The South Central Regional Chapter of the Society of Toxicology (SCC-SOT) held its “K-12 Toxicologist Luncheon” at The 2014 Annual Fall Meeting on October 23–24, 2014, at the University of Mississippi in Oxford, Mississippi. The “K-12 Toxicologist Luncheon” was held for middle and high school science students as part of this SOT Regional Chapter Annual Meeting, “Toxicological Research—Inspiring the Next Generation of Toxicologists.” The goal of this luncheon is to introduce a new generation of potential toxicologists to career opportunities in toxicology. Pictured from left to right are Wesley Gray, Elizabeth Hubbard, Deborah Jones (teacher), John Lipscomb, Vanndrika Robinson, Harrison Atkinson, Kayla Hall, Addison Roush, and Kristie Willett
The luncheon served to: (a) highlight how high and middle school students can become involved in toxicology, (b) advertise summer programs in toxicology for high school students, (c) showcase the various career paths in the field, and (d) provide a forum for students to display and discuss their science projects and future career plans. The luncheon supplements the chapter’s commitment to building for the future of toxicology and the promotion and recognition of toxicology within our region.
John Lipscomb, toxicologist and risk assessor for the US Environmental Protection Agency National Center for Environmental Assessment, served as the speaker for the K-12 Luncheon. His talk “Road to Becoming a Toxicologist” highlighted how high and middle school students can become involved in toxicology in the region, and showcased his career path in becoming a toxicologist. Three teachers and ten students registered for the day and five students from Lafayette High School participated in the luncheon. The hour and a half long program included a sit down lunch, commentaries from SOT 2013–2014 Past President William Slikker Jr.; Wesley Gray, the region’s K-12 outreach contact; and Yunfeg Zhao, current president of the Chapter. These high school students had the opportunity to interact with several senior members of the Chapter, including Martin J. Ronis, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Kenneth E. McMartin, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, and Kristie Willett, The University of Mississippi. After the luncheon, the students were given a guided tour of the posters and an opportunity to sign up for a toxicology mentor.
The 2013 "K-12 Toxicologist Luncheon" in Baton Rouge included students from Westdale Middle School (five students), Scotlandville High School (six students), Southern Laboratory School (five students), and Baton Rouge High School (two students).