New degree will focus on the impact of toxic chemicals

A new doctorate in environmental toxicology at Mississippi State will provide advanced training for professionals involved with the effects of toxicants and ways they may safely be used.

The College Board-approved academic program focuses on chemicals that improve agricultural and industrial processes, but also have the potential to harm humans and animals.

"Toxicology is a growing field nationally," said veterinary medicine professor Janice E. Chambers, director of the new multi-disciplinary program. A Giles Distinguished Professor, she also heads the university's Center for Environmental Health Sciences.

Faculty members in the colleges of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Forest Resources, Veterinary Medicine, and Arts and Sciences will teach a range of courses from biochemistry and psychology to molecular biology and entomology.