Contact: Maridith Geuder
A new doctorate in environmental toxicology at Mississippi State University will provide advance training for professionals involved with the effects of toxicants and ways they may safely be used.
The College Board-approved academic program focuses on chemicals that improve agricultural and industrial processes, but also have the potential to harm humans and animals.
"Toxicology is a growing field nationally," said veterinary medicine professor Janice E. Chambers, director of the new multi-disciplinary program. A Giles Distinguished Professor, she also heads the university's Center for Environmental Health Sciences.
"With expanding government regulations and the increased use and awareness of chemicals, there is an increased need for toxicologists in private industry, federal and state governments, and academic institutions," she said.
"Each chemical is unique," Chambers explained. "While some help us provide quality foods and a relatively pest-free environment, we need to be able to predict how dangerous they can be to humans and animals."
As examples, she cited agricultural chemicals that may drift into the atmosphere or into water supplies. Industrial wastes may enter aquatic environments.
Chambers said the only way to ensure safe use "is to understand how the chemical acts on biological systems." The new program "will provide the background necessary to assess the risk to humans and wildlife and to accurately evaluate the effects of toxic chemicals."
Faculty members in the colleges of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Forestry, Veterinary Medicine, and Arts and Sciences will teach a range of courses from biochemistry and psychology to molecular biology and entomology. A variety of research projects are under way, including work with industrial toxicants and studies related to toxicants and aquatic species.
"As Mississippi continues to expand its economic development opportunities, graduates of this new program can contribute to the safe use of chemicals and help prevent and remediate hazards," Chambers said.