Welcome to the Jay Lab at UCLA.

We partner with community groups to investigate sources, fate, and transport of contaminants in the environment. Specifically, we have been focused on air and water pollution stemming from concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs), development of accessible methods for environmental antimicrobial resistance assessment, coastal water quality, use of remote sensing for environmental monitoring, and lead contamination in urban soils. We also work with middle and high school students on research projects.

Katie Osborn, Yuwei Kong, and Yuhui Zhang sampling water near concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs)

Zanobia Ibrahim-Watkins measuring air quality at a home bordering a concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO)

Megyn Rugh sampling Graham Hamilton for the Surfer Resistance Project

Kevin Ho and Wayne Hung sampling children’s playgrounds for lead.

Victoria Whitener field sampling for antibiotic resistance genes.

Green and Healthy Eating Workshop, Bruin Day, UCLA photo credit: Brian Cook

Ileana Callejas sampling in Topanga Creek Watershed for antibiotic resistant bacteria

Marisol Cira Hernandez presenting results on antibiotic resistance genes at the American Chemical Society

Undergraduates Emily Glaser and Ruthie sampling surfers at Venice Beach.

Megyn Rugh and Naomi Adams collecting water at sunrise on Venice Beach.

Lab group at Megyn’s Prospectus Defense

Megyn Rugh and Naomi Adams recruiting surfers for the Surfer Resistance Project.

FREE Testing for lead in soil and water.

Our lab offers free testing for lead in soil and or tap water. Please send a plastic bag with at least a golf ball-sized amount of soil, and/or a plastic water-tight container with at least a cup (250 mL or so) of water. These data will not be used for research. Only you will be notified of the results.

You can send to:

Jay Lab, 5732E Boelter Hall, UCLA, 420 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, 90095. You can email us at jennyjay@ucla.edu, zibrahim@g.ucla.edu with any questions or to let us know your sample is on the way. Include the best way for us to contact you.