Dr. Ahmed Abdelmoneim  BVMS, MS, PhD

Dr. Abdelmoneim joined LSU SVM as an assistant professor in January of 2020. He graduated from College of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University (Egypt) in 2007.  He also earned a masters degree in Ecotoxicology (2011) from University of Poitiers (France), and his PhD in Aquatic Toxicology from Purdue University (USA) in 2016.

Dr. Abdelmoneim worked as a postdoctoral associate at Cornell University (USA) for four years both at the Department of Food Science and the Department of Neurobiology and Behavior. His research focuses on understanding the effects of exposure to contaminants and chemicals of concern on the neuroendocrine system of organisms. 

Research Staff

Kamal Niaz DVM, PhD

Dr. Kamal is postdoctoral research scholar interested in investigating the developmental neuroendocrine toxicities of environmental contaminants. He obtained his DVM from the University of Agriculture (Peshawar-Pakistan) in 2009 then his PhD in Toxicology and Pharmacology fromTehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS) in 2017. Since then, Dr. Niaz worked as an Early Stage Researcher (ESR) at the University of Teramo-Italy and as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Bio-Sciences, Cholistan University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences (CUVAS). 

Mohamed Hamid BS, MS

Mohamed is a research associate actively engaged in research projects that focus on the effects of PFAS on development and behavior, utilizing the zebrafish model. His research interests are rooted in aquatic ecotoxicology and understanding the impact of environmental pollutants on various fish species. He holds both bachelor's and master's degrees in Fish Biology and Ecotoxicology, which he earned at Al Azhar University in Egypt.

Graduate Students

Demetrius McAtee BS

Demetrius is a graduate student investigating the impacts of developmental exposure to arsenic contaminants on the stress circuitry of organisms. Demetrius is working towards his PhD in Biomedical and Veterinary Medical Sciences with a concentration in Comparative Biomedical Sciences and upon graduation, he plans to pursue medical school. Before joining our group, Demetrius gained prior research experience during two NSF internships at Princeton University and Alabama State University, respectively, and during his undergraduate career at Southern University Agricultural and Mechanical College in Baton Rouge. Geaux Tigers! 

Melanie Wilson BA, BS, MLT

Melanie is a PhD student investigating the impacts of environmental toxins on neuronal development and the potential behavioral changes related to those impacts. Before joining our group, Melanie was an electron microscope specialist within the Pathology Department at Weill-Cornell Medical College. While there, she gained invaluable experience in writing, standardizing, and optimizing laboratory procedures. Prior research experience includes research assistantships within the mycology laboratories at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry as well as a REU internship at the American Museum of Natural History's Sackler Institute of Comparative Genomics. When not in the Vet Med School she can usually be found shouting enthusiastically from the bleachers of any LSU home soccer game.

Angel Casillo BFA, BS

Angel is a PhD student interested in physiological changes in fish when exposed to environmental stressors. She graduated from Louisiana State University in December 2019 and currently holds a B.S. in Natural Resource Ecology and Management and a B.A. in Studio Arts. Prior to joining our lab, she worked as a research assistant at Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON), specializing in aquaculture and aquatic species physiology. In her spare time Angel enjoys hiking, swimming, reading, and entertaining friends in her home.

Undergraduate Students

Emma Tsai

Emma is a freshman at the College of Science and Ogden Honors College at LSU. She is curious about how chemical exposures harm the health of organisms. After graduation, Emma plans to attend medical school. 

Hayden McKay

Hayden is a freshman at the College of Science at LSU. He is interested in studying the impacts of environmental contaminants, such as chlorinated naphthalenes and perchlorate, on organisms' structural and functional development. After graduation, Hayden plans to pursue graduate education in epidemiology before attending medical school. When not studying, he can usually be found cheering at every LSU home football game. Geaux Tigers!