Will Backe
Will J. Backe is a Research Scientist at the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). Backe is the lead chemist for MDH’s Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CEC) laboratory program. The goal of the CEC laboratory program is to expand the analytical capabilities of MDH’s Public Health Laboratory to include emerging contaminants for which analytical methods are not readily available or where existing methods do not meet the needs of program partners. Backe has Ph.D. from Oregon State University in environmental analytical chemistry with a minor in toxicology. In addition, he received a B.S. and a B.A. in environmental science and chemistry, respectively, from Bemidji State University. Prior to receiving his doctorate, Backe worked as a support chemist at the Environmental Protection Agency’s Mid-Continent Ecology Division. Backe’s research focuses on novel analytical method development as a tool to increase the awareness of how CECs impact environmental and human health.
Contact Information: Will.Backe@state.mn.us; 651-201-4864
