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:
Investigating how maternal exposure to endocrine disruptors alters mechanisms of immune tolerance, leading to adverse maternal and fetal health outcomes.
Research Interest:
My thesis is investigating the microplastic mimetic model in allergic contact dermatitis. My research focuses on the toxicological impacts of environmental contaminants specifically microplastics, nanoparticles, metals, and persistent organic pollutants on skin and immune health. I employ nanomembrane technology to analyze environmental water samples, aiming to elucidate the extent of microplastic pollution and its potential health implications.
Research Interest:
Studying the underlying mechanisms of how endocrine disrupting chemicals influence maternal metabolic health.
Research Interest:
Investigating how aging and radiation reshape the bone marrow microenvironment to influence hematopoietic function and clonal evolution.
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:
I am interested in studying the effects of PFAS exposure during early life development and its effects on the adaptive immune system. My work is currently focused on how PFAS alter T cell responses to different immune challenges later in life.
Bio:
BA in Biology and BS in Psychology from King University
Research Interest:
My research investigates how airborne ultra-fine particulate matter from simulated burn-pits impacts the lung-brain axis and neurodegenerative pathology. My work currently focuses on inflammatory pathways and metal tissue burdens after exposures, as well as the combined stressor of circadian disruption.
Research Interest:
My research examines how exposure to airborne ultrafine particulate matter influences inflammation along the lung-brain axis and neurodegenerative disease progression. Using a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease, I aim to investigate the mechanisms linking inhaled environmental pollutants to blood-brain-barrier dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and cognitive decline. My work combines inhalation toxicology, molecular analyses, and behavioral assessments to better understand environmental contributors to neurodegenerative disease risk.
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:
My research explores the effects of heavy metal mixtures on mitochondrial function and epigenetic modulation.
Bio:
BS in Biochemistry with highest distinction and BS in Environmental Science with highest distinction from the University of Virginia.
Research Interest:
My research involves assessing the effects of environmentally relevant micro- and nanoplastic particles (MNPs) on intestinal homeostasis and immunity during early development. I am particularly interested in understanding the association between MNPs and the development of allergic and inflammatory diseases.
Bio:
BA with Honors in Chemistry, minor in Creative Writing from Austin College.
Research Interest:
Observing the effects of poly/perfluoroalkyl substances and other environmentally ubiquitous toxicants on the human blood-brain barrier, especially concerning chronic neuroinflammation and barrier disruption, using organ-on-a-chip systems.
Research Interest:
The relationship between chemosensory neurons and subsets of myeloid cells in the main olfactory epithelium.
Bio:
BS in Medical and Molecular Biology from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Research Interest:
My research aims to explore how pregnancy and maternal exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals remodel serotonin sensitive neural circuits that control energy balance and blood glucose regulation. Understanding these neural circuitry adaptations may reveal new targets for preventing gestational and/or postpartum metabolic complications
Research Interest:
Investigating the effects of Diacetyl on the lung epithelial barrier and factors that modulate those effects.
Research Interest:
Investigating the immune modulatory effects of environmental exposures.
Research Interest:
I investigate how exposure to environmental toxicants can increase the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. My thesis project is to develop an environmentally relevant mouse model of paraquat inhalation, a commonly used herbicide in the United States linked to Parkinson's disease in humans. My research suggests that paraquat inhalation in mice, simulating occupational exposure in farms, leads to a loss of dopamine-producing neurons, a hallmark of PD.
Bio:
BS in Biology, minors in Computer Science and Chemistry from Gordon College
Research Interest:
Studying airway epithelial basal cells during a dysregulated repair response after a toxic inhalation injury, and how they contribute to the development of Bronchiolitis Obliterans pathology
Research Interest:
Studying the mechanism of how exposures to perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) alters immune system development and responses to viral infection.
Research Interest:
Iron toxicity and mitochondrial dysfunction in the context of aging and Alzheimer's Disease
Bio:
BS in Forensic Biology with a minor in Cyber Intelligence and Security from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Research Interest:
Investigating ketamine-assisted psychotherapy as a treatment for chronic pain and treatment resistant depression. Primary methods used are fMRI, biological measures, and self-assessments. Also interested in looking at the interaction of these conditions with environmental toxicants.
Research Interest:
Investigating ovarian insulin signaling and the role of dietary glycotoxins in polycystic ovary syndrome