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Congratulations to the 2025 Perry J. Gehring Diversity Student Travel Awardees

By Tynisha Glover posted 13 days ago

  

The SOT Inclusion, Diversity, and Engagement Committee (IDEC) is pleased to announce that there are two recipients of the 2025 SOT Perry J. Gehring Diversity Student Travel Award: Jenielle Domaoal and Gabriela Rojas Pacheco. This award recognizes undergraduate or graduate students who were selected for the Undergraduate Diversity Program (UDP) within the last four years and have an abstract accepted for the SOT Annual Meeting and ToxExpo. The awardees are selected by IDEC. 

Jenielle Domaoal

Ms. Domaoal is currently pursuing an MS in environmental health at the University of Washington. Upon receiving the award, Ms. Domaoal replied, “When I first read the email that I was selected for this award, I was stunned. Being a part of the UDP was one of the big reasons I chose to pursue a graduate degree in toxicology, so getting the opportunity to be a part of this experience again is such an honor. Attending SOT in the past has given me valuable insights into research and career opportunities, and this award serves as much-needed validation to continue striving for meaningful contributions to this field.

Ms. Domaoal is receiving the award for her abstract titled “Assessing the Toxicity of Flavored Electronic Nicotine Delivery Devices and Heated Tobacco Product Leachates in Zebrafish Embryos (Danio rerio).” She explains,This research assessed the impact of flavored electronic nicotine delivery devices and heated tobacco product leachates on the zebrafish. Utilizing microscopy and RNA sequencing, we analyzed morphological deformities and gene expression changes due to leachate exposure. This study aimed to evaluate the potential aquatic toxicity associated with these products and address the lack of research on their environmental impact. In the future, I aspire to pursue a career in regulatory toxicology where I can leverage my previous research experience and continue to engage in solutions-oriented research on emerging environmental concerns.

Gabriela Rojas Pacheco

Ms. Rojas Pacheco is pursuing a BS in biology with a minor in business management at University of La Verne. When she received the notification about receiving the award, she was very excited and grateful! I instantly shared the news with my professor/advisor, family, and friends who have always cheered me on! Receiving this award reflects my hard work and passion for making a difference in science. The Perry J. Gehring Diversity Student Travel Award will not only allow me to share my research but also to make more connections with fellow researchers and expand my knowledge. My previous experiences with SOT have been enriching and have built my confidence as a scientist. Opportunities like this continuously motivate me to pursue my goals of serving my community through science and to inspire my community that they also can make a difference in the world of science.

Ms. Rojas Pacheco is receiving the award for her abstract titled “The Effects of Alcohol Consumption on Alzheimers Disease, a Systemic Approach.” She explained that “my research focuses on the connection between alcohol abuse and Alzheimers disease development, specifically how acetate treatment can cause protein post translational modifications and decrease mitochondrial proteins which may compromise liver functionone such function being metabolizing amyloid beta. My research goal is to bring awareness to our society about Alzheimer’s disease and alcohol abuse. Although there isn’t a set cure for Alzheimer’s, there is a factor that people can control to prevent their chances of getting Alzheimer’s disease. Diet and lifestyle factors are huge contributors to how our body functions and its capability to get rid of harmful substances from our bodies. By conveying to our audience that high amounts of alcohol affect more than the liver but potentially our brain, it can allow citizens to be more conscious of what they consume and to take care of themselves. My future goal is to expand my knowledge in the health sciences and focus on serving my community. My passion for the health sciences has motivated me to pursue higher education by applying for my master’s in medical sciences and hopefully earn PhD candidacy.

Ms. Domaoal and Ms. Rojas Pacheco attended the Undergraduate Diversity Program in 2023 and 2024 respectively. 

The Perry J. Gehring Student Travel Award is provided through the SOT Endowment Fund. This award recognizes Dr. Perry J. Gehring who served as SOT 1980–1981 President and made important scientific contributions, especially in biological modeling and evidence-based assessment. Dr. Gehring had a strong interest in encouraging individuals from groups underrepresented in the sciences to enter biomedical sciences and toxicology.

The award will be presented during the Undergraduate Diversity Program Reunion at the SOT Annual Meeting and ToxExpo, which brings together current Undergraduate Diversity Program participants, past participants, program volunteers, and supporters. The Undergraduate Diversity Program Reunion is open to all SOT members, and you can RSVP here to attend.


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