His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of toxicity mediated through receptors such as the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), the orphan nuclear receptors PXR and CAR, and steroid hormone receptors (endocrine disruption). Dr. Cox is also interested in environmental pollution monitoring, and he hopes to use his various receptor functional assays in the lab to test environmental samples (e.g. soil and water) for the presence of contaminants, including polyaromatic hydrocarbons and endocrine disrupting chemicals. In addition, Dr. Cox is interested in developing these assays, some of which are sensitive enough to detect low picomolar amounts of ligand, into tests that can be used in the field to monitor contaminant levels. Simple field test like these would make routine testing more feasible and help prevent environmental exposures that can lead to a wide range of adverse health effects in both wildlife and humans.