National Research Honors

One of only 19 undergraduate students nationwide, and the only student from Texas, Ava Frescura, B.S. ’26, Goldwater Scholar from Houston, received a 2026 Undergraduate Research Award from the Society of Toxicology (SOT).

The prestigious national honor recognizes exceptional undergraduate researchers presenting their work at the Society’s annual meeting and ToxExpo and encourages graduate study and careers in toxicology. 

Frescura conducts research focused on plasticizers — chemical additives used in plastic manufacturing to increase flexibility. Plasticizers are present in many everyday consumer products, including food packaging and cosmetics, and can enter the human body through skin contact, ingestion and inhalation. 

“Being recognized for my research at the Society of Toxicology annual meeting is a huge achievement,” Frescura said. “It’s a major confidence boost that validates my hard work and my research interests.”

Frescura was jointly mentored by Baylor faculty members Maria Teresa Fernandez-Luna, Ph.D., senior lecturer of biology, and Ramon Lavado, Ph.D., associate professor of environmental science. 

“Undergraduate research at Baylor University is not only elevating student training but also strengthening the University’s research mission,” Lavado said. “As our students contribute to nationally competitive research, they play an active role in advancing Baylor’s growth as a Research 1 institution.”

In 2025, Frescura won the Goldwater Scholarship, the preeminent undergraduate award that supports outstanding students interested in pursuing research careers in the sciences, engineering and mathematics. Her Goldwater, along with the SOT Undergraduate Research Award, reflects both her outstanding research achievements and the high caliber of undergraduate research training and mentorship at Baylor.