Daniel Burgard

Professor Daniel Burgard is a faculty member in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Puget Sound. He specializes in environmental analyses and monitoring of air and water quality, with a focus on wastewater-based epidemiology to track pharmaceuticals, illicit drugs, and cannabis consumption trends. His research has been featured in media outlets like Wired, NPR, and the Discovery Channel. Prior to joining Puget Sound in 2006, he earned his BA from Colorado College (1996) and PhD from the University of Denver (2006) under Donald Stedman.

• Education: BA in Chemistry, Colorado College (1996); PhD in Chemistry, University of Denver (2006)

His research interests include developing methods to quantify trace substances in wastewater, with applications in public health and policy. He has pioneered studies on cannabis legalization impacts and opioid epidemic monitoring. His work combines analytical chemistry with environmental science to address real-world challenges.

Key media highlights include coverage of cannabis use trends in Washington State and opioid surveillance strategies. Burgard teaches courses like Instrumental Analysis, Environmental Challenge, and What’s in the Water? at Puget Sound. His lab focuses on innovative analytical techniques and community-based environmental monitoring.

His articles span wastewater epidemiology, drug metabolism analysis, and emission sensing technologies. Collaborations include international wastewater surveillance projects across 16 countries. His interdisciplinary approach bridges laboratory science with policy implications for drug monitoring and environmental health.