Southwest Environmental Health Sciences Center Awards

Dr. Jay Gandolfi is a Professor of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, and Toxicology in the Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology at the College of Pharmacy of the University of Arizona. He has also served in several administrative positions at the University. Throughout his academic career he has maintained a strong focus on education, research, and collaborative programs. For over 25 years, Dr. Gandolfi has taught toxicology to undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Dr. Gandolfi has been an advisor to over 55 graduate students, served as a committee member for another 70 graduate students, and directed 25 research Fellows. His students have attained important positions in academia, industry, and government. Besides his research publications, Dr. Gandolfi has contributed to educational texts, reviews, and has co-edited the Comprehensive Toxicology series. Dr. Gandolfi has served on numerous SOT national and specialty section committees including being a member of the SOT Education Committee, as well as the Secretary of the Society. Dr. Gandolfi's letters of support clearly demonstrate that he is held in high regard by his former students and colleagues. One student comments that the first thing that comes to mind when describing Jay's role in education is … “extraordinary mentorship to graduate and medical students, postdoctoral fellows, and colleagues.” It was also pointed out that "when faced with a delicate or thorny situation, I often ask myself, what would Jay do?" This years' recipient of the Education Award brings great credit to his University and the SOT.

2004 AstraZeneca Traveling Lectureship Award

This year’s recipient of the AstraZeneca Traveling Lectureship Award is Dr. Charlene McQueen. Dr. McQueen is a professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy at the University of Arizona. Dr. McQueen’s research focus is currently on fundamental studies of the role of genetic variation in susceptibility to aromatic amine and hydrazine toxicity. Along with numerous accomplishments, Dr. McQueen most recently received the 2003 SOT Public Communication Award. Dr. McQueen’s Traveling Lectureship is designed to continue and expand her collaborations with European scientists and to initiate several new collaborative ventures. The scientists at the proposed sites are all highly renowned scientists working in fields that complement Dr. McQueen’s current and future research efforts. These include Dr. Edith Sim at the University of Oxford, England, Dr. Ann Daly at the University of Newcastle in England, Dr. Jean-Marie Dupret at the Faculte de Medicine Pitie Salpetriere in Paris, Dr. Urs Meyer at the University of Basel, Switzerland, and Dr. Michael Eichelbaum at the Fischer Bosche Institute of Clinical Pharmacology in Stuttgart Germany. There is no doubt that Dr. McQueen will learn significant and exciting new research modalities and methods from the tour.

Pharmacy Professors’ Spin-off Company and University of Arizona Receive Grant to Continue Study of Agents to Prevent UV Induced Skin Damage – Drs. Elaine L. Jacobson and Myron K. Jacobson

Niadyne, Inc., a Tucson-based spin-off biopharmaceutical company co-founded by two University of Arizona professors, both SWEHSC members, has received a Phase II Small Business Innovation Research grant of nearly $750,000 to continue investigating the prevention of DNA damage to human skin through the delivery of topical micronutrients.

The Jacobsons are recognized as experts on the role cellular DNA damage plays in the formation of cancer and on protective responses of skin cells to damage caused by sunlight and the aging process. They lead a team of more than 20 professionals and students.

The Small Business Innovation Research program is a highly competitive three-phase award system funding qualified small business concerns that propose innovative ideas to meet specific research and development needs of the federal government. The Niadyne funding was approved by the Department of Health and Human Services.