Every spring Alabama A&M University (AAMU) encourages students to showcase their science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) research projects during STEM Day. This year Destinee Simmons, a chemistry major and Extension volunteer, won first place in the poster contest for her presentation on the Occurrence of Pharmaceutical and Personal Care Product Contamination in Southern Alabama Waters.

Other poster co-authors included AAMU student and professor Amya Miller and Paul Okweye and Alabama Cooperative Extension System specialist and agents, Karnita Garner, Roosevelt Robinson, Allyson Shabel, and Mary Dixon (former agent).

About the Research

Simmons currently volunteers with Alabama Extension’s Synergistic Efforts to Reduce Pharmaceutical Impacts on the Environment (SerPIE) program. SerPIE highlights the connection between pharmaceutical drugs, personal care products, and pollution by tackling tough topics like the opioid crisis and giving the public information to protect their home and the environment.

To date, considerable research has shown that highly soluble pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) released into surface waters contaminate aquatic ecosystems and may adversely affect fish and animal populations. Simmons’ poster emphasized the connection between PPCPs and water pollution.

Research findings further indicated that PPCP concentrations were detected in some of Alabama’s water sources. The study underlined the need for improvements in pharmaceutical use and management, as well as the development of evidence-based water quality guidelines.

About the Student

Simmons is a senior and president of AAMU’s Chemistry Club. She is also an avid volunteer with Alabama Extension and other local organizations. In addition, Simmons is a recipient of the MAKER’s Scholarship, which includes conducting research, building prototypes, and participating in National Science Foundation initiatives.