FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 5, 2003
FY03-21
Olson Joins ORISE Staff Assisting the EPA Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS)
OAK RIDGE, TENN—Wanda Penland Olson has joined the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) project team assisting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS).
EPA has entered into an interagency agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for ORISE to serve as the managing contractor for technical assistance to the IRIS program. The agreement is valued at $10 million over a five-year period. ORISE will research literature on human health assessments of hazardous chemicals and prepare new IRIS documentation.
Developed and maintained by the EPA, IRIS is an electronic database that stores information on health effects that may result from exposure to various chemicals in the environment. Combined with specific situational exposure assessment information, the data in IRIS may be used as a source in evaluating potential public health risks from environmental contaminants.
As Manager for the ORISE IRIS technical staff, Olson will be responsible for managing all aspects of this program including ORISE staff and subcontractors. She earned her undergraduate and Master’s degree in English Education at The University of Tennessee in Knoxville, and has over 20 years experience in developing, writing, editing, and managing communication products. “Olson has extensive experience in managing and coordinating large, complex scientific projects such as this long-term effort,” according to Marcus Weseman, Director of Health, Safety, and Emergency Management Programs at ORISE. “We’re thrilled that Wanda has joined ORISE and will help lead this initiative.”
The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) is a U.S. Department of Energy institute focusing on scientific initiatives to research health risks from occupational hazards, assess environmental cleanup, respond to radiation medical emergencies, support national security and emergency preparedness, and educate the next generation of scientists. ORISE is managed by Oak Ridge Associated Universities.