Student Perspectives
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6th Year
Joseph Lucas
Hometown: San Antonio, TX
Educational Background:
- B.S. in Toxicology with a Minor in Statistics from the Pennsylvania State University
- M.S. in Toxicology from University of Rochester School Of Medicine and Dentistry
Research Group: Irfan Rahman Lab
Emily Quarato
Hometown: Westchester, NY
Educational Background:
- B.S. in Chemistry with a concentration in Chemical Education from the University of Alabama at Birmingham
- B.A. in Anthropology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham
- M.S. in Toxicology from University of Rochester School Of Medicine and Dentistry
Research Group: Calvi Lab
What have you enjoyed the most about your training thus far?
The Toxicology Training Program has fostered an environment that has allowed me to by improve my scientific thinking and communication skills, expand my network with fellow students, faculty, and alumni, and connected me with a supportive community.
What is your research focus?
The hematopoietic system is extremely sensitive to toxic chemicals and hematopoietic failure is one of the leading causes of mortality following acute injury. The Calvi Lab focuses on understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of the bone microenvironment in regulation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) in the bone marrow. My work focuses on understanding the consequences to and mitigation strategies of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), a component of the bone marrow microenvironment that support HSCs, following radiation injury.
What do you like to do in Rochester?
I am a big foodie, so I love that Rochester has given me the option to try new foods. I also love the visit the Public Market, which is a great place to buy locally grown fruits and vegetables!
Alexandra Strohm
Hometown: Bloomfield Hills, MI
Educational Background:
- B.S in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with a Minor in Pharmacology and Toxicology from Michigan State University
- M.S. in Toxicology from University of Rochester School Of Medicine and Dentistry
Research Group: Majewska Lab
5th Year
Catherine Beamish
Hometown: Syracuse, NY
Educational Background:
- B.S. in Chemistry with a focus in Biochemistry and a Minor in Mathematics from Washington University in St. Louis
- M.S. in Toxicology from University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
Research Group: Rand Lab
What have you enjoyed the most about your training thus far?
I have really enjoyed learning about fly basics with the Rand Lab, allowing independence and freedom with my research projects.
What is your research focus?
My research focuses on characterizing discrete cellular and molecular pathways responsible for developmental disruption producing the toxicity ascribed to relevant heavy metal mixtures.
What do you like to do in Rochester?
Rochester has a surprisingly large trivia scene sans pandemic, which my friends have continued online. There are also a lot of expansive parks in Rochester where I can have a picnic or play kickball in the summer and can cross-country ski in the winter.
Kristina Fenner
Hometown: Howard, PA
Educational Background:
- B.S. in Biochemistry from Susquehanna University
- M.S. in Toxicology from University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
Research Group: Lawrence Lab
What have you enjoyed the most about your training thus far?
I have enjoyed the support system of the program and my lab. The environment is very supportive, encouraging, and communicative.
What is your research focus?
My lab is interested in understanding how the environment can affect the way the immune system responds. We study this through the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, which acts as an environmental sensor. My project is focused on studying how environmental ligands, mediated through the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, can affect the response of the hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells to viral infections.
What do you like to do in Rochester?
I enjoy the variety of places that you can go walk around and explore in Rochester. You can get a city vibe, nature vibe, or suburban vibe all in one area! I also enjoy going to the public market and trying different local restaurants/cafes.
Sarah Morgan
Hometown: Webster, NY
Educational Background:
- B.S. in Chemistry and Forensic & Investigative Sciences with a minor in Biology from West Virginia University
- M.S. in Toxicology from University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
Research Group: DeLouise Lab
What have you enjoyed the most about your training thus far?
I love learning about the research others are conducting at URMC and understanding how all the projects are connected and inform what we know about human health.
What is your research focus?
Microplastics are 1 µm – 5 mm pieces of plastic that due to the scale of human plastic consumption are a ubiquitous environmental pollutant. Microplastics often have other pollutants adsorbed on their surface, and these interactions can alter the toxicity of either toxicant alone. My research focuses on understanding the bioactivity of these microplastic-pollutant co-exposures.
What do you like to do in Rochester?
I enjoy attending the various festivals held in the Rochester area, exploring local cuisine with friends, and visiting the Fingers Lakes region for a relaxing day off.
Traci Pressley
Hometown: New Cumberland, PA
Educational Background:
- B.S. in Pharmacology and Toxicology with a minor in Forensics from the University of the Sciences
- M.S. in Toxicology from University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
Research Group: Fazal Lab
Why did you choose to come to the University of Rochester?
I chose the U of R not just for the valuable education I knew I would receive here, but also the amazing people that make up this program. When I came for my interview, the friendly atmosphere, genuine people, and amazing research captured my heart and I knew that this was my home.
4th Year
Melanie Perkins
Hometown: Warsaw, NY
Educational Background:
- B.S in Forensic Science Technology from Alfred State College
- M.S. in Toxicology from University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
Research Group: Anolik Lab
What have you enjoyed the most about your training thus far?
I’m enjoying the opportunities to hear about the many areas of research within the program, whether it’s through presentations or speaking with members of different labs. It really helps to put your own area of research into perspective and even gain new insights.
What is your research focus?
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor acts within the body to sense and eliminate environmental toxins and has been demonstrated to play a role in regulating the adaptive immune response. My research focuses on studying how the aryl hydrocarbon receptor may impact the functioning of B cells in the context of autoimmune disease.
What do you like to do in Rochester?
I love spending time at the various parks around Rochester. It’s great to have access to scenic outdoor spaces even in the city. The wide range of restaurants and food options is also a huge plus.
Elizabeth Plunk
Hometown: Martin, TN
Educational Background:
- B.S. in Biology from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
- M.S. in Toxicology from University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
Research Group: Majewska Lab
What have you enjoyed the most about your training thus far?
In my training I have enjoyed becoming independent in the lab and broadening my scientific knowledge. I was drawn to toxicology because it is interdisciplinary, so I knew I was going to have the opportunity to learn about many systems as well as other fields of scientific research. An example of this is while developing my project investigating developmental neurotoxicology, I had the opportunity to learn about the developing nervous system.
What is your research focus?
I’m investigating the effects of gestational and lactational exposures to short- chain PFAS on neurodevelopment. I’m specifically studying neuron growth and glial interactions.
What do you like to do in Rochester?
Rochester has a lot of great restaurants and parks, so to unwind from the week I like to eat good food and spend some time outside whether that be riding my bike or cross country skiing. In the summers I also enjoy going to the public market and stocking up on fresh foods for the week.
Adelaide Weidner
Hometown: Rochester, NY
Educational Background:
- B.S. in Chemistry, SUNY Geneseo
- M.S. in Toxicology from University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
Research Group: Astapova Lab
What have you enjoyed the most about your training thus far?
It's really satisfying to keep learning more about my work and gradually become more independent as my training progresses. I love looking back and seeing how far I've come and how much my scientific skills have developed! I also love how supportive the other trainees are when I ask for advice.
What is your research focus?
Androgens are typically thought of as "male" hormones, but they are extremely important in female reproduction. Interestingly, androgens also affect insulin activity. My lab studies the molecular and physiological actions of androgens in the ovary and how a protein called paxillin modulates androgen actions. My project focuses specifically on the intersection of androgen signaling and insulin signaling in the ovary and how those pathways contribute to the development and progression of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). We use a combination of in vitro cell culture and in vivo mouse models to elucidate these effects.
What do you like to do in Rochester?
My favorite thing to do around Rochester is eat at delicious local restaurants! I also love enjoying the weather year-round by taking walks around the beautiful Park Ave neighborhood.
3rd Year
Jithin George
Hometown: Newtown, PA
Educational Background:
- B.S. in Neuroscience & Biomathematics from the University of Scranton
What have you enjoyed the most about your training thus far?
I like that our program students, faculty, administrators, and staff are super friendly and close-knit!
What is your research focus?
Air pollution is a complex mixture, one component is ultrafine particulate (UFPs) matter. Iron oxides make up a large percentage of these UFPs, especially in subway systems where proper ventilation systems do not exist. Epidemiological studies show strong, positive correlations between neurodegenerative disease (dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, etc.) incidence and air pollution exposure in humans. Post-mortem studies in both human and transgenic mice show increased iron concentrations in brain samples with Tau pathologies. My current research seeks to further understand the mechanism by which inhaled iron may contribute to neurodegenerative disease processes in mice.
What do you like to do in Rochester?
When the weather permits, I love kayaking, cycling, or hiking in and around Rochester!
Ryan Owens
Hometown: Buffalo, NY
Educational Background:
- B.S. in Biology from Delaware Valley University
- M.S. in Environmental Science from University of New Haven
- M.S. in Toxicology from University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
Research Group: Rowe Lab
What have you enjoyed the most about your training thus far?
The diverse research opportunities that are offered through the wide range of faculty in our program.
What is your research focus?
My current research focuses on the immune response to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) exposures, and investigating the relationship between the main olfactory epithelium and the immune system.
What do you like to do in Rochester?
I like to go to the Jazz Festival, and the many other festivals that happen throughout the summer.
Nashae Prout
Hometown: Washington, D.C.
Educational Background:
- A.S. in Public Heath from Montgomery College
- B.S. in Health Education with a concentration in Environmental Health from Morgan State University
- M.S. in Toxicology from University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
Research Group: O’Connor Lab
What have you enjoyed the most about your training thus far?
So far I have enjoyed the courses focused on Toxicology itself! These courses have given me a wider basis of knowledge regarding the field.
What is your research focus?
My current research focuses on the immune modulatory effects that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure imparts on pregnant women and their children.
What do you like to do in Rochester?
I enjoy exploring new/different restaurants because the food scene is so unique here. There are so many options from Korean restaurants to Ethiopian restaurants, and my favorite Jamaican restaurants!
2nd Year
Alma Avila Oropeza
Hometown: San Diego, California
Educational Background:
- B.S. in Biochemistry from California State University San Marcos
Research Group: DeLouise Lab
Why did you choose to come to the University of Rochester?
I chose the University of Rochester because of the supportive community in the Toxicology Program. I wanted my graduate experience to be in a new/different environment from my undergraduate and I knew Rochester was the best place for me to grow as a scientist.
Knickole Bergman
Hometown: Jefferson, MD
Educational Background:
- B.S. in Molecular Biology from Towson University
Research Group: Susiarjo Lab
What have you enjoyed the most about your training thus far?
The thing I have enjoyed most about my training thus far is meeting and connecting with other trainees, scientists, and faculty within the field of toxicology and environmental health.
What is your research focus?
My research is focused on exploring how exposures to endocrine disrupting chemicals disrupts serotonin-mediated glucose homeostasis in pregnant mice.
What do you like to do in Rochester?
I love going to all the different parks, coffee shops, and sports venues in Rochester!
Pablo Reina-González
Hometown: San Juan, Puerto Rico
Educational Background:
- B.S. in Biology from Hamilton College
- B.A. in Women’s and Gender Studies from Hamilton College
Research Group: Sarkar Lab
What have you enjoyed the most about your training thus far?
Immersing myself in coursework that has exposed me to the cutting edge of biological research.
What is your research focus?
I study gene-environment interactions in Parkinson’s Disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. We focus on understanding how metals and pesticides can influence disease pathologies.
What do you like to do in Rochester?
I like to take long bike rides in Genesee Valley Park and walk my cat in my neighborhood.
1st Year
Catherine Caballero
Hometown: Houston, TX
Educational Background:
- B.S. in Chemistry with minors in Biology and Forensic Science from Sam Houston State University
Why did you choose to come to the University of Rochester?
I chose to come to the University of Rochester because of the welcoming and collaborative environment. The toxicology program has provided me with the resources (both educational and personal) to grow as a scientist. As someone who continues to seek opportunities for my professional growth, I believe the community at UR is helping me steer on the path to success.
Jessica Enos
Hometown: Greenville, NC
Educational Background:
- B.S. in Molecular Biology
- M.S. F.S. (Forensic Science) in Toxicology
Why did you choose to come to the University of Rochester?
The program and faculty are very well known in the field and interview weekend was very fun.
Ethan Lewis
Hometown: Sharon, MA
Educational Background:
- B.S. in Biochemistry with a minor in French and Francophone studies from Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Why did you choose to come to the University of Rochester?
I chose the University of Rochester because of its strong toxicology background and my great experience during the interview weekend. I could tell that there was a sense of camaraderie and collaboration that fosters good collaborative science to produce innovative solutions to problems and that I would be supported on my journey here.
Marissa Skulsky
Hometown: Sharon, MA
Educational Background:
- B.S. in Forensic Chemistry with minors in Biology and Intelligence and Security Studies from the University of Mississippi
Why did you choose to come to the University of Rochester?
The collaborative atmosphere, the wide array of research areas, and the rigorous academics.
Aidan Straut
Hometown: Roxbury, NJ
Educational Background:
- B.S. in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and Chemistry from Stockton University
Why did you choose to come to the University of Rochester?
I chose Rochester for its unique toxicology program which really left an impression on me at interview weekend. I believe toxicology was the best choice for me with my combination of majors from undergrad and my own experiences in other labs that introduced me to the field.