People
Principal Investigators
Ramon Lavado, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Dr. Ramon Lavado is an environmental toxicologist in the School of Earth and Environmental Science at Baylor University whose research integrates contaminant biotransformation, mechanistic toxicology, ecotoxicology, and New Approach Methodologies (NAMs). His work examines how environmental contaminants are transformed and produce biological effects, with a particular emphasis on linking molecular and cellular mechanisms to adverse outcomes in aquatic organisms, wildlife, and human-relevant models.
For more than twenty years, Dr. Lavado has studied both legacy pollutants, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and contaminants of emerging concern, including PFAS, bisphenol alternatives, liquid crystal monomers (LCMs), emerging plasticizers, and micro- and nanoplastics. His research examines cytochrome P450 and other biotransformation pathways, biomarkers of exposure and effect, metabolomics, and how multiple environmental stressors influence contaminant toxicity.
A growing focus of the Lavado Laboratory is developing and applying NAMs, including cell-based and advanced in vitro models, to reduce animal use and provide more mechanistic, efficient, and predictive tools for environmental toxicology. By bridging molecular toxicology with ecotoxicological effects, this research supports the future of chemical hazard evaluation and ecological risk assessment, including priorities advanced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Dr. Lavado serves as an Associate Editor of Ecotoxicology, Toxics, and Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. He received his Ph.D. in Animal Physiology and B.S. in Biological Sciences from the University of Barcelona (Spain).
Graduate Students
M. Teresa Fernandez-Luna, M.S., Ph.D.
Senior Lecturer
Dr. Maria Teresa Fernandez-Luna is a senior lecturer in the Department of Biology at Baylor University and serves as an advisor and Associate Scientist with the Lavado Lab research group. Her interdisciplinary expertise spans molecular biology, toxicology, biochemistry, and bioengineering, bridging fundamental biological mechanisms and advanced approaches in environmental and biomedical toxicology.
Dr. Fernandez-Luna brings extensive experience in molecular and cellular techniques, including gene expression, molecular biomarkers, cell-based assays, and mechanistic approaches for investigating cellular responses to toxicants. Her strong background in toxin biology and mechanisms of toxicity, combined with expertise in biochemistry and bioengineering, supports the laboratory's research on how environmental contaminants disrupt cellular pathways and biological functions.
Within the Lavado Lab, she contributes scientific expertise and guidance in developing New Approach Methodologies (NAMs), advanced in vitro models, molecular biomarkers, and mechanistic toxicology studies. Her interdisciplinary perspective strengthens the group's efforts to integrate molecular biology, toxicology, and bioengineering to develop more predictive approaches for understanding the biological effects of environmental contaminants.
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 microplastic toxicity using human in vitro cell models. Her work addresses a critical gap in environmental toxicology by moving beyond pristine plastic particles and instead using 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, deepens understanding of human health risks and supports the development of safer materials for future use.
Alisha Janiga-Macnelly
Ph.D. Candidate
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. She then completed her M.S. in ecotoxicology at the University of Koblenz-Landau, Germany. Her master's 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 leads a dynamic research program exploring how bisphenol analogs affect 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 and uncover 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. Candidate
Office: BSB A448R
email: Rafia_Rifa1@baylor.edu
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 and in continuing research into specific pathways and mechanisms in human cell lines.
She is evaluating the molecular effects of short-chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on human cellular transporters. Investigating the effects of PFAS on cellular transporters is a crucial step in understanding the potential impacts of these persistent chemicals on human health. PFAS compounds 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 seeks to clarify the intricate relationship between PFAS exposure and cellular transport processes, providing insights that can inform risk assessments and mitigation strategies for these widespread environmental contaminants.
Gracen Collier
Ph.D. Candidate
Office: BSB A448R
email: Gracen_Collier1@baylor.edu
Undergraduate Students
Sheridan Prejean joined the Lavado Lab in January 2026 and is pursuing a degree in Bioinformatics on the Pre-Dental track at Baylor University. Originally from Magnolia, Texas, near Houston, Sheridan also serves as a Teaching Assistant for introductory programming courses. Her interdisciplinary interests combine computational and biological sciences with human health. After completing her bachelor's degree at Baylor, she plans to attend dental school and is interested in pursuing general dentistry, pediatric dentistry, or oral surgery.
Sheridan's research project investigates how consumer-product-derived microplastics and nanoplastics may contribute to vascular dysfunction and cardiovascular disease. Using human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1) and human aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (T/G HA-VSMC), she examines the molecular and functional effects of environmentally relevant exposures. Her project uses global quantitative proteomics and mass spectrometry to identify changes in proteins and biological pathways linked to mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, inflammation, lipid metabolism, cytoskeletal remodeling, and apoptosis. By integrating proteomic signatures with functional cellular responses, her research aims to uncover mechanisms and potential biomarkers linking exposure to micro- and nanoplastics with cardiovascular risk.
Sheridan Prejean
Undergraduate Student
Office: BSB A448R
email: Sheridan_Prejean1@baylor.edu
Kristen DeLeon joined the Lavado Lab in January 2025 and is from San Antonio, Texas. She is majoring in Biology with minors in Nutrition Sciences and Biochemistry on the pre-med track. At Baylor, Kristen serves with Nutrition Outreach Waco, has worked as a Biology Learning Assistant, and currently serves as an Organic Chemistry Supplemental Instructor. After graduation, Kristen plans to attend medical school and pursue a career in endocrinology.
Kristen’s research investigates the cardiovascular toxicity of short-chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), emerging replacements for legacy “forever chemicals” whose potential health effects remain poorly understood. Using human aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (T/G HA-VSMC) and human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1), she studies the effects of PFBS, PFHxA, PFHxS, and 6:2 FTOH on vascular health. Her project evaluates cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential, and endothelial barrier integrity (TEER) to identify mechanisms through which PFAS may contribute to cardiovascular dysfunction. By comparing multiple emerging PFAS in human-relevant in vitro models, her research aims to provide mechanistic insight into the potential cardiovascular risks associated with increasingly used alternatives to legacy PFAS.
Kristen DeLeon
Undergraduate Student
Office: BSB A448R
email: Kristen_DeLeon1@baylor.edu
Michael Dally
Undergraduate Student
Michael Dally is an undergraduate student majoring in Cell and Molecular Biology at Baylor University, with an expected graduation in May 2027. Since joining the Lavado Lab in Fall 2025, he has developed a strong interest in understanding how environmental exposures influence human health and has gained hands-on experience with human cell culture, fluorescence microscopy, cytotoxicity testing, reactive oxygen species (ROS) assays, and other molecular toxicology techniques. Michael also serves as a Learning Assistant for Genetics (BIO 2306), has been recognized on the Dean’s List, and is active in the Alpha Epsilon Delta pre-health honor society and community service. Following graduation, he plans to attend medical school and is particularly interested in connecting biomedical research with his future career as a physician.
Michael’s research investigates the cardiovascular toxicity of bisphenol A (BPA) and emerging bisphenol alternatives, chemicals widely used in plastics and consumer products. Using human aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (T/G HA-VSMC) as a human-relevant in vitro model, his project examines whether BPA and its substitutes disrupt vascular cellular function through cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. His work seeks to determine whether chemicals increasingly used as BPA replacements may produce similar or greater biological effects. By investigating molecular mechanisms underlying bisphenol-induced vascular toxicity, Michael’s research contributes to a better understanding of how exposure to emerging plastic-associated contaminants may influence cardiovascular health and disease risk.
Office: BSB A448R
email: Michael_Dally1@baylor.edu
Olivia Williams joined the Lavado Lab in January 2026 and is originally from Houston, Texas. She is majoring in Biology and is a member of the Honors Program at Baylor University. At Baylor, Olivia serves as a Biology Learning Assistant, is a member of the Academic Committee within the Honors Residential College, and participates as a cell leader in the Medical Service Organization (MSO). After graduation, she plans to attend medical school and pursue a career in pediatrics.
Olivia’s research in the Lavado Lab focuses on evaluating the potential toxicological effects of an emerging group of environmental contaminants known as liquid crystal monomers (LCMs). These chemicals are widely used in liquid crystal display (LCD) technologies and other electronic products and have gained increasing attention because of their potential release into the environment during the manufacture, use, and disposal of electronic devices. Using human cell-based in vitro models, Olivia investigates how exposure to selected LCMs may affect cellular health and function. Her research examines concentration-dependent effects on endpoints such as cell viability, metabolic activity, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial function. By comparing cellular responses across different LCMs and exposure concentrations, her work aims to help characterize their relative toxicological potency and identify potential mechanisms through which these emerging contaminants may affect human cells.
Olivia Williams
Undergraduate Student
Office: BSB A448R
email: Olivia_Williams5@baylor.edu
Ceylin Kustu joined the Lavado Lab in August 2026 and is originally from The Woodlands, Texas. She is pursuing a degree in Cell and Molecular Biology on the pre-med track, with a minor in Biochemistry. At Baylor, Ceylin serves as a Learning Assistant for a biology course and as Co-President of the Baylor Ballet Club. After graduating in 2029, she plans to attend medical school and pursue a career in orthopedic surgery.
Ceylin’s research in the Lavado Lab focuses on developing and optimizing advanced three-dimensional (3D) human cell-based models, including spheroids and organ-on-a-chip systems, to investigate how emerging environmental contaminants may contribute to metabolic dysfunction. Her work specifically incorporates human hepatocytes and adipocytes, two cell types that play central roles in lipid and glucose metabolism and in the development of metabolic disorders such as obesity and insulin resistance.As part of this research, Ceylin is helping establish and characterize liver and adipose tissue models that more closely reproduce the complex cellular organization and physiological responses of human tissues than conventional two-dimensional cell cultures. These systems will be used to evaluate how exposure to selected emerging contaminants may alter cell viability, lipid accumulation, glucose metabolism, insulin signaling, mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, and inflammatory responses.
Ceylin Kustu
Undergraduate Student
Office: BSB A448R
email: Ceylin_Kustu1@baylor.edu
Mike Odogwu joined the Lavado Lab in August 2026. Originally from Spring, Texas, Mike is majoring in Biology on the pre-med track with a minor in Business Administration. At Baylor, he is a member of the Bears Medical Student Association and Beta Beta Beta (Tri-Beta) Biological Honor Society. Following graduation, Mike plans to attend medical school and pursue a career in physical medicine and rehabilitation.
Mike’s research in the Lavado Lab focuses on detecting and analyzing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in environmental matrices and their potential effects on aquatic organisms. His work examines both long-chain and short-chain PFAS in water and fish tissues to better understand their environmental occurrence, bioaccumulation, and distribution. In parallel, Mike investigates how PFAS exposure may alter metabolic processes in fish, with particular attention to changes in lipid and energy metabolism and other biochemical pathways associated with environmental stress. By integrating chemical analysis of PFAS with biological and metabolic endpoints, his research aims to better characterize the relationship between environmental PFAS exposure, internal tissue concentrations, and potential adverse effects in aquatic organisms.
Mike Odogwu
Undergraduate Student
Office: BSB A448R
email: Mike_Odogwu1@baylor.edu
Former Lab Members
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Marco E. Franco - Ph.D. in Environmental Science
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Megan E. Solan - Ph.D. in Environmental Science
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Cassandra Bradley - Ph.D. in Biology
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Grace Sutherland - M.S. in Environmental Science
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Ashley Ball - M.S. in Environmental Science
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Sarah Willing - B.S. in Biochemistry
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Sanju Senthilkumar - B.S. in Biochemistry
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Camryn Koperski - B.S. in Biological Sciences
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Maddison Vrazel - B.S. in Biological Sciences
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Alec Mockros - B.S. in Environmental Science
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Mackenna Mcgraw - B.S. in Biological Sciences
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Ruth Deffenbaugh - B.S. in Environmental Science
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Ava Roat - B.S. in Biological Sciences
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Christian Yeathermon - B.S. in Biological Sciences
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Tasniyah Nayaz - B.S. in Biological Sciences
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Stephanie Wolfe - B.S. in Biological Sciences
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Ava Frescura - B.S. in Biological Sciences