2025 PDA Luncheon in Orlando, Florida
The 2025 SOT Annual Meeting and ToxExpo was packed with thrilling science and invaluable networking opportunities. As the Executive Board Vice Chair of the SOT Postdoctoral Assembly (PDA), I was proud to be a part of organizing events designed specifically to support and engage trainees.
2025 PDA Luncheon: Building Connections over Lunch
The PDA Luncheon provided postdocs with a relaxed setting to connect over a shared meal. SOT President Laurie Haws highlighted the significant contributions of postdoctoral members to the Society. We also celebrated the winners of the Best Postdoctoral Publication Award—Thomas Jackson, Katherine Roth, and Jing Zheng.
I had the opportunity to discuss leadership roles within SOT, emphasizing the importance of PDA representatives in Component Groups. With several groups still looking for PDA Reps, I encourage postdoc members to get involved. The luncheon wrapped up with a fun raffle, featuring exciting prizes like a Kindle Fire HD, a 2TB external hard drive, and a copy of 2,000 Toxicology Board Review Questions.
Career Exploration Through Speed Interviews: A Gateway to Opportunities
Following the luncheon, trainees and graduate students participated in the Career Exploration Through Speed Informational Interviews event organized by PDA Executive Board Member Frederick Ekuban. This session allowed attendees to engage one-on-one with professionals from various sectors, gaining insight into different career paths in toxicology. It was a unique chance to ask experienced SOT members questions about career trajectories, hiring processes, and insider tips.
Looking ahead, we highly encourage postdocs to add the PDA Luncheon and Career Exploration Through Speed Informational Interviews to their meeting registration in 2026!
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2025 Poster Sessions
Poster Tours for Trainees: Learning from the Experts
The PDA also hosted Poster Tours for Trainees, organized by PDA Executive Board Members Javier Huayta and Cody Robarts, offering postdocs and graduate students an exclusive opportunity to tour posters with expert toxicologists. Participants engaged in insightful discussions and critical evaluations of cutting-edge research in their field of interest. This year, we successfully conducted six poster tours, each fostering networking and mentorship opportunities in a small-group setting. Be sure to sign up for next year’s tours ahead of the meeting!
Exclusive Trainee Discussions and Networking
Postdocs had several other opportunities to interact with seasoned toxicologists, including:
These events provided an intimate environment to gain insights and advice from professionals in the field.
Trainee Discussion with Plenary Speaker Kimberly Miner
Tiny Tox Talk: Finding the Perfect Postdoc
PDA Treasurer Cody Robarts and I led a Tiny Tox Talk titled “Finding the ‘Perfect’ Postdoc and Transitioning Afterwards!” We explored key factors in selecting a postdoctoral position and planning for the transition into academia, industry, government, or entrepreneurial roles. The dynamic Tiny Tox Theater setup fostered an engaging and interactive discussion with the audience.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 SOT Annual Meeting and ToxExpo
The SOT Annual Meeting and ToxExpo offers an abundance of opportunities for toxicologists to connect, learn, and grow professionally. The PDA Executive Board is committed to curating events tailored to trainees, helping them make the most of their SOT experience. Be sure to mark your calendars for the 2026 SOT Annual Meeting and ToxExpo in San Diego, California!
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