Kenneth Dixon, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, The Institute of Environmental and Human Health
Associate Professor, Department of Biological Sciences

TTU, Reese Technology Center Building 555, 1207 Gilbert Drive, Lubbock, TX 79416
TTU, TIEHH, P.O. Box 41164, Lubbock, TX 79409
806.885.0234 |   1.806.885.2132
ken.dixon@tiehh.ttu.edu

Education

• Graduate Program, Management, Frostburg State University (1984)
• Ph.D., Natural Resources, University of Michigan (1974)
• M.S., Forestry, University of Florida (1968)
• B.S., Forestry, University of Florida (1964)

Dr. Kenneth Dixon's primary research focuses on modeling and simulation in ecotoxicology. His research philosophy can be described as a mechanistic approach to modeling, interacting with a multi-disciplinary team, while applying the most current technology. Research objectives in the Modeling and GIS Program are to develop and apply mathematical models, computer simulation, and geographic information systems (GIS) to predict the effects of toxicants on the environment.  By linking models to the GIS, computer simulations can represent spatial variability in chemical concentrations and their effects. Another major emphasis of the Modeling and GIS Program is a software development project; this project will provide computer programs to predict the effects of contaminants on human and wildlife populations and the environment. Current TIEHH projects include modeling the effects of perchlorate on terrestrial and aquatic food chains, modeling the effects of explosives on terrestrial and aquatic food chains, analyzing and modeling the epidemiology of West Nile Virus in Texas, and creating home range analysis computer software.

Dr. Dixon's teaching/mentoring philosophy has developed and changed as a result of his experience, both as a university teacher and as an administrator. He tries to get students to develop their own interests rather than imposing his own interests or preferences for doing things a certain way. He also incorporates lessons learned while working outside of academia to train students to succeed in future employment, primarily by instilling a desire to achieve quality in their work. Dr. Dixon is a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the Ecological Society of America, the International Society for Ecological Modelling, the Society for Computer Simulation, the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, and The Wildlife Society. He has been elected to honorary organizations Alpha Zeta and Xi Sigma Pi, and he has been appointed to Maryland's Governor's High Technology Committee on Computers and Appointed to Washington State's Geographic Information Council.

Courses Taught
Modeling and Simulation in Ecotoxicology, Statistical Applications in Ecological Toxicology

Selected Publications

• Lian, M., Y. Liu, S-Z. Yu, G-S. Qian, S-G. Wan, and K. R. Dixon. 2006. Hepatitis B virus X gene and cyanobacterial toxins promote aflatoxin B1-induced hepatotumorigenesis in mice. World Journal of Gastroenterology 12(19):3065-72.
• Smith, E. E., J. Isanhart, P. N. Smith, S. T. McMurry, and K. R. Dixon. 2005. Perchlorate Effects on Mammals. Chapter 4 In: Perchlorate Ecotoxicology, R. J. Kendall and P. N. Smith, (eds.). SETAC Press.
• Cox, S. B., K. R. Dixon, and R. J. Kendall. 2005. Application of Population Models to Perchlorate Ecotoxicology. Chapter 9 In: Perchlorate Ecotoxicology, R. J. Kendall and P. N. Smith, (eds.). SETAC Press.
• Dixon, K. R., and C. L. Martin.  2005.  Probabilistic Risk Assessment.  Chapter 10 In: J. A. Carr and D. O. Norris (eds.). Endocrine Disruptors: Biological Basis for Health Effects in Wildlife and Humans.  Oxford Press, N.Y.
• Albers, E. P., and K. R. Dixon. 2002. A conceptual approach to multiple-model integration in whole site risk assessment. Pp. 293-298. In: A.E Rizzoli and A. J. Jakeman (eds.). Integrated Assessment and Decision Support. Proceedings of the First Biennial Meeting of the International Environmental Modelling and Software Society. Part 1. iEMSs. Manno, Switzerland.
• Dixon, K. R., E. P. Albers, and C. Chappell.  2001.  A model for predicting health risk to exposure to JP8 jet fuel.  Pp.  140-151 in JP8 Final Risk Assessment. The Institute of Environmental and Human Health (TIEHH), Lubbock, TX.  August 2001.
• Solomon, K. R., J. P. Giesy, R. J. Kendall, L. B. Best, J. R. Coats, K. R. Dixon, M. J. Hooper, E. E. Kenaga, and S. T. McMurry. 2001. Chlorpyrifos: ecotoxicological risk assessment for birds and mammals in corn agroecosystems. Human and Ecological Risk Assessment 7:497-632.