Award Recipients
2024 A-E SOT Student Travel Award
Yaw Twum, West Virginia University
Previous Award Recipients
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A-E SOT Regional Chapter Student Travel Award
Yuchen Sun, Graduate Student, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health
Advisor: Wan-yee Tang, PhD
Maeve Morris, Undergraduate Student, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University School of Medicine
Advisor: Jonathan T. Busada, PhD
A-E SOT Merit Based Professional Development Award
Nairrita Majumder, Graduate Student, West Virginia University
Advisor: Prof. Salik Hussain
Julie Griffith, Graduate Student, West Virginia University
Advisor: Prof. Timothy Nurkiewicz
2020–2021 Maryanne Stock Student Research Award
Zachary Clemens, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh
Project Title: Chronic arsenic exposure causes epigenetic deregulation of autocrine and paracrine NF-κB signaling in skeletal muscle
Mentor: Prof. Aaron Barchowsky, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh
A-E SOT 34th Virtual Annual Meeting Awards
Session 1 (October 13)
Undergraduate Student Award
Kallie Schafner, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, WVU School of Medicine
RJ Lee Group Inc Postdoctoral Researcher Award
Gregory Boyce, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Session 2 (October 16)
PPG Industries Inc Graduate Student Award
Eiman A. Aboaziza, Clinical and Translational Science, WVU School of Medicine
Session 3 (October 19)
PPG Industries Inc Graduate Student Award
Krista Garner, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, WVU School of Medicine
RJ Lee Group Inc Young Investigator Award
Nicole Olgun, Pathology and Physiology Research, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
2020 Travel Awards
A-E SOT Graduate Student Travel Award
Mariana Farcas, West Virginia University; NIOSH
A-E SOT Postdoctoral Travel Award
Avinash Kumar, University of Pittsburgh
RC4 Undergraduate Travel Award
Moira McCormick, Johns Hopkins University/University of Pittsburgh
2019–2020 Maryanne Stock Student Research Award
Molly Schreiner, Slippery Rock University
Project Title: Tissue progenitor cell dysfunction in arsenic-promoted muscle decline and metabolic impairment
Mentor: Prof. Aaron Barchowsky, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh
A-E SOT 33rd Spring Annual Meeting Awards
Graduate Student Travel Awards
Meghan Bucher, University of Pittsburgh
Kelly Smith Fraser, West Virginia University/NIOSH
Postdoctoral Fellow Travel Award
Dr. Bharat Bhushan, University of Pittsburgh
Best High School Student
Samuel Zlotnikov, Taylor Allderdice High School
Best Undergraduate Poster
Stephanie A. Thorton, Cardno ChemRisk / University of Pittsburgh
Mentor: Cardno ChemRisk
Best Graduate Student Poster Presentation
Kelly Frazer, West Virginia University/NIOSH
Mentor: Dr. Aaron Erdely
Best Graduate Student Oral Presentation
Brandy M. Byrwa-Hil, University of Pittsburgh
Mentor: Dr. James P. Fabisiak
Best Postdoctoral Fellow Oral Presentation
Dr. Gregory Boyce, CDC/NIOSH
Best Postdoctoral Fellow Poster Presentation
Dr. Tabatha Barber, CDC/NIOSH
Best Young Investigator Poster
Dr. Alicia Richards, Cardno ChemRisk
2018–2019 Maryanne Stock Student Research Award
Alaeddin Bashir Abukabda, West Virginia University.
Project: “Maternal Pulmonary Exposure to Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Alters Placental Hemodynamics.
Mentor: Timothy R. Nurkiewicz, Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, West Virginia University.
A-E SOT Spring Meeting Awards
Best Undergraduate Poster
Caroline Leadmon, West Virginia University
Mentor of an Undergraduate
Dr. Dan Panaccione, West Virginia University
Best High School Student Poster
Samuel Z, Winchester Thurston School
Best Graduate Student Platform
Meghan Bucher, University of Pittsburgh
Best Graduate Student Poster
Timur Khaliullin, West Virginia University; NIOSH
Best Postdoctoral Fellow Platform
Dr. Briana De Miranda, University of Pittsburgh
Best Postdoctoral Fellow Poster
Dr. Bridget Hindman, NIOSH
Best Young Investigator Presentation
Mohammed Shoeb, NIOSH
Distinguished Service as President of A-E SOT
Dr. Todd Stueckle
A-E SOT Graduate Student Travel Awards
Meghan Bucher, University of Pittsburgh
Kelly Smith Fraser, West Virginia University; NIOSH
A-E SOT Postdoctoral Travel Award
Dr. Bharat Bhushan, University of Pittsburgh
Maryanne Stock Student Research Award
Teresa Anguiano
Graduate Student Travel Award
No applicants
Postdoctoral Fellow Travel Award
No applicants
Best Undergraduate Poster
Brittany Benjamin, Edinboro University
Mentor: Dr. William Mackay
Best Graduate Student Poster Presentation
Kyle Mandler
Best Graduate Student Oral Presentation
Alixandra Wagner
Best Postdoctoral Fellow Poster Presentation
Dr. Matthew Neal
Best Young Investigator Poster
Dr. Jie Dong
Best Postdoctoral Fellow Oral Presentation
Dr. Carol Starkey
Best Young Investigator Platform
Dr. Tina Sager
Best Methodology
Andrew White
Best Overall Presentation
Breanne Farris
Maryanne Stock Student Research Award
Katie Roach
Graduate Student Travel Award
Alice Han
Postdoctoral Fellow Travel Award
No applicants
Best Graduate Student Poster Presentation
Lauren Falcone
Best Graduate Student Oral Presentation
Katie Roach
Best Postdoctoral Fellow Poster Presentation
Dr. Vamsi Kodali
Best Postdoctoral Fellow Oral Presentation
Dr. Cody Nichols
Best Methodology
Lindsey Bishop
Best Overall Presentation
Dr. Todd Stueckle
Maryanne Stock Student Research Award
Samantha Adkins
Graduate Student Travel Award
Amin Cheikhi and Carrie Long
Postdoctoral Fellow Travel Award
Dr. Melissa Badding
Best Graduate Student Poster Presentation
Lindsey Bishop
Best Graduate Student Oral Presentation
Sharlee Mahoney
Best Postdoctoral Fellow Poster Presentation
Dr. Colleen McLoughlin
Best Postdoctoral Fellow Oral Presentation
Dr. Donna Davidson
Best Methodology
Carrie Long
Best Overall Presentation
Dr. Stephanie Rellick
Maryanne Stock Student Research Award
Kylie Horvarth
Graduate Student Travel Award
Cody Nichols
Postdoctoral Fellow Travel Award
Dr. Carol Starkey
Best Graduate Student Poster Presentation
Cody Nichols
Best Graduate Student Oral Presentation
Breanne Yingling-Farris
Best Postdoctoral Fellow Poster Presentation
Dr. Tina Sager
Best Postdoctoral Fellow Oral Presentation
Dr. Kevin Beezhold
Best Methodology
Hannah Pope-Varsalona
Best Overall Presentation
Dr. Elizabeth Engler-Chiurazzi
Maryanne Stock Student Research Award
Diana Yesica Garcifigueroa
Graduate Student Travel Award
Breanne Yingling
Postdoctoral Fellow Travel Award
Dr. Phoebe Stapleton
Best Graduate Student Poster Presentation
Shilpi Oberoi
Best Graduate Student Oral Presentation
Katelyn Siegrist
Best Postdoctoral Fellow Poster Presentation
Dr. Nicki Marshall
Best Postdoctoral Fellow Oral Presentation
Dr. Todd Stueckle
Best Methodology
Courtney Roper
Best Overall Poster
Andrea Cronican
Student Travel Award
Hannah Pope-Varsalona, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA
Abstract: Investigating Roles for DNA Polymerase η in Protecting against Cr(VI)-Induced Mutations and Telomere Aberrations.
Mentor: Patricia L. Opresko, PhD
Maryanne Stock Student Research Award
Alison E. Simmons and Ida Karimi, Indiana Area School District and Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, PA
Project: Effects of Nitrite on Development of Embryos and Early Larval Stages of the Zebrafish (Danio rerio).
Mentor: Thomas Simmons, PhD
Student Travel Award
Fu-Jun (Frank) Liu, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA
Abstract: Mechanisms of the Werner Syndrome Protein in Protecting against Cr(VI)-Induced Telomere Loss.
Mentor: Patricia L. Opresko, PhD
Maryanne Stock Student Research Award
Arpit Mehta, School of Pharmacy, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Erie, PA
Project: Mechanism of Autoprotection by Acetaminophen.
Mentor: Sachin S. Devi, PhD
Student Travel Award
Katrina Porter, West Virginia University, School of Medicine Center for Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Morgantown, WV
Abstract: Diesel Exhaust Particle Exposure Augments Arteriolar Mechanotransduction.
Mentor: Tim K. Nurkiewicz, PhD
Fall Meeting Posters
Best Methodology Poster
Nicole T. Myers, J.M. Johnson, N.A. Lalanne, S.G. Grant, and J.J. Latimer.
University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA
Poster: Epigenetic Downregulation of DNA Nucleotide Excision Repair in Early Stage Breast Cancer.
Best Overall Poster
R. Brigg Turner, B. Vroman, and S.S. Devi.
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Erie, PA
Poster: Autoprotection Model in Female Mice Using Acetaminophen As a Model Hepatotoxicant.
Maryanne Stock Student Research Award
Kevin Beezhold, West Virginia University, Cancer Cell Biology Program, Morgantown, WV
Project: Arsenic Regulation of microRNAs in Human Carcinogenesis.
Mentors: Fei Chen, PhD and Vincent Castranova, PhD
Student Travel Awards
Eva M. Goellner, Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
Spring Meeting Posters
Best Methodology
James P. Fabisiak, Cory Mathias, Kelly Brant, and Randy Stalter
Poster: Use of a Fibroblast/Endothelial Cell Co-Culture In Vitro Assay to Assess the Effects of Chemical and Microbial Toxins on Angiogenic Capillary-Like Tubule Formation.
Best Overall
A. Erdely, T. Hulderman, R. Salmen, A. Liston, P. Zeidler-Erdely, and P.P. Simeonova
Poster: Crosstalk between the Lung and Blood Following Carbon Nanotube Exposure—Potential Biomarkers and Implication for Cardiovascular Disease.
Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Sciences—Region 7
A-E SOT participated in the PJAS Region 7 Meeting. $100 Awards were given to two Awardees.
Olivia Roberson, 7th grader
Chris Sparacino, 12th grader
A-E SOT Representative: Aaron Barchowsky
Maryanne Stock Graduate Student Research Award
Itai Antonia Nemec, PhD student, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh
Mentor: Dr. Aaron Barchowsky
Spring Meeting Poster Awards
Best Methodology
Robin E. Gandley, Kathleen G. Raman, Jennifer D. Rohland, Mazen S. Zenati, and Edith Tzeng
Poster: Impact of High Fat Diet and Injury on Carotid Artery Reactivity
Best Overall
Udayan Apte, Gang Zeng, Benjamin Cieply, Klaus Kaestner, and Satdarshan P. S. Monga
Poster: b-Catenin Is Essential for Liver Regeneration Following Acetaminophen-Induced Acute Liver Failure
Student Travel Award
Kelly Brant, PhD, Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh
Mentor: Dr. James Fabisiak
Kelly presented her poster at the 2007 National Society of Toxicology meeting in Charlotte.
Maryanne Stock Graduate Student Research Award
Harina Vin, Outstanding High School Student, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh
Mentor: Dr. Aaron Barchowsky
Graduate Student Travel Award
Antonia Nemec, Graduate Student, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh
Toni presented her poster at the 2006 National SOT Meeting in San Diego.
Spring Meeting Poster Awards
Best Methodology
MJ Keane, JC Harrison, E Kisin, and WE Wallace. HELD, NIOSH, Morgantown, WV
Poster: A Study of In Vitro Dispersion and Potential Micronucleus Induction by Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes in V 79 Cells.
Abstract: Single-wall carbon nanotubes (CNTs) manufactured using a high-pressure carbon monoxide process were used to challenge Chinese hamster lung fibroblast V 79 cells in vitro. The sample carbon nanotubes had been purified after manufacture to remove soluble metals, and were suspended in either culture medium (Dulbecco’s minimal essential medium, DMEM), or a simulated pulmonary surfactant (SPS) of 1 mM dioleylphosphatidyl choline in DMEM. Results indicate there was no significant dose-response relationship of micronucleus induction in V 79 cells from carbon nanotubes suspended either in DMEM or simulated pulmonary surfactant at concentrations ranging up to 480 ug/ml. Microscopic examination of carbon nanotubes in liquid suspension indicated much better dispersion in simulated pulmonary surfactant than in MEM, with aggregates of the SPS-suspended CNT generally less than cellular size, while MEM-suspended CNT aggregates were often larger than cells. It was found in initial studies of SPS suspension of CNTs that sonication of phospholipids in air could cause a positive micronucleus response from the SPS itself; subsequent experiments used a N2 purge and brief sonication under N2, which eliminated the micronucleus induction by altered SPS components.
Best Overall
Adam C. Straub, Donna Beer Stolz, Linda R. Klei, Nicole V. Soucy, and Aaron Barchowsky
Poster: Chronic Arsenic Exposure Induces Angiogenic Gene Expression and Changes Vascular Architecture in Mouse Liver.
Abstract: Arsenic is a well-known environmental toxicant that causes a wide range of organ specific diseases and cancers. Epidemiological evidence shows that drinking arsenic contaminated water enhances vascular remodeling in humans and contributes to the pathogenesis of liver diseases through poorly defined mechanisms. Since a significant amount of liver disease results from vascular changes and chronic environmental exposures to arsenic enhance angiogenesis and vascular remodeling, we examined the hypothesis that arsenic induces a program of angiogenic protein expression that changes blood vessel density and architecture in the liver. Mice were exposed to 0, 50 ppb, or 250 ppb of sodium arsenite (AsIII) in their drinking water for five weeks. These exposures did not affect the overall health of the animals, the general structure of the liver, or hepatocytes morphology. However, there were increases in CD45 and CD68 positive inflammatory cells, vascularization of the peribiliary vascular plexus (PBVP), and constriction of hepatic arterioles. Immunohistochemical analysis of 10-micron sections from excised livers demonstrated increased staining for PECAM/CD31, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors, and angiopoietin-1 protein in sinusoidal vessels suggesting functional pathologic vascular remodeling. Quantitative real time-PCR of total liver RNA demonstrated that As(III) increased mRNA levels of pro-angiogenic and vessel remodeling genes relative to changes in the housekeeping gene HPRT. In conclusion, As(III) exposure induced a program of inflammatory angiogenesis and vessel remodeling that may explain As(III)-stimulated pathogenesis in liver diseases, such as portal fibrosis, portal hypertension, and possibly tumor progression.
Maryanne Stock Graduate Student Research Award
Itai Chipinda, Graduate Student, Department of Chemistry, Portland State University
Mr. Chipinda is conducting his doctoral thesis in the Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch at NIOSH, Morgantown, WV
Spring Meeting Poster Awards
Best Methodology
E. Kisin1, A.R. Murray3, V.J. Johnson2, O. Gorelik4,5, S. Arepalli4,5, V.Z. Gandelsman4,5, A. Hubbs1, V.E. Kagan6, V. Castranova1,3,6 and A.A. Shvedova1,3
Affiliations: 1Pathology and Physiology Research Branch and 2Toxicology and Molecular Biology Branch, HELD, NIOSH, Morgantown, WV; 3Physiology and Pharmacology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV; 4Lockheed Martin Corporation, Engineering Directorate, Materials and Processes Branch, and 5Nanotube Team, GBTech, Inc., NASA-JSC, Houston, TX; and 6Environmental and Occupational Health Department, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA Poster: Oxidative Stress and Pulmonary Toxicity of Carbon Nanotubes.
Abstract: Single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) are new members of carbon allotropes similar to fullerenes and graphite. Because of their unique electrical, mechanical and thermal properties, carbon nanotubes are being evaluated for novel applications in electronics, aerospace and computer industries. Our previous work has established that exposure of human broncho-epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) to SWCNT induced oxidative stress as evidenced by the formation of free radicals, accumulation of lipid peroxidation products, and depletion of antioxidants. This was accompanied by ultra-structural and morphological changes, enhanced cytotoxicity, and apoptosis. In the current study, we investigated pulmonary toxicity of SWCNT after pharyngeal aspiration to C57BL/6 mice.
We found that SWCNT caused dose-dependent formation of granulomatous broncho-interstitial pneumonia, fibrosis, and decreased pulmonary function. Administration of carbon nanotubes to C57BL/6 mice also resulted in a dose-dependent accumulation of biomarkers of inflammation and depletion of lung antioxidants. Overall, our data suggest that exposure to CNT leads to enhanced pulmonary toxicity via interactions of inflammatory response and oxidative stress culminating in the development of multifocal granulomatous pneumonia and fibrosis.
Best Overall
Pallavi B Limaye, William C Bowen, and George K Michalopoulos. Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
Poster: Characterization of Bile Duct Toxicity and Compensatory Regeneration Following Methylene Dianiline Administration.
Abstract: Previously, we demonstrated that bile duct destruction induced by methylene dianiline (DAPM) followed by bile duct ligation results in transdifferentiation of hepatocytes into biliary epithelial cells in order to repair the bile ducts. The objective of the present study is to
investigate if the hepatocytes transdifferntiate during normal compensatory regeneration after bile duct toxicity. Male F344 rats were treated with DAPM (50 or 75 mg/kg, in DMSO, ip) and bile duct damage and repair were examined over a time course of 0 to 15 days. Serum bilirubin and GGT levels gradually increased from 12 h in a dose dependent manner, remained elevated until day 3, and returned to normal levels by day 7. Histological damage to the bile ducts was apparent from 12 h along with inflammation and portal triad edema. Bile infarcts in the periportal hepatocytes were apparent after both the doses with corresponding elevations in serum ALT levels. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunohistochemical staining in the biliary epithelial cells was apparent from 48 h after low dose while from day 3 after high dose and was sustained until day 7 after both the doses of DAPM. Hepatocyte division was also observed after DAPM toxicity. TUNEL assay indicated that apoptosis is not the predominant mode of cell death in either cell type after DAPM toxicity. Immunohistochemical staining for AE1/AE3, a marker for biliary epithelium showed intense cytoplasmic staining in the bile duct cells in the normal liver. However, the staining gradually increased in the periportal hepatocytes as the time progressed during regeneration after DAPM challenge. This finding may be part of the recently documented process whereby hepatocytes transdifferntiate into biliary epithelium. Abstract Books for Spring Meeting
Student Research Travel Award
Kimberley O’Hara, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh
Poster: Chromium (VI) inhibits heme oxygenase-1 induction in both cell and in vivo models.
Kimberley presented her poster at the 2005 National Meeting in New Orleans.
Student Travel Award
Alexander Rowe, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University Health Sciences Center
Research Title: Developmental Immunotoxic Effects of Prenatal Atrazine Exposure.
Mr. Rowe is currently a 3rd year graduate student at West Virginia University. Congratulations to Mr. Rowe and thanks to all our applicants!
Maryanne Stock Graduate Student Research Award
Kevin James Paavola, Graduate School of Public Health, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh
Research Title: Clara Cell Function: A Proteomics Study.
Abstract: Exposure of the lung to large volumes of air during breathing renders the respiratory tract uniquely susceptible to gaseous, particulate and microbial contaminants. Yet, the lung also stands as a first line of defense against many environmental insults: Interdependent mechanisms exist to minimize lung injury resulting from toxicant exposure, inactivate toxicological or biological properties of inspired agents, and clear deposited material from the lung. The mechanisms by which the lung protects itself and the rest of the organism from permanent damage are not completely understood. It isclear that the epithelium of the conduction airways significantly contributes to this defense, as functional defects within the conducting airways of patients with asthma, chronic bronchitis/COPD and cystic fibrosis are associated with increased susceptibility to environmental pollutants and microorganisms. Therefore, studies of the airway epithelium will contribute significantly to our understanding of lung toxicology. Our particular interest lies in the function of the Clara cell, and abundant nonciliated cell that is the source of Clara Cell Secretory Protein (CCSP), a major component of airway secretions.
Mr. Paavola is currently an undergraduate student at Carnegie Mellon University pursuing his BS in Chemical Engineering and Biomedical and Health Engineering.
Spring Meeting Poster Awards
Best Methodology
Adam Fedorowicz1, Hamed Afshari1, Lingyi Zhengi2, Harshinder Singh1,2, and Eugene Demchuk1,3
Poster: Development of New QSAR Approaches in Occupational Contact Dermatitis
Affiliations: 1National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV; 2Department of Statistics, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV; and 3School of Pharmacy, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV
Best Overall Poster
Robin Gandley
Poster: Isolated Arterial Function is Impaired by Plasma from Patients with Preeclampsia and Hyperuricemia.
Graduate Student Travel Award
Stacey L. Brower, WVU
Poster: MCF-7 Cell Mitogens Differentially Affect MAPK Activation and Estrogen Receptor-alpha Phosphorylation.
Maryanne Stock Graduate Student Research Award
Patti Zeidler, WVU/NIOSH
Project Title: Comparison of the Acute Pulmonary Response of Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase Knockout Mice Versus Wild Type to Intracheally Instilled Lipopolysaccharide and Interferon-gamma.
Spring Meeting Poster Awards
The Spring Meeting awards for the Best Methodology and Best Overall poster were selected by chairperson, Robin Gandley and a committee consisting of Mark Reasor and Robin Ruppel-Kerr.
Best Methodology
Stephen S. Leonard1,2, Kristina Mowrey1, Donna Pack1, Xianglin Shi1, Vince Castranova1, Periannan Kuppusamy3, and Val Vallyathan1
Poster: In vivo bioassays of acute asbestosis and its correlation with ESR spectroscopy and imaging in redox status.
Affiliations: 1Pathology and Physiology Research Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV; 2Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV; and 3Department of Medicine, John Hopkins Medical Institution, Baltimore, MD
Best Overall Poster
Yong Qian1, Zhuo Zhang1, Daniel C Flynn2, and Xianglin Shi1
Poster: Arsenite modulates the actin filaments, increases the cell motility, and activates CDC42 and Rac through the reactive oxygen species.
Affiliations: 1Pathology and Physiology Research Branch, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV; and 2Department of Microbiology and Immunology & The Cancer Center, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV