Postdoc Spotlight: Idoia Meaza

Idoia Meaza is a postdoc in the Wise Laboratory of Environmental and Genetic Toxicology within the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology. She has a PhD in Pharmacology and Toxicology from the University of Louisville.

Could you tell us about this work and how this achievement will impact your professional career?

"I was honored to receive four prestigious awards from the Society of Toxicology (SOT), the world’s leading professional organization in toxicology, during its 2026 Annual Meeting. These awards included the Metals Specialty Section Postdoctoral Research Award, the Inhalation and Respiratory Specialty Section (IRSS) Postdoctoral Award, the Hispanic Organization of Toxicologists Travel Award, and the Celebrating Women in Toxicology Award (Postdoctoral Category). 

These awards recognize my research contributions to understanding how environmental exposures, particularly toxic metals, inhibit DNA repair, thereby promoting chromosome instability and lung carcinogenesis. Using a translational guinea pig model of subchronic hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] exposure, I helped establish a novel mechanism linking metal exposure to impaired homologous recombination repair in the lung. Using immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy, we demonstrated that Cr(VI), a known human lung carcinogen, selectively inhibits homologous recombination repair in bronchial epithelial cells, whereas alveolar epithelial cells remain unaffected. Importantly, these findings are consistent with pathological observations showing Cr(VI)-induced lung tumors arise predominantly in the bronchiolar region and originate from epithelial cells. Our work identified cell-type-specific DNA repair inhibition in the target tissue of carcinogenesis and it provides mechanistic insight into how inhaled metal carcinogens promote lung cancer development. 

These awards also recognize my continued commitment to leadership, service, and community engagement. As a postdoctoral fellow, I have worked to strengthen opportunities for students and early-career scientists while fostering a collaborative research environment. These recognitions are particularly meaningful because they reflect my dedication to promoting diversity, inclusion, and representation within the scientific community. In addition, receiving awards from multiple SOT groups has increased the visibility of my research, expanded opportunities for networking and collaboration, while strengthening my competitiveness for future funding as I continue my transition toward becoming an independent investigator. "

What is your research about?

"My research focuses on understanding how environmental carcinogens promote lung cancer through the induction of DNA damage, inhibition of DNA repair, and genomic instability. The work recognized by these awards investigated the effects of hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)], a well-established human lung carcinogen commonly encountered in occupational and environmental settings. 

Using a subchronic guinea pig exposure model, animals were exposed to Cr(VI) through oropharyngeal aspiration to mimic repeated inhalation exposures. Guinea pigs were selected because their lung anatomy more closely resembles that of humans than that of traditional rodent models, including similar bronchial bifurcation patterns and airway architecture. These characteristics make guinea pigs a highly relevant model for studying the respiratory effects of inhaled toxicants, particularly particulates, and improving the translation of findings to human health. 

My research also involves other projects assessing mechanisms of Cr(VI)-induced carcinogenesis using omics endpoints. During my doctoral training, our laboratory pioneered a research program focused on understanding how environmental metal carcinogens change the genome. Since 2021, our team has been developing experimental models and applying whole-genome sequencing approaches to characterize the genomic signatures associated with Cr(VI) exposure. This work represents some of the earliest efforts at the University of Louisville to use genome-wide approaches to define metal-induced genomic effects and mutagenesis, and has established a framework for linking environmental exposures to specific genomic alterations relevant to cancer development. 

This research advances our understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying chemical-induced lung cancer and highlights DNA repair inhibition as a critical event in environmental carcinogenesis. Ultimately, these findings may contribute to improved risk assessment, identification of biomarkers of exposure and effect, and the development of prevention strategies aimed at reducing the burden of environmentally induced lung cancer."

What are your career goals and vision?

"My long-term career goal is to become an independent academic scientist leading an interdisciplinary research program focused on environmental carcinogenesis and preventative strategies. Through innovative research, mentorship, leadership, and service, I aim to advance our understanding of how environmental exposures contribute to human cancers while training the next generation of scientists. 

My research vision is to uncover the molecular mechanisms by which environmental toxicants, particularly metals and other inhaled pollutants, promote lung cancer through DNA repair inhibition, genomic instability, and mutagenesis. By integrating mechanistic toxicology, genomics, and translational approaches, my work seeks to develop frameworks that improve risk assessment, identify biomarkers of exposure and disease susceptibility, and ultimately reduce the burden of environmentally induced cancers. My overarching goal is to improve human health through cancer prevention, early detection, and the development of more effective intervention strategies. 

Research excellence remains central to my vision. Throughout my training, I have successfully secured external funding to support both my research and professional development, including internationally competitive fellowships and awards. As I transition toward independence, I will continue to aggressively pursue career development and research funding opportunities that will allow me to establish a sustainable and impactful research program. 

Equally important is my commitment to leadership and service. I currently serve in leadership roles within the university and the Society of Toxicology, helping advance initiatives that support trainee development and advocacy, particularly in STEM fields. These experiences have strengthened my passion for scientific leadership, and I intend to remain actively engaged in professional societies, institutional governance, and activities that promote the growth of the scientific community. 

Mentorship is another cornerstone of my vision. I have mentored trainees ranging from middle school and high school students to undergraduate, graduate, postdoctoral, and visiting scholars. Fostering the development of future scientists has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career, and I am committed to creating an inclusive and supportive training environment that empowers diverse trainees to succeed. 

By integrating research, mentorship, leadership, and service, I aspire to advance scientific discovery, strengthen the biomedical workforce, and improve public health outcomes for future generations."