Prof. Ashok Mulchandani Selected to Present the 2024 Faculty Research Lecture

Ashok Mulchandani, Distinguished Professor of Chemical and Environmental Engineering and an ETOX faculty member, has been selected by the University of California, Riverside Academic Senate to give the 2024 Faculty Research Lecture.  This is the 72nd annual Faculty Research Lecture and is considered to be one of the highest honors bestowed by UC Riverside on a faculty member.  His lecture, entitled, "Nanoengineering of field-effect transistor biosensors for better healthcare” will be given on December 9 at 3 pm at the Alumni and Visitors Center.  Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP by Nov. 15.  Our congratulations to Ashok for this impressive recognition.  

Prof. Samantha Ying and Colleagues Receive Grant to Improve Sustainable Agriculture

Samantha Ying, a professor in the Environmental Sciences Department and an ETOX faculty member, and six other faculty members at UC Riverside and Sacramento State University have been awarded $1.5 million in grants from the California Department of Food and Agriculture to lead three inter-related projects to enhance speciality farming in California. As described in a recent UC Riverside News article, the initiatives will focus on youth engagement, sustainable waste management, and advanced agricultural technologies. We congratulate Samantha and her colleagues on the award, and wish them success.  

Danielle Stevenson's Phyto and Fungal Bioremediation Work is Receiving Widespread Attention

The phyto and fungal bioremediation work of Dr. Danielle Stevenson, a recent ETOX alumna, in the brownfields of Los Angeles is receiving widespread attention.  Her work was the focus of an extended interview in a recent Yale360 article entitled "Turning Brownfields to Blooming Meadows, With the Help of Fungi".  Earlier this year her work was the focus of an article in the Guardian newspaper entitled "Solar-powered vacuum cleaners’: the native plants that could clean toxic soil".  Our congratulations to Danielle for the success of her work and the recognitions that it is receiving. [The first photo above is from the Guardian article and the second is from the Yale360 article.]

Phthalates are in the Air

A new study by Aalekhya Reddam, an ETOX alumna now at CalEPA, her Ph.D. advisor David Volz, Professor of Environmental Sciences and ETOX faculty member, and their collaborators has shown high exposures to plastic-derived phthalates in the air of students commuting in Southern California.  The students wore silicone wristbands that captured chemicals found in the air around them.  Particularly high levels of three phthalates, DiNP, DEHP, and DEHT were detected.  Two of these, DiNP and DEHP, are on California’s Proposition 65 list of chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. Their study, published this month in Environmental Research, has recently been highlighted in UC Riverside News and LAist. In addition, NIEHS also spotlighted the study in its Environental Factor as one of its extramural papers of the month.  Our congratulations to Aali, Dave and their colleagues for this important paper and recognition. [The graphic above is from their Environmental Research paper.]  

Prof. Men Article on PFAS-degrading Bacteria Recognized by NIEHS

The recent Science Advances article by Yujie Men, Associate Professor of Chemical and Environmental Engineering and ETOX faculty member, and her associates has been recognized in the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) as one of its Papers of the Month on its online news publication Environmental Factor. This article was the focus of a post on this blog several months ago.  Our congratulations to Yujie and her colleagues for this nice recognition. [The image above of the active site of the PFAS-degrading enzyme is from the Sciences Advances article.]

High Cholesterol Diet of Fathers Increases Cardiovascular Disease Risk in their Daughters

A research group led by Changcheng Zhou, Professor of Biomedical Sciences and ETOX faculty member, has recently shown that feeding a high cholesterol diet to male mice can lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in their female offspring.  The intergenerational effects appear to be the result of changes in small non-coding RNA molecules in the sperm which are passed to the developing zygote during fertilization.  The research was recently published in the journal JCI Insight and highlighted in UC Riverside News.  Our congratulations to Changcheng and his colleagues for this groundbreaking study. [The figure above is from the JCI article.]

Prof. David Eastmond Wins the EMGS Education Award

Prof. Nicole Sparks, ETOX alumna, Professor Eastmond, and Dr. Stephanie Smith-Roe, the EMGS President

David Eastmond, Emeritus Professor in the Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology and ETOX faculty member, was recently selected by the Environmental Mutagenesis and Genomics Society to receive its Education Award.  The Education award, a special recognition from the Society, was given to Dr. Eastmond in "recognition of his sincere dedication to student and young investigator members" of the Society. Dr. Eastmond was nominated by an impressive group of ETOX alumnae, and he is honored by the recognition from the former students and the Society.

U-Cigarettes Shown to Have Similar or Greater Potential for Toxicity as Compared to E-Cigarettes

A recent paper by Ester Omaiye, a postdoctoral fellow and ETOX alumna, Prue Talbot, a Professor in the Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology and ETOX faculty member, and their colleagues has investigated the fluid and aerosol composition and in vitro toxicity of ultrasonic cigarettes (U-cigarettes) and have demonstrated that they have similar or greater potential for harmful effects when compared to the latest types of electronic cigarettes (E-cigarettes).  Their article recently appeared in Chemical Research in Toxicology and has been highlighted in an Inside UCR news article.  Our congratulations to Ester, Prue and their colleagues for this important new study.  [The picture above is from the authors' Chemical Research in Toxicology article.]

Vaping Devices Containing Digital Games May Lead to More Addiction Among Youth

Prof. Prue Talbot, Professor of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology and ETOX faculty member, and her research assistant Man Wong have recently published an article in the journal Tobacco Control warning that vaping devices containing digital games may entice more youth into vaping, lead to more vaping among users, and result in reinforced nicotine addiction.  Their research has recently been highlighted in UC Riverside News and been the focus of an article in the Los Angeles Times.  Our congratulations to Pure and Man for these recognitions of their research.  [The photo above is from the UC Riverside News article.] 

PFAS-degrading Bacteria Discovered by Research Team Led by Prof. Yujie Men

A research team led by Yujie Men, Associate Professor of Chemical and Environmental Engineering and ETOX faculty member, has discovered a species of Acetobacterium bacteria that can degrade unsaturated per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).  PFAS have strong carbon-fluorine bonds that are so resistant to degradation that they are considered "forever chemicals".  In addition to enabling the break down of unsaturated PFAS, Men and colleagues have identified the specific enzymes involved in the degradation pathways which should allow these and other bacteria to be engineered to also degrade saturated PFAS.  Men's work was recently published in the journal Science Advances and highlighted in UC Riverside News.  Our congratulations to Yujie and her team for this important advance. [Image above is from the UCR News article.]

Lauren Walker Featured on the Society of Toxicology Blog

A personal essay by ETOX alumna Dr. Lauren Walker has recently been posted on the Society of Toxicology blog.  It is described as "part of a series designed to celebrate SOT member diversity and showcase the diverse pathways and experiences of its members". It is well written and provides insight into Lauren's educational and professional journey, emphasizing her interest in community outreach and service. The essay can be found here.  Our congratulations to Lauren for this nice recognition. The first comment written by SOT President Dori Germolec describes Lauren as "one of our rising stars".  

Prof. Carl Cranor to Retire After 53 Years at UC Riverside

Carl Cranor, Distinguished Professor of Philosophy and one of the original members of the ETOX Graduate Program faculty, will formally be retiring at the end of this week after 53 years of research, teaching and service at UC Riverside.  Carl's research has been at the intersection of toxicology, the law, and morality, and he has had a distinguished career having received many awards including being elected as a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and elected a Fellow of the Collegium Ramazzini, an honor reserved for those recognized as being among the preeminent experts worldwide in the areas of Environmental Health and Occupational Medicine.  A recent article on Carl's retirement and career can be found in UC Riverside News.  Our congratulations to Carl for a highly successful career.  I might mention that although formally retired, Carl will continue his professional and university work: He will be teaching a class again this fall.  [Note the photo above was taken by Sandra Baltazar Martinez and is from the UC Riverside News article.]

The 2024 Annual Student Symposium

On Friday May 24, the Environmental Toxicology Graduate Program held its 2024 Annual Student Symposium.  The event featured platform and poster presentations, GSA activities and breakfast, lunch and a dinner during which the awards were announced. The day was a recognized success with many fine presentations.  The Fukuto Award for Best Student Presentation was won by Garrit Clabaugh for “Chemical Synthesis of Site-specific Carboxylmethyl phosphotriester oligodeoxynucleotides and their formation in DNA”.  The Honorable Mention prize went to Zachary Hutchins.  The best 1st-year student presentation award went to Rebecca Yates , and John Hoang received the best 2nd year presentation award.  Lastly, the best postdoctoral award was won by Andrew Kellum.  A special thanks goes to the Student Symposium Committee (John Huang, Student Chair) and Prof. Joseph Genereux, Faculty Chair)) who organized the event, and to Prof. Linlin Zhao, who directs the Graduate Program and keeps it running smoothly. Below are pictures taken by several attendees and myself.  

Postdoctoral Position in Ecotoxicology at EPA

The EPA's Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, working collaboratively with the Office of Research and Development and the Endocrine Disruption Screening Program is searching for a postdoctoral fellow to develop Physiologically-Based Toxicokinetic (PBTK) Models in Ecological species. The position, which is open to US citizens, can be located in located in either Washington DC, Research Triangle Park NC, or here in Duluth, MN. More information on the position can be found at https://www.zintellect.com/Opportunity/Details/EPA-OCSPP-2024-04.

The posting is set to close on 6/21/2024, but could close earlier if an applicant is selected. Since applications are reviewed on a rolling-basis, interested applicants are encouraged to apply or reach out to Agency contacts as soon as possible. 

Our thanks to ETOX alumna Dr. Sara Vliet for letting us know of this promising opportunity.  

Prof. Ozkan Invited as US Delegate to UN Panel on Carbon Capture

Mihri Ozkan, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and ETOX faculty member has been invited to serve as a U.S. delegate and an expert presenter for a United Nations panel that will meet in Austria during July to explore carbon capture and storage technologies to combat climate change.  In recent years, Dr. Ozkan's research has focused on methods to capture carbon and help mitigate the build-up of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.  More information on Dr. Ozkan and her work can be found in this Inside UCR news magazine article. Additional details on her carbon capture methods can be found in a Jan. 2024 Inside UCR article.  Our congratulations to Mihri on this important recognition. [Photo above is from the Inside UCR article.]

Prof. Prue Talbot's Study on eCigarette Use and Covid Susceptibility Highlighted by SOT

A recent study by Prue Talbot, Professor of Cell Biology and ETOX faculty member, and her research group indicating that eCigarette users may be more susceptible to Covid was recently highlighted on the UC Riverside News website and on the Society of Toxicology's Linked-in page.  Our congratulations to Prue and her research group for this recognition.    

Prof. Bailey-Serres Receives Two Major Recognitions

Prof. Julia Bailey-Serres, Distinguished Professor of Botany and Plant Sciences and ETOX faculty member, has recently been selected for two major recognitions.  She has been selected by the American Society of Plant Biologists for its 2024 Charles Reid Barnes Life Membership Award, an award for meritorious work in plant biology which provides a life membership in the Society. 

In addition, she has been selected as the 2024 Faculty Research Lecturer at UC Riverside.  This recognition, given to member of the UCR Academic Senate who has made a distinguished record in research, allows the recipient to deliver a lecture to the Academic Senate. It is considered among the highest recognitions given to UCR faculty.  Prof. Bailey-Serres will be presenting her lecture, "Harvesting Genetic Diversity for Resilient Rice" on May 6, 2024 at 2 pm at the Alumni and Visitors Center.  Those interested in attending should RSVP by May 1.  

Our congratulations to Julia for these recent recognitions.  

Multiple Toxicology Positions Currently Available at DTSC

The Department of Toxic Substances Control, part of the California Environmental Protection Agency, is searching for multiple positions in both ecological and human health toxicology.  These positions are for both recent Ph.D. recipients as well as those with more experience, and are located at several locations within northern and southern California.  More information can be found at the following webpages. 

Human health toxicologist

Ecotoxicologist

DTSC branch chief,Dr. Kim Gettmann at kimberly.gettmann@dtsc.ca.gov can also be contacted to answer questions. 

Volatile Chemicals Alter Gene Expression in Fly and Mouse

In lab experiments, Sachiko Haga-Yamanaka, professor of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology and ETOX faculty member in conjunction with other UCR colleagues including team leader Prof. Anandasankar Ray, exposed fruit flies to diacetyl, a microbial volatile compound released by yeast and common environmental agent, and found changes in gene expression in the fly’s antennae within several days. The team also found similar gene expression changes in the brains of mice and in human cells. The results suggest that the use of volatile chemicals could potentially be developed as a therapeutic approach to treat various diseases. Their results were recently published in the journal eLife and highlighted in UC Riverside News.  Our congratulations to Sachiko, Anand and colleagues for this nice recognition. [The figure above is from their eLife article.]

Dog-infecting Parasite Discovered by UCR Scientists in Colorado River Snails

A research team led by Adler Dillman, Professor of Nematology and ETOX faculty member, has identified the cause of a disease that has been affecting dogs in Southern California.  All of the affected dogs had spent time swimming in the Colorado River and Dr. Dillman and his research group were able to find the flatworm parasite, Heterobilharzia americana, in snails along the riverbank. The parasitic worm is known to cause canine schistosomiasis, an illness that impacts the liver and intestines of dogs. Their research has recently been published in the journal Pathogens and has been highlighted in UCR News.  The research has also been the focus of many articles in newspapers such as the LA Times, USA Today, and Newsweek as well as on regional TV news shows on NBC Palm Springs,  NBCLA, etc.  Our congratulations to Adler and his research team for discovering the cause of this mysterious canine illness.  [The photos above are from the UCR News article.]

Postdoctoral Position in Genetic Toxicology at the NCTR

Postdoctoral Fellow Position is available in the Division of Genetic and Molecular Toxicology at the National Center for Toxicological Research (Jefferson, Arkansas).  More information is below.  

The Division of Genetic and Molecular Toxicology conducts basic and applied research to address specific high-priority issues related to the induction of genetic damage. Division research is directed toward developing and validating new methods or improving existing methods for evaluating the toxicity of food additives, human and animal drugs, biological therapies, tobacco products, and medical devices. In collaboration with other FDA scientists, the Division utilizes the methodologies it develops to better understand the potential toxicity of specific high-priority drugs, dietary supplements, and other agents.

A postdoctoral fellow position is available for a scientist (less than 5 years after obtaining PhD degree, residing in USA for at least 3 years) with interest and/or experience in genetic toxicology evaluation. The position is renewed annually for a period of 3 years. The annual stipend will be about $72k with an additional $1.8k allocation for the purchase of health insurance, which is required for the position.

This postdoctoral position is for a talented, motivated individual, preferably with experience in areas such as toxicity, genotoxicity, and/or related fields. The successful candidate should be able to work independently, have good written and verbal communications skills, and work well with others.

Interested candidate should send your cover letter, curriculum vitae, and list of three references to Dr. Nan Mei (nan.mei@fda.hhs.gov).

Our thanks to ETOX faculty member Wei-Chun Chao for forwarding the information.  

UCR was Well Represented at the Annual Society of Toxicology Meeting in Salt Lake City

The annual meeting of the Society of Toxicology took place on March 10-14, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah, and UCR was well represented. In addition to posters by current students, several ETOX faculty as well as quite a few alumni were in attendance.  Emeritus Professor David Eastmond was selected for the Women in Toxicology Special Interest Group Mentoring Award based on nominations from ETOX alumnae.  Below are photos of some of those that attended.  Others in attendance (without photos) include ETOX faculty member Changcheng Zhou and current students Wonsik Woo and John Huang.  

David Eastmond and Connie Mitchell (now a senior scientific program manager at HESI)

Nicole Sparks (now at an assistant professor UC Irvine), David Eastmond and Lauren Walker (now a toxicologist at Colgate-Palmolive)

Wei-Chen Chou, a new assistant professor at UCR

David Eastmond and Jennifer Sasaki (currently a toxicology consultant)

Sabbir Ahmed (now a staff fellow with the FDA) and David Eastmond

Luisa Bertotto (assistant project scientist at UC Irvine) and Lok Ming Tam (postdoctoral fellow at the University of Rochester)

Drew Olaharski (on right) is shown with colleague Alex Eapen. Drew currently is a Vice President and Head of Nonclinical Safety at Relay Therapeutics.

David Eastmond holding the Mentoring Award plaque from the Women in Toxicology Special Interest Group

Ali Reddam's recent article (second from the bottom) was prominently displayed. Ali is now an associate toxicologist at California EPA.

New Species of Insect-killing Nematode Discovered by UCR Researchers

A team of researchers from UC Riverside and Naresuan University in Thailand led by Adler Dillman, Professor of Nematology and ETOX faculty member that included ETOX graduate student Kyle Anesko, has discovered a new species of insect-killing nematode that has the potential to be a new tool for controlling insect pests. The new species was recently described in the journal Parasitology, and the team's work has been highlighted in an article in UCR News and in Newsweek magazine.  Our congratulations to Adler, Kyle and their team for this interesting discovery.  [The photos above are from their Parasitology article.]

Virunya Bhat is Selected as Fellow of the Academy of Toxicological Sciences

ETOX alumna Virunya Bhat has recently been selected to become a Fellow of the Academy of Toxicological Sciences.  ATS fellows are selected based on an exemplary record of professional accomplishment, professional appointments in the field, and extensive evidence of recognition of competence and sound judgment in toxicology by their peers.  Virunya recently took a position as a chemical safety officer with the International Programme on Chemical Safety at the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland. Our congratulations to Virunya for this distinguished and well deserved recognition. We also wish her the best in her new position.  

Multiple Positions within the California Department of Public Health and CalEPA

The Environmental Health Investigations Branch, at the California Department of Public Health in Richmond, CA has a number of positions currently open and more will be opening in the next month or two.  These include:

Senior Research Scientist (Research Scientist IV) – Now open, applications due by 2/12/2024 (but may get extended)

PhD level Environmental Epidemiologist/Statistician – technical lead for Biomonitoring California and adviser on Branch level projects, further info below

If interested, please consult Job Control Id 412157 on Cal Careers.

For additional information regarding minimum qualifications and to obtain list eligibility, please visit the RS IV examination information page.

Research Scientist I – Now open, applications due 2/2/2024

Early career environmental epidemiologist and laboratory assistant with Biomonitoring California

If interested, please consult Job Control Id 410311 on Cal Careers.

Senior Environmental Scientist – Open until filled

Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist)

This position is with our sister program in Biomonitoring California at the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment

The Environmental Health Investigations Branch also has two positions that will be opening up in the next month. Please check back on the EHIB website for the postings or email me (Kathleen.Attfield@cdph.ca.gov) to be notified when they open.

Research Scientist II – Environmental Epidemiologist with the developing Toxicological Outbreak Program - Be part of a dynamic team that responds and investigates non-infectious, toxicological outbreaks!

Health Program Specialist II – Communications and Outreach Specialist with the Emergency Preparedness Team engaging with partners to build community resilience for environmental, climate-related and natural disasters.

Research Scientist IV: Come join the dynamic team of epidemiologists, toxicologists, laboratorians, and health educators that make up Biomonitoring California!

The Environmental Health Investigations Branch (EHIB) is currently recruiting for a Research Scientist (RS) IV (Epidemiology/Biostatistics). Within the Exposure Assessment Section, the RS IV (Epi/Bio) will use their advanced epidemiologic and statistical expertise to serve as a technical lead for the California Environmental Contaminants Biomonitoring Program (also known as Biomonitoring California) and as a technical advisor for EHIB. As lead scientist, the RS IV’s responsibilities include designing biomonitoring and other environmental health studies and conducting data analysis to reveal population-level exposure trends and explore disparities and sources of exposure. The RS IV provides guidance on EHIB projects related to exposure investigations and impacts of climate change. This position is located on the Richmond Campus.

The above information was from an email from Kathleen Attfield (Kathleen.Attfield@cdph.ca.gov).  We thank Scott Coffin, an ETOX alumnus, who forwarded the information.  

Lauren Walker Serves as Vice President-elect of the DEAI on the FASEB Board

Lauren Walker, toxicologist at Colgate-Palmolive and ETOX alumna, has recently been selected to serve as Vice President-elect of the Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) on the Federation for American Societies of American Biology Board.  As such, she serves as Vice Chair of the Federation's DEAI Committee that "is charged with developing and implementing strategies to guide the Federation’s efforts to foster diverse, equitable, accessible, and inclusive research, training, and professional environments". Our congratulations to Lauren for this nice recognition.  More information can be found on the Federation's website and on its LinkedIn page.  [The photo above is from the LinkedIn post.]

Assistant Professor Positions at the University of Washington

From the UW website. The Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences within the School of Public Health at the University of Washington (UW) invites applications for three tenure-track faculty positions at the rank of Assistant Professor, beginning in Autumn quarter 2024.

These positions may specialize in a discipline that informs environmental and occupational health including environmental toxicology, exposure science including exposomics, environmental and occupational epidemiology, climate and health, environmental justice, environmental health disparities, microbiome and environmental health, environmental chemistry, economic or policy analysis in environmental and occupational health sciences, ergonomics/musculoskeletal diseases or occupational safety science. Initial review of applications will begin January 16, 2024 and will continue until the positions are filled.

More information can be found at the UW School of Public Health website.