Johnny Wise, Ph.D.

 Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Dr. Johnny Wise along with an esteemed team of researchers: Dr. John Wise, Sr., Dr. Calvin Kouokam, Dr. Jamie Young, Ms. Jennifer Toyoda, Ms. Aggie Williams, and Ms. Idoia Meaza are studying the impact of metal pollution caused by concrete dust exposure and ways to improve the environment for those affected by the exposure. Dr. Wise first became interested in research after working at his father’s research lab beginning at the age of fourteen. Through his research projects, he aims to demonstrate how interconnected environmental health is, including the health of humans, animals, and ecosystems and how there are relatively non-invasive, sustainable solutions to pollution. His general research interests include neurotoxicology and how heavy metals such as cadmium and hexavalent chromium can impact brain aging.

In order to understand the amount of hexavalent chromium that is present in the area, Dr. Wise and the team of colleagues are collecting roley-polies (terrestrial isopods) and testing the metals that accumulate in their hepatopancreas’ to see how much and what types of metal(s) are present. The research team is very interested in working with communities to plan and collaborate on this topic, including discussing with youth and community residents about the importance of heavy metal pollution to health and the use of phytoremediation to help clean up heavy metal pollution. Phytoremediation is a process in which certain plant species are able to extract toxic chemicals from their environment, which in turn, cleans the soil and water. Through community-led research efforts, Wise and his team (which spans across four research labs at the University of Louisville) are able to better understand ways to mitigate metal pollution that will be applicable to other communities across the state.