STUDENT: Chad Weldy
Toxicology, PhD
Education
BS, Environmental Science (Environmental Toxicology), minor Chemistry, Western Washington University
Advisor
Terrance Kavanagh
Research
As an Ecotoxicology student in his undergrad, Chad came to the UW with research experience in primarily ecological and environmental issues. Since his undergrad, Chad's interests have shifted to focus on human disease. Chad has found the research of disease etiology and how the environment and environmental exposures influence disease most interesting. Out of many interests, Chad is particularly interested in cardiovascular disease (CVD), carcinogenesis and neurodegenerative diseases. In his dissertation project, Chad is investigating how diesel exhaust (DE) exposure is influencing CVD and hypertension. It has been well established that air pollution, which in large part is DE, has a direct relationship with CVD related mortality. We are investigating if DE is causing vascular dysfunction, a component of CVD, determining by what mechanisms DE has an effect and identifying whether or not the antioxidant glutathione is involved in protection from DE exposure. This work has direct public health relevance as CVD related mortality is the number one cause of death in the US. Chad has been appointed a position as a predoctoral fellow within UW's Environmental Pathology and Toxicology traineeship, this NIEHS grant is funding his work on this project.
Extracurricular Interests
Ultimate frisbee, biking, hiking, climbing, sailing
