Donald Bruun
Donald Bruun is a Research Associate at the University of California, Davis with more than 20 years of laboratory experience. His research as part of the CounterACT project involves investigating novel neuroprotectants following acute exposures to organophosphates which are powerful acetylcholinesterase inhibitors or the rodenticide TETS which blocks GABAA receptors in the central nervous system. Research indicates that anti-inflammatories and neural steroids may prove to be effective either alone or in combination to minimize the neural damage following acute intoxicant exposures.
He is the Technical Manager and oversees implementation of Center laboratory protocols and program compliance with IACUC regulations, Environmental Health and Safety regulations, and university safety policies to ensure that appropriate systems are in place to provide for biosafety and security of Center-related materials, data, and facilities on both the Davis and Sacramento campuses. Mr. Bruun is responsible for developing and providing training on standard operating procedures for the safe storage, handling and disposal of biohazardous materials used in Center-related research.
As Co-director of the Research and Education core, he helps plan and organize workshops and seminars. He facilitates cross-training by arranging for students and postdoctoral fellows to learn new techniques in other Center laboratories.
Benjamin Moeller
Director of the REC, is an expert in analytical chemistry, pharmacology and toxicology. He is currently an Assistant Professor of Clinical Equine Analytical Chemistry where he manages the KL Maddy Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, which provides anti-doping services for the performance horse industry. He has experience in training students, staff, and post-doctoral scientists in the laboratory. Dr. Moeller will act as the primary contact person in all REC activities. He will plan and organize the workshops and seminar series while receiving input from Center trainees, Center project and core leaders and the Administrative Core. Dr. Moeller will meet yearly with Center-associated graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to discuss progress, opportunities and challenges in their research and professional development. He will coordinate with the CounterACT steering committee for topics and speakers for seminars and workshops.