Toxicology Seminar Series: Jordan Kozal, PhD Candidate, Thursday, Feb. 15

During our Toxicology Seminar Series scheduled for this Thursday, February 15, from 11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. in Field Auditorium, Environment Hall, on Duke’s West Campus, Jordan Kozal, a PhD candidate in Dr. Rich Di Giulio’s Laboratory at Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment, will be presenting a talk entitled, “Persistent effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon exposure across generations: a bioenergetic and mitochondrial perspective.”

 

Please see below for her bio and abstract:

Jordan Kozal received her BS in Biology from Stanford University in 2013. Her research focuses on the role of mitochondria in the maternal and cross-generational toxicity of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, with important applications in organismal ecological fitness and insights into human disease etiology.

 

Abstract:

The potential for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) to have effects across generations is an emerging concern in both wildlife and human health; however, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. This talk will focus on mitochondrial contributions to the maternal and cross-generational toxicity of PAHs. Specifically, I will discuss how PAH-induced changes in mitochondrial function and metabolic plasticity persist in at least two generations removed from an original exposure, and how organisms experience cross-generational reductions in fitness and trade-offs in multiple stressor scenarios.