Biography
Robert M. Taylor, PhD is an environmental health scientist and Research Assistant Professor at the University of New Mexico whose research focuses on emerging contaminants, particularly micro and nanoplastics and toxic metal co exposures. Trained in biochemistry, biomedical sciences, and data science, his work integrates analytical chemistry, toxicology, exposure science, and Python based computer programming to develop polymer specific, biologically meaningful measures of environmental exposure.
Dr. Taylor’s research emphasizes the use of non invasive and minimally invasive biological matrices, including urine, breath, blood, interstitial fluid, and fingernails, to improve chronic exposure assessment and translational relevance. His work addresses the role of plastics as active vectors for metals and other toxicants, with applications to kidney disease, cancer relevant outcomes, and population level biomonitoring.
Personal Statement
My research program in environmental health focuses on emerging contaminants, particularly micro- and nanoplastics and toxic metals, and how chronic, low-dose co-exposures drive biological dysfunction and disease risk. I integrate analytical chemistry, toxicology, biomedical science, and data science, including Python-based computer programming, to generate exposure measurements that are not only detectable, but biologically and toxicologically meaningful.
In my laboratory, we develop and apply polymer-specific, analytically rigorous methods to quantify contaminants using non-invasive and minimally invasive biological matrices, including urine, breath, interstitial fluid, blood, and fingernails. By prioritizing accessible matrices, reproducibility, and conservative exposure metrics, my work aims to enable longitudinal monitoring and scalable population-level studies while reducing participant burden and improving translational relevance.
A central premise of my research is that plastics are not inert environmental debris, but active vectors that transport metals and other toxicants within biological systems, with implications for kidney disease, cancer, and other chronic conditions. I am committed to collaborative, interdisciplinary research and to mentoring trainees in quantitative, reproducible exposure science. My work is directed toward advancing mechanistic understanding of emerging contaminants and translating exposure science into equitable, real-world approaches to environmental health assessment.
Areas of Specialty
Environmental Toxicology
Biomonitoring and Exposure Assessment
Emerging Contaminants
Micro- and Nanoplastics
Metals and Metal Co-Exposures
Achievements & Awards
NM-INSPIRES Pilot Grant Award (Microplastic and Arsenic Co-Exposures). (2024-2025)
UNM Department of Emergency Medicine Annual Award for Excellence. (2021)
UNM Health Sciences Center Research Excellence Award. (2012)
Languages
- English
Courses Taught
Introduction to Biochemistry and Organic Chemistry
General Chemistry
Research and Scholarship
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/myncbi/collections/mybibliography/