News

ETOX Professor Qi Zhang has been appointed as the Donald G. Crosby Endowed Chair in Environmental Chemistry. 

Professor Zhang's research focuses on understanding air quality, environmental pollution, and the impacts of atmospheric aerosols on climate and human health.

Restoring the Klamath River: A New Era for Salmon and Indigenous Peoples

The Klamath River's journey from being blocked by dams to once again supporting thriving salmon populations is about more than just fish—it's a restoration of Indigenous peoples' ties to their land and traditions. This revitalization symbolizes resilience as communities unite to heal the ecosystem.

A Sacred Journey

Each year the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at UC Davis recognized a select number of alumni for their invaluable contributions and accomplishments. This year, ETX alumni Elizabeth Marder (11’) received this recognition for contributions to the department and students.

Dozens of Alaska’s most remote streams and rivers are turning from a crystal clear blue into a cloudy orange, and the staining could be the result of minerals exposed by thawing permafrost, new research in the Nature journal Communications: Earth and Environment finds. 

At the 2024 Undergraduate Research Conference, eight undergraduate students shared their findings from hand-on learning in ETX research laboratories. Seniors Sara Chin and Aman Singla from the La Merrill lab presented research on how phthalates may change the proliferation of human breast cancer cells and the development of a model of pyschosocial stress in human breast cancer cells, respectively.

Our course, 'Introduction to Forensic Science (ETX 20)', recently had the privilege of hosting professionals in the fields of medical examination, forensic pathology, and forensic anthropology. This session offered students a comprehensive overview of forensic pathology. Post-discussion, students engaged in meaningful networking with these experts in the Mondavi Center lobby, gaining insights into career opportunities in Environmental Toxicology and related areas.

ETOX is establishing a new Undergraduate Research Scholarship to provide enriching research opportunities for outstanding undergraduate students. Consider making a philanthropic contribution to support ETOX undergraduate students, please visit UCD GIVE (ETOX) or contact Department Chair Dr. Andrew Whitehead awhitehead@ucdavis.edu.

We are also excited to announce the appointment of Dr. Patricia Oteiza as Vice-Chair for merits/promotions and Dr. Michele La Merrill as Vice Chair for teaching/curriculum. Both distinguished members are already integral to our department at UC Davis. Dr. Oteiza with a well-established track record, has significantly advanced our understanding of the interplay between nutrition and toxicology. Her impactful research, particularly in elucidating the role of metals in neurodevelopment, has garnered widespread recognition.

Each year, students from across campus share their work with peers and the broader community at the UCD Undergraduate Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activities Conference. This year, five students affiliated with the ETX program presented their undergraduate research! Lucija Plazibat and Mahmood Hashimi, working with adjunct faculty and Cal EPA scientist Elizabeth Marder, presented their work on risk assessments on organic chemicals (safrole and PFAS) in lotion and food packaging.

After many fruitful years of service Professor Bob Rice is passing on leadership as Department Chair to Professor Andrew Whitehead. Dr. Rice guided the Department through many years of change at UC Davis. For example, he oversaw the hiring of 6 new faculty, updated the curriculum, and navigated our unit through the pandemic. Professor Whitehead is keen to learn from Dr. Rice, and to work with ETX faculty, staff, students, and UCD administrators to maintain and extend the legacy of our unit as the nation’s premier program in Environmental Toxicology – for both research and teaching.