Fredrick James Simmons
E-mail: fredricksimmons@gmail.com
EDUCATION
Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Bachelor of Science, Environmental Biology / Zoology, December 2005
Masters of Science, Environmental Engineering, May 2010
Kellogg Biological Station, Hickory Corners, MI, June – August 2005
Field experience includes the identification of plant habitats and their distribution and understanding biological biodiversity
and human effects. In addition to identification of bird species both by sight and sound, population densities, mist netting
and banding techniques.
Internship, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
-Michigan State University
CAMRA Fellowship
May 2008-August 2008
August 2008 – May 2010
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Research Assistant, Michigan State University, E. Lansing, MI
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
August 2008 - Current
Under the direction of Irene Xagoraraki, Ph.D. I am currently working on several different projects that are focusing on the
detection, quantification and infectivity of emerging biological containments in environmental medium. The main focus of
my research is the fate of human enteric viruses in wastewater, natural waters and land applied biosolids. I am responsible
for the collection, processing and molecular work of the samples.
Research Assistant, Michigan State University, E. Lansing, MI
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
December 2007- August 2008
Under the direction of Irene Xagoraraki, Ph.D. and David Kuo (Postdoctoral Researcher). I assisted on a project that
detected and quantified human viruses in wastewater treatment samples collected from a membrane bioreactor using
molecular techniques. My responsibilities included, the elution of the wastewater samples, DNA/RNA extraction using the
QIAamp Viral RNA mini Spin Protocol and quantification with real-time PCR (Roche Light Cycler) for the presence of
human viruses and confirmation of the results using gel electrophoresis and gene sequencing. Primer and probe design
based on sequencing results.
Aquatic Biology Laboratory Technician, Michigan State University, E. Lansing, MI
Department of Fisheries and Wildlife
September 2005 – October 2006
Under the direction of Reuben R. Goforth, Ph.D. I assisted with the Near Shore lake-monitoring project within the Great
Lakes. My responsibilities included setting gill nets at various sites along Lake Michigan, beach seining and identification
of freshwater fish species, collection of benthic and zooplankton samples. In addition, I was responsible for sorting
freshwater benthic samples and identification of zooplankton and benthic macro invertebrate communities along with data
entry.
Biological Fisheries Technician, United States Geological Survey, Great Lakes Science Center, Ann Arbor, MI
Department of Interior
March 2006 – June 2006
Under the direction of Edward F. Roseman, Ph.D. I participated in spawning and nursery habitat surveys of Lake St.
Clair, Lake Erie and the Detroit River investigating patterns relating to fish diversity, abundance, habitat quality and
availability, water chemistry, and aquatic invertebrate community and dynamics. I assisted with field sampling of
fishes including eggs and larvae, physical habitat data, water quality, and invertebrates. Laboratory responsibilities
included sorting and identification of fishes and invertebrates and data entry. In addition, I took part in fecundity and
diet analysis of deep-water sculpins.
Fredrick James Simmons
Email: fredricksimmons@gmail.com
Publications
David H.-W. Kuo, Fredrick J. Simmons and Irene Xagoraraki (2009) - Identification of multiple human
adenovirus serotypes in municipal wastewater based on comparison of partial hexon sequences amplified by
enhanced polymerase chain reaction. Submitted for publication to Journal of Applied Microbiology
David H.-W. Kuo, Fredrick J. Simmons and Irene Xagoraraki (2009) – Assessment of Human Adenovirus
Removal in a Full-Scale Membrane Bioreactor Treating Municipal Wastewater.
Submitted for publication to Applied Environmental Microbiology
Presentations:
Michigan State University - Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Summer Research Poster Session/Symposium
October 2008