Christopher D. Simpson, PhD, MSc
About
Dr. Christopher Simpson is professor, graduate program coordinator and associate chair for research and faculty engagement in the UW Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences (DEOHS). He also directs the Northwest Center for Occupational Health and Safety, and he serves as deputy director of the Pacific Northwest Agricultural Safety and Health (PNASH) Center, both part of DEOHS. He is also co-director of the Exposure Assessment, Biomarkers and Environmental Sensing Core of the Interdisciplinary Center for Exposures, Diseases, Genomics and Environment, also part of DEOHS
His research interests involve the application of analytical chemistry to the development of techniques for assessment of exposure to toxic chemicals, and the subsequent application of those techniques to investigate occupational and environmental exposures. He is particularly interested in the development of analytical methodology to measure xenobiotics and their metabolites or transformation products in biological samples (biomarkers). In support of these efforts, he conducts studies to develop sampling and analysis methods for environmental samples to provide accurate external exposure measures to validate the biomarkers.
Education
- PhD, University of British Columbia (Canada)
- MSc, University of Waikato
- BS Biochemistry, University of Waikato
Mentorship
Available to mentor new Master's students in autumn 2026. Please follow the instructions on the How To Apply page.
DEOHS Students Mentored
Examining the Utility of LA-ICP-MS for Detection of Time-resolved Zinc Exposures and Determination of Hair Growth Rate
Abigail Gilbert | MS Thesis | 2024 | View
Ultraviolet Radiation Exposure in Cannabis Farms
Maximilian Chmielinski | PhD | 2023 | View
Analysis of Spatial and Temporal Variation Among Terpenes Derived from Cannabis and Forest Environments
Sierra Brown | MS Thesis | 2022 | View
Evaluation of Health Impacts of Land-Applied Biosolids due to Presence of Phthalates and Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Washington State
Honglin Chen | MS Applied | 2021 | View
Characterization of naturally occurring alpha diketone emissions and exposures at a coffee roasting facility and associated retail cafe
Hannah Echt | MS Thesis | 2020 | View
Engagement
Equity, diversity and inclusion
My research focuses on exposure to hazardous chemicals in the workplace and the environment. I recognize that marginalized workers and communities frequently bear a disproportionate burden of these exposures and the associated health consequences. I am committed to equity, diversity and inclusion principles in my research and in my teaching. I strive to ensure that my work maintains a focus on improving the health of individuals and communities most heavily impacted by hazardous exposures.
Community and research partnerships
Much of my work involves collaborating with employers and workers to better understand and control hazards in the workplace. Other collaborators include:
- The Cannabis Alliance
- Washington State University
- The University of Georgia
- Vancouver Island University
- The US Forest Service
Teaching practices
I currently teach ENV H: 553 Environmental Exposure Monitoring Methods, which examines the technical basis of sampling and analysis methods used to detect chemical hazards in the environment. I also teach ENV H 432: Chemical Sampling & Analysis and ENV H: 555 Instrumental Methods for Industrial Hygiene Measurement. Both are laboratory-focused classes that provide students with hands-on experience with methods and instruments used for measuring chemical hazards in the workplace and the ambient environment.
Service
- Chair, DEOHS Faculty Annual Review Committee
- DEOHS Faculty Representative on SPH Research Council
- DEOHS Budget and Management Committee