Long before there was C.S.I. on CBS, there was a
Toxicology program at St. John’s University. In fact, the first
students majoring in Toxicology graduated from St. John’s College
of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions in 1971, around the time
that
Quincy: Medical Examiner introduced many Americans to forensic
science.
The dictionary describes Toxicology as the study of the nature,
effects, and detection of poisons and the treatment of poisoning.
According to the Spring 2002 issue of
Toxicology Program News, published by St. John’s College of
Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions, toxicology is about, “our
environment, health, medicine, and drug safety testing; consumer
products; forensics and clinical toxicology; risk analysis and
regulatory issues.”
Professor Louis Trombetta, chairman of the Department of
Pharmaceutical Sciences, explains in the same issue that toxicology
is “an area where not only is the science exciting but it also
offers real rewards in helping society overcome health issues from
the causes of cancer to neurodegenerative diseases to environmental
pollution.”
Toxicology students at St. John’s explore how toxicology
research is applied to problems of public health involving
chemicals (medications, consumer products, food additives,
environment, etc.) through coursework and class work projects.
“Toxicology is a great pre-med major,” according to Professor Sue
Ford. “All of the required pre-med courses are part of the
curriculum. Students get plenty of laboratory experience
incorporated into their coursework and also have the opportunity to
participate in research projects with faculty.”
Today, 111 students – 91 undergraduates and 20 graduates -- are
enrolled in St. John’s Toxicology program. Graduates of the
program are at work in academia, forensics, and pharmaceutical,
cosmetic and biotechnology companies.
View the St.
John's University Toxicology Program Web site
View the Society of Toxicology
Web site