Fourth-Year Undergrad, Maxwell Maloney, Wins Undergraduate Research Award
Maxwell Maloney, a fourth-year undergrad, received the Undergraduate Research Award from the Society of Toxicology (SOT).
Founded in 1961, the Society of Toxicology is a professional and scholarly organization of scientists from academic institutions, government, and industry representing the range of scientists who practice toxicology in the US and abroad. The Society’s mission is to create a safer and healthier world by advancing the science and increasing the impact of toxicology. The Undergraduate Research Award recognizes outstanding students pursuing associate or bachelor’s degrees who are conducting original toxicology research. Awardees are selected based on their unique contribution to their toxicology-related research project, as evidenced in their statements, research abstract, and a nomination document from the research advisor overseeing and supervising the student’s work.
“Receiving this award means a great deal to me because it recognizes not just the results of my research, but also the mentorship and collaboration that made it possible,” said Maloney. “This recognition motivates me to continue developing as a scientist and to contribute meaningfully to translational research aimed at improving the safety and effectiveness of therapies.”
Maloney is a student in the Cherrington Lab. There, he researches how metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) alters the disposition of cefazolin, a commonly used antibiotic during surgical procedures. MASH is a progressive form of liver disease that affects up to 7% of the global population. While hepatic transporter alterations in MASH have been well characterized, the effects of MASH on renal transport processes are far less understood. For their experiment, they used cefazolin as a model compound to investigate MASH-induced alterations in renal transporter function and their role in pharmacokinetics. Their findings highlight the risk of increased systemic exposure in MASH patients, suggesting that exploring dose adjustments may be beneficial.
“Max is a great example of someone who takes advantage of opportunities with hard work and perseverance,” shared Nathan Cherrington, PhD, associate dean for research and award nominator. “He also recognizes the responsibility he has to take those opportunities and continue to contribute to science. I can’t wait to see which future options he chooses.” Started in 2002, the Cherrington lab researches the effect of underlying disease states and environmental stressors on an individual’s ability to metabolize and eliminate drugs.
According to a National Institutes of Health (NIH) study, after participating in an undergraduate research experience, 68% of students reported an increased interest in pursuing a STEM career. Additionally, 29% developed a new expectation of obtaining a PhD after their undergraduate research experience. And that’s just what Maloney is pursuing after he graduates with his bachelor of science this summer.
“Moving forward, I plan to continue investigating how disease alters drug metabolism and transporter function through a PhD in Pharmacology and Toxicology, with the goal of contributing to safer and more individualized therapeutic strategies,” said Maloney.
Visit our undergraduate research page to learn more about the opportunities at the R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy.