Trainee Spotlight – Anthony Su
Based on this, it is no surprise that Anthony’s favorite publication he participated on while at PROTECT, titled “Placenta as a target of trichloroethylene toxicity,” also highlighted this range of scientific perspectives. “I like this publication because I appreciate the comprehensive nature of the paper and how accurately it portrays the reality of the complexity of science. As one example, it is quite obvious through the paper how complex trichloroethylene (TCE) metabolism is and how variable it can be depending on sex, tissue, species, lifestyle choices, and potentially more factors. I believe that many aspects of science are often complex, which is important and unignorable, and take the duty of simplifying complex findings to be more easily understood by the public seriously.“
During his time working with PROTECT, Anthony has become a more well-rounded scientist capable of communicating to a range of scientific audiences, especially those outside the discipline of toxicology. “I have always respected the other professions that are part of PROTECT and other centers that are part of the Superfund Research Program, but involvement within PROTECT has allowed me to convey my research to audiences that are specialized in another scientific field, which makes me use a different approach than if I was communicating to another toxicologist.”
Along with becoming a well-rounded scientist, communicator, and team member, Dr. Loch-Caruso’s mentorship has been invaluable in preparing Anthony for future career goals. “She has introduced me to several individuals who have had profound impact on the design, execution, and analyses of multiple topics in my dissertation. She also informs me of seminars and other opportunities that I would otherwise not know about. Furthermore, by consistently giving me her undivided attention during meetings, Dr. Loch-Caruso has helped me develop many cognitive skills crucial for my future.”
In the past year, Anthony attended and presented at the Society of Toxicology 58th Annual Meeting as well as the Superfund Research Program (SRP) Annual Meeting. At the SOT Annual Meeting, he presented a poster titled “Trichloroethylene stimulates metabolomic changes in the amniotic fluid of a timed-pregnant Wistar rat model of fetal growth restriction” while at the SRP Annual Meeting, he presented a poster titled “The trichloroethylene metabolite S-(1,2-dichlorovinyl)-L-cysteine stimulates metabolomic changes in human placental trophoblast BeWo cells undergoing syncytialization.” Participating in the SRP Annual Meetings and seeing other PROTECT Center researchers and trainees in person is Anthony’s favorite part of working with the PROTECT Center. “The sense of comradery and common goals among PROTECT Center researchers that is apparent at these meetings is just incredible. I would also say all my interactions with anyone affiliated with PROTECT Center have been among my favorite moments about working with the PROTECT Center.” If you are interested in learning more in depth about his research, check out the posters linked below.
Anthony will graduate in Spring 2020 and hopes to become a tenured-track and board-certified toxicology professor, aiming to substantially impact how we understand molecular mechanisms of toxicity. We are so proud of the dynamic accomplishments Anthony has achieved here at PROTECT and can’t wait to see what he does in the future.
Posters:
The trichloroethylene metabolite S-(1,2-dichlorovinyl)-L-cysteine stimulates metabolomic changes in human placental trophoblast BeWo cells undergoing syncytialization. 2019 SRP Annual Meeting
Trichloroethylene stimulates metabolomic changes in the amniotic fluid of a timed-pregnant Wistar rat model of fetal growth restriction. 2019 SOT Annual Meeting