Kristine L. Willett
University of Mississippi

Kristie Willett’s Teaching

PHCL 381/581, Introduction to Toxicology:

The catalogue entry for PHCL381 describes the course as an introduction to the “biological and chemical factors which influence toxicity. Review of various classes of compounds of industrial, agricultural, therapeutic and economic importance. Emphasis on the forensic implications of poisoning by these agents.” The final project for this course involves presentation of a human poisoning case study. The course is an elective in the pharmacy curriculum and is required of the forensic chemistry majors at The University of Mississippi.

PHCL 347/547, Introduction to Environmental Toxicology:

This course provides an introduction to the principles of Environmental Toxicology including how contaminants move through the environment and enter food chains. Molecular, cellular, organismal and population level effects of contaminants are emphasized. The capstone project provides an in depth analysis of the issues surrounding pharmaceuticals in the environment. This is a required course for graduate students in the Environmental Toxicology Graduate Program and an elective for undergraduate pharmacy majors.

PHCL 675, General Principles of Pharmacology and Toxicology I:

The catalogue entry for PHCL675 describes the course as an introduction to the “general principles of toxicology, biotransformation of toxicants, chemical carcinogenesis, mutagenesis, teratogenesis, and systemic toxicology.” This is a required class for graduate students in Pharmacology. The textbook for the course is Casarett & Doull’s Toxicology. This course is offered every other year in the fall semester.

BMS 767, Advanced Topics in Toxicology:

Through this course students will use the text and class discussions to familiarize themselves with common target organ toxicities, mechanisms of action of the major classes of toxicants and consider the various applications of toxicology in the workforce.

HON 391/392, Honors Conversations in Environmental Health:

In this course we will have focused, in-depth discussions of timely issues related to environmental health. Students will be informed of issues through reading scientific literature and media reports chosen to challenge their analysis of current public health debates and to engage their intellectual curiosity.

HON 420, Honors Experiential Learning, Drinking Water Quality in Mississippi:

Students will receive quality instruction in aspects of public and population health and conduct comprehensive risk factor analysis to identify the potential contribution of drinking water to elevated blood lead levels and other health issues in select counties throughout the state. The students will undertake a variety of activities to help communities identify and address drinking water concerns, including:

  • analyzing public water system (PWS) monitoring and testing data available through state and federal databases;
  • assessing vulnerabilities of the piping systems and the effectiveness of drinking water treatment plants;
  • organizing workshops and collection events to sample water from homes, schools and/or day care centers on PWSs and private wells;
  • outreach to private well owners and collection and screening of private well water samples;
  • preparing reports and educational materials for extension agents, parents/school boards, municipalities, community partners, and other stakeholders regarding findings; and
  • conducting outreach to raise awareness of common contaminants, regulation of drinking water supply, and measures to reduce exposure.

 In this course we will have focused, in-depth discussions of timely issues related to water. Students will be informed of issues through reading scientific and non-fiction literature, videos and media reports chosen to challenge their analysis of current water policy and to engage their intellectual curiosity and community engagement. In addition, a number of outside speakers will participate in the course to provide a variety of professional and community perspectives to the issues surrounding drinking water in Mississippi.