Current Students
The Toxicology Graduate Program at the University of Rochester recruits and matriculates the highest quality students from around the United States and from all parts of the world. They participate in a rigorous toxicology curriculum, attend national and international meetings, and contribute to cutting edge research.
Many of our students have published manuscripts in high profile international journals and present abstracts at a host of large and small scientific meetings. In addition, our students participate as members of the curriculum, admissions and colloquium committees, website, and annually present their ongoing research to fellow students and to the toxicology community as a whole.
With a long history as an internationally recognized center for research and training in toxicology, the genesis of toxicology at Rochester can be traced back to World War II when the Manhattan Project sponsored critical studies on health problems associated with atomic energy and weapons production.
Our program is one of the oldest and strongest research-oriented toxicology programs in the nation, and we are ranked among the top 5 toxicology graduate programs in the USA, according to the National Academy of Science’s NRC Assessment of Graduate Education, 2010. Trainees who come to Rochester work with a team of dedicated faculty, who are internationally recognized, well-funded, and deeply committed to education and mentoring.
Research Interest:
My passion for toxicology and biomedical research is vested in my interests in cell and molecular signaling, translational science, and my desire to improve the health of communities and reduce health disparities through the lens of scientific research. I am particularly interested in maternal health and child development.
Bio:
BS in Pharmacology and Toxicology from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Bio:
BS in Biology with a minor in professional writing from Ball State University
MS in Biology with a concentration in neuroscience and physiology from DePaul University
Research Interest:
The role of inhaled iron in neurodegenerative disease processes
Bio:
BS in Forensic Science with triple concentration in Molecular Biology, Toxicology, and Criminalistics from CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice
Research Interest:
The roles of placental extracellular vesicles, and their contents, on fetal neurodevelopment and the how these vesicles and their cargo are perturbed after exposure to toxicants.
Bio:
BS in Biochemistry with highest distinction and BS in Environmental Science with highest distinction from the University of Virginia.
Bio:
BA with Honors in Chemistry, minor in Creative Writing from Austin College.
Research Interest:
Investigating the effects of developmental exposures to environmentally relevant toxicants on glia and neurons
Research Interest:
Investigating the immune modulatory effects of environmental exposures.
Research Interest:
My research focuses on gene-environment interactions in neurodegenerative diseases, with an emphasis on Parkinson’s Disease. My dissertation work is on elucidating a mechanism for interactions between genetic risk factors for PD and relevant environmental toxicant such as Paraquat, a widely utilized herbicide, and how this can modulate one’s risk of disease, and its progression.
Research Interest:
Studying the effects of exposure to perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) on immune system development and response to viral infection
Bio:
BS in Forensic Biology with a minor in Cyber Intelligence and Security from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Research Interest:
Investigating ovarian insulin signaling and the role of dietary glycotoxins in polycystic ovary syndrome