College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Johnny Wise, Ph.D.

Area of Research

We are a toxicology lab focused on neurological and environmental health. We are particularly focused on the neurotoxicity of hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] from drinking water exposures. In 2024, Cr(VI) was identified as the #1 chemical hazard in U.S. public drinking water and was the contaminant of interest in the Erin Brockovich case that settled at $333 million after it was found to contribute to a variety of health outcomes in citizens of Hinkley, California. While Cr(VI) is an internationally recognized human carcinogen contributing to lung, gastrointestinal, liver, and kidney cancers, the neurotoxic effects are less understood. More than 50 years of research demonstrate Cr(VI) is neurotoxic regardless of exposure route and across taxa, though key knowledge gaps persist regaring what neurological diseases it is linked to, which brain regions or cell types are particularly vulnerable, and what behavioral effects may manifest from exposures. We are working to address these key knowledge gaps while considering differences across sexes and ages.

A key under-recognized sources of Cr(VI) in drinking water comes from aging water infrastructure – particularly cast iron pipes which make up >60% of water mains across the U.S. Drinking water Cr(VI) levels can suddenly increase with changing water chemistry due to a decrease in pH (below 6.0) and is catalyzed by the presence of chlorine, bromine, and common water disinfection products. The highest level reported in U.S. drinking water was 5.41 mg/L in Midland, Texas measured in 2009,  while the U.S. EPA maximum contaminant level is set at 0.1 mg/L (total Cr) based on contact dermatitis – though public drinking water distribution centers are not required to monitor this.

Our research utilizes a Toxic Aging Coin approach to consider the intersection of toxicology and aging in the brain. On the heads side we consider how exposure during different ages results in different toxic effects, while on the tails side we consider how chemical exposures accelerate biological aging processes (i.e., how chemicals act as gerontogens). We use a variety of research models to answer different questions,  including cell cultures, C. elegans, rodents (rats and guinea pigs), and wildlife populations (whales and honeybees).

Educational Background

• Post-doctoral Fellowship in Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Louisville, 2020
• Post-doctoral Fellowship in Gerontology, University of Southern California, 2018
• Ph.D. in Toxicology, Purdue University, 2018
• B.S. in Biology, University of Southern Maine, 2013

Awards, Honors, and Grants

1. Featured Speaker at the annual meeting for the Ohio Valley Chapter of SOT, Louisville, KY, 2024
2. Purdue University School of Medicine’s “Distinguished Young Alumni” Award, 2024
3. University of Louisville School of Medicine Graduate School’s “Outstanding Faculty Mentor of Master’s Studies” Award, 2023
4. SOT Metals Specialty Section Bruce A. Fowler Metals Young Investigator Endowment Award, 2022
5. R21-ES033327, “Cr(VI)-Induced DNA Damage Contributes to Brain Aging” (Wise [PI]), NIH-NIEHS

Ongoing Field Work

2022-Present

Conducting metal analyses of honey samples from U.S. honeys to inform local environmental pollution. Working in collaboration with Apis Rescue to conduct a citizen science project evaluating bee genetics and morphology alongide metal levels in honey.

2010-Present

Collecting skin/blubber biopsies from whales in the Gulf of Maine during the fall season. Biopsies are taken from fin, humpback, and minke whales then analyzed for metal levels and aging biomarkers.