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July 22, 2023 – After a remarkable 32-year tenure as a faculty member at the University of Washington’s Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences (DEOHS) and the Director of the UW IHDD’s IDDRC Animal Behavior Core until 2023, Professor Thomas Burbacher retired. Throughout his career, Burbacher made significant contributions to toxicology, particularly in the field of children’s environmental health, studying how toxic chemicals affect brain development. His research findings influenced environmental regulations and public health protection.
“It’s so exciting to see students coming in who are just starting up, and seeing their enthusiasm. Teaching has been a huge joy. About every quarter, I’d get a note from one of the students who said something like, ‘You changed my whole way of thinking about what I want to do in my life.'”
Thomas Burbacher, Professor, UW Dept. of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences
In addition to research, Burbacher’s dynamic teaching and mentorship inspired numerous students to pursue careers in the field. In retirement, he plans to continue working as a professor emeritus and engage in various projects while enjoying travel and relaxation with his family.
