Introducing Dan Tettenhorst, Scientist at the Environmental Protection Agency
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In an interview, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) chemist Dan Tettenhorst discussed his role in ensuring the safety of our nation's drinking water. Born and raised in Cincinnati, Tettenhorst joined the EPA in 2010 and has since dedicated his career to developing analytical methods for detecting various contaminants in drinking water and ambient water.
Tettenhorst's research is critical in the regulatory process, helping to ensure that drinking water complies with federal law. His methods may be used to collect national occurrence data on harmful chemicals in our drinking water, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of water safety.
The EPA's innovative research methods, such as high-resolution mass spectrometry, chromatography, and novel sensor technologies, allow for the detection of harmful chemicals at much lower concentrations. This improved sensitivity and accuracy ensures early identification of contamination, enabling quicker responses to contamination events. Enhanced techniques also reduce the time required to test water samples, broadening contaminant coverage and providing a more comprehensive understanding of water safety.
Data from these methods support setting health-based standards and regulatory decisions to protect public health, fostering trust in drinking water safety among consumers and policymakers. However, as Tettenhorst emphasised, the most immediate scientific challenge lies in the supply and demand of fresh water and the aging water infrastructure, particularly in the western United States.
Tettenhorst's opinions expressed in the interview are his own and do not represent the views of the EPA. He did not express a specific opinion about the biggest scientific challenge in the next 20 or 50 years but highlighted the importance of being a well-rounded student, including learning to write effectively.
Before transitioning to his current role, Tettenhorst worked as a bench chemist and managed commercial environmental laboratories. In the long term, he sees the need to learn to better conserve energy sources and develop alternative clean technologies. If not a scientist, Tettenhorst would consider a career as a financial advisor or an insurance actuary, or even playing guitar in a rock band.
Tettenhorst's natural curiosity about science led him down the path to becoming a scientist and researcher. He advises students considering a career in science to explore different options by talking to people in science-related fields. For detailed specifics about Tettenhorst’s research, the EPA recommends checking EPA publications or reaching out directly to EPA’s Office of Research and Development for the latest updates. If not a scientist, Tettenhorst dreams of living in a place with both a beach and a forest.
- Dan Tettenhorst's analytical methods for detecting contaminants in drinking water may identify harmful chemicals like pesticides, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of water safety in health-and-wellness.
- In his interview, Tettenhorst emphasized the importance of being a well-rounded student, including learning to write effectively, while also acknowledging the immediate scientific challenge of maintaining and improving the water infrastructure, particularly in the western United States.
- Before transitioning to his role as a scientist, Tettenhorst considered alternative careers, including playing guitar in a rock band, demonstrating his diverse interests beyond science, potentially involving enjoyable activities like drinking water for relaxation or leisure.
