Pablo Copello’s Journey in Environmental and Molecular Toxicology
W
hen Pablo Copello arrived from France to join the Environmental and Molecular Toxicology (EMT) Program at Oregon State University as an exchange M.S. student in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering through the IE3 Global Exchange Program in partnership with Lyon Catholic University (UCLy), he brought with him not only strong technical training from CPE Lyon, but also a clear drive to address some of the most complex challenges at the intersection of environmental science, toxicology, and human health. During his internship, co-mentored by Drs. Julia Yue Cui and Siva Kolluri, Pablo built an impressive body of work that integrated cancer biology, microbiome science, and computational toxicology.
From molecular mechanisms to therapeutic potential
In the Kolluri Lab, Pablo immersed himself in mechanistic cancer biology, examining how chemical compounds regulate gene expression, cell proliferation, and programmed cell death. His work focused on the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a key environmental sensor, and its role in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). By investigating multi-ligand activation of AhR, he contributed to a deeper understanding of how environmental and endogenous signals converge to influence apoptotic and growth-inhibitory pathways.
This research sits at the forefront of mechanism-based anticancer therapeutic development, where understanding signaling pathways can directly inform drug discovery. Pablo’s ability to connect receptor biology with translational outcomes reflects a level of scientific maturity rarely seen at the master’s level.
Decoding the gut microbiome–brain axis in Alzheimer’s disease
In the Cui Lab, Pablo expanded his work into systems toxicology, taking on one of the field’s most pressing questions: how environmental exposures reshape the gut microbiome and influence disease risk.
His research examined the effects of microplastics exposure on the gut microbiome, particularly in the context of Alzheimer’s disease and genetic susceptibility. By integrating environmental, biological, and computational approaches, Pablo:
- Conducted bioinformatics analyses to determine how microbiome composition is influenced by contaminants, sex, and genetic risk factors
- Applied advanced tools including QIIME2, PICRUSt2, and R for sequencing data processing, diversity analysis, and multivariable modeling
- Produced high-quality scientific outputs, including ordination plots, heatmaps, and network visualizations
- Validated findings using molecular biology techniques such as PCR
Working closely with co-mentor Julia Cui, and in collaboration with Drs. Jason Richardson (University of Georgia), Matt Campen (University of New Mexico), and Haiwei Gu (Arizona State University), while also building on prior work by Dr. Kyle Kim, a Ph.D. graduate of the Cui Lab now at the University of Washington, Pablo contributed to a highly interdisciplinary effort that bridged microbiome science and neurotoxicology.
Recognition and scientific communication
Pablo’s work extended beyond the laboratory. At the 2026 College of Agricultural Sciences Graduate Student Research Day, he received a Best Platform Presentation Award for his computational toxicology research on microplastics and the gut microbiome in genetically susceptible populations.
Beyond the award itself, this recognition highlights one of Pablo’s key strengths: scientific storytelling. He demonstrated a strong ability to translate complex multi-omics data into clear, compelling narratives for diverse audiences.
A promising future ahead
Now accepted into the Ph.D. program in Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University of California, Davis, Pablo carries forward a distinctive combination of skills:
- Mechanistic insight into receptor biology and cancer therapeutics
- Systems-level understanding of the microbiome and environmental exposures
- Advanced computational and bioinformatics expertise
- Strong communication and collaborative abilities
His trajectory reflects the evolving nature of environmental and molecular toxicology—an increasingly integrative, data-driven field that moves beyond single pathways and systems to advance precision health and disease prevention.
Beyond the internship
Pablo Copello’s journey at OSU represents more than a successful internship. It also reflects the strength of the growing partnership with its international collaborators, including CPE Lyon.
His experience demonstrates how global exchange, interdisciplinary mentorship, and scientific curiosity can come together to prepare the next generation of environmental health scientists. At the same time, it strengthens enduring friendships, research partnerships, and collaborations that extend across institutions and borders.
