Blogs

This blog was authored by Fred Moulin and Mindy Reynolds.

Undergraduates registering for the Virtual 2021 SOT Annual Meeting and ToxExpo

have a choice of activities that are hosted by the Committee on Diversity Initiatives (CDI) and the Faculty United for Toxicology Undergraduate Recruitment and Education (FUTURE) Committee. These will provide undergraduates with more information about toxicology, assist with career planning, and encourage networking with graduate students and toxicologists. Any undergraduate may receive complimentary meeting registration by sending the meeting Registration Form and an image of the student ID to the SOT Registration Department. Undergraduate registrants have access to all the Scientific Sessions, posters, and other offerings of the Annual Meeting.

Once registered for the meeting, undergraduate attendees must use the Undergraduate Activities Online Registration Form to preregister for and reserve space in each of the activities listed here. The deadline to sign up is February 26, 2021.

Students in the Undergraduate Diversity Program also will attend additional activities organized by CDI. SOT Undergraduate Research Award recipients also will attend activities organized by FUTURE, as well as presenting their posters.

What Is Toxicology and Why Should I Care: Live Introduction to Toxicology Presentation and Q&A

Saturday, March 13

2:30 PM to 3:45 PM (US EST, UTC -5)

Students will learn about toxicology and careers related to the discipline. The session opens with a welcome, and then a presentation by Marquea King (USDA, Beltsville, MD) will introduce the students to the breadth and importance of toxicology. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions regarding toxicology in general.

Ins and Outs of Graduate School in Toxicology: Insights into Admissions, Training, and Finding Success

Saturday, March 20

12:30 PM to 1:30 PM (US EDT, UTC -4)

Students meet in small discussion groups facilitated by a graduate student and a graduate program advisor to learn tips about applying for and succeeding in graduate school, gain insights into admissions, and get answers to any questions they might have about toxicology graduate school.

Interactive Case Study for Undergraduate Students: Metal Levels in Whales from the Gulf of Maine: A One Environmental Health Approach

Saturday, March 20

3:00 PM to 4:15 PM (US EDT, UTC -4)

Do pollution and metal content in ocean waters impact whales? Undergraduates are in the toxicologist role during this ecotoxicology case study. John P. Wise, Sr. (University of Louisville, Louisville, KY), will provide background and explain research techniques used to sample whales. Then Mindy Reynolds (Washington College, Chesterton, MD) will facilitate the exploration and interpretation of real data in small groups. This is an active experience in toxicology!

Toxicology Career Roundtables

Wednesday, March 24

4:30 PM to 5:30 PM (US EDT, UTC -4)

These small virtual discussion groups with SOT toxicologists will provide insights into career paths and work-life balance. Each group will include three toxicologists representing academia, government, and industry or consulting. Be prepared to ask questions to learn how to use interests and aptitudes in pursuing a career in toxicology.

Undergraduate Networking with Graduate Students

Thursday, March 25

2:45 PM to 3:45 PM (US EDT, UTC -4)

In this informal virtual session, small groups of undergraduates will network with graduate students to learn more about graduate school and graduate student experiences. Each group will meet sequentially with several teams of graduate students.

Time with Academic Program Directors: Graduate School Virtual Career Fair

More information pending

Students will meet with representatives from specific academic toxicology programs to discuss the merits of each graduate program, the support available, and the application requirements.