Victoria Colvin
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are commonly found in air pollution due to incomplete combustion processes. Typically, these chemicals need to be metabolized in the body to cause adverse effects in humans, and most established cell lines lack sufficient expression of appropriate metabolizing enzymes to observe PAH toxicity in vitro. We are working to characterize the metabolic capacity of primary human bronchial epithelial cells and describe their appropriateness for observing PAH toxicity in vitro. This information will allow us to more accurately describe the toxicity of PAHs in the human lung.
I love that our research is so closely tied to human health and may be used to improve lives.
I hope my research helps to identify or give more evidence to the usefulness of new models for evaluating toxicity that reduce the use of animals.
I always loved science, and when I started participating in research as an undergraduate, I found it so fascinating that scientists were able to continue learning through independent research. I also loved the idea that a scientist may begin to learn something that no one else knows about and then get to share that knowledge with others.
I am interested in possibly having a career at a national laboratory or continuing in academia.
I love sewing and am working towards a "me made wardrobe". I also enjoying hiking, reading, and video games all in the company of my dog, Buddy.
Research Project(s):