Jasmine South is a biology major at Fort Valley State University.
This summer, she was able to try her hand at toxicology through lab experiments with her mentor, assistant professor of Biology, Celia Dodd.
"Doing the research here that I've been doing this summer, I actually have more interest in toxicology now," South said.
Toxicology is the study of poisons.
"Things like pesticide exposure particularly in rural environments, have been correlated with diseases," said Dodd.
Thanks to a nearly $400,000 grant, students at Fort Valley State will also be able to study this infectious field.
Dodd, who is also a toxicologist, says it's important to get students interested, because while many may have never heard of the field, it makes a big impact on our environment.