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Faculty Research Programs range across the entire spectrum of toxicology, from molecular mechanisms to human populations, and address important environmental health concerns, including endocrine disrupters, carcinogens, immunotoxicants and neurotoxicants.
    Some faculty members are interested in the possible role of toxicants in disease states such as autism, asthma, Parkinsonism and Alzheimer’s disease. Others organize their research around specific chemicals like mercury, lead or TCDD (dioxin). Still others are involved with forensic toxicology.
Graduate students study for the Ph.D. degree in toxicology, receiving stipends ($25,000 for 2008–09) subsidized by an NIEHS training grant.
    The program is administered by the Department of Environmental Medicine but is designed to take advantage of the diverse resources available at this academic medical center.
    Faculty members are drawn from both basic science and clinical departments, and have particular competence in the specialty areas of molecular, pulmonary, and neurotoxicology, as well as immunotoxicology, osteotoxicology, carcinogenesis, and reproductive and developmental toxicology.
Forensic Pathology for the Toxicologist, a second elective on forensic toxicology, will be offered during the Fall semester, 2008. More
Science, the magazine of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), publishes a yearly Salary Survey, of interest to those now making career choices among the life sciences.
Post-doctoral fellows are also supported by our NIEHS training grant as well as on research grants.
    Consult Dr. Ned Ballatori about the current availability of these positions.

Revised June 30 2008 (vgl/gbi)

Ph.D. Program in Toxicology


Welcome! This graduate program in Toxicology builds upon our medical school’s strength in environmental health research. Areas of emphasis include neurotoxicology, immunotoxicology, osteotoxicology, carcinogenesis, and molecular, pulmonary, reproductive and developmental toxicology. It is administered by the Department of Environmental Medicine.

Our program is one of the most well-established, research-oriented, Toxicology Ph.D. programs in the nation. Since the first degree was awarded in 1970, our graduates have been making significant contributions to science through their positions in academia, government, pharmaceutical and chemical companies, and research institutes. Their graduate training has also proven broad enough to qualify them for a wide variety of careers, from teaching toxicology at the college level, to engaging in forensic toxicology and criminal investigation, to helping set national environmental health policy. Over 145 students have earned the doctorate and about 30-40 Ph.D. students are generally in residence.

Society of Toxicology—2008: Rochester Alumni Reception

Seattle, WA, March 18th

Betina Lew: Best Postdoctoral Poster, SOT Molecular Biology Specialty Section

Amber Rinderknecht: Postdoctoral Award, SOT Inhalation and Respiratory Specialty Section

[More photographs from the reception]
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Toxicology Annual Retreat, May 29, 2008


Several students received awards at the annual retreat dinner:
  • Jamie O’ Brien received the Neuman Award, “…for the student who best exemplifies the academic, scientific, and personal qualities that were characteristic of the life of Dr. William F. Neuman.” The award was presented by Dr. Marge Neuman.
  • The Robert Infurna Award was given to Zhihui (Gerald) Zhong for publishing “…the best research paper as first author in a peer-reviewed journal.”
    Zhong Z, Deane R, Ali Z, Parisi M, Shapovalov Y, O’Banion MK, Stojanovic K, Sagare A, Boillee S, Cleveland DW, Zlokovic BV. ALS-causing SOD1 mutants generate vascular changes prior to motor neuron degeneration. Nature Neuroscience. 2008 Apr;11(4):420-422.
  • The Harold Hodge Award was received by Peter F. Vitiello “…for the student who has done especially meritorious research in toxicology and who had the best toxicology graduate thesis.”
  • Two students, Betina Lew and Sarah Latchney, won Bristol-Myers Squibb Travel Awards, which were presented for the company by Dr. Timothy P. Reilly.

*[Photographs from the retreat]


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Some special strengths of our program

  • Interdisciplinary research and training, with faculty from 13 departments within the School of Medicine and Dentistry.
  • Faculty are internationally recognized, well-funded, committed to graduate education, and have a proven track record in mentoring students to the Ph.D. degree. Students may select from among many possible mentors.
  • Supported in part by an NIEHS Toxicology Training Grant (T32 ES07026), the largest basic science training grant at the University of Rochester, with continuous funding since 1966.
  • In addition to the $25,000 stipend, single health plan coverage and travel to scientific meetings is provided to all trainees.
  • All students admitted receive a full tuition scholarship.
  • Outstanding applicants may qualify for Toxicology Scholar awards of up to $5,000 to supplement the stipend.
  • There is a full-time program coordinator.
  • Housed within the Department of Environmental Medicine, which ranks 7th in National Institutes of Health funding among comparable departments.
  • Collaborative atmosphere among students, faculty, and other departments.
  • Science outreach and education are important components of our department. Graduate students may participate in these programs as part of their development as scientists and educators.
  • Competitive placement of graduates in academia, government, and industry.