Julian Freedland, a student who is gaining hands-on experience in the SUNY Polytechnic Institute nanobioscience laboratory of Associate Professor Michael Fasullo, was a recent recipient of the Pfizer Science of Toxicology (SOT) Undergraduate Student Travel Award for undergraduate research. As part of this recognition, Julian received an all-expense paid trip to the 2017 SOT Annual Meeting and an opportunity to present his research at a poster session, providing him with an excellent opportunity to participate in a national conference.

Julian's research is focused on the genetics of human susceptibility to environmental carcinogens. Genes that confer susceptibility include P450 genes, which encode enzymes that ultimately detoxify chemicals while producing some short-lived toxic intermediates. Julian's research focused on characterizing variants of one member of the P450 gene family, CYP1A1, which are cited as risk factors for breast and lung cancers. His conclusions support an idea that CYP1A1 may serve a protective role against some environmental toxins. The results were published in the journal Mutation Research.

In addition to the award recognizing Julian's high level of student achievement, it also illustrates the benefits of the SUNY Poly undergraduate Summer Internship Program, since Julian was able to get his start in advanced research through the institution's unique program that enables students to gain first-hand laboratory experience sooner than many other similar lab and internship programs around the country.

The SOT Awards program recognizes and assists distinguished toxicologists and students each year based on merit, presenting more than 20 awards that recognize achievement, facilitate travel for senior and budding scientists, and further toxicological research.

View the Original SOT News Release

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SUNY Polytechnic Institute. SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly) is New York’s globally recognized, high-tech educational ecosystem, formed from the merger of the SUNY College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering and SUNY Institute of Technology. SUNY Poly offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in the emerging disciplines of nanoscience and nanoengineering, as well as cutting-edge nanobioscience and nanoeconomics programs at its Albany location and undergraduate and graduate degrees in technology, including engineering, cybersecurity, computer science, and the engineering technologies; professional studies, including business, communication, and nursing; and arts and sciences, including natural sciences, mathematics, humanities, and social sciences at its Utica/Rome location. Thriving athletic, recreational, and cultural programs, events, and activities complement the campus experience. As the world’s most advanced, university-driven research enterprise, SUNY Poly boasts billions of dollars in high-tech investments and over 300 corporate partners. For information visit www.sunycnse.com and www.sunypoly.edu.

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Media Contact: Steve Ference, Director of University Communications­ (518) 956-7319 | sference@sunypoly.edu