The Rochester Toxicology Program provides state-of-the-art graduate and postdoctoral training in the environmental health sciences and toxicology. Our mission is to educate and train the next generation of talented, independent toxicologists and environmental health scientists who are able to conduct innovative research and transform their research findings into information, resources, and tools that will be used by public health and medical professionals, as well as the public, to improve overall human health and well-being. The toxicology curriculum consists of several components: Core courses, electives, seminars, and research. We believe that research is the most important part of this program, with the Ph.D. degree being awarded for a dissertation that demonstrates intellectual competence. Because toxicology is highly interdisciplinary, our curriculum reflects the belief that a thorough grounding in basic sciences is indispensable. Student taking more than four years to complete the Ph.D. need earn no further credit and devote their full time to research.<br><br>The environment has a tremendous impact on our health and overall well-being. However, precisely how environmental factors affect our health, and how negative consequences can be prevented or overcome remain largely unknown. Advanced training in toxicology is ideal for someone who is excited about biomedical science, and wants to directly apply new discoveries in basic biology to a better understanding of how the environment influences the development, progression, and prevention of human diseases and disorders. The main research activities of Toxicology Training Program faculty can be divided into the following seven general areas of emphasis: Cardiovascular &, Pulmonary Toxicology, Immunotoxicology, Molecular Modifiers of Toxicity, Neurotoxicology, Osteotoxicology, Reproductive & Developmental Toxicology, and Stem Cells & Epigenetics.<br><br>Stem cells & Epigenetics How chemicals affect stem cell programming and function, leading to alterations in health or disease susceptibility