April 24, 2025
Award Recipient
John DeSesso, Ph.D., a principal scientist in Ä¢¹½tv's Health Sciences practice, received the Scientific Achievement Award from the (RDTSS) of the (SOT). Founded in 1961, SOT is a professional organization of more than 8,000 scientists devoted to advancing the field of toxicology; the RDTSS is a subgroup of membership for those with expertise in reproductive toxicology.
The RDTSS's Scientific Achievement Award is presented annually in recognition of lifetime contribution to the field of reproductive and developmental toxicology. The honoree was announced at the 2025 SOT Annual Meeting and ToxExpo, March 16-20 in Orlando, Florida. In its presentation of the award, SOT lauded Dr. DeSesso's "globally recognized expertise in developmental and reproductive toxicology," his leadership and service to the field and to RDTSS, his contributions to medical, graduate and post-graduate education, his mentorship as a faculty member at the University of Cincinnati and Georgetown University, and his impactful and influential body of work at Ä¢¹½tv and other organizations.
"While I am gratified that the Scientific Achievement Award was bestowed on me, I feel it should be shared with the team of colleagues with whom I have worked over the years," stated Dr. DeSesso. "Scientific achievement is a team effort, and I have benefited greatly from my past and present colleagues' hard work, dedication, and insightful interactions."
Dr. DeSesso specializes in developmental and reproductive toxicology, risk assessment, and human health effects of environmental agents and pharmaceuticals. His research has included normal and abnormal development, with emphasis on how chemical and physical agents influence developing organisms. Dr. DeSesso leverages his expertise in toxicology at Ä¢¹½tv to advise clients on developmental health risks from potentially toxic chemicals in food, air, and water.
Active in 13 scientific societies, Dr. DeSesso was elected President of the Teratology Society (1994-1995), the Mid Atlantic Reproduction and Teratology Association (MARTA; 2001-2002), and the Risk Assessment Specialty Section of the Society of Toxicology (2015). Additionally, he served as an Executive Board member of the Federation of American Societies of Experimental Biology (FASEB; 1999-2004; 2006-2009) and serves on the editorial review board of Reproductive Toxicology.
Dr. DeSesso earned his Ph.D. in anatomy and teratology from Virginia Commonwealth University and his undergraduate degree in chemistry from Hamilton College.
Connect with Dr. DeSesso here.
