UL Research Institutes’ Chemical Insights Scientists Honored at Society of Toxicology Awards
Scientists at UL Research Institutes’ Chemical Insights, who focus on understanding the human health impacts of chemicals, will be recognized for their groundbreaking work at the 2026 Society of Toxicology (SOT) Annual Meeting and Tox Expo, taking place this March in San Diego. These awards highlight the institute’s ongoing commitment to advancing scientific research, risk assessment, and public health protection.
Xiaojia He, Ph.D., Receives Outstanding Young Toxicologist Award
Among the honorees is Xiaojia He, Ph.D., a research scientist in the Center for Toxicology and Human Health at Chemical Insights. Dr. He has been awarded the 2026 American Association of Chinese in Toxicology (AACT) JOINN Biomere Outstanding Young Toxicologist Award.
This prestigious award recognizes a toxicologist of Chinese ethnic origin who has made significant contributions to the field early in their career. It celebrates individuals who demonstrate exceptional scientific achievement and leadership within academia, industry, or government. Dr. He’s recognition reflects her dedication to advancing toxicology research and her growing influence in the scientific community.
Paper of the Year Recognition from Molecular and Systems Biology Specialty Section
Dr. He has also been honored by the Molecular and Systems Biology Specialty Section (MSBSS) of SOT for the Paper of the Year Award. She was the lead author of the paper titled:
“Multi-Omics Assessment of Puff Volume-Mediated Salivary Biomarkers of Metal Exposure and Oxidative Injury Associated with Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems”, published in Environmental Health Perspectives.
This research represents a critical component of Chemical Insights’ mission to safeguard public health by advancing scientific understanding of vaping-related exposures and health risks. The study utilized multi-omics approaches to examine the effects of puff volume from electronic nicotine delivery systems on salivary biomarkers, highlighting potential metal exposure and oxidative stress implications for users.
Co-authors on this paper include Qian Zhang, Ph.D., Research Scientist, Maureen Meister, Ph.D., Research Scientist, and Patrick Chepaitis, Laboratory Manager. The research was led by Christa Wright, Ph.D., Senior Research Director for the Center of Toxicology and Human Health.
The MSBSS Paper of the Year award honors an outstanding peer-reviewed publication that integrates molecular or systems biology methods into toxicology research and risk assessment, reinforcing the value of mechanistic and translational approaches in evaluating chemical hazards.
Recognition for Additional Chemical Insights Research Publications
Chemical Insights scientists have also received honors for other high-impact publications from 2025. These awards underscore the institute’s ongoing leadership in chemical risk assessment and toxicology.
Advancing Risk Assessment with New Approach Methods
The paper “Integration of New Approach Methods for the Assessment of Data-Poor Chemicals”, published in Toxicological Sciences, won the 2025 Best Published Paper Advancing the Science of Risk Assessment from the SOT Risk Assessment Specialty Section.
The study was led by Katie Paul Friedman, Ph.D., Director of the Center for Chemical Informatics and Screening at Chemical Insights, with contributions from John Wambaugh, Ph.D., Principal Research Scientist, and Russell Thomas, Ph.D., Vice President and Executive Director of Chemical Insights. The publication also involved co-authors from regulatory agencies worldwide.
This research highlights the integration of innovative in vitro and computational methods for evaluating chemicals with limited data, providing valuable tools for regulatory and industry decision-making. By bridging data gaps and enhancing predictive toxicology, the study contributes to safer chemical management and public health protection.
Honorable Mention for Thyroid-Relevant Bioactivity Research
Another 2025 publication, “Interpretation of thyroid-relevant bioactivity data for comparison to in vivo exposures: A prioritization approach for putative chemical inhibitors of in vitro deiodinase activity”, appeared in Toxicology and received an Honorable Mention for Best Paper Award from the SOT Biological Modeling Specialty Section (BMSS).
The paper was authored by Drs. Wambaugh and Paul Friedman, along with other colleagues. It presents a method to interpret thyroid-related bioactivity data in vitro and compare it to in vivo exposures, prioritizing potential chemical inhibitors of thyroid hormone regulation. This work represents an important step toward improving the accuracy of chemical risk assessments and refining strategies for identifying endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
These recognitions are in addition to previously announced awards, including Dr. Paul Friedman’s SOT Achievement Award, reflecting the cumulative impact of her research contributions.
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