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The Environmental Toxicology Graduate Program offers an integrated interdisciplinary course of study leading to the M.S. or Ph.D. degree. The program is designed to teach students the scientific principles of toxicology and it focuses primarily upon the biology, chemistry, and mechanisms by which xenobiotics and natural toxins interact with the biosphere, including humans. Studies on mechanisms of toxicity complement research directed towards understanding the movement of toxics through soil, water, and air and for the development of procedures to reduce pollution and clean up contaminated sites.
Microbial Project: Rancho La Brea Tar Pits
Jean-Paul Baquiran and Richard Belcher are taking samples of
natural asphalts from the Rancho La Brea Tar Pits, in Downtown
Los Angeles, California. Jean-Paul (left) is analyzing the
metagenome of the asphalts using next generation DNA
sequencing to help characterize the metabolic pathways of
petroleum hydrocarbons. Richard (right) is isolating bacteria
optimized for biosurfactant production, which can increase the
bioavailability of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons for
subsequent biodegradation.