The Research & Data Gaps Working Group
This assembly of distinguished scientists, Bay researchers, and health experts is co-facilitated by Greg Allen, Ph.D., Senior EPA Scientist, Chesapeake Bay Program and Vicki Blazer, Ph.D., Fish Biologist, USGS. The group’s focus is on identifying pesticides of concern, their possible impacts on the Chesapeake Bay ecosystems, and data gaps. They share research with appropriate agencies and the other Project working groups.
Recent projects include:
- New Report, November 5, 2025: “Research Report Update | 2022-2025 (presentation powerpoint).” An Addendum to
“Communicating Recent Pesticide Research Findings to Inform Stakeholders features 19 curated research studies published from 2022-2025, focused on the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, Pesticide Effects, Pesticide Management, PFAS and Pesticides, and Pesticides and Microplastics. Download the powerpoint presentation and/or download the PDF Research Report Update. - Report, May 2025: “Pesticides and the Chesapeake Bay Watershed: Communicating Recent Pesticide Research Findings to Inform Stakeholders | 2010-2021.”The report
summarizes the findings of over 30 research papers on the effects and interactions of dozens of pesticides on Bay watershed water quality and the drinking water for nearly 13 million people, as well as aquatic and wildlife in the watershed. It is the first to compile and summarize this scientific literature and is intended to inform policy and decision makers, environmental advocates, conservationists and others concerned about the health of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. These summary findings should generate additional questions for policymakers for needed responses that will help mitigate the risk caused by pesticides.
- Research Matrix Methodology – 2021 update of matrices assessing changes in occurrence, persistence, and environmental toxicity to determine risk within the Chesapeake Bay
- 2018 White Paper: Assessing and Ranking Compounds of Concern and Classes of Compounds
- 2009 White Paper: Understanding the Problem and Identifying Solutions to Reduce the Impact of Pesticides on the Watershed
Workgroup members include:
- Greg Allen, co-facilitator, Scientist, (retired) EPA Chesapeake Bay Program
- Vicki Blazer, co-facilitator, Fish Biologist, (retired) US Geological Survey
- Ian Hartwell, Exotoxicologist, (retired) NOAA
- Sya Kedzior, Assistant Director, Environmental Science & Studies Program
- Jody Johnson, Owner, Cullaborate, LLC
- Scott Phillips, Chesapeake Bay Coordinator, US Geological Survey
- Larry Plumlee, Executive Director, Chemical Sensitivity Disorders Association
- Barnett Ratner, Exotoxicologist, US Geological Survey
- Simin Rezai, Water Science Administrator, Md. Dept. of the Environment
and others
For more information, contact Bonnie Raindrop, Program Director at 410-404-3808 or raindrop@mdpestnet.org
