Steven Symington

Dr. Steven Symington is Professor in the Department of Biology and Biomedical Sciences at Salve Regina University, where he integrates research and teaching in molecular toxicology and environmental chemistry.

Education

• B.S. in Environmental Science, University of Massachusetts Amherst (1995)
• M.S. in Entomology, University of Massachusetts Amherst (2000)
• Ph.D. in Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst (2005)

Research Focus

Dr. Symington’s work pivots on understanding how environmental chemicals—particularly pyrethroid insecticides—interact with biological systems at the molecular level. Using biochemical, electrophysiological, and cellular approaches, he investigates the disruption of ion channels, membrane polarization, and downstream signaling pathways that underlie neurotoxicity and metabolic impairment.

Publication Themes

Across his most recent publications (2009-2023), a consistent narrative emerges: elucidating differential toxicodynamics of pyrethroids across developmental stages, developing innovative ex vivo models (e.g., neurolemma-injected Xenopus oocytes), and dissecting membrane depolarization-mediated signaling cascades in hepatic and neuronal cells.

Contact & Location

• Email: steven.symington@salve.edu
• Office: O'Hare Academic Building, Room 245
• Phone: (401) 341-3249