Helen Poynton

Helen Poynton serves as Professor and Undergraduate Program Director at the School for the Environment, University of Massachusetts Boston. Her research integrates environmental toxicology, marine biology, and molecular approaches to investigate contaminant impacts and climate change effects on coastal ecosystems.

Her educational background includes:

• PhD in Molecular and Biochemical Nutrition from University of California, Berkeley
• BS in Biochemistry from Temple University (2000)

Dr. Poynton's research focuses on ecotoxicological mechanisms in marine invertebrates, particularly bivalves and crustaceans. She examines endocrine disruption, microplastic-vectorized pollutants, ocean acidification interactions, and evolutionary adaptation to pesticides using transcriptomic and genomic tools. Her work bridges molecular biology with field ecology to address real-world environmental challenges in urban estuaries like Boston Harbor.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals three dominant research trajectories: (1) Development of novel toxicity assays for environmental contaminants using crustacean embryos and bivalves, (2) Investigation of multi-stressor interactions between climate change parameters and chemical pollutants, and (3) Application of community-based participatory methods in environmental monitoring. Her 2023-2025 work increasingly emphasizes practical solutions for pollution mitigation and STEM education accessibility.

Scientific Awards:

• No specific awards documented in provided materials

Dr. Poynton leads the NSF-funded REU Site: Coastal Research in Environmental Science and Technology (CREST) at UMass Boston, providing undergraduate research opportunities in environmental science. As Undergraduate Program Director, she oversees curriculum development and student mentorship, with recent focus on DIY laboratory approaches to democratize STEM education. Her collaborative network includes researchers studying pesticide resistance evolution in Hyalella azteca across North America.