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Paula Henry, Ph.D.

Paula Henry is a research physiologist at the Eastern Ecological Science Center in Laurel, MD.

Her areas of research focus on sublethal and endocrine effects of environmental contaminant exposure on avian, amphibian and reptilian physiology and behaviors, and on anthropogenic factors affecting wildlife populations within estuarine and wetland habitats.  Her work seeks to integrate laboratory, pen, and field studies for evaluating relative sensitivities of wildlife exposed to environmental pollutants including metals, pesticides, agricultural additives, and industrial chemicals. Paula lead a multi-year USGS field survey and research study investigating declining terrapin populations in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, and continues to monitor box turtles on the Patuxent Wildlife Refuge.as part of a historical and long term population study   

Education/Training:

  • Ph.D. in Marine Estuarine Environmental Science(Endpoint measurements for endocrine disrupting contaminant effects on wildlife)
  • M.S. in Zoology and Endocrinology (Effects of sublethal dietary levels of EPN (0-ethyl,0-4-nitrophenylphenylphosphonothioate) on growing mallard ducklings, Anas platyrhynchos), from the University of Maryland, College Park
  • B.A. (Le matin apres la mescaline) from Reed College in Portland Oregon. 

Awards 

  • USGS Special Act Service Award, Time off Awards and Star Awards: 1998, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2012, 2013
  • Scientific Achievement Award: Coauthor on Publication of Significance 1997. 
  • NBS Certificate of Appreciation, Quality Service Award, and Performance Award. 1994, 1995, 1996
  • Chesapeake and Potomac Regional Chapter, SETAC. Graduate Student Research Award 1996. 
  • USFWS Special Achievement Award and Quality Performance Award.  1989, 1991
  • USUHS – DoD Certificate of Outstanding Performance. 1986
  • USFWS and US EPA Graduate Student Research Assistantship 1982.

Advisory Committees:

  • Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Validation of Alternative Methods, DOI alternate: 2015
  • DOI One Health, USGS Contaminant representative: 2015
  • SETAC Chesapeake Potomac Regional Committee, Member: 1996-1998; 2000-present; Board of Directors 2012-2015; Vice-President 2015-present.
  • Diamondback Terrapin Working Group. Member: 2004-present; Chair for the Mid Atlantic Region: 2004-2007.
  • NE Partners in Amphibians and Reptiles Conservation Task Team, Amphibian and Reptile Diseases (Rana virus), Member: 2011-present.
  • Inter County Connector (ICC) Box Turtle Advisory Committee. Member: 2007-2009.
  • Strategic Environmental Research Program /Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (SERP/ESTP): USGS Science Representative: 2007-2008. 
  • USGS PWRC Animal Care and Use Committee.  Research representative: 1991-1993;2003-2005; Chair: 2005-2008.

Science and Products

Filter Total Items: 14
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American kestrel

Bird Hatchling Development Following Exposure to Environmentally Relevant Levels of Brominated Flame Retardants

Scientists performed laboratory studies with American kestrels and zebra finch to determine the effects of brominated flame retardant exposure on hatchlings. They found evidence that exposure while in the egg disrupted thyroid function in female American kestrel hatchlings and affected nestling body condition in zebra finch hatchlings, but no other effects were detected.
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Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology, Environmental Health Program
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Bird Hatchling Development Following Exposure to Environmentally Relevant Levels of Brominated Flame Retardants

Scientists performed laboratory studies with American kestrels and zebra finch to determine the effects of brominated flame retardant exposure on hatchlings. They found evidence that exposure while in the egg disrupted thyroid function in female American kestrel hatchlings and affected nestling body condition in zebra finch hatchlings, but no other effects were detected.
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Short-Chain Chlorinated Paraffins (SCCPs)

Effects of Short Chain Chlorinated Paraffins (SCCPs) on developing birds

The Challenge: Short-Chain Chlorinated Paraffins (SCCPs) are complex technical mixtures of polychlorinated n-alkanes used in lubricants and coolants in metalworking, as flame retardants, and in paints, adhesives, sealants, textiles and polymeric materials, plastics and rubber. SCCPs are of concern because they are globally transported, bioaccumulate in wildlife and humans, and are environmentally...
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Ecosystems, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
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Effects of Short Chain Chlorinated Paraffins (SCCPs) on developing birds

The Challenge: Short-Chain Chlorinated Paraffins (SCCPs) are complex technical mixtures of polychlorinated n-alkanes used in lubricants and coolants in metalworking, as flame retardants, and in paints, adhesives, sealants, textiles and polymeric materials, plastics and rubber. SCCPs are of concern because they are globally transported, bioaccumulate in wildlife and humans, and are environmentally...
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Northern slimy salamander (Plethodon glutinosus)

Terrestrial wildlife and legacy oil mining on National Wildlife Refuges

Amphibian surveys are being conducted on select National Wildlife Refuges with active and/or legacy oil mining to determine species relative distribution and their risk to short- and long-term effects from exposure to crude oil and its byproducts.
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Ecosystems, Environmental Health Program, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
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Terrestrial wildlife and legacy oil mining on National Wildlife Refuges

Amphibian surveys are being conducted on select National Wildlife Refuges with active and/or legacy oil mining to determine species relative distribution and their risk to short- and long-term effects from exposure to crude oil and its byproducts.
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Spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum)

Produced water from Marcellus Shale and amphibians

Research biologists at the USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center (PWRC) are conducting a series of scientific studies on the potential effects of wastewater from hydraulic fracturing activities on terrestrial wildlife. Findings will help in assessing proposals for managing recycling and distribution of large volumes of flowback and produced waters generated by methods of oil and gas extraction...
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Ecosystems, Environmental Health Program, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
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Produced water from Marcellus Shale and amphibians

Research biologists at the USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center (PWRC) are conducting a series of scientific studies on the potential effects of wastewater from hydraulic fracturing activities on terrestrial wildlife. Findings will help in assessing proposals for managing recycling and distribution of large volumes of flowback and produced waters generated by methods of oil and gas extraction...
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Lead shot as it appears when removed from a shotgun shell and as it appears once ingested, ground and eroded

Contaminant-related Activities in Support of Client Agencies in the Department of the Interior

We undertake many research activities in support of the mission of the Department of the Interior. One such activity is to evaluate the potential hazard and risk of environmental contaminants to natural resources.
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Ecosystems, Contaminant Biology, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
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Contaminant-related Activities in Support of Client Agencies in the Department of the Interior

We undertake many research activities in support of the mission of the Department of the Interior. One such activity is to evaluate the potential hazard and risk of environmental contaminants to natural resources.
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Neonicotinoid pesticides act as agonists of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors

Genomic and Behavioral Effects of the Neonicotinoid Imidacloprid in Birds Exposed Through Pesticide-Coated Seeds

The Challenge: Neonicotinoid pesticides act as agonists of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) and are designed to be lethal to insects while theoretically posing little to no threat to vertebrates. The perceived safety of neonicotinoids has led to a sharp increase in their use in the United States and globally, since they were first introduced in 1994. The use of the neonicotinoid...
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Ecosystems, Eastern Ecological Science Center
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Genomic and Behavioral Effects of the Neonicotinoid Imidacloprid in Birds Exposed Through Pesticide-Coated Seeds

The Challenge: Neonicotinoid pesticides act as agonists of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) and are designed to be lethal to insects while theoretically posing little to no threat to vertebrates. The perceived safety of neonicotinoids has led to a sharp increase in their use in the United States and globally, since they were first introduced in 1994. The use of the neonicotinoid...
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Dye deposition in yolk over time

Assessing Toxicogenomics Effects of a Synthetic Androgen on Japanese Quail and the Development of an Avian Vitellogenesis Model

The Challenge: Endocrine active chemicals (EAC) are known to interfere with hormonally regulated physiological processes, thereby affecting signaling in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal-liver (HPGL) axis and commonly resulting in reproductive dysfunction. Computational models that relate hormonal and genomic biomarkers within the HPGL axis to the reproductive cycle and ecologically relevant...
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Ecosystems, Eastern Ecological Science Center
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Assessing Toxicogenomics Effects of a Synthetic Androgen on Japanese Quail and the Development of an Avian Vitellogenesis Model

The Challenge: Endocrine active chemicals (EAC) are known to interfere with hormonally regulated physiological processes, thereby affecting signaling in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal-liver (HPGL) axis and commonly resulting in reproductive dysfunction. Computational models that relate hormonal and genomic biomarkers within the HPGL axis to the reproductive cycle and ecologically relevant...
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Subadult Japanese quail

The Role of Japanese Quail in Ecotoxicology

The Challenge: Wild birds are exposed throughout their lives to natural and synthetic chemicals that are present in the environment, many of which interfere with the animal’s physiological and developmental systems. Relative concentrations, routes, frequency, and the environment in which chemical exposure occurs will determine to a large extent the bird’s response. Well-designed avian field...
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Ecosystems, Eastern Ecological Science Center
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The Role of Japanese Quail in Ecotoxicology

The Challenge: Wild birds are exposed throughout their lives to natural and synthetic chemicals that are present in the environment, many of which interfere with the animal’s physiological and developmental systems. Relative concentrations, routes, frequency, and the environment in which chemical exposure occurs will determine to a large extent the bird’s response. Well-designed avian field...
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Avian egg injection

Assessing Adverse Outcomes Associated with Exposure of Birds to Flame Retardants

The Challenge: The use of flame retardants (FRs) as additives in a variety of consumer use products, including plastics, textiles, and electronics, is projected to continue and increase for the foreseeable future. Because of unanticipated environmental problems, some FRs have either been banned, restricted, or are being phased-out and replaced by other new and presumably safer FRs. Regrettably...
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Ecosystems, Eastern Ecological Science Center
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Assessing Adverse Outcomes Associated with Exposure of Birds to Flame Retardants

The Challenge: The use of flame retardants (FRs) as additives in a variety of consumer use products, including plastics, textiles, and electronics, is projected to continue and increase for the foreseeable future. Because of unanticipated environmental problems, some FRs have either been banned, restricted, or are being phased-out and replaced by other new and presumably safer FRs. Regrettably...
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Radiograph illustrating soy bean seeds in crop and gastrointestinal tract

Do Neonicotinoid Pesticide Seed Coatings Pose a Hazard to Seed-eating Birds?

Treating or “dressing” of seeds with pesticides is a commonly used method to enhance crop yield in agriculture. Regrettably, such treated seeds can be ingested by wildlife, and depending on the extent of exposure, can cause adverse effects.
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Ecosystems, Eastern Ecological Science Center
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Do Neonicotinoid Pesticide Seed Coatings Pose a Hazard to Seed-eating Birds?

Treating or “dressing” of seeds with pesticides is a commonly used method to enhance crop yield in agriculture. Regrettably, such treated seeds can be ingested by wildlife, and depending on the extent of exposure, can cause adverse effects.
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Study of toxicity of PBDE flame retardants in various bird embryos

Toxicity of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers and Other Flame Retardants to Wildlife

Flame retardants are a class of commonly used household and industrial products. Because of widespread use, there is concern that their presence in the environment can potentially pose a hazard and risk to wildlife.
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Ecosystems, Contaminant Biology, Eastern Ecological Science Center
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Toxicity of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers and Other Flame Retardants to Wildlife

Flame retardants are a class of commonly used household and industrial products. Because of widespread use, there is concern that their presence in the environment can potentially pose a hazard and risk to wildlife.
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Historic lead mine in southeastern Missouri

Poisoning of Migratory Birds at Contaminated Sites

The Challenge: The Department of the Interior (DOI) and the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration are trustees for a wide variety natural resources that belong to all Americans. Additional natural resources are overseen by Native American tribes, states, and other federal agencies. Migratory birds are an example of a trust species for DOI, under the US Fish and Wildlife Service. When wild...
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Eastern Ecological Science Center
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Poisoning of Migratory Birds at Contaminated Sites

The Challenge: The Department of the Interior (DOI) and the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration are trustees for a wide variety natural resources that belong to all Americans. Additional natural resources are overseen by Native American tribes, states, and other federal agencies. Migratory birds are an example of a trust species for DOI, under the US Fish and Wildlife Service. When wild...
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Physiological and Endocrine Responses of Hatchling American Kestrels (Falco sparverius) following Embryonic Exposure to Technical Short-Chain Chlorinated Paraffins (C10-13)

- Observations of test subjects and hatching data - Body weight, organ/tissue weights - Biomarker data (oxidative stress indicators, oxidative DNA damage, thyroid hormones, histological findings) in various tissues - Chemical residues in tissues
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Eastern Ecological Science Center, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center

Biomarker responses in American kestrels exposed in ovo to EHTBB and TBPH

Observations of test subjects and hatching data - Body weight, organ/tissue weights Biomarker data (oxidative stress indicators, oxidative DNA damage, thyroid hormones, histological findings) in various tissues Chemical residues in tissues
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Eastern Ecological Science Center

Immunological histopathology of American kestrels (Falco sparverius) exposed in ovo to two persistent organic pollutants -- SCCPs and TBBPA-BDBPE

This work is part of a study of the immunological effects of exposure to alternative flame retardants in avian species. For the pathology portion of the study, spleens and bursas from American kestrels (Falco sparverius) exposed by egg injection to varying doses of short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) and the flame retardant TBBPA-BDBPE were examined microscopically for architectural and cell
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Ecosystems, National Wildlife Health Center

In ovo exposure to brominated flame retardants Part II: Assessment of effects of TBBPA-BDBPE and BTBPE on hatching success, morphometric and physiological endpoints in American kestrels

- Observations of test subjects and hatching data - Body weight, organ/tissue weights - Biomarker data (oxidative stress indicators, oxidative DNA damage, thyroid hormones, histological findings) in various tissues - Chemical residues in tissues
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Ecosystems, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
Filter Total Items: 27

Thyroid disruption and oxidative stress in American kestrels following embryonic exposure to the alternative flame retardants, EHTBB and TBPH

Brominated flame retardant chemicals, such as 2-ethylhexyl-2,3,4,5-tetrabromobenzoate (EHTBB) (CAS #: 183658–27-7) and bis(2-ethylhexyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrabromophthalate (TBPH) (CAS #: 26040–51-7), have been detected in avian tissues and eggs from remote regions. Exposure to EHTBB and TBPH has been shown to cause oxidative stress and altered thyroid function in rodents and fish, yet no controlled studi
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Ecosystems, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center

Sex- and developmental stage-related differences in the hepatic transcriptome of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) exposed to 17β-Trenbolone

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals can cause transcriptomic changes that may disrupt biological processes associated with reproductive function including metabolism, transport, and cell growth. We investigated effects from in ovo and dietary exposure to 17β-trenbolone (at 0, 1, and 10 ppm) on the Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) hepatic transcriptome. Our objectives were to identify differentially e

Endocrine and physiological responses of hatchling American kestrels (Falco sparverius) following embryonic exposure to technical short-chain chlorinated paraffins (C10-13)

Short chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) are complex mixtures of polychlorinated n-alkanes, shown to bioaccumulate but with unknown effects in wild birds. The present study examined development-related effects of SCCPs on captive American kestrels (Falco sparverius) treated in ovo on embryonic day (ED) 5 by injection with technical Chloroparaffin® (C10-13, 55.5% Cl) at environmentally relevant no
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Ecosystems, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center

Minimizing the spread of aquatic herpetofaunal pathogens by decontaminating construction equipment

Some problems have relatively simple solutions compared to the cost of neglect. Preventing the spread of invasive species and harmful pathogens clinging to construction equipment is one such solution. Here we explain how resource managers and contractors can decontaminate construction and field equipment by cleaning, disinfecting, and drying, thus minimizing the spread of harmful organisms.
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Ecosystems, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center

In ovo exposure to brominated flame retardants Part II: Assessment of effects of TBBPA-BDBPE and BTBPE on hatching success, morphometric and physiological endpoints in American kestrels

Tetrabromobisphenol A bis(2,3-dibromopropyl ether) (TBBPA-BDBPE) and 1,2-bis(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy)ethane (BTPBE) are both brominated flame retardants (BFRs) that have been detected in birds; however, their potential biological effects are largely unknown. We assessed the effects of embryonic exposure to TBBPA-BDBPE and BTBPE in a model avian predator, the American kestrel (Falco sparverius). Fe
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Ecosystems, Contaminant Biology, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center

In ovo exposure to brominated flame retardants Part I: Assessment of effects of TBBPA-BDBPE on survival, morphometric and physiological endpoints in zebra finches

Tetrabromobisphenol A bis(2,3-dibromopropyl) ether (TBBPA-BDBPE) is an additive flame retardant used in polyolefins and polymers. It has been detected in biota, including in avian eggs, yet little is known of its effects. We assessed the pattern of TBBPA-BDBPE concentrations in songbird eggs over the incubation period, and the effects of embryonic exposure to TBBPA-BDBPE in a model songbird specie
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Ecosystems, Contaminant Biology, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center

Toxicokinetics of imidacloprid-coated wheat seeds in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) and an evaluation of hazard

Birds are potentially exposed to neonicotinoid insecticides by ingestion of coated seeds during crop planting. Adult male Japanese quail were orally dosed with wheat seeds coated with an imidacloprid (IMI) formulation at either 0.9 mg/kg body weight (BW) or 2.7 mg/kg BW (~3 and 9% of IMI LD50 for Japanese quail, respectively) for 1 or 10 days. Quail were euthanized between 1 and 24 h post-exposure
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Ecosystems, Water Resources, Contaminant Biology, Eastern Ecological Science Center, California Water Science Center, Oregon Water Science Center, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center

Sex‐specific responses in neuroanatomy of hatchling American kestrels in response to embryonic exposure to the flame retardants bis(2‐ethylhexyl)‐2,3,4,5‐tetrabromophthalate and 2‐ethylhexyl‐2,3,4,5‐tetrabromobenzoate

Bis(2‐ethylhexyl)‐2,3,4,5‐tetrabromophthalate (BEH‐TEBP) and 2‐ethylhexyl‐2,3,4,5‐tetrabromobenzoate (EH‐TBB), flame retardant components of FireMaster 550® and 600® have been detected in tissues of wild birds. To address the paucity of information regarding potential impacts of flame retardants on the brain, brain volume regions of hatchling American kestrels (Falco sparverius) were evaluated fol
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Ecosystems, Contaminant Biology, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center

Female hatchling American kestrels have a larger hippocampus than males: A link with sexual size dimorphism?

The brain and underlying cognition may vary adaptively according to an organism’s ecology. As with all raptor species, adult American kestrels (Falco sparverius) are sexually dimorphic with females being larger than males. Related to this sexual dimorphism, kestrels display sex differences in hunting and migration, with females ranging more widely than males, suggesting possible sex differences in
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Ecosystems, Contaminant Biology, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center

Changes in habitat availability for multiple life stages of diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin) in Chesapeake Bay in response to sea level rise

Global sea level rise (SLR) will significantly alter coastal landscapes through inundation and erosion of lowlying areas. Animals that display area fidelity and rely on fringing coastal habitats during multiple life stages, such as diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin Schoepff 1793), are likely to be particularly vulnerable to SLR-induced changes. We used a combination of empirical nest surv
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Ecosystems, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Chesapeake Bay Activities, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center

Effects on circulating steroid hormones and gene expression along the hypothalamus–pituitary–gonadal axis in adult Japanese quail exposed to 17β-trenbolone across multiple generations

We investigated the effects of the androgenic growth promoter 17β-trenbolone (17βTB) on adult Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) exposed across three generations. The F0 generation was exposed after sexual maturity to 0, 1, 5, 10, 20, and 40 ppm through feed. The F1 generation was exposed in ovo by maternal transfer and through feed at the same doses as their parents. The F2 generation was exposed
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Ecosystems, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center

Bioaccessibility tests accurately estimate bioavailability of lead to quail

Hazards of soil-borne Pb to wild birds may be more accurately quantified if the bioavailability of that Pb is known. To better understand the bioavailability of Pb to birds, we measured blood Pb concentrations in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) fed diets containing Pb-contaminated soils. Relative bioavailabilities were expressed by comparison with blood Pb concentrations in quail fed a Pb aceta
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Ecosystems, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center

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