Texas Tech University
Department of
Environmental Toxicology
Graduate Program Review
2005-2006
Ron Kendall, Director
Todd Anderson, Graduate Advisor
January 2006
5/4/2011
PROGRAM REVIEW OUTLINE
Environmental Toxicology
I.
Program Overview
II.
Graduate Curricula and Degree Programs
A. Scope of programs within the department
B. Number and types of degrees awarded
- Degrees Awarded – Academic Year (chart)
- Total Degrees Awarded – Academic Year (chart)
- Comparison of Degrees Awarded – Fall Data (Peer info table)
- Program Degrees Awarded (table)
C. Undergraduate and Graduate semester credit hours
- Semester Credit Hours – Academic Year (chart)
- SCH compared to Budget - Academic Year (chart)
D. Number of majors in the department
- Enrollment by Level – Fall Data (chart)
- Total Enrollment by Year – Fall Data (chart)
- Comparison of Enrollment – Fall Data (Peer info table)
- Program Enrollment (table)
E. Course enrollments over the past six years (enrollment trends by course)
- Course Enrollments by Academic Year (table)
F. Classes cross listed
III.
IV.
Faculty
A. Number, rank and demographics of the graduate faculty
- Teaching Resources (chart)
- Tenured and Tenure-Track by Rank - Fall Data (chart)
- Comparison of Full-time Faculty (Peer info table)
B. List of faculty members (graduate and non-graduate) (table)
C. Summary of the number of refereed publications and creative activities (table)
D. Responsibilities and leadership in professional societies
- Professional Leadership (table)
- Committee service (table)
E. Assess average faculty productivity for Fall semesters only (use discipline appropriate criteria
to determine)
- Faculty Workload (table)
- College SCH/FTE – Fall Data (chart)
- Department SCH/FTE – Fall Data (chart)
Graduate Students
A. Demographics of applicants and enrolled students
- Graduate Student Summary by Category – Fall Data (chart)
- Graduate Student Summary by Year – Fall Data (chart)
- Graduate Applicants by Region – Fall/Summer Data (chart)
- Graduate Applicants - Fall Data (table)
5/4/2011
- Admitted Graduate Students - Fall Data (table)
- Enrolled New Graduate Students - Fall Data (table)
- Demographics of Enrolled Graduate Students - Fall Data (table)
- Demographics of Enrolled Undergraduate Students - Fall Data (table)
B. Test scores (GRE, GMAT or TOEFL) of enrolled students
- Average GRE Scores for Enrolled Graduate Students – Fall Data (chart)
C. GPA of new students
- New Graduate Students GPA by Level – Fall Data (chart)
D. Initial position and place of employment of graduates over the past 6 years (table)
E. Type of financial support available for graduate students.
F. Number of students who have received national and university fellowships, scholarships and
other awards
- fellowships awarded (table)
G. Graduate Student Publications and Creative Activities (table)
H. Programs for mentoring and professional preparation of graduate students.
I. Department efforts to retain students and graduation rates
V.
VI.
VII.
Department
A. Department operating expenses
- Department Operating Cost - Academic Year (chart)
- Department Operating Cost as a Fraction of Employees - (table)
B. Summary of Proposals (Submitted)
- Summary of Number of Proposals Written and Accepted (table)
C. External Research expenditures
- Summary of Faculty Awards (table)
- Research Expenditures (chart)
- Peer Institution Info (if available) (table)
D. Internal funding
- Source of Internal Funds (TTU) - (table)
E. Scholarships and endowments
F. Departmental resources for research and teaching (i.e. classroom space, lab facilities) - (table)
G. HEAF expenditures (table)
Conclusions
Appendices
A. Strategic plan
- Attachment from Strategic Planning website
B. Course Offerings (table)
C. Recruiting Materials
D. Graduate Student Handbook
E. Graduate Student Association(s) - Description and information
F. Graduate Faculty Information (current Confirmation/Reconfirmation forms for all tenured and
tenure-track faculty)
G. Science Advisory Board Reports
1
I.
Program Overview
A. Introduction
The Department of Environmental Toxicology represents the academic home of the core
faculty of The Institute of Environmental and Human Health (TIEHH). TIEHH began in 1997.
The Department of Environmental Toxicology was formed 3 years later. TIEHH integrates the
efforts of Texas Tech University, the School of Law, and the Health Sciences Center in a joint
venture to assess toxic chemical impacts on environments. Attracting graduate students at both
the masters and doctoral level, TIEHH also includes adjunct faculty from biological sciences,
medicine, epidemiology, biostatistics, engineering, chemistry, computer science, law,
mathematics, pharmacology, physiology, and range, wildlife, and fisheries management.
TIEHH operations are reviewed annually by an external Science Advisory Board (SAB).
The SAB evaluates the research and academic areas (among others) and makes recommendations
for improvement. Copies of the SAB’s reports for the last 2 years are included in the Appendix
(G-1). The SAB has communicated that our program is on track, expanding its impact on
research and development in the area of environmental toxicology and chemistry, offering an
outstanding academic program for students, and contributing to the doctoral and master's degree
graduates as Texas Tech University strives to be recognized as a research university. The
TIEHH Science Advisory Board is chaired by Dr. Gary Dickson, Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc.,
and co-chaired by Dr. Mary Anna Thrall, Colorado State University. Other members of the
board include:
Dr. Joel Coats, Iowa State University
Dr. Elaine Dorward-King, Rio Tinto
Dr. Anne Fairbrother, U. S. EPA
Dr. Patrick Guiney, S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
Dr. Thomas Lacher, Conservation International
Dr. Mark Utell, University of Rochester Medical Center.
B. Department Vision
The vision of the Department (as outlined in its Strategic Plan) is to “stimulate and
develop environmental and health sciences research and education at Texas Tech
University/Texas Tech Health Sciences Center within an atmosphere of superior scholarship and
collegiality so as to position Texas Tech to be premier in the state, nation and the world in the
integration of environmental impact assessment of toxic chemicals with human health
consequences, framed in the context of science-based risk assessment to support sound
environmental policy and law”.
C. Department Goals
The goals of the Department (as outlined in its Strategic Plan) are “to be a leader in
research and education integrating environmental and human health sciences and to contribute to
innovative solutions to environmental problems by embracing disciplinary diversity, creating
partnerships, and committing to excellence”.
Environmental Toxicology
2
II.
Graduate Curricula and Degree Programs
A. Scope of Programs
Because of the multidisciplinary nature of environmental toxicology research and
training, prospective students need a strong background in the natural, physical, or health
sciences. The M.S. Program (36 hours) and the Ph.D. Program (72 hours) are composed of
course work emphasizing the principles of toxicology, the environmental fate of chemicals,
statistical approaches to study design and data handling, and seminars in environmental
toxicology. Supplemental course work, research, and thesis or dissertation hours are chosen by
the student with the guidance of their committee, allowing for focus on the student’s particular
research emphasis. Students pursuing either degree must perform an original research project,
prepare a written thesis or dissertation, and defend the work in a public defense.
1. M.S. Program
The purpose of the M.S. program is to provide students with graduate education in the
specialized areas of science that comprise Environmental Toxicology; further, to provide an
introduction to interdisciplinary research, manuscript preparation, and effective oral
communication; and lastly, prepare the student for employment or for obtaining a Ph.D. or other
advanced degree.
It is expected that M.S. students will (1) have an advanced working knowledge of the
paradigms of toxicology and will have demonstrated critical thinking and scientific reasoning
skills, (2) have participated with their mentors to secure research or travel funds, (3) make
research presentations at local, regional, national, or international scientific meetings, and (4)
have served as primary author of one refereed manuscript on their research.
2. Ph.D. Program
The purpose of the Ph.D. program is to provide students with graduate education in the
specialized areas of science that comprise Environmental Toxicology; further, to provide an
introduction to interdisciplinary research, manuscript preparation, effective oral communication,
and development of effective teaching skills; and lastly, prepare the student for employment as
faculty and researchers.
It is expected that Ph.D. students will (1) have an advanced working knowledge of the
paradigms of toxicology and will have demonstrated critical thinking and scientific reasoning
skills, (2) have participated with their mentors to secure research or travel funds, (3) make
research presentations at local, regional, national, or international scientific meetings, and (4)
have served as primary author of two refereed manuscript on their research.
3. Joint Degree Programs
The Department also offers 2 joint degree programs in cooperation with the TTU Law
School (J.D./M.S.) and the Rawls College of Business (M.B.A./M.S.). While the background of
students that enter these programs varies slightly from the traditional M.S. program students, the
goals of those programs are consistent with the M.S. Program described above. A joint degree
has the advantage of reducing the time required to obtain both degrees separately, while
allowing students to develop additional expertise.
The programs are set up and administered similarly to the other joint degree programs in
the School of Law and the Rawls College of Business. Students must meet the admissions
requirements of both programs. All ENTX or other non-law or non-business courses applied
Environmental Toxicology
3
toward a joint degree must be approved either by the Law or Rawls faculty or the ENTX faculty
before a law student can take these courses for credit.
B. Number and Types of Degrees Awarded
Degrees Awarded - Academic Year (ENTX)
Source: Institutional Research Services
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
99/00
00/01
01/02
02/03
03/04
04/05
Bachelor
0
0
0
0
0
0
Masters
4
2
2
2
6
3
Doctorates
1
2
6
4
10
6
Total Degrees Awarded by Year - AY (ENTX)
Source: Institutional Research Services
18
16
14
12
10
10
8
6
6
4
6
1
4
2
2
0
6
4
2
2
2
3
99/00
00/01
01/02
02/03
03/04
04/05
Doctorates
1
2
6
4
10
6
Masters
4
2
2
2
6
3
Bachelor
0
0
0
0
0
0
Environmental Toxicology
4
Comparison of Degrees
Aw arded (Fall and AY data)
Iow a State
Bachelor
Master
Doctoral
Clemson
Bachelor
Master
Doctoral
University of California - Davis
Bachelor
Master
Doctoral
Oregon State
Bachelor
Master
Doctoral
University of California - Santa Cruz
Bachelor
Master
Doctoral
North Carolina State
Bachelor
Master
Doctoral
Michigan State
Bachelor
Master
Doctoral
Texas Tech
Bachelor
Master
Doctoral
99/00
00/01
01/02
02/03
03/04
04/05
information not provided
0
6
3
0
7
2
0
4
2
0
9
3
0
5
4
0
11
6
information not provided
information not provided
information not provided
----
-2
6
-5
1
-1
5
-4
6
--
0
6
10
0
3
6
information not provided
0
4
1
0
2
2
0
2
6
0
2
4
Program Degrees Awarded
Source: Institutional Research Services
Name of Program
Environmental Toxicology
1999-2000
2000-2001
2001-2002
2002-2003
2003-2004
2004-2005
5
4
8
6
16
9
Environmental Toxicology
5
C. Undergraduate and Graduate Semester Credit Hours
Semester Credit Hours - Academic Year (ENTX)
Source: Institutional Research Services
1,200
1,000
800
600
400
200
0
Undergraduate
Graduate
99/00
0
0
00/01
0
539
01/02
6
771
02/03
10
1002
03/04
2
1071
04/05
3
1,027
AY SCH compared to Budget (ENTX)
Source: Institutional Research Services
1,200
$1
$1
1,000
$1
$1
800
$1
600
$1
$0
400
$0
$0
200
$0
0
99/00
00/01
01/02
02/03
03/04
04/05
Undergraduate
0
0
6
10
2
3
Graduate
0
539
771
1002
1071
1,027
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
Operating costs
$0
Environmental Toxicology
6
D. Number of Majors for the Fall Semesters
Enrollment by Level - Fall Data (ENTX)
Source: Institutional Research Services
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
99/00
00/01
01/02
02/03
03/04
Bachelor's
0
0
0
0
0
04/05
0
Masters
0
11
15
15
19
15
Doctoral
0
11
13
23
28
31
Total Enrollment by Year - Fall Data (ENTX)
Source: Institutional Research Services
50
45
40
35
28
31
30
23
25
13
20
11
15
10
11
5
0
0
15
15
19
15
99/00
00/01
01/02
02/03
03/04
04/05
Doctoral
0
11
13
23
28
31
Masters
0
11
15
15
19
15
Bachelor's
0
0
0
0
0
0
Environmental Toxicology
7
Comparison of Enrollment - Fall
Data
Iow a State
Bachelor
Master
Doctoral
Clemson
Bachelor
Master
Doctoral
University of California - Davis
Bachelor
Master (post bac)
Doctoral
Oregon State
Bachelor
Master
Doctoral
University of California - Santa Cruz
Bachelor
Master
Doctoral
North Carolina State
Bachelor
Master
Doctoral
Michigan State
Bachelor
Master
Doctoral
Texas Tech
Bachelor
Master
Doctoral
99/00
00/01
01/02
02/03
03/04
04/05
information not provided
----
0
20
20
0
20
16
0
15
20
0
20
16
0
14
12
43
1
--
40
1
--
35
1
--
41
1
--
51
0
--
50
1
--
-8
28
-7
30
information not provided
information not provided
----
-10
26
-10
27
-8
27
information not provided
n/a
n/a
n/a
0
11
11
0
15
13
0
15
23
0
19
28
0
15
31
Program Enrollment
Source: Institutional Research Services
Name of Program
Environmental
Toxicology
1999-2000
2000-2001
2001-2002
2002-2003
2003-2004
2004-2005
--
22
28
38
48
46
Environmental Toxicology
8
E. Course Enrollments Over the Past 6 Years (enrollment trends by course)
Figures are totals – classes may be offered more than once a year
Course Enrollments by Academic Year
Source: Institutional Research Services
Department
Subject
ENTX
ENTX
ENTX
ENTX
ENTX
ENTX
ENTX
ENTX
ENTX
ENTX
ENTX
ENTX
ENTX
ENTX
ENTX
ENTX
ENTX
ENTX
ENTX
ENTX
ENTX
ENTX
ENTX
ENTX
ENTX
ENTX
ENTX
ENTX
TOX
TOX
ENTX
ENTX
ENTX
ENTX
ENTX
ENTX
ENTX
ENTX
ENTX
ENTX
ENTX
ENTX
ENTX
ENTX
ENTX
ENTX
ENTX
ENTX
ENTX
ENTX
ENTX
ENTX
Course
1999-00
2000-01
2001-02
2000-01
2003-04
2004-05
Total
6000
6100
6105
6115
6251
6300
6312
6314
6325
6326
6327
6331
6341
6345
6348
6351
6361
6365
6366
6371
6385
6391
6431
6445
7000
8000
6
4
0
16
0
5
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
5
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
41
22
99
20
0
14
38
10
0
0
0
14
13
0
0
0
10
0
5
4
0
7
0
6
2
0
0
44
25
212
25
15
10
41
8
8
0
0
12
14
0
0
0
16
0
14
10
5
0
4
4
4
6
0
77
22
295
33
0
21
59
7
27
0
0
18
13
0
5
0
21
0
8
6
0
8
0
4
4
0
0
100
31
365
38
33
16
68
8
37
0
0
15
16
4
0
0
17
0
13
0
0
0
0
5
0
16
0
106
31
423
17
26
13
58
16
12
0
0
15
14
8
0
0
0
0
15
6
0
0
5
19
0
0
20
111
41
396
139
78
74
280
49
89
0
0
74
70
12
5
0
69
0
55
26
5
15
9
38
10
22
20
479
172
1790
TOTALS
F. Classes Cross Listed
ENTX 4325/6325 Principles of Toxicology I
ENTX 4326/6326 Principles of Toxicology II
Environmental Toxicology
9
III. Faculty
A. Number, Rank, and Demographics of the Graduate Faculty
Teaching Resources (ENTX)
Source: Institutional Research Services
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
99/00
00/01
01/02
02/03
03/04
04/05
Tenured/Tenure Track faculty
0
9
10
13
13
13
Non-tenure track faculty
0
0
0
2
3
3
GPTI
0
0
0
0
0
0
TA's
0
0
0
0
0
0
Tenured and Tenure-Track by Rank - Fall Data (ENTX)
Source: Institutional Research Services
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Horn Professor
Professor
Associate Professor
Assistant Professor
99/00
0
0
0
0
00/01
0
2
4
3
01/02
0
2
5
3
02/03
0
2
6
5
03/04
0
2
8
3
04/05
0
3
7
3
Environmental Toxicology
10
Comparison of Full-time Faculty
Iowa State
Tenured/Tenure Track
Non-tenure track
GPTI's
TA's
Clemson
Tenured/Tenure Track
Non-tenure track
GPTI's
TA's
University of California - Davis
Tenured/Tenure Track
Non-tenure track
GPTI's
TA's
Oregon State
Tenured/Tenure Track
Non-tenure track
GPTI's
TA's
University of California - Santa Cruz
Tenured/Tenure Track
Non-tenure track
GPTI's
TA's
North Carolina State
Tenured/Tenure Track
Non-tenure track
GPTI's
TA's
Michigan State
Tenured/Tenure Track
Non-tenure track
GPTI's
TA's
Texas Tech
Tenured/Tenure Track
Non-tenure track
GPTI's
TA's
99/00
00/01
01/02
02/03
03/04
04/05
information not provided
information not provided
Program has 80 faculty from across campus - not readily listed.
information not provided
information not provided
---
7
3
--
4
7
7
2
3
category not applicable
3
3
9
3
8
3
3
3
13
3
0
0
13
3
0
0
information not provided
0
0
0
0
9
0
0
0
10
0
0
0
13
2
0
0
Environmental Toxicology
11
B. List of Faculty Members
Source: Alicia Knight, Assistant Director (TIEHH)
HIRE
DATE
FACULTY NAME
JOB TITLE
George Cobb
Ken Dixon
Ron Kendall
Tom LaPoint
Todd Anderson
Richard Dickerson
Mike Hooper
Scott McMurry
Steve Presley
Ernest Smith
Jia-Sheng Wang
Stephen Cox
S. S. Ramkumar
Philip N. Smith
Burnella Gentles
Thomas Rainwater
Lili Tang
Professor
Professor
Professor
Professor
Associate Professor
Associate Professor
Associate Professor
Associate Professor
Associate Professor
Associate Professor
Associate Professor
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
Research Assistant Professor
Research Assistant Professor
Research Assistant Professor
END DATE
8/18/1997
8/18/1997
5/1/1997
8/18/1997 12/31/1998
8/18/1997
8/18/1997
8/18/1997
8/18/1997
6/10/2002
8/18/1997
5/1/2000
5/15/2002
6/1/2005
9/1/2002
12/1/2003
5/1/2005
4/1/2002
Member
of Grad
Faculty?
Y or N
Y
Y
Y
N
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
C. Summary of Refereed Publications and Creative Activities
Source: Based on Compiled Faculty Responses
Publication Type
Refereed Articles
Book Chapters
Books
1999
N=7
F=8
19
4
1
2000
N=9
F=9
22
4
0
N = # of full time faculty contributing
2001
N=8
F=9
12
5
0
2002
N=13
F=13
25
5
0
2003
N=13
F=14
23
3
0
2004
N=13
F=14
28
3
1
F = # of full time faculty in department
Environmental Toxicology
12
D. Responsibilities and Leadership in Professional Societies
Source: Based on Compiled Faculty Responses
Professional Leadership
Editor
Editorial Board
Officer in National Organization
Scientific Review Panel
1999
N=5
F=8
2
2
1
5
N = # of full time faculty contributing
2000
N=7
F=9
3
3
4
9
2001
N=7
F=9
4
3
5
13
2002
N=9
F=13
5
2
5
7
2003
N=9
F=14
5
3
7
5
2004
N=11
F=14
3
3
6
12
F = # of full time faculty in department
Source: Based on Compiled Faculty Responses
Faculty Name
Anderson
Cobb
Cox
Dixon
Hooper
Kendall
McMurry
Presley
Ramkumar
E. Smith
P. Smith
Wang
Committees Chaired
MS
PhD
7
2
1
7
0
0
2
1
2
4
0
2
4
3
0
1
1
0
2
1
3
0
1
1
Committees Served In
Department
MS
PhD
11
8
4
4
2
1
0
2
3
7
0
2
7
10
1
0
0
0
1
4
2
2
0
1
Committees Served
Outside Department
MS
PhD
5
2
1
1
0
0
2
3
1
1
0
3
0
5
1
0
3
0
1
1
1
0
3
0
Texas Tech University Graduates Only
E. Average Faculty Productivity for Fall Semesters
Source: Institutional Research Services
Faculty Workload
1999
University
College
Department
2000
11.61
11.16
----
2001
11.45
10.68
13.38
2002
11.34
10.43
8.24
2003
12.24
10.63
7.35
2004
16.23
17.39
8.01
Environmental Toxicology
13
College SCH/FTE - Fall Data
Source: Institutional Research Services
280
270
260
250
240
230
220
210
SCH/FTE for total faculty
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
249
233
248
259
271
262
Department SCH/FTE - Fall Data (ENTX)
Source: Institutional Research Services
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
SCH/FTE for total faculty
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
0
55
69
43
38
42
Environmental Toxicology
14
IV. Graduate Students
Basic Guidelines Regarding Courses
Both degree programs consist of core (required) courses, prescribed electives, and
electives. Beyond the core courses, the selection of courses represents agreement between the
mentor and the student. The graduate committee can have input into particular courses as well.
Beyond the required courses, a student could theoretically take as many classes as they wish
outside of the department. The appendix of this document (Tab C) contains a “course
checklist” for both the M.S. and Ph.D. programs.
The M.S. Program (36 hours) and the Ph.D. Program (72 hours) are composed of course
work and research. Students pursuing either degree must perform an original research project,
prepare a written thesis or dissertation, and defend the work in a public defense. Essentially, the
degree requirements within the Department are consistent with Graduate School requirements
outlined in the Graduate Catalog.
Required Course Hours and Time Frame
The philosophy of faculty in the department is that graduate degrees are research
degrees, so students should not be slowed down by too many course requirements. It is
important for students to be in the lab or field conducting research. Beyond that, there are no
formal guidelines on how many of the hours that make up the degree should be actual classes.
Course requirements are included below. It is important to note that elective hours can be filled
by research (ENTX 7000) hours.
M.S.
Required Courses
Technical Broadening Courses
Applied Broadening Courses
Electives
25 hours (includes 6 hours of ENTX 6000)
3-4 hours
3 hours
5-6 hours (can include ENTX 7000)
Total Credit Hours of Prescribed Coursework:
Total Credit Hours of Elective Coursework:
Total Credit Hours of Coursework for the Degree:
31-32
5-6
36
Ph.D.
Required Courses
Technical Broadening Courses
Applied Broadening Courses
Labs
Electives
33 hours (includes 12 hours of ENTX 8000)
3-4 hours
3 hours
4-5 hours
27-29 hours (can include ENTX 7000)
Total Credit Hours of Prescribed Coursework:
Total Credit Hours of Elective Coursework:
Total Credit Hours of Coursework for the Degree:
43 to 45
27 to 29
72
An M.S. degree usually takes 2 years to complete (± 1 semester). A Ph.D. degree
usually take 3 years beyond the M.S (± 1 year). We do not keep statistics on the length of time
a student takes from start to finish. In general, our students have taken longer (1) because of the
move from Clemson to Texas Tech and delays in getting the labs renovated and functional and
Environmental Toxicology
15
(2) because some research projects have a field component and it is difficult to predict field
seasons. It is common for field work to add 1 year to the length of time necessary to complete a
particular degree program.
Delays in finishing a particular degree also appear to be related to writing the thesis or
dissertation. That process often takes longer than anticipated. If that were the sole reason for
the delays in completing the degree, the time to completion could be reduced without reducing
the quality of the program.
Sufficient Numbers of Graduate Level Courses
It appears that sufficient numbers of graduate level courses are provided on a regular
schedule for each (M.S. and Ph.D.) program. Based on enrollment numbers and the
requirements of the state regarding minimum enrollments, it would appear that there are perhaps
too many courses offered through the ENTX program. However, good teaching is a University
requirement for promotion and tenure, thus faculty involved with non-required courses (the
courses that don’t usually have enough students to be offered) are in a difficult situation.
Review of Courses and Content
Course content is reviewed by the faculty member(s) who serve as instructors for the
particular course. The department has a Curriculum Committee that reviews the curriculum and
recommends changes as necessary. The committee and faculty receive input from former
students and the Science Advisory Board regarding suggestions for improvement in the
curriculum.
Student Recruitment and Application Review
Students are recruited by a variety of mechanisms including advertisements in scientific
society newsletters, booths at scientific meetings, the TIEHH website, and targeted mailings
within the University (chemistry and biology majors) and the State of Texas (schools with
environmental science programs). We also send letters to faculty members who have provided
letters of recommendation for current students in our program.
In general, the program is better known outside the University than within the
University. It is likely that our off campus location and lack of an undergraduate program have
hurt recruiting efforts, however, those factors did not hurt recruiting efforts at Clemson.
Recruiting students has been a significant obstacle since our move to Texas.
Applicants are evaluated by an Admissions Committee (4 faculty) whose composition
changes periodically (every 2-3 years). Prospective students are evaluated individually (not
compared to existing students) and holistically; objective (e.g. GPA) and subjective (e.g. letters
of recommendation, research potential) criteria are used.
If available, approved students are offered Department Assistantships (described
previously). If a particular faculty member is interested in a student or has been recruiting the
particular student, the student is supported by research grants obtained by the particular faculty
member.
Reasons Students Leave the Program
Students have left the program for various reasons during the last 5 years, including:
1. academic problems (4 M.S. students)
2. relationship problems (2 M.S. students)
3. unhappiness with the program, their advisor, or location (5 Ph.D. students)
Environmental Toxicology
16
Student Publications
In most instances, students have published the results of their thesis or dissertation
research. However, in some cases there have been significant delays (years) in publishing the
work because of a new job (especially M.S. graduates).
Admission of Students Without Financial Assistance
Graduates are admitted into the program without receiving an assistantship. The letter of
acceptance indicates such and describes the options for the prospective student. Example text
from that type of letter is included below:
“…The effort involved in completing a graduate degree is substantial, both in
commitment and time. Because of this, most graduate programs in the sciences
provide students with an opportunity to receive a stipend to help defray a
portion of the cost associated with obtaining a degree. Acceptance into our
graduate program does not guarantee that a student will receive a stipend.
Stipends are either provided by the department or through the research grants
of faculty. Competition among potential students for stipends is fierce.
At this time, we do not have departmental funding to offer you a stipend.
Therefore, it is important that you make contact with potential faculty mentors
about openings in their labs and the availability of funding through their
research grants. It is your responsibility to make contact with faculty. We can
help you with this, but you must take the initiative. You do have the option to
defer your admission to a later date in order to try to secure funding…”
Environmental Toxicology
17
A. Demographics of Applicants and Enrolled Students
Graduate Student Summary by Category - Fall Data (ENTX)
Source: Institutional Research Services
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
Total Applicants
Total Admitted
New Grad Students
1999
0
0
0
Students Graduated
0
2000
11
8
7
1
2001
13
8
7
3
2002
25
18
11
2
2003
26
17
13
4
2004
29
16
9
1
Graduate Student Summary by Year - Fall Data (ENTX)
Source: Institutional Research Services
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
Total Applicants
0
11
13
25
26
29
Total Admitted
0
8
8
18
17
16
New Grad Students
0
7
7
11
13
9
Students Graduated
0
1
3
2
4
1
Environmental Toxicology
18
Graduate Applicants by Region - Fall/Summer Data (ENTX)
Source: Institutional Research Services
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Blank Code
TX
USA
1999
0
0
0
INT'L
0
2000
0
2
2
3
2001
0
2
3
2
2002
3
3
0
5
2003
3
4
0
6
2004
1
3
0
5
Environmental Toxicology
19
Graduate Applicants - Fall Data
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
F
M
F
M
F
M
F
M
F
M
F
M
Amer Ind
Asian
Black
Hispanic
Non-Resident
Unknown
W hite
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
0
5
0
0
0
1
0
1
2
0
0
1
1
1
0
3
0
1
0
0
2
0
4
1
0
0
1
4
0
6
0
0
0
0
5
2
6
0
0
1
1
5
0
6
0
0
0
0
8
0
5
1
0
0
0
5
3
1
0
0
0
1
9
3
6
Gender Total
0
0
7
4
6
7
12
13
13
13
10
19
Total Applicants
0
13
11
25
Admitted Graduate Students - Fall Data
1999
2000 2001
26
29
2002
2003
2004
F
M
F
M
F
M
F
M
F
M
F
M
Amer Ind
Asian
Black
Hispanic
Non-Resident
Unknown
W hite
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
0
4
0
0
0
1
0
0
1
0
0
1
1
1
0
2
0
0
0
0
1
0
2
0
0
0
1
3
0
3
0
0
0
0
3
2
6
0
0
0
1
4
0
4
0
0
0
0
5
0
3
1
0
0
0
3
1
1
0
0
0
1
5
1
3
Gender Total
0
0
6
2
5
3
7
11
9
8
6
10
Total Admitted
0
8
8
18
Enrolled New Graduate Students - Fall Data
1999
2000 2001
16
17
2002
2003
2004
F
M
F
M
F
M
F
M
F
M
F
M
Amer Ind
Asian
Black
Hispanic
Non-Resident
Unknown
W hite
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
3
4
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
0
2
0
0
0
0
1
0
2
0
0
0
0
2
0
1
0
0
0
0
3
2
3
0
0
0
2
3
0
2
0
0
0
0
3
0
3
1
0
0
0
2
0
1
0
0
0
1
3
1
0
Gender Total
0
0
7
0
4
3
3
8
7
6
4
5
Total Enrolled
0
7
7
11
13
9
Environmental Toxicology
20
Demographics of Enrolled Graduate Students - Fall Data
1999
2000 2001
2002
2003
2004
F
M
F
M
F
M
F
M
F
M
F
M
Amer Ind
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
Asian
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Black
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
Hispanic
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
1
3
0
3
1
Non-Resident
0
0
5
1
5
2
7
6
9
9
10
14
Unknown
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
0
2
0
2
W hite
0
0
6
10
7
12
6
15
9
15
5
10
Gender Total
0
0
11
11
14
14
14
24
22
26
19
27
0
Graduate
22
28
38
48
46
Demographics of Enrolled Undergraduate Students - Fall Data
1999
2000 2001
2002
2003
2004
F
M
F
M
F
M
F
M
F
M
F
M
Amer Ind
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Asian
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Black
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Hispanic
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Non-Resident
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Unknown
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
W hite
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Gender Total
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Undergraduate
NO UNDERGRADUAT ES
Environmental Toxicology
21
B. Test Scores (GRE, GMAT and/or TOEFL) of Enrolled Students
Average GRE Scores for Enrolled Graduate Students Fall Data (ENTX)
Source: Institutional Research Services
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
Verbal
0
498
463
526
465
535
Quantitative
0
632
647
685
692
656
C. GPA of New Students
New Graduate Students GPA by Level - Fall Data (ENTX)
Source: Institutional Research Services
4
3.5
3
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
Masters
3.815
3.671
3.667
3.763
3.652
3.391
Doctoral
3.815
3.924
3.937
3.919
3.899
3.816
Environmental Toxicology
22
D. Initial Position and Place of Employment of Graduates
Name
Initial Position
Initial Employer
Location
1999
Phil Smith
Postdoc
Texas Tech
Texas
Kevin Burge
Unknown
Unknown
Florida
Hiroshi Awata
Risk Assessor
CH2MHill
Texas
Benjamin Sauls
Toxicologist
American Cyanamid
New Jersey
Steven Wall
Toxicologist
Syngenta
North Carolina
2000
Ted Wu
Ph.D. student**
University of Alaska
Alaska
Sean Richards
Postdoc
University of Guelph
Canada
Tim Bargar
Postdoc
NOAA
South Carolina
Celine Goodard
Toxicologist
Woods Hole
MA
Kevin Rummel
Toxicologist
CIA
VA
Texas Tech
Texas
Baron and Budd
Texas
USAF
Texas
2001
Chris Pepper
Research Associate
Brie DeBusk
Lawyer
Jody Wireman
Toxicologist
Angie Gentles
Postdoc
Texas Tech
Texas
Kerry Thuett
Ph.D. student**
Texas A&M
Texas
Forensic Laboratory
Texas
Texas Tech
Texas
McKinney-Stringer
Oklahoma
Arizona
2002
Andrew Moore
Forensic Chemist
Lu Yu
Ph.D. student**
Sarah Utley
Lawyer
Mindy Landrum
Risk Assessor
Environomics
Carrie Bradford
Ph.D. student**
Texas Tech
Texas
Blakely Adair
Toxicologist
U.S. EPA
North Carolina
Michigan State
Michigan
2003
June Woo Park
Ph.D. student
Thomas Rainwater
Postdoc
Randy Apodaca
Ph.D. student
Tim Capps
Lawyer
Anna Herboldsheimer
UC-Davis
California
University of Alaska
Alaska
Louisiana DEQ
Louisiana
Unknown
Unknown
Texas
Ed Scollon
Toxicologist
U.S. EPA
North Carolina
Stephanie Schmidt
Toxicologist
Manomet
MA
Matt Schwarz
Toxicologist
U.S. FWS
NE
Daam Settachan
Toxicologist
Thai Government
Thailand
Environmental Toxicology
23
2004
Pinar Dogru
Lawyer
TCEQ
Texas
Lu Yu
Asst. Professor
SFASU
Texas
Amy Hensley
Ph.D. student**
UCLA
California
John Isanhart
Ph.D. student**
Texas Tech
Texas
Chris McKean
Risk Assessor
Tetra-Tech
Texas
Adam Finger
Toxicologist
V-Tech
Texas
Scott Severt
Law student**
Texas Tech
Texas
Emilia Cruz-Li
Toxicologist
Dole
Honduras
Johnathan Boyd
Toxicologist
Unknown
D.C.
**M.S. graduate of our program who went on to study for a Ph.D.
E. Type of Financial Support Available for Graduate Students
Because the department is graduate only, teaching assistantships are not available as an
option to support graduate students. Most students are supported as research assistants on
research grants obtained by the faculty. In addition, the Department has made available
“Departmental Assistantships” which have been allocated out of the base budget for TIEHH.
This pool of money is approximately $226,000 and funds approximately 16 students (some
fully, others partially). Additional financial support (SBC Chancellors, etc.) is available, but is
used as a supplement to the research or departmental assistantships rather than a substitute.
F. Number of Students who have Received National and University Fellowships,
Scholarships and other Awards
Source: Responses from Students
AWARD
Hazlewood
SBC Chancellors
Summer Dissertation
GPSGA Travel Awards
ARCS Scholarships
SETAC Travel Awards
TTU Graduate Research
Competition
Tox Expo
Regional SETAC Awards
Wildlife Society
Biology Department
Law School Scholarships
EPA StAR Fellowship
INEL Fellowship
Syngenta Award
American Chemical Society
1999
$1,500
$2,000
$300
2000
2001
2002
2003
$3,000
$3,000
$3,000
$2,000
$3,000
$2,000
$5,000
$500
$10,000
$750
$15,000
$400
$300
$400
$400
$2,000
$650
$15,000
$2,120
$200
2004
$6,000
$2,000
$1,784
$10,000
$2,400
$50
$500
$400
$475
$1000
$2,000
$25,000
$4,500
$600
$50
$1,100
$2,500
$600
Environmental Toxicology
24
G. Graduate Student Publications and Creative Activities
Source: Responses from Students
Publication:
Year
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
Refereed
Thesis
Diss.
3
10
2
6
7
5
1
8
3
5
1
3
Non-Refereed
Thesis
Diss.
1
4
1
4
0
8
0
6
0
4
2
3
Poster
presentations
Thesis
Diss.
6
11
4
9
6
3
4
3
3
2
4
5
Platform
presentations
Thesis
Diss.
2
15
3
12
3
4
0
1
0
0
1
1
H. Programs for Mentoring and Professional Preparation of Graduate Students
The purpose of our graduate program is to provide students with graduate education in
the specialized areas of science that comprise Environmental Toxicology and to provide an
introduction to interdisciplinary research, manuscript preparation, and effective oral
communication. Because of the interdisciplinary nature of environmental toxicology research,
students work closely with their committee, probably more so than in other more traditional
scientific disciplines.
For the most part, coursework is used to train students in the paradigms of the discipline.
The training of students in the other aspects of the sciences (conducting research and obtaining
funding, preparing manuscripts, and giving poster and platform presentations) begins during the
first semester with TOX 6105 (required course for all new students). This seminar course
provides an introduction to graduate education and includes topics on publications,
presentations, scientific meetings, funding, among others.
A variety of other informal programs are available to facilitate the professional
development of graduate students. Various courses within the Department are considered
writing intensive, including the development of research proposals. Students are encouraged to
work with their mentor to seek out funding (research and travel) through agencies, foundations,
and professional societies. Journal club seminars have become more common the last 2 years in
an effort to improve students’ ability to critically evaluate the scientific literature and present
research findings in a formal setting.
Students in the Environmental Toxicology program also contribute to the mentoring
process through the Graduate Student Association and the annual Tox Expo. In addition to its
various service activities, the Graduate Student Association provides small travel grants to help
students attend regional meetings. The Tox Expo, a completely student-run event, provides a
forum for students to present their research and be evaluated on their presentation skills.
I. Department Efforts to Retain Students and Graduation Rates
Environmental Toxicology
25
One effort that was undertaken recently to retain students and graduation rates was to
enforce the admissions requirements and course pre-requisites. This has the result of improving
the overall quality of students in the program and improving the quality of students in a
particular class.
The “Introductory Seminar” (TOX 6105 described above) is also designed to ease the
transition to graduate school by informing students early on of what is expected, but also
introducing them to the support system that is in place through TIEHH. The Department
employs a Graduate Officer and an Academic Program Coordinator that help students with
registration and all interactions with the Graduate School. Our philosophy has always been that
our students are our legacy.
Based on the feedback of former students, 2 years ago the Faculty altered the sequence
of classes so that incoming students were not taking the primary core courses (namely ENTX
6325, Principles of Toxicology I and ENTX 6445, Chemical Sources and Fates in
Environmental Systems) the same semester. In addition, the other goal of this change was to
allow students an opportunity to spend some time in a lab doing research their first semester.
Our experience has been that students who get a chance to get into the lab during that first
semester adjusted to graduate school much better than students who were too buried with
classes to spend any time in the research lab.
Environmental Toxicology
26
V. Department
Centers or Institutes within the Unit
The department essentially represents the academic arm of The Institute of
Environmental and Human Health (TIEHH) and the academic home for TIEHH graduate
students and faculty. As a research center in the University, TIEHH contributes to the graduate
programs (M.S. and Ph.D.) by facilitating graduate research.
Procedures or Policies Regarding Faculty
There are no departmental procedures with regards to faculty supervision of graduate
students, committee obligations, and interdisciplinary teaching activities. All Environmental
Toxicology faculty are expected to supervise graduate students, serve on committees, and teach
ENTX courses and are evaluated based on these (an additional) criteria.
Student Involvement in Governance and Administration
Students have little involvement in the governance and administration of the program.
However, students are given opportunities to provide input. For example, in the past students
provided an analysis of stipends at other universities in an effort to justify a raise in student
stipends within the department. In addition, students have significant interactions with the
TIEHH Science Advisory Board during their annual visits.
Mission and Goals of the Department
The mission of the Department (as outlined in its strategic plan) is to stimulate and
develop environmental and health sciences research and education at Texas Tech
University/Texas Tech Health Sciences Center within an atmosphere of superior scholarship
and collegiality so as to position Texas Tech to be premier in the state, nation and the world in
the integration of environmental impact assessment of toxic chemicals with human health
consequences, framed in the context of science-based risk assessment to support sound
environmental policy and law. The Department strives to be a leader in research and education
integrating environmental and human health sciences. The department will contribute to
innovative solutions to environmental problems by embracing disciplinary diversity, creating
partnerships, and committing to excellence. The mission and goals of the department are
consistent with the goals of the university.
Measures of Program Quality
As required by the College of Arts and Sciences, the Departent has prepared Programlevel Assessment Plans for the M.S. degree and the Ph.D. degree. Those assessment plans are
included below.
Environmental Toxicology
27
Degree Title: Master of Science in Environmental Toxicology
Purpose of degree program: Provide students with graduate education in the specialized areas of science that
comprise Environmental Toxicology; further, to provide an introduction to interdisciplinary research, manuscript
preparation, and effective oral communication; and lastly, prepare the student for employment or for obtaining a
Ph.D. or other advanced degree.
Item
1
EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Students will have an advanced working
knowledge of the paradigms of toxicology and will
have demonstrated critical thinking and scientific
reasoning skills.
2
Students will have participated with their mentors
to secure research or travel funds.
Students will make research presentations at local,
regional, national, or international scientific
meetings.
Students will have served as primary author of one
refereed manuscript on their research.
3
4
METHODS OF ASSESSMENT
Utilize evaluations from core courses that focus on
the principles of toxicology, environmental
chemistry, and numerical methods of analysis.
Assessment reports from advisory committee
following thesis defense.
Percentage of students that receive scholarships,
travel grants, or research funding.
Percentage of students that present posters or talks at
scientific meetings each year.
Number of papers published by graduate students
each year.
Degree Title: Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Toxicology
Purpose of degree program: Provide students with graduate education in the specialized areas of science that
comprise Environmental Toxicology; further, to provide an introduction to interdisciplinary research, manuscript
preparation, effective oral communication, and development of effective teaching skills; and lastly, prepare the
student for employment as faculty and researchers.
Item
1
EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Students will have an advanced working
knowledge of the paradigms of toxicology and will
have demonstrated critical thinking and scientific
reasoning skills.
2
Students will have participated with their mentors
to secure research or travel funds.
Students will make research presentations at local,
regional, national, or international scientific
meetings.
Students will have served as primary author of two
refereed manuscripts on their research.
3
4
METHODS OF ASSESSMENT
Utilize evaluations from core courses that focus on
the principles of toxicology, environmental
chemistry, and numerical methods of analysis.
Assessment reports from advisory committee
following qualifying exams and the dissertation
defense.
Percentage of students that receive scholarships,
travel grants, or research funding.
Percentage of students that present posters or talks at
scientific meetings each year.
Number of papers published by graduate students
each year.
Challenges in Becoming a Highly Ranked Program
In the area of Environmental Toxicology, the program stands at or near the top of
graduate programs based on student numbers, research impact, and faculty reputation.
Faculty Involvement in Self-Study
Faculty, staff, and students (current and former) have provided input into this document
through the submission of information. In addition, a draft of the complete document was made
available in the Chair's office for faculty review and input.
Environmental Toxicology
28
Evaluation of Program Progress and Success
The progress and ultimate success of the program is evaluated based on student
numbers, graduates, and the impact that those graduates have on the field of environmental
toxicology. In addition, the external Science Advisory Board provides a yearly evaluation of
the Institute, including the academic program.
Future Needs
One of the primary issues that needs to be overcome is the drop in student numbers, and
in particular the lack of applicants from the State of Texas and the U.S. Additional deficiencies
are included in Chapter VI.
Environmental Toxicology
29
A. Department Operating Expenses
Department Operating Cost - Academic Year (ENTX)
Source: Institutional Research Services
$2,500,000
$2,000,000
$1,500,000
$1,000,000
$500,000
$0
Operating Cost
99/00
00/01
01/02
02/03
03/04
04/05
$2,352,320
$1,627,591
$1,533,906
$1,591,671
$1,788,727
$1,861,949
Department Operating Costs as a Fraction of Employees
Source: Tami James, Sr. Accountant (TIEHH)
99/00
00/01
01/02
02/03
03/04
04/05
Dept Operating Cost $2,352,320 $1,627,591 $1,533,906 $1,591,671 $1,788,727 $1,861,949
Faculty & Staff
44
41
42
49
46
45
Dept Op Cost /FS $53,462
$39,697
$36,522
$32,483
$38,885
$41,377
Environmental Toxicology
30
B. Summary of Proposals (Submitted)
Summary of Number of Proposals Written and Accepted
Source: Stephanie White, Sponsored Projects Coordinator (TIEHH)
Foundation
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
State
Federal
Others
Successfully
funded
D
M
D
M
D
M
D
M
D
M
1
1
1
0
4
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
9
7
1
1
2
9
1
0
0
0
2
0
44
14
34
31
29
7
10
2
14
2
10
3
4
3
3
8
1
4
0
0
0
0
0
0
19
8
21
12
9
6
5
3
12
1
6
0
D = proposals written by CO-PI’s from your department only
M = proposals written by CO-PI’s from multiple departments
C. External Research Expenditures
SUMMARY OF FACULTY AWARDS BY HOME DEPARTMENT
Year
Source: Office of Research Services
Numb er of
FacilitIes &
Awards
Administrative Award Amount
99/00
00/01
01/02
02/03
03/04
04/05
Totals:
14.69
33.50
32.04
52.45
28.49
17.75
$250,938
$1,305,670
$1,576,589
$2,332,179
$954,133
$506,218
$1,062,626
$6,803,290
$6,722,285
$9,976,871
$3,608,797
$1,959,123
178.92
$6,925,728
$30,132,991
Environmental Toxicology
31
Research Expenditures (ENTX)
Source: Insitutional Research Services
$12,000,000
$10,000,000
$8,000,000
$6,000,000
$4,000,000
$2,000,000
$0
Sponsored
99/00
00/01
01/02
02/03
03/04
04/05
$1,062,626
$6,803,290
$6,722,285
$9,976,871
$3,608,797
$1,959,123
Comparison of Research
Expenditures
Iowa State
Clemson
University of California - Davis
Oregon State
University of California - Santa Cruz
North Carolina State
Michigan State
Texas Tech
99/00
00/01
01/02
02/03
03/04
04/05
information not provided
--
$297,172
$397,101
$363,089
information not readily available
$353,427
$129,820
information not provided
information not provided
-$1,062,626
$1,608,848
$6,803,290
$1,805,863
$2,413,963
information not provided
$6,722,285
$9,976,871
$2,833,084
$3,608,797
$1,959,123
D. Internal Funding
Source of Internal Funds (TTU)
Source: Institutional Research Services
Research Enhancement
Research Incentive
Line Items
Interdisciplinary Seed Grants
New Faculty Start-ups
Matching from VPRGSTT
Special needs and opportunities
Research Promotion
Graduate School Fellowships
HEAF
TOTALS:
99/00
00/01
01/02
02/03
03/04
$42,387
$167,105
$146,642
$189,294
$208,362
04/05
$3,300
$144,813
$17,952
$39,869
$19,238
$30,000
$1,500
$2,000
$5,000
$6,000
$5,000
$87,356
$188,343
$169,594
$194,294
$213,362
$8,000
$25,000
$211,113
Environmental Toxicology
32
E. Scholarships and Endowments
Besides the departmental assistantships described previously (Chapter 4), the
Department of Environmental Toxicology (TIEHH) has an endowment from Syngenta which is
used to honor the top M.S. ($1,000) and Ph.D. ($1,500) students in the program each year.
F. Departmental Resources for Research and Teaching
Source: Ryan Bounds, QA Officer (TIEHH)
Type of Space
Number of Rooms
Total Assignable Square Feet
OFFICES:
Faculty & Administration
22
4,018
Clerical
6
1,004
Graduate Assistant
58 cubicles
3,497
Technician
9
972
Emeritus
0
0
Special Instruction Labs
0
0
Research Labs
21
17,574
STORAGE:
6
10,648
LIBRARY:
CENTERS & OTHER
FACILITIES:
1
379
Office
Lab (Instruction &
Research)
11
12,000
LABS:
50,092
TOTAL SQUARE FEET
G. HEAF Expenditures
Source: Alicia Knight, Assistant Director (TIEHH)
Labs
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
0
0
0
$46
$1890
$75,813
Classroom
Other
(identify)
TOTAL
0
0
0
$46
$1890
$75,813
Environmental Toxicology
33
VI. Conclusions
The results of this self-study were valuable in allowing us to develop additional
perspectives on progress in the development of a new graduate program in Environmental
Toxicology at Texas Tech University. Overall, the program has made great strides in producing
quality graduate students and subsequent degree granting from Texas Tech University.
Employment of our graduate students remains very high in quality jobs. The most critical issue
that greatly challenges the academic program, in fully educating graduate students, is the lack of
an animal care facility at Reese Technology Center. The only animal care facility our students
can access is located on campus at Texas Tech University or at the Texas Tech University
Health Sciences Center. Indeed, to appropriately train an environmental toxicologist,
particularly evaluating the response of animals to toxic substances, requires animal testing
facilities. It is extremely difficult and expensive for students to drive ten miles to and from
campus and then return, often times, multiple times, in one day to conduct critical research for
either thesis or dissertation purposes. An external TIEHH Scientific Advisory Board has also
identified this issue as a top concern which must be remedied. We believe it will highly
stimulate the program for grants, which in turn, support even more graduate students, while it
gives students diverse research experiences and education opportunities.
TIEHH essentially serves as a model for interdisciplinary research in environmental
toxicology. TIEHH is the principal vehicle, through which research grants and the TIEHH
operating budget, fund the academic program through the Department of Environmental
Toxicology. Principally, the Department of Environmental Toxicology houses the academic
tenure-track faculty and provides the vehicle for tenure and promotion review, which has
proceeded very well through the College of Arts and Sciences. For issues of academic concern,
other than tenure and promotion review for faculty candidates, the Provost’s office is the
principal point of reportage. Neither TIEHH nor the Department of Environmental Toxicology
receives any financial funding through the College of Arts and Sciences. It is challenging to
integrate a complex multi-disciplinary research institute, which is the financial back bone for a
growing graduate education program. As evidenced by our reviews by the TIEHH Scientific
Advisory Boards annual meetings, TIEHH and the Department of Environmental Toxicology
complement each other very well which has contributed to the growing success of both. As
always, new models will continue to be developed, in efforts to facilitate growth in novel
research and academic collaborations.
One of the issues evident is that the academic program is still relatively young at Texas
Tech University. Although we are going through this self-study to evaluate an approximately
five to six-year time frame, this does not represent a program that has been in Texas Tech for 10
to 15 years but represents essentially the start-up of a brand new graduate program. In other
words, we had to develop tests and then validate our operational model, and we will continue to
do so into the future.
Another point is that this academic program is located off campus, as it is located in
TIEHH facilities at Reese Technology Center. Since we do not have an undergraduate program,
and are off-campus, it does create some challenges for obscurity, related to undergraduate
students, who perhaps could be future graduate candidates in our program. We continue to
engage the Honors program at Texas Tech and particularly the Howard Hughes Medical
Institute Scholars program to market the program. In addition, we have regular articles in the
student newspaper, The Toreador, as well as try to create work study opportunities for students,
some of who then become interested in the program. Nevertheless, this will be a continuing
challenge, but we are working to overcome this.
Environmental Toxicology
34
The field of environmental toxicology has been and continues to be an excellent career
opportunity, and this does not appear to be changing, especially with many of the environmental
problems continuing to challenge mankind. For this reason, we anticipate continued strength
and employment of our graduates. Although we face many challenges, we do maintain a
communication network of past students and host an annual reception for them when attending
the annual meeting of our professional society, the Society of Environmental Toxicology and
Chemistry. In addition, Texas Tech University’s Department of Environmental
Toxicology/TIEHH, with other collaborators at Texas Tech, now represent the largest academic
based membership in the field of environmental toxicology. A recent count of close to 70
members of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry exists at Texas Tech.
This is an outstanding reflection of the rapid and diverse growth in our program, which did not
even exist at Texas Tech University until the late 1990’s. We believe this growth has been
achieved through the on-going support by Texas Tech University’s faculty, staff and
administration and the great support from the City of Lubbock and the State of Texas. This
study challenges us to reflect on our past, evaluate our current situation and continue to aspire to
the future to be bigger and better, with an even stronger impact in our field of environmental
toxicology and chemistry.
Environmental Toxicology
35
VII. Appendices
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
Strategic Plan
Graduate Course Offerings
Recruiting Materials
Graduate Student Handbook
Graduate Student Association(s)
Graduate Faculty Information
Science Advisory Board Reports
Environmental Toxicology
APPENDIX A
Strategic Plan
Environmental Toxicology
APPENDIX B
Course Offerings
Environmental Toxicology
B. Course Offerings
4000. Undergraduate Research in Environmental Toxicology (V1-3). Prerequisite: 15 hours of biology
or chemistry, junior or senior standing, and consent of instructor. Selected research problems according
to the needs of the student. May be repeated for credit.
4325. Principles of Toxicology I (3:3:0).Prerequisite: Senior standing or consent of instructor. First half
of two-semester course. Examines foundations of toxicological sciences, covering principles, disposition
and half of toxicity mechanisms. (Writing Intensive)
4326. Principles of Toxicology II (3:3:0). Prerequisite: ENTX 4325. Second half of two-semester course.
Covers remaining toxicity mechanisms, toxic agents and applied toxicology. (Writing Intensive)
4301. Special Topics in Environmental Toxicology (3:3:0). Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Special
areas of current interest not commonly included in other undergraduate courses (e.g., wildlife
toxicology, pesticides in the environment).
6000. Master's Thesis (V1-6).
6100. Graduate Seminar (1:1:0). Prerequisite: Graduate standing or consent of instructor. A participatory
seminar where graduate students condense, review, and present research findings on focused topics.
Subject matter varies by semester. May be repeated for credit.
6251. Analytical Toxicology Laboratory (2:0:2). Corequisite: ENTX 6351 or consent of instructor.
Extraction, cleanup, and quantitative analysis of environmental chemicals and their degradates.
Reinforces and applies theories taught in ENTX 6351. (Writing Intensive)
6300. Advanced Topics in Environmental Toxicology (3:3:0). Special areas of current interest not
generally covered in other courses. Content normally different each time offered. May be repeated for
credit.
6312. Biological Threats in the Environment (3:3:0). Prerequisite: Undergraduate biological background
or consent of instructor. Detailed examination of characteristics, surveillance, and control of naturallyoccurring zoonoses and diseases exploitable as biological weapon agents. (Writing Intensive)
6314. Chemical Warfare and Protective Countermeasures (3:3:0). Coverage of chemical warfare agents,
their protective measures, and technologies. Suitable for science and engineering majors.
6325. Principles of Toxicology I (3:3:0). Prerequisite: Graduate standing in the department or consent of
instructor. First half of two semester course. Examines the foundations of toxicological sciences. Covers
principles, disposition, and first half of toxicity mechanisms. (Writing Intensive)
6326. Principles of Toxicology II (3:3:0). Prerequisite: ENTX 6325. Second half of two semester course.
Covers remaining mechanisms, toxic agents, and applied toxicology. (Writing Intensive)
6327. Molecular Toxicology (3:3:0). Prerequisite: ENTX 6325 and 6326 or consent of instructor.
Molecular mechanisms and control of phase I and phase II xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes, oxidative
stress, and carcinogenesis. Emphasizes prototypical chemicals with multiple modes of action.
6331. Reproductive and Developmental Toxicology (3:3:0). Prerequisite: ENTX 6325 and 6326 or
consent of instructor. Mechanistic treatment of chemical effects on reproductive and developmental
processes and the resulting impacts on reproductive function, fertility, and the developing offspring.
Environmental Toxicology
6332. Biotoxin Detection Methods (3:2:1). Prerequisite: ENTX 6326. Toxic effects of mycotoxins,
bacteria, and cyanobacteria toxins. Historic and current status of biotoxin research. Laboratory stresses
breadth for biotoxin detection.
6351. Analytical Toxicology Lecture (3:3:0). Prerequisite: ENTX 6445 or consent of instructor. Theory
of isolation, detection, identification, and quantification of toxic substances and their transformation
products in environmental and biological samples.
6361. Environmental and Wildlife Toxicology (3:3:0). Prerequisite: Organic chemistry, ecology, or
consent of instructor. Examines exposure and effects of chemicals in wildlife, their study in the lab and
field, and use of conducting ecological risk assessments.
6365. Fundamentals of Aquatic Ecotoxicology (3:3:0).Prerequisite: Graduate or advanced undergraduate
background in biological, chemical, or environmental sciences or consent of instructor. Covers effects of
water pollution on aquatic organisms and human health. Subjects include fate and transport in aqueous
systems, acute toxicity and toxicity tests, and effects of pollutants on aquatic systems from molecular to
global levels.
6366. Advanced Environmental Toxicology (3:3:0). Prerequisite: ENTX 6325 and 6326, 6445, or
consent of instructor. Examines toxicological principles at population, community, and ecosystem levels
stressing population dynamics, life history changes, community composition, and ecosystem dynamics.
6367. Advanced Wildlife Toxicology (3:3:0). Prerequisite: ENTX 6325 and 6326, 6445, or consent of
instructor. Environmental contaminant effects on reproduction, health, and well being of wildlife species
and applications to ecological risk assessment.
6371. Procedures and Techniques in Ecological Risk Assessment (3:3:0). This course is designed to
provide students with a solid foundation in risk assessment methods. Students will learn how the
ecological risk assessment framework developed by the U.S. EPA is used to assess the potential hazards
of chemicals.
6385. Statistical Applications in Environmental Toxicology (3:3:0). Prerequisite: STAT 5302 or
equivalent. Designed for students who wish to understand the interrelationships of statistical
distributions and particular statistical approaches to environmental toxicology data analysis.
6391. Modeling and Simulation in Ecotoxicology (3:2:1). Prerequisite: Calculus. Model development,
implementation, and simulation applied to ecotoxicology; stressor responses; toxicokinetics; individual
organism effects; individual-based models; population, community, and landscape effects; parameter
estimation; design and analysis of simulation experiments; and model validation.
6431. Biomarkers in Toxicology (4:2:2). Prerequisite: ENTX 6325 and 6326. Lecture and laboratory on
biomarker theory and use. Biochemical, physiological, histological responses to chemical exposure,
effects and susceptibility are studied. Laboratory stresses individual and team approaches.
6445. Chemical Sources and Fates in Environmental Systems (4:4:0). Prerequisite: Organic and
analytical or environmental chemistry or consent of instructor. Environmental phenomena and physical
properties of chemicals are used to understand processes governing chemical fate in the environment
from global to micro scales.
7000. Research (V1-12).
8000. Doctor's Dissertation (V1-12).
Environmental Toxicology
APPENDIX C
Recruiting Materials
Environmental Toxicology
APPENDIX D
Graduate Student Handbook
Environmental Toxicology
APPENDIX E
Graduate Student Association(s)
Environmental Toxicology
E. Description and Information about Graduate Student Association(s)
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY GRADUATE STUDENT ASSOCIATION
All incoming students are encouraged to become active in the Environmental
Toxicology graduate student group. Membership in the association is open to any graduate
student in, or involved with, the department of Environmental Toxicology at Texas Tech
University. Members shall pay dues of $10 per academic year, and will be requested to attend
monthly meetings and provide occasional assistance with volunteer opportunities.
The student group provides a means for students in the department to voice any
concerns to the university or departmental administration, get assistance in developing
professional skills, and network with your peers. We provide an avenue for interaction and
communication among the graduate students and members of the faculty, the staff, the
departmental administration, as well as the University. The focus of the association is to (1)
promote camaraderie and scientific interaction among graduate students involved with the
Environmental Toxicology department, as well as members of other TTU academic
departments; (2) promote scientific interaction among Institute graduate students and members
other universities through attendance at scientific meetings; (3) promote the effectiveness and
diversity of environmental toxicology courses currently taught at the University; (4) promote
graduate student scholarship; (5) act as a service organization for the Institute and University.
Environmental Toxicology
APPENDIX F
Graduate Faculty Information
Environmental Toxicology
F. Current Graduate Faculty Confirmation/Reappointment Forms
George Cobb
Ken Dixon
Ron Kendall
Todd Anderson
Mike Hooper
Scott McMurry
Steve Presley
Ernest Smith
Jia-Sheng Wang
Stephen Cox
S. S. Ramkumar
Philip N. Smith
G-1
Environmental Toxicology
APPENDIX G
Science Advisory Board Reports
Environmental Toxicology