This year marked the 26th Annual Undergraduate Education Program at the Society of Toxicology (SOT) Annual Meeting, which in 2015 was held in San Diego, California.
SOT 2014–2015 President Norbert E. Kaminski was pleased to welcome participants to this three-day program created for undergraduates to increase awareness of toxicology as a science and as a career, encourage the pursuit of advanced degrees in biomedical sciences, and improve knowledge of basic principles and concepts in toxicology.
Thirty-three outstanding undergraduates and five advisors were selected to attend this program. Additionally, the Sunday activities were open to any undergraduate student who registered for the Annual Meeting, including the 2015 Pfizer SOT Undergraduate Travel Award Recipients.
The success of this program is due in large part to the many dynamic volunteers who so generously give their time to teach and inspire the next generation of young scientists. Pictured above Icebreaker Winners celebrate by tossing their ToxSquad bowler hats; Icebreaker Leader Adrian Nanez is pictured at far left. The Committee on Diversity Initiatives (CDI) would like to recognize and give special thanks to these wonderful program volunteers.
Speakers Alice Villalobos, Marquea King, Joshua Gray, Jared Brown, Teresa Dodd-Butera, and SOT 2008–2009 President Kenneth S. Ramos provided special toxicology lectures, interactive sessions, and inspirational career talks. Pictured at the left is Joshua Gray presenting an Introduction to Toxicology lecture during the program opening session.
Program volunteers William D. Atchison, Kim Daniel, Tenley French, and Adrian Nanez provided vital program assistance in various areas, including facilitating breakout sessions, leading the opening program icebreaker, and helping with logistical details.
Career Roundtable discussants Neera Tewari-Singh, Mary Martin Gant, Sharon Holt Daily, Amelia Romoser, Pedro L. Del Valle, Jennifer L. Rayner, Annelise Nguyen, Minerva Mercado Feliciano, and Veron Browne informed the students about career opportunities in toxicology and the differences in employment in industry, academia, or government settings.
Graduate Program Breakout Group facilitators José E. Manautou, Jessica M. Sapiro, Sakina Eltom, Vanessa De La Rosa, James P. Luyendyk, and Megan Culbreth provided tips about applying to and being successful in graduate school from graduate student and academic advisor perspectives.
Host Mentors Noe Galvan, Mario Green, Kimberly Hodge-Bell, Marquea King, Adrian Nanez, Jennifer Rayner, Elena Hernandez Ramon, Minerva Mercado Feliciano, and Wilson Rumbeiha, and Peer Mentors Alexandra Colón-Rodriguez, Madiha Khalid, Kpobari Nkpaa, Vivek Lawana, Latisha Pryor, Trey Saddler, Jessica Sapiro, Vanessa De La Rosa, Kiran Dhakal, Amelia Romoser, and Pamella Tijerina led and inspired the students throughout the entire three-day program.
These dedicated mentors will continue to keep in contact with their mentor group students throughout their undergraduate studies and be a resource to them as they consider career paths and advanced degrees. Pictured above is Jennifer Rayner (at right) interacting with the undergraduates.
CDI and these students were very fortunate to have leading toxicologists take this extensive amount of time to share their knowledge and professional development experiences with them. Many of this year’s participants have reported back on what a wonderful and affirming experience they had during the Undergraduate Program, and how valuable the experience will be as they look ahead to plan career paths and consider pursuing advanced degrees.
With gratitude,
Kristini Miles
2014-2015 Chair, Committee on Diversity Initiatives