Hello friends of Toxicology and Chemistry at the WWU College of the Environment!
There are so many neat things happening in toxicology at WWU! Since the last Give Day, we’ve studied impacts of stormwater, 6PPDQ, and antidepressants on aquatic organisms.
In May 2025, Ruth started an assessment of how gene expression is changed in juvenile Chinook salmon exposed to stormwater in Commencement Bay. This experience gave over 25 students in the toxicology emphasis, environmental studies, and environmental science degrees the opportunity to learn how to do this kind of field work. In addition to current students, several alumni from our program helped out as collaborators. One of our graduates (Katie Knaub, BS) has been working as a technician in IETC since November 2024 to help with this work.
Dr. Ian Moran, who also has his BS from the toxicology emphasis and is now our newest tenure-track faculty, wrapped up a project on how 6PPDQ (the tire wear chemical that causes Urban Runoff Mortality Syndrome) affects steelhead. Many students gained research experience with this work.
Most recently, Ruth, Ian and Katie have been working on a study to understand how antidepressants change the behavior of fish. Our hypothesis is that it will be similar to what happens to humans – but with a consequence of potentially being eaten by predators. And, guess who is helping us? Students!!!!
These transformative experiences open doors for students and complement our course offerings which prepare students to tackle emerging societal challenges related to pollution and natural resource management.
The toxicology and chemistry students have always had many opportunities like these to conduct research, go to conferences, and interact with guest lecturers. These are considered high-impact practices that give all students advantages in their professional lives. One of the biggest reasons these students can pursue these activities outside of class is because of alumni donations that make funding the work easier for us to do.
Money raised on Give Day will be used to support our students in doing independent research, presenting their work, and for students who can't do research but want opportunities to participate in professional development activities. We appreciate your support of the continued legacy of student excellence in the toxicology and chemistry emphasis at WWU. Thank you for all you do.
Thanks!
Ruth Sofield and Ian Moran
