Research
I have also had an enthusiasm and curiosity to learn more about our Mother Nature. With the research interests I listed, I have found my place to work and learn in Martyniuk's Lab under the department of physiological science under the college of Veterinary medicine in the University of Florida. My PI/ research mentor is Christopher Martyniuk who is a tenured professor and researcher publishing over 300 papers related to the outcome pathways for both endocrine and non-endocrine pathways in organisms. His lab works closely with zebrafish as a model for experiment to undermine the impacts of our daily-use environmental toxins.
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The exposure risks of PFHxA and PFHxS in zebrafish embryo/larva
Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) and perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) are two short chain PFAS that are substitute for longer chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) and often considered to be “safer” in consumer products. Nevertheless, concerns have emerged about PFHxA and PFHxS due to their resistance to hydrolysis, photolysis, and biodegradation, leading to persistent environmental presence. However, due to the insufficient findings, researchers are working to gather sufficient data to investigate the potential harmful effects to the aquatic wildlife’s well-being.
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Therefore, the objective of this study is to analyze the effects of PFHxA and PFHxS in zebrafish by measuring the expression of genes related to behavior as well as locomotor activity. I work closely with Dr. Martyniuk weekly about 8 hours to do exposure experiments and analyze the genes and behavior of zebrafish. These endpoints will inform on the toxicity of the chemical to gain a better understanding of its potential risk to aquatic wildlife.