About Us
The Department of Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology (METX) focuses on the human and environmental health impacts of chemicals and pathogens. This interdisciplinary focus has led to new insights into how microbes cause disease and affect the bioavailability of toxicants in the environment, as well as how organisms respond to these harmful agents. While our research is driven by biological questions, it has a significant translational component and has led to the identification of novel therapeutic targets, approaches for bioremediation, and markers of toxicant exposure. In addition, our department provides an exciting and effective training environment for graduate and undergraduate research and teaching. The METX faculty have been very successful in developing independent and interdisciplinary research programs, publishing in top-rated peer-reviewed journals, and advancing through the professoriate ranks. Moreover our graduate training prepares students to become leaders in various fields, following career paths in academia, teaching, industry, and government.
Explore Microbiology & Environmental Toxicology News
The latest high-impact science in Microbiology & Environmental Toxicology
The California anchovy or northern anchovy (Engraulis mordax) is a species of anchovy found in the Pacific Ocean, ranging from Mexico to British Columbia.
UCSC scientists find microplastics in Monterey Bay water, anchovies, and seabirds
Microparticles recovered from some seabirds exhibited estrogenic activity with potential to disrupt hormone functions
Student researchers investigate toxic lead exposure in golden eagles
A gift from the Webster Foundation to UCSC’s Predatory Bird Research Group supports student interns helping to study lead poisoning in eagles and monitor peregrine falcons
UCSC graduate student wins HHMI Gilliam Fellowship for Advanced Study
Gilliam Fellowships support exceptional graduate students and their advisers who are committed to increasing diversity among scientific leaders.