The SOT Annual Meeting and ToxExpo is always a highlight, and this year, the Toxicology Mentoring Skills Development (ToxMSDT) program started with a fantastic opening dinner. John Wise, PhD, delivered a phenomenal presentation, weaving together toxicology, environmental science, and adventure in a way that captivated everyone. I even walked away with an unexpected skill—I now know how to catch an alligator! (Not that I plan on putting this knowledge to use anytime soon, but still, it’s a fun fact to have in my back pocket.)
Beyond the conference halls, we had the opportunity to experience Florida’s ecosystem firsthand with a day trip to Wild Florida. The airboat tour through the Everglades was easily the highlight—gliding over the water, cutting through marshes, and slowing down to observe the wildlife, including alligators just feet away. Towering cypress trees loomed in the distance, while wading birds darted through the reeds in search of their next meal.
It is one thing to read about food webs and environmental balance in textbooks but another to witness it in motion. The delicate cycle of life played out before us, with small fish feeding in the shallows, only to be snatched up by larger fish, which in turn become prey for birds or lurking alligators. This immersive experience made concepts like ecosystem health and environmental exposure feel more tangible.
For undergraduates in the program, this was an invaluable learning opportunity. Seeing the interconnectedness of species, the raw beauty of Florida’s wetlands, and the impact human activity can have on fragile ecosystems reinforced why toxicology matters. Between the hands-on exploration and the expert-led discussions at SOT, the ToxMSDT program continues to be a truly transformative experience—one that bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world impact.
ToxMSDT provides a yearlong toxicology training and mentoring program for underrepresented undergraduate STEM students. Funded by the National Institutes of Health, the project is centered at the University of California Davis and has partners at four additional institutions, including SOT. Participating in the SOT Annual Meeting and ToxExpo is one of the program’s in-person activities.
This blog was prepared by an SOT Reporter and represents the views of the author. SOT Reporters are SOT members who volunteer to write about sessions and events in which they participate during the SOT Annual Meeting and ToxExpo. SOT does not propose or endorse any position by posting this article. If you are interested in participating in the SOT Reporter program in the future, please email SOT Headquarters.
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