Enjoy the SOT Annual Meeting and ToxExpo but dread introducing yourself to new people? The SOT Career Advancement, Mentoring, and Networking (CAMAN) Committee has a webinar for you! The “How to Level Up Your Networking Skills as an Introvert” webinar will explore practical strategies specially designed for toxicologists who want to build meaningful professional connections.
“How to Level Up Your Networking Skills as an Introvert”
March 12, 2026
12:00 Noon (US EDT, UTC -4)
Whether you are attending conferences, collaborating with colleagues, or seeking mentorship, this session will enable you to leverage and develop effective networking techniques. The panelists include Zakiyah Henry (postdoctoral researcher at NIEHS), Lauren Walker (Pliant Therapeutics), Laura Markley (US FDA), and Alessandro Venossa (University of California Davis). Alexandra Noël (Louisiana State University) and Sudin Bhattacharya (Michigan State University) will moderate the event. The panelists, from different career levels (from postdocs to senior scientists) and areas of expertise (industry, government, and academia), will provide valuable insights and tailored content. The session will cover key topics, including practical tips for initiating conversations in professional settings (e.g., conferences, seminars, online forums) and for developing your listening and storytelling skills to make genuine impressions. The webinar will have an extended Q&A period with toxicologists who, over the years, have learned to level up their networking skills.
Practice makes perfect ... and the SOT meeting presents many opportunities for you to use networking skills, such as NetworX Night, the Career Advancement Breakfast, Student/Postdoctoral Mixer, and Postdoctoral Assembly Luncheon, as well as at posters, in sessions, and in the hallways.
Also, Mentor Match is a great resource for advancing your career and strengthening SOT connections. The Mentorship Lounge, which is Room 14B in the San Diego Convention Center, is open 7:00 am–4:00 pm, Monday–Wednesday, providing a quiet place for mentors and mentees to meet during the SOT Annual Meeting.
Further, you may be polishing up your CV as part of a job search. If you missed the February CAMAN webinar, “Effective CV Development: Industry,” you can review the recording. “Effective CV Development: Academia” will follow April 10 at 12:00 Noon (US EDT, UTC -4), and you can register now.
Taken together, as we approach the SOT Annual Meeting, this is a good time to bridge the gap between knowing and doing, particularly for active networking where you initiate conversations and use natural openers/starters. Don’t miss out on the many opportunities—SOT CAMAN thrives as a crucial resource for career advancement!
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