Dr. Piotr Lagod is a postdoctoral scholar in the Human Health Outcomes of Exposure to Environmental Toxins Lab (HHOT). His current research focuses on the negative health outcomes associated with harmful algal blooms (HABs), specifically blue-green algae and red tide (Karenia brevis). Over the past decade, the increasing frequency, severity, and duration of HABs have posed significant risks to the Florida population. Lagod investigates the possible multisystemic adverse effects of HABs, which can include respiratory, neurological, gastrointestinal, hepatic, and integumentary symptoms. He joined HHOT as part of the STePs program founded by the UCF College of Graduate Studies, where with the guidance of Dr. Koszalinski, he collaborates with a multidisciplinary team of epidemiologists, oceanographers, and biomedical and nurse scientists to correlate symptoms reported by healthcare professionals with environmental and biological samples. Furthermore, he analyzes the diagnostic and treatment code usage by healthcare professionals in areas impacted by HABs. Prior to joining the HHOT, Lagod earned a PhD in Biomedical Sciences and a Master of Science in Biotechnology from the Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences at UCF. During his graduate studies, he investigated the role of short-chain fatty acids in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Crohn’s Disease, as well as the role of small molecules from E. coli extracts on ribosome translational fidelity.

Education

• PhD, University of Central Florida
• MS, University of Central Florida
• BS, University of Central Florida
• AA, Valencia College

Selected Awards & Honors

• UCF Doctoral Research Support Award, 2025
• UCF Research Week – Judges’ Choice Award, 2023
• Florida Branch of the American Society for Microbiology Annual Meeting – 3rd Place for Poster Presentation, 2023

Additional Language

• Polish