Toxicology
concerns potentially hazardous chemicals in food and the environment, and their effects on biological life. Toxic chemicals include pesticides such as insecticides and herbicides, industrial waste products, compounds that exist naturally in plants, those that contaminate foods as a result of fungal growth, and even some that are produced in the preparation and cooking of foods. Potential health effects from toxin exposures can range from immediate impairment of breathing or nerve function to chronic diseases, cancer, birth defects, and immune disorders. Toxicology research focuses on understanding mechanisms of toxicity, human and environmental risks from exposure, and means for reducing risks. Students will acquire laboratory skills in applied biochemistry and molecular, cellular, and organismal biology.
Past research projects (examples):
- Trees as biomonitors for historical environmental impact. Kim Padilla. Mentor: Dr. Kim Anderson, Environmental and Molecular Toxicology.
- In vitro mechanisms of chlorophyllin antimutagenesis against dibenzo(a,l) pyrene (DBP). Marita Barth. Mentor: Dr. George Bailey, Environmental and Molecular Toxicology.
- Detecting apoptosis in carcinogen exposed trout livers. Michelle Zipperman. Mentor: Dr. Jan Spitsbergen, Environmental and Molecular Toxicology.
- Determination of the flavin-containing monooxygenase (FMO) distribution in mouse lung and liver. Pachida Lo. Mentor: Dr. David Williams, Environmental and Molecular Toxicology.
- Expression of cytochrome P450 1A in tumor sensitive and resistant lines of Zebrafish. Amber Taylor. Mentor: Dr. Jan Spitsbergen, Environmental and Molecular Toxicology.
- Microbial degradation of linear alkyl-benzene sulfonates in sewage-contaminated groundwater. Sean Eby. Mentor: Dr. Jennifer Field, Environmental and Molecular Toxicology.