants
Even though the presence of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) with thyroid hormone (TH)-like activities in the environment is a major health concern, the methods for their efficient detection and monitoring are still limited. Here we describe a novel cell assay, based on the translocation of a green fluorescent protein (GFP)—tagged chimeric molecule of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and the thyrEndocrine disrupting activities of surface water associated with a West Virginia oil and gas industry wastewater disposal site
Currently, >95% of end disposal of hydraulic fracturing wastewater from unconventional oil and gas operations in the US occurs via injection wells. Key data gaps exist in understanding the potential impact of underground injection on surface water quality and environmental health. The goal of this study was to assess endocrine disrupting activity in surface water at a West Virginia injection wellAerobic biodegradation potential of endocrine disrupting chemicals in surface-water sediment at Rocky Mountains National Park, USA
Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC) in surface water and bed sediment threaten the structure and function of aquatic ecosystems. In natural, remote, and protected surface-water environments where contaminant releases are sporadic, contaminant biodegradation is a fundamental driver of exposure concentration, timing, duration, and, thus, EDC ecological risk. Anthropogenic contaminants, including knEvidence of estrogenic endocrine disruption in smallmouth and largemouth bass inhabiting Northeast U.S. National Wildlife Refuge waters: A reconnaissance study
Intersex as the manifestation of testicular oocytes (TO) in male gonochoristic fishes has been used as an indicator of estrogenic exposure. Here we evaluated largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) or smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) form 19 National Wildlife Refuges (NWRs) in the Northeast U.S. inhabiting waters on or near NWR lands for evidence of estrogenic endocrine disruption. WaterbodiStrategy to evaluate persistent contaminant hazards resulting from sea-level rise and storm-derived disturbances—Study design and methodology for station prioritization
Coastal communities are uniquely vulnerable to sea-level rise (SLR) and severe storms such as hurricanes. These events enhance the dispersion and concentration of natural and anthropogenic chemicals and pathogenic microorganisms that could adversely affect the health and resilience of coastal communities and ecosystems in coming years. The U.S. Geological Survey has developed a strategy to defineNon-USGS Publications**
Iwanowicz, L., L Brown, B Eltz, F Juanes and J Murt (2004) Book Review. In a Perfect Ocean: The state of fisheries and ecosystems in the North Atlantic Ocean. Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries.14: 149-151.McIntire, M., L R Iwanowicz and A E Goodwin (2003) Molecular, physical and clinical evidence that Golden Shiner Virus (GSV) and Grass Carp Reovirus (GCRV) are variants of the same virus. Journal of Aquatic Animal Health. 15: 257-263.Iwanowicz, L.R. and A E Goodwin (2002) Characterization of a new bacilliform fathead minnow rhabdovirus that produces syncytia in tissue culture. Archives of Virology 147: 889 – 916.Iwanowicz, L.R. A E Goodwin and J Harshbarger (2001) Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the giant gourami, Colisa fasciata (Bloch & Schneider). Journal of Fish Diseases 24:177-179Iwanowicz, L.R. A E Goodwin and N Heil (2000) A small RNA virus isolated from apparently healthy wild sandbar shiners, Notropis scepticus. Journal of Fish Diseases 23: 349-352.**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
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*Disclaimer: Listing outside positions with professional scientific organizations on this Staff Profile are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of those professional scientific organizations or their activities by the USGS, Department of the Interior, or U.S. Government