RESEARCH THEMES

New Approach Methods (NAMs) in Toxicology

We combine computational toxicology, high-throughput toxicity testing, and molecular biology to improve the accuracy of chemical risk prediction and reduce animal testing. 
Funding:
  • 2020-2022. Alexandria Renew Enterprises. Survey of Micropollutants in Fluvial Sediments and Water from Hunting Creek and the Freshwater Tidal Potomac River.
  • 2020-2021. U.S. Geological Survey & Water Resources Research Institute.​ Next-generation effects-based monitoring of contaminants in the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers.
  • 2020-2021. U.S. Geological Survey & Water Resources Research Institute. Toxicity of organic contaminants in urban and suburban areas of the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers

Evolutionary Toxicology

Species responses to chemical exposures are underpinned by genetic, physiological, and ecological differences among organisms that have been shaped by evolution. We examine how species differ across levels of biological organization to understand the basis for species sensitivity to contaminants.

Evolution of Aging & Cancer

We use evolutionary comparative approaches to understand the genetic and physiological basis of how different species deal with the challenges of aging and cancer. We focus on non-mammalian systems to offer new perspectives or mechanisms that have been neglected by medical biology.
Funding:
  • 2021-2024. NSF IOS-PSS-IEP #2028459. Determining the role of ER stress in the evolution of large bodies and long lifespans.
  • ​2018-2020. NSF EPSCoR #1833065. A Functional Genomics Approach to Explain the Evolution of Large Bodies and Long Lifespans.

Physiological Responses to Global Change

Many types of environmental stressors, from contaminants to climate change, can ultimately impact physiological stress in animals, how they devote resources to different tasks, and their ability to mount effective immune responses. We focus on developing genetic and protein biomarkers to identify and characterize signs of stress and immune impairment in populations before downstream effects to fitness occur.