CV

Curriculum vitae: Chad S. Weldy, M.D., Ph.D.

Contact

300 Pasteur Drive

LANE 154

Palo Alto, CA 94305

Email: weldyc@stanford.edu

Current Position

Internal Medicine Resident Physician (PGY-2)

Translational Investigator Program (Physician Scientist Training Program)

Pre-accepted Fellowship: Cardiovascular Medicine

Department of Medicine

Stanford University Hospitals

Residency Program Director: Dr. Ronald Witteles, M.D.

TIP Program Co-Directors: Drs. Joshua Knowles, M.D., Ph.D., Joy Wu, M.D., Ph.D., Vinicio de Jesus Perez, M.D.

Education and Previous Training

Medical Doctorate (M.D.)

Duke University School of Medicine, August 2014 – May 2017

Advisory Dean: Delbert Wigfall, M.D.

Postdoctoral Fellowship, June 2012 – June 2014

NHLBI T32 Senior Fellow

Division of Cardiology

University of Washington School of Medicine

Research Advisor: Michael T. Chin, M.D. Ph.D.

Ph.D., Toxicology, September 2007 - June 2012

NIEHS T32 Predoctoral Fellow

Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences,

University of Washington School of Public Health

Research Advisor: Terrance J. Kavanagh, Ph.D.

*Dissertation Title: Inhalation of Diesel Exhaust (DE) and its effects on inflammation and vascular function; investigating the role of oxidative stress and glutathione in DE-mediated effects

Visiting Scientist, April 2010 – July 2010, April 2011 – May 2011

Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology

University of Heidelberg School of Medicine

Heidelberg, Germany

Research Advisor: Florian Bea, M.D., Ph.D., Michael R. Preusch, M.D., Ph.D.

B.S., Environmental Science (Environmental Toxicology);

Minor, Chemistry, June 2007

Huxley College of the Environment, Western Washington University

Advisor: Ruth Sofield (Harper), Ph.D.

Research Experience

Postdoctoral Fellowship, Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Washington, June 2012 – June 2014. Fellowship advisor: Dr. Michael T. Chin, M.D., Ph.D.

During my postdoctoral fellowship, I worked under Dr. Michael T. Chin within the UW Division of Cardiology where I investigated the fetal origins of adult cardiovascular disease. My work led to the discovery that in utero and early life exposure to diesel exhaust air pollution increases adult susceptibility to heart failure in mice. By inducing heart failure in mice using the transverse aortic constriction model, we observed that mice exposed to diesel exhaust during in utero and early life development develop a pronounced dilated cardiomyopathy, systolic dysfunction, and extensive myocardial fibrosis that exceeds that found in control mice (Weldy et al. Particle and Fibre Toxicology, 2013). In addition, we have shown that in utero exposure to diesel exhaust directly impacts the placenta, promoting reduced placental weight and increased placental inflammation and vascular oxidative stress. We have found this effect on in utero development is sufficient to cause increased body weight, altered blood pressure, and increased susceptibility to heart failure in adult male offspring (Weldy et al. PloS One, 2014). We believe that air pollution alters placental function and embryonic development in a manner that confers epigenetic reprogramming that may determine one's risk of cardiovascular disease throughout life, and we have discovered that this in utero exposure can lead to DNA methylation changes in specific genes, including Mir133a2 (Goodson and Weldy, FASEB J, 2017). We are utilizing next generation bisulfite sequencing to investigate the DNA methylome to further investigate potential epigenetic determinants of this hypersensitivity. As I believe these environmental exposures have developmental effects that program our adult susceptibility to disease, it is my goal to understand what fetal programming occurs, determine if there may be markers of this programming, and develop clinical therapeutics that would allow intervention prior to disease onset.

PhD, Program in Toxicology, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, University of Washington, June 2008 – June 2012, Graduate Research Assistant. Advisor: Dr. Terrance Kavanagh, Ph.D.

In my Ph.D. work, I joined the lab of Dr. Terrance J. Kavanagh to investigate the role of oxidative stress and biosynthesis of the antioxidant glutathione (GSH) in mediating vascular function and pulmonary inflammation in response to toxic injury. Our work led to mechanistic discoveries that help us understand how GSH mediates vascular reactivity and nitric oxide bioavailability and how injury from inhalation of air pollution can elicit systemic vascular effects. My dissertation identified key interactions between macrophages and vascular endothelium following diesel exhaust (DE) particulate exposure (Weldy et al., Toxicology in Vitro, 2011), discovered that heterozygosity in a GSH synthesis gene increases susceptibility to DE-induced lung inflammation (Weldy et al., Inhalation Toxicology, 2011), delineated the role for GSH in mediating vascular reactivity and nitric oxide production (Weldy et al., Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 2012), and further identified the gene-environment interaction between GSH synthesis and DE exposure on vascular function (Weldy et al., Inhalation Toxicology, 2013). As air pollution and exposure to fine ambient particulate matter (PM_2.5) is a major cause of cardiovascular disease worldwide, these investigations have led to our better basic understanding of particle toxicology and the role of oxidative stress and the genetic determinants of antioxidant synthesis in mediating vascular function in response to injury.

Visiting Scientist, Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Heidelberg, Germany, March 2010 – July 2010, March 2011-April 2011, Research Advisors: Prof. Dr. med Florian Bea, Dr. med Michael Preusch

During my 3rd year at UW, I moved to Heidelberg, Germany for a total of 6 months to pursue research on pulmonary hypertension (PAH). Under the guidance of Drs. Michael Preusch and Florian Bea within the department of internal medicine, we observed that the inflammatory cytokine Oncostatin M (OSM) is elevated in certain female patients with PAH, but not in those with dilated or ischemic cardiomyopathies. I continued this investigation by comparing important clinical markers determined by right heart catheterization and echocardiography to plasma OSM concentrations. We observed that elevated plasma OSM was associated with increased pulmonary arterial pressure, but also associated with an increase in 6 minute walking test performance, suggesting that OSM plays a causal role in pulmonary arterial remodeling, potentially allowing for adaptation under high pressure. I continued investigating the potential mechanisms behind this observation through in vitro techniques, where we discovered that OSM rapidly increases early growth response protein 1 (Egr1), an important transcription factor in extracellular matrix formation and cell migration. Although it is not known if OSM in these PAH patients provides a beneficial or deleterious effect to their disease, our work provides insight into the potential therapeutic potential behind altering OSM activity. This work was presented as an oral presentation at the 2011 American Heart Association meeting in Orlando, Fl. and a manuscript is currently being prepared for publication.

Skills

Areas of Expertise: Toxicology, inflammation, cardiovascular biology, pulmonary biology, redox biology and oxidative stress, developmental biology, environmental health, manuscript writing, grant writing, public speaking.

Laboratory Skills: in vitro cell culture, western blot, qPCR, molecular cloning, protein purification, high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), fluorescent spectrophotometry, tissue processing for immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, imaging, fluorescent microscopy, flow cytometry (FACS), bioinformatics, microarray/RNAseq analysis, bisulfite sequencing, epigenetics

In vivo techniques: Mouse breeding and handling, mouse necropsy, bronchoalveolar lavage, echocardiography, echocardiographic data analysis, embryo tissue collection, timed matings, vaginal plug detection, drug delivery, aortic ring isolation.

Publications

1.     Goodson, J.M., Weldy, C.S., MacDonald, J.W., Liu, Y, Bammler, T.K., Chien, W-M and Chin, M.T. (2017). In utero exposure to diesel exhaust particulates is associated with an altered cardiac transcriptional response to transverse aortic constriction and altered DNA methylation. The FASEB journal : official publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology. 2017:fj.201700032R.

2.     Liu, Y., Weldy, C. S., & Chin, M. T. (2016). Neonatal Diesel Exhaust Particulate Exposure Does Not Predispose Mice to Adult Cardiac Hypertrophy or Heart Failure. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 13(12), 1178. http://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph13121178

3.     Hartman, M. E., Liu, Y., Zhu, W.-Z., Chien, W.-M., Weldy, C. S., Fishman, G. I., et al. (2014). Myocardial deletion of transcription factor CHF1/Hey2 results in altered myocyte action potential and mild conduction system expansion but does not alter conduction system function or promote spontaneous arrhythmias. The FASEB Journal : Official Publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, 28(7), 3007–3015. http://doi.org/10.1096/fj.14-251728

4.     Weldy, C. S., Liu, Y., Liggitt, H. D., & Chin, M. T. (2014). In Utero Exposure to Diesel Exhaust Air Pollution Promotes Adverse Intrauterine Conditions, Resulting in Weight Gain, Altered Blood Pressure, and Increased Susceptibility to Heart Failure in Adult Mice. PloS One, 9(2), e88582. http://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0088582

5.     Weldy, C. S., Liu, Y., Chang, Y.-C., Medvedev, I. O., Fox, J. R., Larson, T. V., et al. (2013). In utero and early life exposure to diesel exhaust air pollution increases adult susceptibility to heart failure in mice. Particle and Fibre Toxicology, 10(1), 59. http://doi.org/10.1186/1743-8977-10-59 *Society of Toxicology, Inhalation and Respiratory Specialty Section, 2014 National Paper of the Year Award

6.     Liu, Y., Chien, W.-M., Medvedev, I. O., Weldy, C. S., Luchtel, D. L., Rosenfeld, M. E., & Chin, M. T. (2013). Inhalation of diesel exhaust does not exacerbate cardiac hypertrophy or heart failure in two mouse models of cardiac hypertrophy. Particle and Fibre Toxicology, 10(1), 49. http://doi.org/10.1186/1743-8977-10-49

7.     Weldy, C. S., Luttrell, I. P., White, C. C., Morgan-Stevenson, V., Cox, D. P., Carosino, C. M., et al. (2013). Glutathione (GSH) and the GSH synthesis gene Gclm modulate plasma redox and vascular responses to acute diesel exhaust inhalation in mice. Inhalation Toxicology, 25(8), 444–454. http://doi.org/10.3109/08958378.2013.801004

8.     McConnachie, L. A., Botta, D., White, C. C., Weldy, C. S., Wilkerson, H.-W., Yu, J., et al. (2013). The Glutathione Synthesis Gene Gclm Modulates Amphiphilic Polymer-Coated CdSe/ZnS Quantum Dot-Induced Lung Inflammation in Mice. PloS One, 8(5), e64165. http://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0064165

9.     Weldy, C. S., Luttrell, I. P., White, C. C., Morgan-Stevenson, V., Bammler, T. K., Beyer, R. P., et al. (2012). Glutathione (GSH) and the GSH synthesis gene Gclm modulate vascular reactivity in mice. Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 53(6), 1264–1278. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2012.07.006

10.  Weldy, C. S., White, C. C., Wilkerson, H.-W., Larson, T. V., Stewart, J. A., Gill, S. E., et al. (2011). Heterozygosity in the glutathione synthesis gene Gclm increases sensitivity to diesel exhaust particulate induced lung inflammation in mice. Inhalation Toxicology, 23(12), 724–735. http://doi.org/10.3109/08958378.2011.608095

11.  Weldy, C. S., Wilkerson, H.-W., Larson, T. V., Stewart, J. A., & Kavanagh, T. J. (2011). DIESEL particulate exposed macrophages alter endothelial cell expression of eNOS, iNOS, MCP1, and glutathione synthesis genes. Toxicology in Vitro : an International Journal Published in Association with BIBRA, 25(8), 2064–2073. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.tiv.2011.08.008

12.  Weldy, C. S., & Huesemann, M. H. (2007). Lipid Production by Dunaliella salina in Batch Culture: Effects of Nitrogen Limitation and Light Intensity. Journal of Undergraduate Research, VII:115-122, 7.

Publications in Preparation

Chad S. Weldy, Thomas Zelniker, Errol S. Wijelath, Michael E. Rosenfeld, Erwin Blessing, Florian Bea, Mathias H Konstandin, Hugo A Katus, Michael R Preusch. Potential role of plasma Oncostatin M in early stages of pulmonary arterial hypertension

Awards and Fellowships

Winner, 2014 Society of Toxicology, Inhalation and Respiratory Specialty Section, Paper of the Year Award, for the publication, “In utero and early life exposure to diesel exhaust air pollution increases adult susceptibility to heart failure in mice”, Particle and Fibre Toxicology. March 24, 2014, Phoenix, AZ.

Winner, 2014 Society of Toxicology, Cardiovascular Toxicology Specialty Section, Postdoctoral Travel Award. March 25, 2014, Phoenix, AZ.

Pacific Northwest Association of Toxicologists, 1^st Place Postdoctoral Presentation Award, Seattle, WA, September 2013. Abstract titled: – “In utero and early life exposure to diesel exhaust air pollution increases adult susceptibility to heart failure in mice”

Second Place, Postdoctoral Fellowship Poster Competition, UW Medicine, Department of Pathology Annual Retreat, 2013. Abstract titled: – “In utero and early life exposure to diesel exhaust air pollution increases adult susceptibility to heart failure in mice”

Recipient of the University of Washington Center for Ecogenetics and Environmental Health (CEEH) 2012 “Innovations in Research” Award.

·       This award was given for my 2011 publication in the journal Inhalation Toxicology. This publication was selected out of more than 30 publications from the 2011-2012 funding year from CEEH for best representing and advancing the CEEH mission.

Senior Fellow on the T32 University of Washington School of Medicine, Experimental Pathology of Cardiovascular Disease Training Grant. NIH/NHLBI T32HL007312 September 2012 – September 2013.

·       Funded by the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), this is a competitive training grant that is directed by Dr. Steven Schwartz within the UW Department of Pathology.

Departmental nominee and one of four finalists selected for the University of Washington Graduate School Medal.

·       Each PhD granting department across campus can nominate one PhD candidate for the UW GSM, where “This medal is given to recognize Ph.D. candidates whose academic expertise and social awareness are integrated in a way that demonstrates an exemplary commitment to the University and its larger community.”

Society for Free Radical Biology and Medicine (SFRBM), Young Investigator Award (YIA); Atlanta, GA, November 2011.

·       15 YIA awards are given to recognize the best presentations and abstracts at the annual SFRBM meeting (roughly 200 abstracts eligible).

Pacific Northwest Association of Toxicologists, 2^nd Place Student/Post Doc Oral Presentation Award; Bonneville, WA, October 2011.

·       8 student or postdoc presentations were given

Pacific Northwest Association of Toxicologists, 1^st Place Student/Post Doc Oral Presentation Award; Corvallis, OR, October 2010.

·       9 student or postdoc presentations were given

Pacific Northwest Association of Toxicologists, 2^nd Place Student/Post Doc Poster Presentation Award; Seattle, WA, September 2009.

·       16 student or postdoc posters were presented

Predoctoral fellow on the T32 University of Washington Environmental Pathology and Toxicology training grant. September 2008 – June 2012.

• Funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), the UW offers limited fellowships to predoctoral students and postdoctoral researchers who are pursuing research in environmental pathology and toxicology.  This fellowship provides tuition and stipend for its fellows for up to 5 years. 

Professor Ming-Ho Yu Award; Outstanding Student in Environmental Toxicology 06-07. May 2007. Institute of Environmental Toxicology, Huxley College of the Environment.

• Given to the top student in environmental toxicology at Western Washington University, recognizing academic performance, research experience and potential to contribute to the field of environmental toxicology.

Honorable Mention. May 18, 2007 Sigma Xi Student Poster Session at Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA.

• Given to the student who created and presented a poster that demonstrates understanding and capability of a research topic, first place and honorable mention received invitation to Sigma Xi, The scientific research society.

Third Place, Student Oral Presenters. November 2006. Northwest International Section of the Air and Waste Management Association Annual Meeting, Victoria B.C. Canada.

• Given to the student who best presents his/her topic based on clarity, professionalism and scientific success; received $100 prize.  Received award among a field of graduate students and was the only undergraduate student who gave an oral presentation.

Travel Award, U.S. Department of Energy. Paid travel, hotel and conference fees for 4 days to attend American Association for the Advancement of Science, National Conference in San Francisco, CA, February 2007.

• Given to 20 selected interns of more than 600 participating DOE interns nationally, given based on quality and impact of research and research paper written from summer internship position.  The 20 selected had their papers published in the 2007 edition of the DOE’s Journal of Undergraduate Research.

First Place Team Member, Student Environmental Challenge Competition. November 2005. Northwest International Section of the Air and Waste Management Association Annual Meeting, Blaine, WA.

• Given to all the team members who developed the best solution to an environmental problem with regard to risk assessment, use of technology, financial funding, and ability to create and present a power point presentation at the conference in an environmental challenge; received one fourth share of $1500 prize.

President’s List. Fall 2004, Winter 2005. Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA.

• Given to students who maintained above a 3.9 GPA

Abstracts and Presentations

1.     Chad S. Weldy, Yonggang Liu, H. Denny Liggit, Theodor K. Bammler, James W. MacDonald, Federico M. Farin, Michael T. Chin. In utero exposure to diesel exhaust air pollution promotes adverse intrauterine conditions, resulting in weight gain, altered blood pressure, and increased susceptibility to heart failure in adult mice, Society of Toxicology Annual Meeting, Pheonix, AZ, March 2014. *Postdoctoral Travel Award

2.     Chad S. Weldy, Ian P. Luttrell, Collin C. White, Timothy V. Larson, James A. Stewart, Kanchan Chitaley, Terrance J. Kavanagh. Glutathione (GSH) and the GSH Synthesis Gene Gclm Modulate Vascular Reactivity and Diesel Exhaust-Induced Perturbations in Mice, Gordon Research Conference for Oxygen Radicals, Ventura, CA., February 2012.

3.     Chad S. Weldy, Ian P. Luttrell, Collin C. White, Timothy V. Larson, James A. Stewart, Kanchan Chitaley, Terrance J. Kavanagh. Glutathione (GSH) and the GSH Synthesis Gene Gclm Modulate Vascular Reactivity and Diesel Exhaust-Induced Perturbations in Mice, Society for Free Radical Biology and Medicine Annual Meeting, Atlanta, GA., November 2011. *2011 SFRBM Young Investigator Award

4.     Chad S. Weldy, Errol Wijelath, Michael E Rosenfeld, Erwin Blessing, Florian Bea, Arthur Filusch, Hugo A Katus, Michael Preusch. Oncostatin M is Elevated in the Plasma of Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension, but Not Patients with Ischemic or Dilated Cardiomyopathies: Insight into Mechanisms In Vitro, American Heart Association, Scientific Sessions Annual Meeting, Oral Presentation, Orlando, FL., November 2011.

5.     Chad S. Weldy, Ian P. Luttrell, Collin C. White, Timothy V. Larson, James A. Stewart, Kanchan Chitaley, Terrance J. Kavanagh. Glutathione (GSH) and the GSH Synthesis Gene Gclm Modulate Vascular Reactivity and Diesel Exhaust-Induced Perturbations in Mice, Pacific Northwest Association of Toxicologists Annual Meeting, Oral Presentation, Bonneville, WA, October 2011. *2^nd Place Student/Post Doc oral presentation award

6.     Chad S. Weldy, CC White, HW Wilkerson, S Gill, TJ Kavanagh, Modulation Of Glutathione Synthesis Gene Gclm is an Important Determinant of Pulmonary Inflammation Following Intranasal Instillation Of Diesel Exhaust Particulate, Society of Toxicology Annual Meeting, Washington D.C., March 2011.

7.     Chad S. Weldy, Inhalation Of Diesel Exhaust (DE) and its Effects On Inflammation and Vascular Function; Investigating the Role of Oxidative Stress and Glutathione in DE-Mediated Effects, General Examination, Oral Presentation, University of Washington, December 2010.

8.     Chad S. Weldy, Ian Luttrell, Vicki Morgan, Dave Cox, Timothy V. Larson, James A. Stewart, Francis Kim, Kanchan Chitaley, and Terrance J. Kavanagh, Acetylcholine-Stimulated Aortic Dilation is Impaired by Diesel Particulate Exposed Macrophages; Investigation of Susceptibility in Mice with Compromised Glutathione Synthesis, Society for Free Radical Biology and Medicine Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL, November 2010.

9.     Chad S. Weldy, Ian Luttrell, Collin C. White, Sean E. Gill, William C. Parks, Kanchan Chitaley, Terrance J. Kavanagh, Diesel Exhaust Particulate (DEP)-Exposed Macrophages Impair Vascular Function in Aortic Rings; Investigation of the Role of Glutathione in Mediating DEP-Induced Inflammation, Pacific Northwest Association of Toxicologists Annual Meeting, Oral Presentation, Corvallis, OR, October 2010. *1^st Place Student/Post Doc Oral Presentation Award

10.  Chad S. Weldy, Ian Luttrel, Hui-wen Wilkerson, Timothy V. Larson, James A. Stewart, Kanchan Chitaley and Terrance J. Kavanagh, Diesel Particulate Exposed Macrophages Alter eNOS, iNOS, and Mcp1 Expression in Endothelial Cells and Impair Vascular Function, Society of Toxicology Annual Meeting, Salt Lake City, UT, March 2010.

11.  Chad S. Weldy, Collin C White, Tim V Larson, James A Stewart and Terrance J Kavanagh, Preliminary Results Investigating Gclm Modulation in Diesel Exhaust Particulate Mediated Lung Inflammation, Society of Toxicology Annual Meeting, Salt Lake City, UT, March 2010.

12.  Chad S. Weldy, Dave P Cox, Tim V Larson, James A Stewart, Hui-wen Wilkerson and Terrance J Kavanagh, Diesel Exhaust Particulate Alters Endothelial Cell NOS, Endothelin and Mcp1 Gene Expression in Two In Vitro Models Of Exposure, Society for Free Radical Biology and Medicine Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA, November 2009.

13.  Chad S. Weldy, Collin C White, Tim V Larson, James A Stewart and Terrance J Kavanagh, Preliminary Results Investigating Diesel Exhaust Particulate Mediated Lung Inflammation in Wild Type and Gclm-Heterozygous Mice, Society for Free Radical Biology and Medicine Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA, November 2009.

14.  Chad S. Weldy DP Cox, TV Larson, JA Stewart, HW Wilkerson and TJ Kavanagh. Diesel Exhaust Particulate Alters Endothelial Cell NOS, Endothelin and Mcp1 Gene Expression in Two In Vitro Models of Exposure. Pacific Northwest Association of Toxicologists, Seattle, WA, September 2009. *2^nd Place Student Poster Presentation Award

15.  Chad S. Weldy, CC White, TV Larson, JA Stewart and TJ Kavanagh. Preliminary Results Investigating Diesel Exhaust Particulate Mediated Lung Inflammation in Wild Type and Gclm-Heterozygous Mice. Pacific Northwest Association of Toxicologists, Seattle, WA, September 2009.

16.  Chad S. Weldy, DP Cox, HW Wilkerson and TJ Kavanagh. Diesel Exhaust Particulate Exposure Affects Endothelin-1, eNOS, iNOS Expression in Mouse Lymph Node Endothelial Cells. Society of Toxicology Annual Meeting, Baltimore MD, March 2009.

17.  Chad S. Weldy and Michael H. Huesemann, Lipid Production by Dunaliella salina in Batch Culture: Effects of Nitrogen Limitation and Light Intensity. Western Washington University Scholar’s Week, Sigma Xi Student Poster Competition. Bellingham, WA, May 18, 2007. *Honorable Mention Award for Student Poster Presentation

18.  Chad S. Weldy and Michael H. Huesemann, The Production of Biodiesel by the Marine Microalgae Dunaliella salina. American Association for the Advancement of Science Annual Meeting. Student Poster Presentation, Environment and Ecology Section. San Francisco, CA, February 15-17, 2007.

19.  Chad S. Weldy and Michael H. Huesemann, The Production of Biodeisel by the Marine Microalgae Dunaliella salina. The Pacific Northwest International Section of the Air and Waste Management Association Annual Meeting “Healthy Communities – Using Science-Based Solutions for Sustainability”. Oral Presentation, Renewable Energy Section, Victoria B.C. Canada, November 8-10, 2006. *3^rd Place Student Oral Presentation Award

Invited Seminars/Presentations

Invited Seminar – “Fetal origins of disease: In utero exposure to air pollution and adult susceptibility to heart failure” Grand Rounds, Duke University School of Medicine, Department of Pathology. Durham, NC. August 21^st, 2015. CME Credit.

Organizer and Discussion Moderator – “Physicians in Pharmaceutical Drug Development – Expert Panel” with panelists from GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, Cempra Pharmaceuticals, and Duke Clinical Research Unit. Duke University School of Medicine, sponsored by Duke Medical School interest groups: Careers in Internal Medicine Interest Group and Careers in Global Health Interest Group. Durham, NC. June 23^rd, 2015.

Invited Seminar – “Fetal origins of adult disease - How exposure to air pollution during in utero development may predispose to heart disease” University of Washington School of Medicine, South Lake Union Group Research Seminar Series. Seattle, WA. January 23^rd, 2014.

Invited Seminar – “In utero and early life exposure to diesel exhaust air pollution increases adult susceptibility to heart failure in mice” Pacific Northwest Chapter of the Society of Toxicology Annual Meeting, Seattle, WA. September 20^th, 2013.

Invited Seminar – “In utero and early life exposure to diesel exhaust air pollution increases adult susceptibility to heart failure in mice” University of Washington School of Medicine, South Lake Union Group Research Symposium. Seattle, WA. May 16^th, 2013.

Panelist - “What are you willing to breathe? Coal terminal health impacts forum” and “Effects of Diesel Particulate Matter Pollution on Cardiovascular and Respiratory Health”. Bellingham, WA. December 14^th, 2012.

Invited Seminar – “Biosynthesis of the antioxidant glutathione mediates vascular reactivity and influences nitric oxide”, University of Washington School of Medicine, Center for Cardiovascular Biology, Breakfast Club Seminar Series. Seattle, WA. October 2^nd, 2012. http://slubio.blogspot.com/2012/09/breakfast-club-tue-oct-2-2012-chad-weldy.html

Invited Seminar – “Health Effects of Air Pollution and Fine Particulate Matter” PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center, Grand Rounds, Bellingham, WA. January 24^th, 2012. CME Credit.

Invited Seminar – “Diesel Exhaust and Cardiovascular Health: How our genetics may influence our susceptibility to air pollutants” University of Washington School of Public Health, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, Departmental Seminar. Seattle, WA. December 1^st, 2011.

Invited Seminar – “Investigations in Diesel Exhaust-mediated effects in pulmonary inflammation and vascular reactivity; how our genes may increase our susceptibility to air pollutants” Western Washington University, Huxley College of the Environment “Speaker Series”, Bellingham, WA. November 4^th, 2011.  *Seminar was videotaped by WWU and placed onto their youtube page, available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXEal4YJsOU

Invited Presentation – “The Production of Biodiesel by the Marine Microalgae Dunaliella salina” Western Washington University Board of Trustees, Bellingham, WA. I was asked to be one of 3 students to give an oral presentation to WWU’s board of trustees at one of their meetings, representing excellence on campus. Bellingham, WA. June 15^th, 2007.

Media Relations

Work featured on Straight.com, Vancouver, B.C., Canada, news outlet: http://www.straight.com/news/556671/early-exposure-diesel-exhaust-linked-heart-failure-mice

Interviewed by reporter Brian Bienkowski, and work featured on Environmental Health News: http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/ehs/newscience/2013/12/early-life-diesel-exhaust-and-heart-failure/

Work featured on naturalnews.com: http://www.naturalnews.com/043309_diesel_exhaust_cardiovascular_disease_prenatal_exposure.html

Work featured on Technology.org: http://www.technology.org/2013/11/28/exposure-diesel-fumes-pregnancy-neonatal-period-lead-heart-disease-adulthood/

Interviewed by Ashley Ahearn, Environment/Science reporter for KUOW-94.9FM to discuss the health effect of diesel exhaust. This was for a story about a proposed coal export terminal and the risk of diesel exhaust emissions from resulting coal trains. My interview was ultimately not included in the story, but the story is available here: http://earthfix.kuow.org/communities/article/increased-coal-train-traffic-could-mean-bad-news-f/

Interviewed on ‘The Joe Show’ KBAI-930AM. November 3^rd, 2011. http://www.kgmi.com/play_window.php?audioType=Episode&audioId=5543859

This was a 20-25 minute interview discussing the health effects of diesel exhaust.

Professional Organization Memberships and Involvements

Elected Student Representative by the members of the Pacific Northwest Association of Toxicologists (PANWAT), regional chapter of the Society of Toxicology, 2010 (2 year term).  Actively serve on the PANWAT council, involving myself in discussions regarding the organization, awards, and the annual meeting.

American Heart Association (AHA), Since March 2011.

Society of Toxicology (SOT), Since September 2009

Society of Free Radical Biology and Medicine (SFRBM), Since September 2009

American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), Since February 2007

Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society, Since May 2007

Teaching Experience

Invited to lecture on: Redox Biology, Oxidative Stress, and Cardiovascular Disease for the course, Occupational and Environmental Toxicology II (ENV H 515).

Lecture on Air Pollution and Cardiovascular health for the course, Environmental Science 455 “Environmental Toxicology 1”, Autumn quarter 2011, Western Washington University, Huxley College of the Environment.  I was an invited guest lecturer for Dr. Ruth Sofield’s Toxicology course.

Lectures on Air Pollution for the course, Environmental Health 111 “Exploring Environment and Health Connections”. Autumn quarter, 2011, University of Washington. I developed unique lectures aimed at presenting a history as well as current issues and research within air pollution.

Lectures on Toxicology for the course, Environmental Health 111 “Exploring Environment and Health Connections”. Autumn quarter, 2009, 2010, University of Washington. This work was done on a volunteer basis and I had been specifically invited to give these lectures by previous and current instructors, Dr. Matthew Keifer and Janice Camp.

Environmental Health at Bainbridge High School (BHS), October 2009, May 2011, May 2012.  I have given 26, 105 minute lectures to biology students at BHS in Mrs. Charisa Moore’s and Ms. Korrie Beemer’s Biology, AP Biology, and Health classes. This educational opportunity has allowed me to reach over 750 students in a dynamic interactive style of education at the high school. I developed lectures and educational goals with the intention to introduce environmental health and environmental toxicology to high school students.  I particularly focus on teaching the students about the heart and how air pollution can influence cardiovascular disease. This work was done on a volunteer basis and was self promoted with the involvement of Mrs. Moore.

Teaching Assistant, Environmental Health 405/505 “Toxic Chemicals and Human Health”, Spring quarter, UW, 2009.  Responsibilities included attending class, providing assistance to students by 5hrs/week office hours, leading occasional after hours review sessions, grading assignments and tests, and creating tests and test questions.  Participated in teaching the course by giving the lecture on reproductive toxicology.

Teaching Assistant, Environmental Health 111, “Exploring Environment and Health Connections”, Autumn quarter 2008.  Responsibilities included attending class, leading weekly discussion sections, grading weekly assignments, grading exams, providing assistance to students by holding 5hrs/week office hours, developing and giving two lectures on environmental toxicology, and participating with and answering questions from students regularly about course materials.

PhD Research Rotations:

University of Washington, April 2008-June 2008, Graduate Research Assistant. Advisor: Dr. Michael Rosenfeld, PhD

-Investigation of inflammatory responses within the intestine of diesel exhaust exposed mice by analysis of proinflammatory cytokine and histology of small intestinal tissue.

University of Washington, January 2008-March 2008, Graduate Research Assistant. Advisor: Dr. Evan Gallagher, PhD

-Toxicological assessment of poly brominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) 47 and PBDE mixture in salmon hepatocytes cultured in vitro

University of Washington, September 2007-December 2007, Graduate Research Assistant. Advisor: Dr. Terrance Kavanagh, MS, PhD, DABT

-Assessment of cadmium and quantum dot toxicity to mouse macrophage cell line in vitro

Undergraduate Research Experience:

Department of Energy, Science for Undergraduate Laboratory Intern (SULI) internship. U.S. Department of Energy, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Sequim, WA Marine Sciences Laboratory, June 2006-August 2006. Assistant Research Scientist. Mentor: Dr. Michael Huesemann, PhD

While attending Western Washington University, I was accepted to the competitive SULI intern program with the Department of Energy. For 3 months, I worked at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Sequim, WA under Dr. Michael Huesemann. I investigated the potential of the marine microalgae species, Dunaliella salina, to be cultivated for biodiesel production. I was 1 of 20 interns selected, out more than 600 interns nationwide, to have their paper published in the DOE’s Journal of Undergraduate Research and receive paid travel to the 2007 Annual AAAS meeting in San Francisco, CA to present their research.