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Thank you for attending the SOT Annual Meeting March 11–15, 2012!

Mark your calendar SOT Annual Meeting March 10–14, 2013.

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2011 Endowment Awardees

Mary Amdur Student Award Fund

Ms. Christina Lamb, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a recipient of the Mary Amdur Student Award for her scientific work entitled, “Variability in Onset of ECG Changes Indicative of Ischemia After Exposure to Whole versus Filtered Diesel Exhaust in Hypertensive Rats.” Her study focused on the harmful effects of diesel exhaust on cardiovascular function in hypertensive rats. She found that rats with high blood pressure show signs of reduced blood supply to the heart after diesel exhaust exposure. Ms. Lamb wishes to understand why multi-component pollutants elicit different responses at different concentrations. She believes that understanding these interactions will allow us to create better policies and make better decisions for air pollution regulation.

Young Soo Choi Student Scholarship Award Fund

Ms. Hee Yeon Kim, University of Washington, Seattle, recipient of the Young Soo Choi Student Scholarship Award for her scientific paper entitled, “Differential Effect of Chloropyrifos on Epigenetic Markers in Proliferating and Differentiating Human Neural Stem Cell.” Ms. Kim is a graduate student at University of Washington whose work is focused on the health effects of CP on neurodevelopmental toxicity, in particular, the epigenetic changes in proliferating and differentiating hNSCs following CP exposure. She wants to be a well-trained expert in toxicology, especially in risk assessment and teratology, and apply the education not only in the states but also in contributing to her native country, Korea.

Laxman S. Desai Association of Scientists of Indian Origin Student Award Fund

Mr. Senthilkumar Perumal Kuppusamy, University of Iowa, a recipient of the Laxman S. Desai ASIO Student Award for his research entitled “Telomere Dysfunction and Telomerase Reactivation in Human Skin Keratinocytes: A Possible New Mechanism of PCB Carcinogenesis.” His study shows for the first time that PCBs initially reduce telomerase activity, telomere length, and cell growth, with possible mechanistic connections to increased CYP1A1 and oxidative stress, but can later lead to telomerase re-activation, telomere lengthening and increased cell growth, all key components in cancer initiation and progression. He hopes to continue his research in the field of toxicology and serve as a role model for the younger generation of toxicologists.

Ms. Aishwarya Sooresh, Texas A&M University, a recipient of the Laxman S. Desai ASIO Student Award for her research entitled “Synthesis, Characterization and Toxicity Studies of Discrete Size Nanoparticle-Pesticide Conjugate for Novel Pesticide Delivery.” Her research describes a novel material to be used as an active agent against disease carrying vectors, such as mosquitoes. Ms. Sooresh’s ultimate objective is to incorporate her strong fundamentals in engineering and passion for the basic sciences in creating novel materials to enhance targeted delivery. Such a model has the potential to effectively address many of the shortcomings of traditionally utilized active agents. In addition, a well characterized-targeted delivery may require smaller concentrations of toxic agents ultimately leading to decreased exposures of harmful chemicals to humans and animals.

John Doull Student Award Fund

Mr. Mathieu Valcke, University of Montréal, Canada, recipient of the John Doull Award for his abstract entitled, “Evaluation of the Impact of Demography on the Adequacy of the Human Kinetic Adjustment Factor (HKAF).” He simulated the theoretical U.S. population distribution of internal dose metrics following chronic oral and inhalation exposure to three different chemicals. Mr. Valcke then evaluated the magnitude of the resulting variability by measuring the ratio of the 99th percentile value over the median, which is called the HKAF. He evaluated what proportion of presumed sensitive subpopulations (ex. neonates, toddlers, pregnant women) were comprised within this HKAF, which is aimed at replacing traditional default uncertainty factor (3.2) for human variability in kinetics, in the risk assessment process. He hopes to contribute to improving the credibility of risk assessment process by increasing its content of science, at the expense of default procedures.

Education Fund: Undergraduate Educator Award

Dr. Joan B. Tarloff, Professor, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, is the recipient of the 2011 SOT Endowment Fund 50th Anniversary Undergraduate Educator Award.

Throughout her career, Dr. Tarloff has exemplified the philosophy that in order to build for the future of toxicology, one must first excite the students at the undergraduate level. As one of the few programs offering a B.S. level program in toxicology, the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia (USP) has provided many opportunities for Dr. Tarloff to influence undergraduates. She has been active in shaping this program, especially the core coursework in Biochemical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Research Techniques in Pharmacology and Toxicology and Biomethods in Pharmacology and Toxicology, and has served as Program Director from 1988 to 1996.

Dr. Tarloff traditionally has carried a heavy teaching load for several course classes at USP. She is the course coordinator and a lecturer for Pharmacology I and II, and is an integral lecturer in Physiology, with approximately 20 contact hours teaching in renal physiology. In addition, Dr. Tarloff is a course coordinator and lecturer for Principles of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology.

Dr. Tarloff is consistently accessible and works with the students to solidify concepts that are critical to their success as pharmacists and scientists. For those students in the Pharm/Tox program, Dr. Tarloff invests additional time mentoring them, preparing them for careers and encouraging them to pursue graduate degrees. Dr. Tarloff also has an active research program and has received NIH grant support. She inspires people, and this is evident in the quality of her former students that have completed graduate school.

Dr. Tarloff has also been active in the Society of Toxicology, serving in the Mechanisms Specialty Section, and the Communications Committee. In appreciation and recognition of her achievements, the Society is pleased to present Dr. Joan Tarloff with the 2011 SOT Endowment Fund 50th Anniversary Undergraduate Educator Award.

Founders Fund

Dr. Joseph F. Borzelleca, is presented the SOT 2011 Founders Award in recognition of his outstanding leadership in fostering the role of toxicological sciences in safety decision-making through the development and application of state- of-the-art approaches that elucidate, with a high degree of confidence, the distinctions for humans between safe and unsafe levels of exposures to chemical and physical agents.

One of the early leaders in the Society and an enthusiastic participant in all of its affairs, Dr. Borzelleca has served as a Councilor, Secretary, and President (1973–1974) of the Society.

As an effective and persuasive spokesman for our discipline, he has represented SOT and our discipline in various governmental agencies—including the Food and Drug Administration, Environmental Protection Agency, National Cancer Institute, Occupational Safety and Health Administration and National Institute for Mental Health—and has been a vigorous proponent for good science and toxicology in several prominent roles in the National Academy of Sciences, the World Health Organization and a variety of other national and international organizations.

He has served as the editor of Food and Chemical Toxicology since 1992 and is on the editorial board of nine other journals. His contributions to food safety are especially noteworthy. A review of his many publications in the peer-reviewed literature reveals many that deal with food additives or contaminants. His work did not stop with the publication of the results of well-designed and conducted studies. He regularly took the next step and championed the use of the science in safety evaluations. He personally contributed to evaluations of the health aspects of over 100 compounds used as food ingredients or having the potential to contaminant foods.

A passionate and dedicated teacher of graduate and medical students and an advocate for toxicology in all of his many scientific activities, Dr. Borzelleca is recognized both nationally and internationally as a distinguished expert in food toxicology. He is a mentor to his fellow toxicologists, an example to follow for his students and a joy for all who know and work with him.

For his extraordinary achievements and contributions to ensuring the safety of food, the Society recognizes Joseph F. Borzelleca as the 2011 Founders Award recipient. His career epitomizes the use of toxicological science to create a healthier world.

Perry J. Gehring Biological Modeling Student Award Fund

Dr. Anne E. Loccisano, The Hamner Institutes for Health Sciences
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, recipient of the Biological Modeling Specialty Section Perry J. Gehring Best Postdoctoral Abstract Award for her abstract entitled, “Development of Human Gestation and Lactation PBPK Models for Perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) and Perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS).” Her models predicted that plasma PFAA levels would be related to longer time-to-pregnancy and lower birthweight, purely on the basis of the physiological changes that occur during pregnancy and lactation. Dr. Loccisano would like to continue to play a role in advancing model development as a tool and supporting increased use of models by regulatory agencies for risk and safety assessments.

Perry J. Gehring Diversity Student Travel Award Fund

Ms. Eva A. Amouzougan, Boise State University, recipient of the Perry J. Gehring Diversity Student Travel Award.

Perry J. Gehring Risk Assessment Student Award Fund

Dr. Corie A. Ellison, State University of New York at Buffalo, a recipient of the Perry J. Gehring Risk Assessment Best Graduate Student Abstract Award for his abstract entitled, “Construction and Validation of a Human PBPK/PD Model for Dermal Chlorpyrifos Exposure Utilizing Human Biomarker Data.” Dr. Ellison’s work identified human biomarkers of exposure and effect in Egyptian agricultural workers following exposure to the organophosphorus pesticide chlorpyrifos. These biomarkers were then used for the development of a human physiologically based pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PBPK/PD) model for dermal exposure to chlorpyrifos. He hopes to show that scientific research should be relevant to society, and that a successful project is one that also has social significance.

Dr. Benjamin C. Moeller, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a recipient of the Perry J. Gehring Risk Assessment Best Postdoctoral Fellow Abstract Award, for his scientific work entitled, “Molecular Dosimetry of N2-hydroxymethyl-dG Adducts Following Formaldehyde Exposure to Non-Human Primates.” The information from his study can be used in better understanding the potential mode of action of formaldehyde induced carcinogenesis and in risk assessment to determine the potential human health risks associated with inhaled formaldehyde exposure. Dr. Moeller would like to continue to use advanced instrumentation and methodologies to investigate areas such as the potential human health risks of environmental chemicals and their potential role in carcinogenesis, and endocrine disrupting compounds and the risks associated with human exposures at environmentally relevant levels.

Health and Environmental Science Institute Immunotoxicology Young Investigator Student Award Fund

Dr. Naoko Kumagai, Kawasaki Medical School, recipient of the Health and Environmental Science Institute Immunotoxicology Young Investigator Student Award Fund for her abstract entitled, “Effect of Asbestos Exposure on Production of Cytokines, Apoptosis, and Cell Proliferation Related with Differentiation of Human CTL.” Dr. Kumagi wishes to contribute to novel findings regarding immunotoxociological effects of various kinds of materials on human immune-competent cells.

Global Activities Fund / IUTOX Travel Fellowship

(Global Activities Fund formerly known as the International Activities Fund)

Mr. Daam Settachan (Thailand), a researcher at the Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok, Thailand, the recipient of the SOT/IUTOX Endowment Travel Fellowship for his work entitled, “Health Effects of Carcinogenic Air Pollutants and Ecotoxicology.” Dr. Settachan’s research involved the assessment of exposure and effects in susceptible human populations from exposure to traffic-related genotoxic air pollutants, studies in animal models on the significance of modulating effects of pre-existing health conditions, e.g. nutritional deficiency on the resultant health effects from inhalation exposure and the identification of representative test species for us in bioassays for monitoring of water quality for the Gulf of Thailand. Dr. Settachan explained that as with many megacities around the world, traffic-related air pollution is a major concern. He explained that bioassays for monitoring water quality have been used in industrialized countries, but have not been widely used in developing countries, where water quality standards are based on chemical and physical parameters. He said it is important to develop and refine bioassays that can detect subtle changes that may be better indicators of the actual risks involved from the deterioration in quality of receiving waters. Dr. Settachan hopes to encourage more toxicologists to become involved in the work that he and other toxicologists are doing in Thailand. He explained that while it is important “that we continue to learn from the work of others through keeping abreast of all the latest developments in toxicology, I see my role as a practitioner and a trainer of toxicology.”

Omoniyi Kayode Yemitan (Nigeria)

Vera W. Hudson and Elizabeth K. Weisburger Scholarship Fund

Ms. Alexandria Lau, University of Arizona, recipient of the Vera W. Hudson and Elizabeth K. Weisburger Award for her scientific work entitled, “Arsenic Activates the Nrf2 Antioxidant Response Pathway via Autophagy.” Ms. Lau’s work focused on dissecting the mechanism of how arsenic specifically regulates the Nrf2 antioxidant pathway, thereby helping understand arsenic-induced toxicity and carcinogenicity. She hopes that her research leads to a greater understanding of arsenic exposure, and that presenting this new knowledge to the public will raise awareness of the threat of arsenic in water sources, enhance the safety-assessment of arsenic, and lead to rational approaches to resolve the issue.

Frank C. Lu Food Safety Student Award Fund

Ms. Nicole Mitchell, Texas A&M University, recipient of the Frank C. Lu Food Safety Student Award for her meritorious abstract entitled, “Aflatoxin Prevalence and Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Ghana: A Regional Analysis.” Ms. Mitchell’s study focused on analyzation of urinary AFM₁ biomarkers from 324 Ghanaians (representing the Ashanti, Greater Accra, and Central regions) for future correlations with cancer prevalence and dietary intake of AFs. She hopes to carry on research to advance the mechanistic understanding of mycotoxin toxicity and contribute to the remediation of exposures and negative health effects associated with their consumption while focusing on continuing science education both in the U.S. and abroad and improving research capacity in developing nations and universities.

Jean Lu Student Scholarship Award Fund

Ms. Alexandria Lau, University of Arizona, recipient of the Jean Lu Student Scholarship Award for her scientific work entitled, “Arsenic Activates the Nrf2 Antioxidant Response Pathway via Autophagy.” Ms. Lau’s work focused on dissecting the mechanism of how arsenic specifically regulates the Nrf2 antioxidant pathway, thereby helping understand arsenic-induced toxicity and carcinogenicity. She hopes that her research leads to a greater understanding of arsenic exposure, and that presenting this new knowledge to the public will raise awareness of the threat of arsenic in water sources, enhance the safety-assessment of arsenic, and lead to rational approaches to resolve the issue.

Roger O. McClellan Student Award Fund

Dr. Madhusudan Goravanahally, recipient of the Roger O. McClellan Student Award for his paper entitled, “Local and Systemic Toxicity of Implanted Accelerator-Free Polychloroprene-Type and Latex Surgical Glove Material.” His research work aims to assess the risk and safety from using surgical and examination gloves that are routinely used in medical industry, and he wishes to continue his research in occupational diseases that will greatly help to safeguard the health of people in workplace.

Harihara Mehendale Association of Scientists of Indian Origin Student Award Fund

Mr. Mallikarjuna Basavarajappa, University of Illinois at Urbana, recipient of the Harihara Mehendale Association of Scientists of Indian Origin Student Award for his work entitled, “Methoxychlor Alters Steroidogenic Enzymes in Cultured Mouse Antral Follicles.” His work focused on how Methoxychlor alters hormone levels, specifically by altering key hormone synthesizing enzymes in the ovary. Mr. Basavarajappa would like to continue to explore new chemicals which are toxic to humans and animals and are present in daily life.

Mr. Hariharan Saminathan, recipient of the Harihara Mehendale Association of Scientists of Indian Origin Student Award.

Metals Specialty Section Student Research Award Fund

Students:

	Mr. Gunnar Kwakye, first place recipient of the Metals Specialty Section Graduate Student Research Award.
	Mr. Shawn Michael Wnek, second place recipient of the Metals Specialty Section Graduate Student Research Award for his work entitled, “Interdependent Genotoxic Mechanisms of Monomethylarsonous Acid: Role of ROS-Induced DNA Damage and Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase-1 Inhibition in the Malignant Transformation of Urothelial Cells.” Mr. Wnek plans to graduate with a Ph.D degree in pharmacology and toxicology and enter an industrial environment focusing on regulatory toxicology and safety pharmacology.
	Ms. Clarisse S. Muenyi, third place recipient of the Metals Specialty Section Graduate Student Research Award. Her work focused on how sodium arsenite and hyperthermia modulate mechanisms of cisplatin resistance in a murine ovarian cancer xenograft model. She hopes to continue researching on anti-cancer drugs with focus on ways to improve drug efficacy while minimizing adverse toxicity effects in patients.

Postdoctorals:

	Dr. Yang Sun, first place recipient of the Metals Specialty Section Postdoctoral Research Award for her work entiteld, “Overabundance of Putative Cancer Stem Cells in Human Skin Keratinocyte Cells Malignantly Transformed by Arsenic.” Her study results showed that accumulation of CSCs occurs in a human skin keratinocyte line during arsenic-induced malignant transformation in vitro. Thus, arsenic-induced malignant phenotype is particularly pronounced in SCs during transformation of human skin cells and occurs concurrently with an overproduction of CSCs.
	Dr. Yuanyuan Xu, second place recipient of the Metals Specialty Section Postdoctoral Research Award for her work entitled, “Epithelia Malignantly Transformed by Arsenic or Cadmium Drives Nearby Normal Stem Cells Towards a Malignant Phenotype.” Her research showed that cancer cells have potential to drive the nearby normal stem cells into cancer-like stem cells. She hopes to prove more through her future research.
	Ms. Renee Gardner, third place recipient of the Metals Specialty Section Postdoctoral Research Award for her work entitled, “The Influence of Genetics, Nutrition, and Pregnancy on Arsenic Metabolism: A Longitudinal Cohort Study.” Ms. Gardner believes that toxicology in the 21st century will benefit greatly from the marriage of epidemiological and mechanistic in vitro studies, and wishes to continue research involving both epidemiological studies and complementary in vitro studies.

Molecular Biology Student Award Fund

Students:

	Ms. Katerine Schletz Saili, Oregon State University, first place recipient of the Molecular Biology Specialty Section Student Research Award for her work entitled, “Neurobehavioral and Transcriptional Consequences of Estrogen Related Receptor Gamma Activation by Low-Dose Bisphenol A Exposure during Neurogenesis.” Her research showed a role for ERRgamma in mediating the neurobehavioral effects of developmental BPA exposure. Ms. Saili is interested in the “fetal basis of adult disease” and hopes to conduct primary research in a government lab focused on investigating the molecular basis of toxicological outcomes following prenatal toxicant exposure.
	Ms. Laura MacPherson, University of Toronto, second place recipient of the Molecular Biology Specialty Section Student Research Award for her work entitled, “Role of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin-Inducible Poly (adp-ribose) Polymerase in Dioxin-Induced Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Signalling.” Her research characterized an unknown protein that appears to be very important in repressing the toxic gene induction by environmental chemical exposure. In the future she would like to develop new methods and assays to better assess human exposures to environmental chemicals.
	Mr. Shengzhong Su, Pennsylvania State University, third place recipient of the Molecular Biology Specialty Section Student Research Award for his work entitled, “Transcriptional Regulation of the Human Microsomal Epoxide Hydrolase Gene (Ephx1) Driven by a Far Upstream Alternative Promoter.” Mr. Su’s research focused on molecular mechanisms that regulate microsomal epoxide hydrolase gene transcription in different human tissues and provides the necessary basis for better comprehending the functional biology of EPHX1 in the metabolism of environmental chemicals and pollutants and as a risk modifier to chemically-induced human cancers. He wishes to continue to work on the regulatory mechanisms of the microsomal epoxide hydrolase gene as well as other metabolizing enzymes, and hopes his research will provide important insights on the molecular mechanisms of xenobiotic-initiated diseases.

Postdoctorals:

Dr. Alicia R. Timme-Laragy, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, first place recipient of the Molecular Biology Specialty Section Postdoctoral Fellowship Research Award for her abstract entitled, “Nrf2b, a Novel Paralog of Nrf2 in Zebrafish.” Her discovery of the nrf2b gene in zebrafish may offer some insight into the evolution and function of the human NRF2, and ultimately increase our understanding of how antioxidant defenses are regulated and how they respond to oxidative stress through NRF2. Dr. Timme-Laragy hopes to continue her scientific discovery and the further improvement of the zebrafish model for developmental toxicity testing and comparison to humans.

Dr. Cassandra E. Deering-Rice, University of Utah, second place recipient of the Molecular Biology Specialty Section Postdoctoral Fellowship Research Award for her abstract entitled, “Activation of Human TRPA1 by Diesel Exhaust Particles (DEP): Association with Lung Injury.” Dr. Deering-Rice investigated the relationship between cellular receptors (such as TRPA1) and acute lung toxicities elicited by the environmental air particulate pollutant, diesel exhaust PM (DEP), and identified the specific mechanisms by which chemical components of DEP activate these receptors. She wishes to continue performing vital research that will advance the field of air pollution toxicological studies, and also have the opportunity to work with and help mentor new graduate students piquing their interest in toxicology.

Pacific Northwest Toxicology Development Fund

Dr. James S. Woods, University of Washington, recipient of the Pacific Northwest Regional Chapter Toxicology Achievement Award. This achievement award was given in recognition of his career of 40+ years in research, teaching, and service in the toxicology profession, which includes serving as founding president of the Pacific Northwest Association of Toxicologists (PANWAT) in 1984. PANWAT became the Pacific Northwest Chapter of the SOT in 1985. As emeritus professor, he hopes that the creation of this award will stimulate current students and young scientists to pursue careers that seek to advance the profession of toxicology, hopefully making a difference in the betterment of humankind while finding enjoyment and satisfaction in the process at the same time.

Emil Alvin Pfitzer Drug Discovery Student Award Fund

	Dr. Jennifer Cohen, first place recipient of the Emil Alvin Pftizer Drug Discovery Postdoctoral Fellow Award for her work entitled, “Use of Human Stem Cell Derived Cardiomyocytes to Elucidate the Mechanism of Sunitinib Mediated Cardiotoxicity.” She hopes that the work she is doing as a postdoctoral fellow in cardiovascular toxicology will be useful in the validation of human stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes as a predictive tool in the drug development process.
	Dr. Li Zhan, is a second place recipient of the Emil Alvin Pftizer Drug Discovery Postdoctoral Fellow Award for his research entitled, “Recovery of Cytochrome c Oxidase Activity is Required for Dietary Copper Supplementation-Induced Regression of Cardiac Hypertrophy in Mice.” He wants his work to eventually elucidate the mechanisms behind the phenomena, in which Cu supplementation reverses cardiac hypertrophy.
	Dr. Andaleb Kholmukhamedov, is a third place recipient of the Emil Alvin Pftizer Drug Discovery Postdoctoral Fellow Award for his research entitled, “Minocycline and Doxycyline, but Not Tetracycline, Decrease Liver and Kidney Injury After Hemorrhagic Shock and Resuscitation in Mice.” He would like to take his research further to clinical part and study the survival with these drugs in patients after profound bleeding/resuscitation.
	Mr. Hariharan Saminathan, first place recipient of the Emil A. Pftizer Drug Discovery Student Award.
	Dr. Rachel Tanos, Pennsylvania State University, second place recipient of the Emil A. Pftizer Drug Discovery Student Award.
	Mr. Jeremy Larson, third place recipient of the Emil A. Pftizer Drug Discovery Student Award for his work entitled, “Gold Nanoparticle Effects on Ovarian Gene Expression.” He wishes to make a significant contribution to our understanding of the potential molecular mechanisms whereby nanoparticles act as novel endocrine-disruptors of the female hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis.

Gabriel L. Plaa Education Award Fund

Dr. Julia Yue Cui, University of Kansas Medical Center, is the recipient of the Mechanisms SS Gabriel L. Plaa Education Award for her work entitled, “miRNAs are Essential for Bile Acid Homeostasis during Liver Development.” Her goal is to become an independent researcher and educator in academia, to take the responsibility to train next-generation toxicologists, and to contribute in advancing research of toxicology in the 21st century. She envisions that her concentration will be in the area of genome and transcriptome-scale investigations in liver toxicology.

Renal Toxicology Fellowship Award Fund

Dr. Dana Hoffman, Harvard Institutes of Medicine, recipient of the Renal Toxicology Fellowship Award.

Mr. Chad Brocker, recipient of the Renal Toxicology Fellowship Award for his work entitled, “Novel Functions of ALDH7A1 against Hyperosmotic Stress.” Mr. Brocker’s currently a PhD candidate at the University of Colorado. He hopes to continue researching enzyme systems associated with the metabolism of endobiotic and xenobiotic compounds, specifically focusing on metabolomic approaches, to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying disease progression and drug toxicity.

Robert J. Rubin Student Travel Award Fund

Dr. Senthilkumar Perumal Kuppusamy, University of Iowa, a recipient of the Robert J. Rubin Student Travel Award for his research entitled, “Telomere Dysfunction and Telomerase Reactivation in Human Skin Keratinocytes: A Possible New Mechanism of PCB Carcinogenesis.” His study shows for the first time that PCBs initially reduce telomerase activity, telomere length, and cell growth, with possible mechanistic connections to increased CYP1A1 and oxidative stress, but can later lead to telomerase re-activation, telomere lengthening and increased cell growth, all key components in cancer initiation and progression. He hopes to continue his research in the field of toxicology and serve as a role model for the younger generation of toxicologists.

Dharm V. Singh Association of Scientists of Indian Origin Student Award Fund

Dr. Saurabh Chatterjee, recipient of the Dharm V. Singh Best Postdoctoral Abstract Award for his scientific paper entitled, “Synergism of Leptin Signaling and Post Translational Protein Oxidation in Bromodichloromethane Exposure is Key to the Development of Steatohepatitis of Obesity.” He wishes to lead a successful laboratory, continue to develop his focus on in-depth investigation of the role of environmental toxicants in potentiating innate immune mechanisms in obesity and other metabolic diseases and provide an environment conducive to learning and research for graduate students. During the independent phase of his career, he intends to develop novel research projects highly committed to human health and to mentor new young scientists in the fields of free radical immunology and mechanisms of environmental toxicity in obesity.

Dr. Indira Jutooru, recipient of the Dharm V. Singh Best Postdoctoral Abstract Award for her work entitled, “Role of Specificity Protein (Sp) Transcription Factors in Regulation of STAT3 in Pancreatic Cancer Cells.” Her primary goal is to study cancer development, various pathways involved in carcinogenesis and in development of chemotherapeutics with lowered toxicity that can help patients with various cancers.

Dharm V. Singh Carcinogenesis Award Fund

Ms. Jessica Graham, recipient of the Dharm V. Singh Carcinogenesis Award, for her scientific paper entitled, “The Fry Tumor Suppressor Encodes an Inhibitor of Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition.” Her research supported the hypothesis that the previously uninvestigated mammalian gene, Fry, can potentially inhibit/suppress tumor growth and invasiveness. Mammalian Fry appears to affect cell polarization, differentiation, and organization. She hopes to aid in bridging the gap between biologically based toxicological sciences and mathematical approaches to predictive toxicology.

Carl C. Smith Student Mechanisms Award Fund

	Mr. Chao Yan, University of Colorado Denver School of Pharmacy, first place recipient of the Carl C. Smith Student Mechanisms Award for his paper entitled, “Development of Novel Indolequinone Anti-Tumor Agents: Identification of Molecular Targets and Mechanism of Toxicity in Human Pancreatic Cancer.” He hopes to use the principles of toxicology to develop better and safer drugs for various diseases.
	Dr. Kai Wu, second place recipient of the Carl C. Smith Mechanisms Student Award. Dr. Wu works with the University of Kansas Medical Center, and hopes to continue her research on oxidative stress and transcription factors, to make contributions in the therapies of oxidative stress and inflammation related diseases, delay the aging process, and make improvements in human health in the long term.
	Ms. Rhiannon N. Hardwick, third place student recipient of the Carl C. Smith Mechanisms Student Award for her work entitled, “Molecular Mechanism of Altered Ezetimibe Disposition in Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis.” She hopes to expand our knowledge of how drug metabolism and transport is altered during progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in order to prevent adverse drug reactions and improve patient response to medications.

SOT —Dedicated to Creating a Safer and Healthier World by Advancing the Science of Toxicology.