I’ve probably always been interested in Science in one form or another, and in particular I’ve been drawn to Biology. I did my Veterinary Medicine followed up with masters in Pharmacology and Toxicology. As an aspirant of Molecular Toxicology, I have an intriguing desire inside me to comprehend the molecular basics of complex toxicological mechanisms taking place at the cellular level that leads to cancer.

An extremely distinguished faculty, a milieu replete with academic activity, and a graduate program which blends high quality course work and research facilities at the cutting edge of every sub-field are the factors motivated me to choose The University of Iowa for PhD program in Human Toxicology.

Thesis Title: Telomerase and telomere dysregulation in polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) exposed human skin keratinocytes

Advisor: Gabriele Ludewig, Ph.D.

Year of Graduation: 2012

Program: Ph.D.

Current Position: Non Clinical Safety Lead

Current Employer/Institution: Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson

Publications from Human Toxicology Program Research:

Senthilkumar, P.K.; Klingelhutz, A.J.; Jacobus, J.A.; Lehmler, H.; Robertson, L.W.; Ludewig, G. Airborne polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) reduce telomerase activity and shorten telomere length in immortal human skin keratinocytes (HaCat), Toxicol Lett. 2011 Jul 4;204(1):64-70. doi: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2011.04.012

Senthilkumar, P.K.; Robertson, L.W.; Ludewig, G., PCB153 reduces telomerase activity and telomere length in immortalized human skin keratinocytes (HaCaT) but not in human foreskin keratinocytes (NFK). Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 2012 Feb 15;259(1):115-23. doi: 10.1016/j.taap.2011.12.015

Xin X, Senthilkumar PK, Schnoor JL, Ludewig G., Effects of PCB126 and PCB153 on telomerase activity and telomere length in undifferentiated and differentiated HL-60 cells, Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2016 Feb;23(3):2173-85, doi: 10.1007/s11356-015-5187-y.

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