People

Dr. Ramon Lavado is an environmental toxicologist specializing in the biotransformation of contaminants in aquatic wildlife. His research focuses on gaining mechanistic insights into how organisms chemically modify contaminants, as well as developing alternative models to reduce the use of animals in environmental toxicity studies.

For more than twenty years, Dr. Lavado has led cutting-edge research in environmental toxicology, exploring the effects of pollutants across a wide range of organisms and laboratory systems. His current research pushes scientific frontiers in several key areas: A) Designing innovative in vitro bioassays to detect contaminants of emerging concern in environmental samples. B) Investigating the mechanistic roles of cytochrome P450 enzymes—critical players in activating and detoxifying chemical compounds. C) Applying metabolomics to uncover novel biomarkers in both human and wildlife models. D) Examining how multiple stressors interact to influence pollutant biotransformation and toxicological outcomes.

Dr. Lavado serves as an Associate Editor of Ecotoxicology (Springer), Toxics (MDPI), and Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology (Springer). He received his Ph.D. in Animal Physiology and earned his B.S. in Biological Sciences from the University of Barcelona (Spain).

Ramon Lavado, Ph.D.
Associate Professor

Office: BSB A430

Phone: +1 (254) 710-2468

Fax: +1 (254) 710-3409

email: ramon_lavado@baylor.edu

Postdoctoral Researchers

Macarena Rojo, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Researcher

Office: BSB A449R

email: Macarena_Rojo@baylor.edu

Dr. Macarena Rojo joined the Lavado Lab as a Postdoc in July 2023; she is working on identifying significant alterations of biotransformation pathways associated with the chemical resistance to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), resulting from the rapid adaptation of Gulf killifish (Fundulus grandis). Dr. Rojo completed her studies at the National University of La Plata (UNLP) in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She was awarded a scholarship from the National Research Council Scientific and Technical of Argentina (CONICET) to do her Ph.D. (2016-2021). Her doctoral research was focused on the study of the bioaccumulation and effects of human pharmaceuticals on Neotropical fish. Through her doctoral study, she did a research stay at the Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA) in Spain. From 2018 to 2022, she was a Member of the Board of Directors, in the category of student representative, in the Society for Environmental Chemistry and Technology (SETAC), Argentine Chapter.

During her experience as a Ph.D. student, she was the winner of the student travel award to attend the SETAC LATIN AMERICA- 2017 in Brazil and the Young Environmental Scientists Meeting (YES)-SETAC in Belgium in 2019.

As a Ph.D., in 2022, she was awarded the American Association of the University Women (AAUW) international postdoctoral fellowship, and in 2023, she was awarded the annual "Cozzarelli Prize” of the National Academy of Sciences/Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS), for the international collaboration on the study of pharmaceuticals in rivers. At UNLP, she was a teaching assistant in the subject of Ecotoxicology and Risk Assessment (2020-2022) and an Assistant Professor at the University of San Antonio de Areco (UNSAdA) (2022). Dr. Rojo presented her work at more than 10 national and international conferences.

Graduate Students

Alisha Janiga-Macnelly
Ph.D. Student

Alisha Michelle Janiga-MacNelly joined Lavado Lab in August 2022. She is from the Rio Grande Valley in Southern Texas. As an undergraduate at UT Austin, Alisha studied neurotoxicity and substance abuse intervention before shifting her focus to environmental science. During her M.S. at UT Rio Grande Valley, she investigated bacterial communities in a PCB-contaminated reservoir, using culture techniques and gene detection to assess pollutant degradation, uncovering surprising evidence of PCB-degrading genes even in unpolluted sites.

Alisha is conducting a highly relevant and innovative research project exploring the toxicity of microplastics using human in vitro cell models. Her work addresses a critical gap in environmental toxicology by moving beyond the use of pristine plastic particles and instead utilizing cryo-milled consumer plastic products that more accurately reflect the physical and chemical characteristics of microplastics found in the human body. With plastic pollution expected to rise dramatically in the coming decades, and microplastics now detected in nearly every human tissue studied—including liver, lung, kidney, and breast milk—Alisha's research provides timely insights into the cellular impacts of real-world plastic exposure. Her multidisciplinary approach, spanning toxicology, cell biology, and environmental science, contributes to a deeper understanding of human health risks and supports the development of safer materials for future use.

Office: BSB A448R

email: Alisha_Janiga1@baylor.edu

Rafia Afroze Rifa joined Lavado Lab in August 2022. She completed her DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) degree in 2018 from Bangladesh Agricultural University. Then, she did her MSc in ecotoxicology from the University of Koblenz-Landau, Germany. Her master thesis topic was “Effects of the interaction between algae and microplastics on life-history traits of Daphnia pulex clones." Her research interests are Environmental health and toxicology, public health, and one health.

She is leading a dynamic, multidisciplinary research program exploring how bisphenol analogs impact human health. At the heart of her work is cutting-edge in vitro research that investigates how these widespread chemicals—commonly found in plastics and everyday consumer products—interact with human cells. By recreating controlled lab environments, she can closely examine cellular responses to bisphenol exposure, uncovering how these compounds affect cell viability, growth, DNA integrity, and hormone signaling. Her research not only reveals critical insights into the potential health risks of bisphenol analogs but also supports the search for safer chemical alternatives—advancing both public health and environmental protection.

Rafia Afroze Rifa
Ph.D. Student

Office: BSB A448R

email: Rafia_Rifa1@baylor.edu

Gracen Collier
Ph.D. Student

Gracen Collier joined the Lavado lab in August 2023. She attended Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where she received a B.S. in Biology and a B.A. in Chinese. Her prior research at UTSW focused on cysteine mutants in the protein Fibulin-3 and resulting cellular changes related to retinal degeneration. She is interested in the in vitro effects of PFAS as well as continuing research into specific pathways and mechanisms involved within human cell lines.

She is working on evaluating the molecular effects of short-chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on cellular transporters of human cells. The investigation of the effects of PFAS on cellular transporters represents a crucial facet of understanding the potential impacts of these persistent chemicals on human health. PFAS compounds are known to interact with various biological processes, including cellular transport mechanisms, which play a pivotal role in maintaining cellular homeostasis. By studying how PFAS affect cellular transporters, we aim to uncover the mechanisms through which these compounds may disrupt vital cellular functions and potentially contribute to adverse health outcomes. Her research endeavors to shed light on the intricate relationship between PFAS exposure and cellular transport processes, providing valuable insights that can inform risk assessments and mitigation strategies for these widespread environmental contaminants.

Office: BSB A448R

email: Gracen_Collier1@baylor.edu

Undergraduate Students

Stephanie Wolfe joined the Lavado Lab in January 2024 and is studying Biology on the Pre-Med track, with minors in Biochemistry, Business Administration, and French. She is from Plano, TX, a suburb of Dallas. At Baylor, she is a Learning Assistant for Genetics and is a CPR and first aid provider for Baylor's First Aid Service Team. After receiving her bachelor's degree, Stephanie plans to attend medical school and pursue a career in Pediatrics or Family Medicine. As she enters the medical field, she hopes to advance health education and lessen the impact of medical disparities on patients' access to healthcare.

Her research focuses on uncovering the effects of non-phthalate plasticizers using fish cell lines, offering critical insights into how these widely used chemical alternatives impact aquatic organisms at the cellular level. While phthalate-based plasticizers are well-documented endocrine disruptors, their non-phthalate replacements are rapidly entering the market with limited toxicological evaluation. By using non-mammalian in vitro models, her work addresses a pressing knowledge gap in ecotoxicology and contributes to understanding the potential environmental risks of these so-called "safer" substitutes—an essential step toward informed chemical regulation and aquatic ecosystem protection.

Stephanie Wolfe
Undergraduate Student

Office: BSB A448R

email: Stephanie_Wolfe1@baylor.edu

Ava Frescura joined the Lavado Lab in August 2024 and is studying biology with a minor in biochemistry. She is from Houston, TX. Ava is also a learning assistant for Genetics and is involved in BURST, Baylor’s undergraduate student research organization. After completing her bachelor’s degree, Ava plans to pursue a Ph.D. in toxicology or pharmacology. Ava hopes to improve the quality of healthcare by ensuring the efficiency and safety of pharmaceuticals.

Her research centers on examining the effects of non-phthalate plasticizers on the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into adipocytes. Plasticizers—chemicals used to enhance the flexibility of plastics during manufacturing—can enter the human body through everyday exposure to a wide range of consumer products. While many phthalate-based plasticizers have been recognized as endocrine disruptors that can promote adipogenesis, alternative non-phthalate plasticizers are being utilized to mitigate health risks. However, the potential impacts of many non-phthalate plasticizers on adipogenesis have yet to be thoroughly assessed. By investigating how these substances affect adipogenesis, she aims to identify possible adverse effects and promote better human health.

Ava Frescura
Undergraduate Student

Office: BSB A448R

email: Ava_Frescura1@baylor.edu

Tasniyah Nayaz joined the Lavado Lab in August 2024 and is studying Biology on the Pre-Med track. She is from Phoenix, Arizona and is also a part of the Baylor Honors College. Tasniyah also volunteers with Waco Family Medicine. After receiving her bachelor’s of science in biology, Tasniyah plans to attend medical school and pursue a career in Pediatrics. As a physician, Tasniyah aspires to provide equitable and compassionate care to her patients.

Her research is centered on evaluating the toxic effects of specific benzothiazole compounds. These compounds are notably present in rubber mulch commonly utilized in playgrounds. Employing a diverse array of human cell in vitro models, she will dissect the intricate mechanisms underlying the adverse effects induced by these compounds. By scrutinizing these mechanisms, she aims to shed light on the potential hazards posed by benzothiazole exposure and pave the way for enhanced safety measures in playground environments. Through her comprehensive approach, she endeavors to furnish valuable insights into the toxicological properties of benzothiazole compounds, thereby facilitating informed decision-making regarding their usage and regulation.