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SACNAS: Creative Science, Vision, and Toxicology

By Vanessa Nunez posted 10-24-2014 13:13

  

By Vanessa Nunez, SOT Undergraduate Student Affiliate and member of Hispanic Organization of Toxicologists Special Interest Group, University of California Los Angeles

Tv2StevensandGalvanSACNAS 2 DS.jpghis year’s Society for the Advancement of Hispanics/Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) National Conference took place in Los Angeles, California, and brought together over 350 university and industry exhibitors, over 1,000 student poster presentations, and thousands of attendees. Pictured at right: Doug Stevens and Joe Galvan share career information at the SOT booth.

The theme of the conference was “Creativity, Vision, and Drive: Toward Full Representation in STEM” and it was apparent in every aspect of the conference. The conference featured keynote speakers, scientists from every walk of life, and entertainment by Native American tribes. It was definitely an engaging conference from start to finish. 

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I had the opportunity to present my research on pesticide exposure and its link to Parkinson’s disease and received very valuable feedback from my judges. I also had the opportunity to network with many recruiters and representatives from leading science organizations. I am excited to continue to nurture the relationships I formed this past weekend as I continue to pursue my scientific career.

The Society of Toxicology (SOT) booth was definitely very popular with attendees at the conference. During my time at the booth, I met a student from a community college in Santa Ana who thought she may be interested in toxicology but was unsure of what the field was. When I began explaining to her that toxicology can be found really in any field and all the opportunities SOT provides for undergraduates, her excitement was immediately apparent and her curiosity definitely peaked. I have a strong feeling SOT will be seeing more of her in the future. Pictured at the left: Ofelia Olivero and Vanessa Nunez welcomed booth visitors.

I am glad I had the opportunity to share my own experiences with SOT with her and let her know how welcoming and helpful SOT and its members are. Just a year ago, I did not even know about SOT, but now I’ve come to find a network of mentors and friends and I know she will too.

The blog “Toxicology Featured at SACNAS Meetings” provides more information about the SOT presence at this meeting.

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