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Robert M. Gogal, Jr.

Robert M. Gogal, Jr., DVM

Associate Professor
Immunology
Department of Biomedical Sciences & Pathobiology
 
e-mail: rgogal@vt.edu
Capsule Biography (PDF)

Education

1995-1998 NIH Funded Postdoctoral Fellowships
Immunotoxicology Fellowship
1992-1995 NIH Funded Postdoctoral Fellowships
Immumology/Autoimmunity
1992 Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine
Blacksburg, VA
1982 Bachelor of Science
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA

Research Interests

Broadly speaking, my research focus includes basic studies in immunotoxicology and clinical immunology. A primary interest is in understanding the mechanisms by which chemicals or therapeutic agents (e.g., environmental estrogens, industrial byproducts, defense-related contaminants, immunosuppressive drugs) influence the immune system. This includes both adult and developmental models, and both immunosuppression and exacerbated immune response (e.g., allergy; autoimmune disease) endpoints. Both traditional and non-traditional animal models have been used, and continue to be of interest.

Recently completed and ongoing studies have focused on the contribution of environmental chemical exposure to development of autoimmune disease, the paradoxical ability of maternal immune stimulation to reduce teratogen-induced birth defects in mice, and immunotoxicity of energetic (explosive) compounds in avian wildlife.

Currently, my laboratory is completing a study that examines the contribution of genetic manipulation strength of the immune response in poultry. We are also examining the influence of diet on immune status in dealing with cancer.

Future studies are intended that will evaluate maternal immune manipulation as a potential mechanism to reduce severity of defects related to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.
 

Professional Experience

2001-present   Associate Professor
Center for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Deseases (CMMID) Department of Biomedical Sciences & Pathobiology
VA-MD Regional College of Veterinary Medicine
Virginia Tech
2001-2006 Associate Professor, Discipline Leader for Immunology
Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Blacksburg, VA

Professional Memberships

  • Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry
  • Society of Toxicology
  • Teratology Society
  • American Association of Immunologists