NIEHS TRAINING GRANT
Ph.D. in Toxicology
- Overview
Ph.D. in Toxicology
-
General Toxicology Option
Ph.D. in Toxicology -
Environmental Toxicology
Concentration
Ph.D. in Toxicology -
Molecular and Cellular
Toxicology Concentration
Mailing
address:
Department of Environmental
and Molecular Toxicology
Box 7633, NC State University
Raleigh, NC 27695-7633
Shipping
address:
Suite 1104, 850 Main Campus Dr.
Raleigh, NC 27606
Phone
919.515.2274
Fax 919.515.7169
This NCSU NIEHS training grant has been active for 30 years and has supported 102 predoctorates and 15 postdoctorates. These trainees have gone on to successful careers in toxicology in academia, industry, government and the private sector. Many incoming Ph.D toxicology students are supported by this grant.
The objective of this training program entitled, Molecular Pathways to Pathogenesis in Toxicology, is to provide trainees with the skills and knowledge necessary to investigate and elucidate how environmental toxicants/cellular stressors contribute to toxicity and influence disease outcomes. The broad research theme is to understand how toxicants and cellular stressors perturb cellular signaling pathways and deregulate gene expression and how this contributes to toxicity and human disease outcomes. Specific environmental-associated human diseases/conditions such as asthma, lung fibrosis, reproductive/endocrine abnormalities, developmental abnormalities and cancer as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS)-related toxicity will be the focal molecular/cellular research areas. Examples of types of environmental agents that are being investigated include environmental carcinogens, pesticides, particulates, metals, endocrine disrupters and nanoparticles.
There are sixteen preceptors from 3 colleges and 5 departments that are participating in this interdisciplinary training program. Importantly, this training grant is administered through the Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology which provides a structured cohesive environment for trainees. Predoctoral trainees acquire a solid background by completing coursework in toxicology, molecular biology, pharmacology, statistics, and pathology. Pre/postdoctoral trainees receive training in ethics, grant writing and oral communication skills. Pre/postdoctoral trainees participate in a weekly seminar program both as members of the audience and as presenters.
Each semester a former trainee is invited back to the department to present a seminar and to share their career experiences with current trainees. A plan is in place with the College of Veterinary Medicine that will enhance the recruitment of veterinarians (DVMs) interested in human health to postdoctoral positions on this training grant.