MUSCMedical LinksCharleston LinksArchivesMedical EducatorSpeakers BureauSeminars and EventsResearch StudiesResearch GrantsCatalyst PDF FileCommunity HappeningsCampus News

Return to Main Menu

Tsuji awarded fellowship for prevention research

by Cindy Abole
Public Relations
Marine biomedicine student Peko Tsuji was one of 124 national students to receive a Science to Achieve Results (STAR) research fellowship from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 

Peko Tsuji works in Dr. Thomas Walle's Cell and Molecular Pharmacology lab.

Tsuji becomes the third marine biomedicine student in the last three years to be awarded the STAR fellowship as a student researcher in the College of Graduate Studies. The fellowship was awarded  in August and presented to her at the 2004 EPA STAR Graduate Fellowship Conference held Oct. 11-13 in Washington, D.C.

Tsuji was introduced to this area by her mentor, Thomas Walle, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology. Walle's lab researches chemically-induced carcinogenesis with an emphasis on chemoprevention through natural compounds. Using fish and human models, Tsuji, a fourth-year graduate student, is specifically studying the effects of dietary flavonoids on the carcingen Benzo[a]pyrene, found in creosote, oil, tobacco smoke, etc., and the flavonoids' potential for preventing lung cancer in humans.

The STAR fellowship is a competitive award presented to promising masters and doctoral candidates pursuing degrees in environmental studies and related programs. Tsuji will receive $35,000 per year for the next three years covering tuition and a stipend.

“I’m honored to receive this fellowship,” said Tsuji. “Being recognized through this national award helps to validate and support my work and research interests. I’m flattered to be recognized with the other STAR fellows.” 

STAR fellows were selected under a rigorous merit review process. The EPA research office supports fellowship programs that address the nation’s most important environmental workforce needs. Previous STAR fellows include marine biomedicine and doctorale students Matthew Jenny and Joy Van Nostrand. 

“Peko is a good example of a hard working, determined graduate researcher,” said Kenneth Tew, Ph.D., chairman of the Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology. “Chemoprevention is considered a hot area in research and is favorable for continued support. She’s shown she is deserving of this award. The department is pleased with her success and ability to compete on a national level.”

Originally from Frankfurt, Germany, Tsuji received an undergraduate degree in biology and masters in zoology from Johann-Wolfgang-von-Goethe University in Frankfurt. In 2001, she received her master's degree in marine biology from the College of Charleston and enrolled in MUSC’s marine biomedicine program under the College of Graduate Studies.

“Our department has encouraged graduate students and postdocs to achieve success through academic research awards and other independent research funding,” Tew said. “It’s part of their training and development for establishing successful research careers.”

Currently, Tsuji will continue with her research using live fish models, specifically the Atlantic mummichog. Tsuji and Walle collaborate with toxicologist Richard Winn, Ph.D., at the University of Georgia’s Warnell School of Forest Resources. 

Aside from her research and studies, she is involved in campus activities as MUSC Student Government Association secretary and vice president of the Multi-Cultural Graduate Student Association. 

Friday, Dec. 3, 2004
Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.