Congratulations to ETOX Undergrad Award Winners Claire Watson, Jeffrey Aldon, & Terra Schamun!

Congratulations to our Award-Winning ETOX seniors: Claire Watson, Jeffrey Aldon, and Terra Schamun!

Claire Watson is this year's Outstanding Senior in Environmental Toxicology. Jeffrey Aldon and Terra Schamun each won awards for Outstanding Performance in Environmental Toxicology. 

Claire Watson served for two years as ETOX peer advisor, led this year's First Year Aggie Connection "Aggies Talk Tox," and worked with ETX faculty and staff to help organize multiple ETOX events and field trips. Claire also spent last summer at the Bodega Marine lab where she looked at whether PFOA-infused microplastics caused toxicity in developing sand dollars. Claire also worked on an evaluation of recent PFAS dietary intake from fish/shellfish and conducted a screening risk assessment under the guidance of Dr. Elizabeth Marder. Faculty noted that Claire stood out for her natural leadership skills and team-oriented positive attitude.

Jeffrey Aldon studied at the Bodega Marine lab in summer 2024 where he examined whether pre-exposure to UV light could induce tolerance to fluoranthene toxicity in sand dollar larvae. He worked hard to develop a solid experimental design, carried out his study with efficiency and care, and delivered a clear, engaging presentation that reflected both his understanding of the topic and the broader significance of his findings. Faculty noted the excellent work ethic and creativity that Jeffrey brings to projects both inside and outside of the classroom. 

Terra notably assisted Dr. Elizabeth Marder in a research project for the California Department of Public Health on a new wellness trend (preconception “detox” supplements). Terra has also been assisting with research in the Grettenberger lab since winter 2024. Dr. Christina Grettenberger remarked that Terra engages with the lab work at a remarkably sophisticated level and that she has been an exceptionally dedicated member of their team.