Yu-Chun Kuo

Master of Environmental Management , Duke University, Durham, NC

Durham, United States

Native speaker of Chinese. Basic in French. Proficient in ArcGIS 9.3; STATA; Geochem PC v2.0; @ Risk; GrADS 2.0; Microsoft office. Experimental skills in soil science, biochemistry, analytical and organic chemistry including protein purification/characterization, titration, extraction, fractional distillation and organic compounds synthesis. Hands-on instrumental experiences of AAS, HPLC, GC/MS

Contact Yu-Chun Kuo
Area of Expertise:
  • Agriculture, Livelihoods, Microfinance, Rural
  • Disaster, Aid, Emergencies, Relief
  • Environment, Climate, Energy, Water, Sanitation
  • Infrastructure, Technology, Engineering, Science
  • Monitoring, Evaluation, Policy, Research, Analysis
Professional Experience:

Human and Environmental Health Risk Researcher (Durham, NC). Studied human and environmental health concerns during e-waste management in Taiwan, using polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) as a case example. Performed literature reviews on issues regarding e-waste management in the US, EU, and Asia. Assessed human and occupational health risk. Suggested measures and prevention precautions for the government and facilities. Presented in-depth report to peers and public. 2011

Student Researcher (Durham, NC). Reviewed comprehensive literatures of academic papers, UNDP reports, and governmental documents. Collected data from UNDP, UNEP, and WRI databases. Performed ANOVA to determine critical nature and/or socioeconomic factors affecting asthma incidence. 2010

Student Researcher (Durham, NC). Conducted an ecological risk assessment on fly ash from Craven County Wood Energy Facility. Consolidated heavy metal concentration data in ambient air and benchmarks in toxicological tests through literature reviews. Provided Arsenic risk characterization to surrounding ecosystems. Spring 2009

Student Consultant (Durham, NC). Conducted in-depth decision-making process including decision trees, cost analysis (EMC), utility and sensitivity analysis. Worked closely with Carrboro’s Environmental Planner and other student consultants in group. Researched regulations and documents from NCDENR i.e., nutrient offsets and credit trading programs. Suggested cost-beneficial strategies for the client to comply with the Jordan Lake Nutrient Rules. Spring 2009

Research Assistant (National Taiwan University, Taiwan R.O.C.)
Coordinated municipal sewage sludge reuse project with Continental Engineering Corporation. Evaluated and assessed human health risks and feasibility of reusing sewage sludge in composts. Conducted thorough laboratory analyses of sludge, compost, soil, and vegetable samples. Managed and analyzed field and experimental data with Excel spreadsheet. 2007-2008

Education:

Master of Environmental Management, Dec 2011, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC.

Concentration: Ecotoxicology and environmental health.

Coursework: Environmental toxicology; fate of organic compounds; environmental decision analysis; ecological and
human health risk assessment; environmental global health; environmental health and safety; fundamentals of geospatial analysis; applied data analysis; climate change and modeling; wetland ecology and management; international water resources.

Honors: Thomas & Anne L. Shepherd Scholarship.

Available for:

  • Consulting assignments
  • Job opportunities
  • Internships / Fellowships

Years of Experience:

0-2 years

Highest Qualification:

Masters

Languages:

English, French, Chinese

Nationality:

Taiwan

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