By Kristini Miles, Committee on Diversity Initiatives Chair
The Committee on Diversity Initiatives (CDI) will hold its 26th Annual SOT Undergraduate Education Program this year in San Diego. Undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds and institutions underserved in the sciences are selected to attend the program to learn about the field of toxicology and be encouraged to pursue careers in the biomedical sciences.
The CDI will host 33 outstanding students and five advisors from 29 different institutions. Among the activities are special toxicology presentations: the speakers include Jared Brown, Joshua Gray, Marquea King, Kenneth Ramos, and Alice Villalobos. The program also will include mentoring, poster sessions, and discussions about applying for and succeeding in graduate school and career opportunities.
It takes a tremendous effort every year from the dedicated volunteers—committee members, presenters, toxicologist host mentors, student/postdoctoral peer mentors, faculty and research mentors, and others who give their time so generously to support the program and inspire the next generation of young scientists.