Environmental toxicology looks at how pollutants, pesticides, and some biological agents interact with the environment. PRISM students are looking at how mercury, a heavy metal that can cause severe neurological conditions in humans, is modified in the environment by physical and chemical factors that can result in this metal being present in common household products.

Environmental Toxicology

Shania Scipio

The Influence of Microplastics on Mercury Emissions and Mobility from Contaminated Soil Samples (Dr. Anthony Carpi)

I have always been fascinated by the natural world and the invisible forces that shape our environment. Being part of PRISM has given me valuable insights into the scientific process, including critical thinking, adaptability, and patience. I have learned that science involves refining methods, troubleshooting unexpected results, and seeking a deeper understanding. This experience has reinforced my ability to work independently and introduced me to amazing labmates and mentors who have shown me the importance of collaboration. This has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my academic journey and has given me the confidence to push forward in my scientific pursuits.

Our work aims to demonstrate how microplastics interact with mercury in contaminated soil and whether they influence the amount of mercury released into the air. This research could inform future pollution management by helping scientists and policymakers develop better strategies to reduce mercury emissions and mitigate the impact of microplastics on the environment.

Isabella Raneri

Exploring the Role of Soil pH on Mercury Emissions (Dr. Anthony Carpi)

Every branch of science intrigues me, but my curiosity about how environmental chemicals affect reproductive health led me to toxicology. After John Jay, I plan to pursue a PhD and a career researching the intersections between environmental and human health. My experience in Dr. Carpi’s lab has reinforced my passion for research and creativity in the scientific process, motivating me to achieve these goals. PRISM provides me with the tools needed to advance my academic and professional development, guiding my growth as a scientist.

Our research examines how soil pH affects mercury emissions, focusing on enzymatic volatilization by microbes. I will compare mercury flux between pH-altered sterilized and non-sterilized soil samples. Understanding mercury’s cycling mechanisms is vital due to its environmental and human toxicity.

Andrew Vargas

Are Soil Bacteria The Culprits of Soil Mercury Emissions? Identification of Mercury-Resistant Bacteria in Soils (Dr. Anthony Carpi)

I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to conduct research at John Jay through PRISM. Just as systems in our natural world are complex, researchers address questions and problems in ways that reflect this complexity—there is no single right way to conduct research. Through this experience, I have improved my time management and collaborative skills and have grown as an independent thinker. After my undergraduate career, I will continue advocating for environmental justice through the application of science in a doctoral program.

Our project aims to identify mercury-resistant microbes in soils and determine their contributions to mercury emissions. Understanding the biotic factors involved in mercury emission from soil will inform remediation techniques at highly exposed sites.

Forensic Toxicology

Forensic toxicology analyzes samples for the presence of toxins, illegal drugs, and controlled substances in cases related to the judicial and medical systems. At John Jay, our students develop more sensitive methods for drug detection in biological specimens.

Billy Brian Azurin Prada

Determination of Ethanol Exposure Biomarkers in Dried Blood Spots (Dr. Marta Concheiro-Guisan)

As a kid from the mountains of Peru, I dreamed of wearing a lab coat and conducting experiments. After poor academic performance, I enlisted in the Army to explore the world. My love for science persisted, leading me to leave the military after five years to pursue my dream. Returning from Somalia, my grades suffered, but John Jay’s PRISM program gave me a second chance. Learning to use a pipette, making calibration curves, and being part of a research team boosted my confidence. PRISM taught me the value of flexibility and adaptability. Just as I traded my army uniform for a PRISM lab coat, I am now moving forward to pursue graduate school.

My project focuses on phosphatidylethanol (PEth), a biomarker for alcohol consumption with a detection window of up to a month. PEth is measured in whole blood and dried blood spots for noninvasive collection and ease of storage. PEth can be measured from capillary blood collected through a simple finger or heel prick, making it more accessible and versatile, similar to how people with diabetes test their glucose levels.

Brooke Fontaine

Investigation of New Stress Biomarkers in High-Risk Populations (Dr. Marta Concheiro-Guisan)

Growing up, I was always curious about the world around me. From the first time I used a microscope, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in science. I first learned about forensic science through popular crime television shows. After taking a forensics class in high school and interning at my local forensics laboratory, my passion for this field only grew. Joining PRISM has boosted my confidence in research and problem-solving and provided me with a unique opportunity to learn and work with experts in their fields.

In addition to cortisol and cortisone, endocannabinoids (ECs) have been identified as promising stress biomarkers due to their role in the body’s stress response. Our research uses liquid chromatography paired with mass spectroscopy (a technique that separates the components of complex mixtures and identifies the identity of each component) to detect cortisol, cortisone, and ECs in hair as biomarkers for stress in high-risk populations.

Christopher McGrowder

Creatinine in Oral Fluid: A Normalization Factor and Adulteration Biomarker (Dr. Marta Concheiro-Guisan)

My interest in forensic science stems from a passion for analytical chemistry and solving real-world problems. Researching creatinine in oral fluid has expanded my expertise in LC-MS/MS techniques and normalization factors in toxicology. This experience has sharpened my skills in analyzing biological matrices and reinforced my goal of pursuing forensic toxicology research. PRISM has provided me with hands-on experience with different methodologies and a supportive mentor, strengthening my ambition to pursue a master’s degree in forensic science.

Our research examines creatinine as a normalization factor and adulteration biomarker in oral fluid drug testing. Using LC-MS/MS, I analyze creatinine levels across demographics to enhance forensic toxicology testing, improving accuracy in drug quantification and sample integrity assessment.

Alexis Palma

Development of an Analytical Method for the Determination of Stress Hormones in Hair (Dr. Marta Concheiro-Guisan)

My fascination with science started at a young age. From simple science fair projects in elementary school to undergraduate research at John Jay, my interest and curiosity have only grown. Being part of PRISM has allowed me to meet people from diverse backgrounds and develop my skills as a scientist.

Cortisol, cortisone, and endocannabinoids play a vital role in the body’s stress response. Using the sensitivity of LC-MS/MS, we conduct experiments to create and validate a method for trace analysis in hair.

Gisselle Rosas Javier

Development of an Analytical Method to Identify Opioids and Alkaloids in Bone Samples (Dr. Marta Concheiro-Guisan)

Growing up, I never thought about college, let alone specializing in toxicology. In high school, creating different-colored flames sparked my curiosity — “How does that work?” This ignited my interest in chemicals and substances that can have harmful effects on humans. My research at John Jay has given me the most valuable trait: self-confidence. Initially, I was nervous, but now, when I walk into the lab, my anxiety is gone. I will carry the skills I have learned with me on my journey to becoming a pharmacist.

Opioids and alkaloids, such as morphine, can be detected in blood, urine, hair, and saliva. However, if these biological matrices are unavailable, bone samples can be used as they retain drug residue. We are developing an analytical method to detect their levels in bone samples using LC-MS/MS.

Avani Seelall

Optimization of a Method for Analyzing Cocaine and its Metabolites in Hair (Dr. Marta Concheiro-Guisan)

I have always had a strong passion for science, and I am grateful for the opportunity to pursue it throughout college. I am currently a third-year student majoring in forensic science. This field intrigues me because it allows me to discover new information about how the world works, down to its molecules. As a career, I aspire to work in a toxicology lab, whether in a crime lab or a clinic. My overall goal is to utilize these laboratory techniques to help many people, especially those who cannot help themselves.

Cocaine and its metabolites can remain in hair follicles much longer than in other biological mediums, such as urine. The objective of this research is to develop and optimize a method to best extract cocaine and its metabolites from hair, enabling more accurate quantification.

Molecular Toxicology

Molecular toxicology studies the way that toxins work; how these toxins interact with biological molecules inside of cells and the effect of these toxins at molecular levels. PRISM students are researching how pesticides containing the heavy metal, manganese, affects brain cells, and how some psychoactive drugs are distributed throughout the body.

Aliesha Z. Hetnarine

Development of an Analytical Method to Determine and Quantify Cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in e-Cigarette Aerosols (Dr. Yi He)

The process of a criminal investigation was always interesting to me, but the science behind it was more intriguing and it led to my interest in forensic science. Early on, I knew research was something I wanted to do, and joining Dr. He’s lab allowed me to engage in research and discover that I aspire to attend graduate school in the field of forensic science. I am grateful to be part of PRISM, which has offered me the opportunity to work alongside extraordinary scientists.

With the lax regulation of e-cigarettes, we aim to develop an analytical method to determine the impact of CBD and THC in e-cigarette aerosols. If successful, this work will lead to a better understanding of their fundamental properties and toxicity.

Felicia Mok

Development of an e-Cigarette Liquid Components Mass Spectral Library Using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (Dr. Yi He)

While studying music before college, I was inspired by a former teacher revealing the science behind everything in music. From then on, I would look around wherever I was and think about the different ways an object or event could be scientifically explained. From my research experience, I have learned firsthand that science as a process takes time and that not every idea pans out. My experience as a PRISM student has allowed for a more realistic understanding of the scientific process.

Our research investigates the components in e-cigarettes and aims to build a mass spectral library of their ingredients using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Knowledge of comprehensive chemical profiles in e-cigarette liquids can assist in future research and help inform consumers about the compounds that they are exposed to.

Patricia St. Fleur

Mancozeb-Induced Cell Cycle Arrest and Its Implications in Neurodegenerative Diseases (Dr. Shu-Yuan Cheng)

At John Jay, my goal is to immerse myself in the intricate, ever-changing world of science. I was eager to apply to PRISM, a program that offered an enriching experience that would broaden my understanding of science and its complexities. As part of this program, it has been incredibly rewarding to conduct experiments and observe the results of my research, in addition to the supportive advisors and friends I’ve connected with during the program. PRISM has not only widened my understanding of scientific research but also helped foster relationships that will last beyond John Jay.

My project explores how Mancozeb regulates cellular signaling, focusing on cell cycle pathways using QIAGEN IPA protein array data. It highlights Mancozeb’s influence on cellular processes, emphasizing the importance of understanding its signaling pathways and potential health and environmental risks.

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