Seth R. Newton, Ph.D.

Physical Scientist · U.S. EPA Office of Applied Science and Environmental Solutions (OASES)

I develop targeted and non-targeted analytical chemistry methods — and the data-processing tools and workflows behind them — to detect chemicals of emerging concern in the environment. My work pairs high-resolution mass spectrometry with non-targeted analysis to tackle problems ranging from PFAS in drinking water to rapid emergency response.

I’m a Physical Scientist (GS-14) at the U.S. EPA’s Office of Applied Science and Environmental Solutions (OASES), where I lead research that turns complex mass-spectrometry data into actionable identifications of unknown compounds in environmental media.

Focus areas

  • Non-targeted analysis (NTA)
  • High-resolution mass spectrometry
  • PFAS identification
  • Data-processing tools & workflows
  • Suspect screening
  • Method performance evaluation
  • Drinking-water contaminants
  • GC–HRMS

Experience

  • Research Physical Scientist (GS-14)U.S. EPA, Office of Applied Science and Environmental SolutionsOctober 2025 – present
  • Research Physical Scientist (GS-14)U.S. EPA, Center for Computational Toxicology and ExposureOctober 2023 – October 2025
  • Acting Branch Chief (GS-14)U.S. EPA, Center for Computational Toxicology and ExposureJune 2022 – October 2022
  • Physical Scientist (GS-13)U.S. EPA, Center for Computational Toxicology and ExposureOctober 2019 – October 2023
  • Physical Scientist (GS-13)U.S. EPA, National Exposure Research LaboratoryMay 2017 – September 2019
  • Physical Scientist (GS-12)U.S. EPA, National Exposure Research LaboratoryMay 2016 – May 2017
  • Postdoctoral Physical ScientistOak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, stationed at the National Exposure Research LaboratoryAugust 2015 – April 2016
  • Data AnalystUmeå University, Department of Environmental ChemistryDecember 2010 – February 2011

Education

  • Ph.D., Applied Environmental ScienceStockholm University2015
  • M.Sc., Environmental ChemistryUmeå University2011
  • B.S., Environmental Science (Emphasis in Management)2007
  • Project Management PrinciplesManagement Concepts2023

Selected honors

  • Science and Technology Award (STAA), Level III — “Identification of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in the Cape Fear River by High Resolution Mass Spectrometry and Nontargeted Screening”U.S. EPA, 2020
  • Science and Technology Award (STAA), Level III — “Linking High Resolution Mass Spectrometry Data with Exposure and Toxicity Forecasts to Advance High-Throughput Environmental Monitoring”U.S. EPA, 2020
  • Science Achievement Award for Science LeadershipU.S. EPA2019
  • Gold Medal for Exceptional ServicePFAS Team, ORD2018
  • ORD Impact AwardCompTox Chemicals Dashboard Team2018
  • Bronze Medal for Commendable ServicePFAS Team, ORD2017

Interested in my full record? See the Projects and Publications pages, or get in touch.