SOT 2007 Annual Meeting

The Student Advisory Committee hosts this opportunity for students and post-doctoral fellows to gather, to meet new colleagues, and to re-establish relationships in an informal atmosphere at the beginning of the meeting. Complimentary tickets are obtained by registering for this event on the Annual Meeting Registration Form. Ticket and meeting badge are required. Complimentary refreshments and a cash bar will be available.

Regional Chapter Student Representatives Meeting
Monday, March 26, 7:00 AM to 8:30 AM Business meeting

Representatives will conduct their business meeting.

In Vitro Toxicology Lecture for Students:
Monday, March 26, 12:15 PM–1:30 PM
Lecturer: Cynthia Afshari, Amgen, Inc, Thousand Oaks, CA
Title: Integration of Exploration of the Genome to Refine In Vitro Screening Models
Sponsored by: The Colgate-Palmolive Company

Each year the Colgate-Palmolive Company invites all students and postdoctoral fellows at the SOT Annual Meeting to attend a luncheon and lecture concerning alternative research methods at the forefront of toxicology, specifically, methods that address reduction of use or replacement of whole animals, or the refinement of experimental techniques using whole animal models. Past recipients of all the Colgate-Palmolive SOT awards will be special guests.

Students register for this event on the Annual Meeting Registration Form. A $5 deposit per ticket is required and will be returned at the luncheon upon presentation of the ticket. Seating is limited.

The goal of the In Vitro Lecture series is to feature important research using in vitro and alternative techniques to study basic mechanisms, and to illustrate how these test methods benefit animal welfare by refining and reducing animal use.

The advent of microarray technology into non-clinical studies has demonstrated impact in several avenues. For example, whole genome analysis of the transcriptional effects of drug exposures has allowed elucidation of mechanism of action, potential off-target indication, and discovery of promising new biomarkers of pharmacological effect or possible adverse indications. For this latter goal, the integration of genomic, proteomic, and metabolomic-based technologies has led to a blossoming of the field known as “toxicogenomics.” One of the early promises of integrating these molecular approaches was that new genomics based models would provide for accurate prediction of toxicity. This talk will focus on examples where analysis of in vivo gene expression data derived from early nonclinical screening studies led to the elucidation of a new in vitro screen for aiding selection of molecules during lead optimization. The characterization of this model will be presented. This approach will provide an additional filter to discriminate compounds that are selected for in vivo studies and should impact the number of animals used in a screening paradigm. The potential challenges that still need to be surpassed in order to allow progressive development of these models will also be addressed.

Specialty Section Student Representatives Meeting
Tuesday, March 27, 7:00 AM to 8:30 AM Business meeting

Representatives will conduct their business meeting.

Student Advisory Committee Meeting
Wednesday, March 28, 7:00 AM-8:30 AM Business meeting

Postdoctoral Assembly Luncheon
Wednesday, March 28, 12:00 NOON-1:15 PM

Amidst scrambling to attend all of the symposia, poster sessions, and social events at the meeting, this will be time for postdocs to kick back and relax! All postdoctoral fellows are invited to a casual, fun-filled luncheon organized by the Postdoctoral Assembly (PDA). We will announce the first recipients of the Best Postdoctoral Publication Awards and acknowledge the postdocs who received awards this year from Specialty Sections and Regional Chapters. The newly elected PDA Board members for 2007-08 will also be introduced and will present a short overview of accomplishments and future directions for the PDA. This is a great opportunity for you to meet and congratulate your postdoctoral colleagues and check out opportunities to volunteer and assume leadership roles within SOT. There will be a drawing for prizes. Postdocs can reserve a ticket when registering for the Annual Meeting.

Lunch with an Expert
Date and time varies by group (Meet at Bulletin Board in Registration Area)

This event is an informal gathering of a small group of students and a Toxicology Expert. Sign up via the Student Services section of the SOT Web site. The groups are matched by research interests and the Expert for each group identifies a time and place to assemble. Details for the group meeting will be sent advance of meeting.

Informational Session:
You Just Can't Focus on the Science: A Primer of Strategies to be Successful in Your New Position
Wednesday, March 28 from 4:30 PM–5:50 PM

Chairpersons: Thomas Kawabata, Pfizer, Groton, CT and Jean Kramarik, Burroughs Wellcome Trust, Research Triangle Park, NC.

Endorsed by: Career Resource and Development Committee*

You’ve completed your postdoctoral training and landed your first job. After many dedicated years in graduate school and as a postdoctoral fellow, you now have the scientific knowledge and technical skills needed to get the job done and you are ready to hit the ground running. However, there are many other important skills you need to learn. Whether your new job is in academia, government or industry, you just can’t focus on the science. You need to be aware of the many planning and people skills needed to be successful in your new job.

Introduction: T. T. Kawabata. Pfizer Research and Development, Groton, CT.

Planning for Success and Career Satisfaction: H. M. Mehendale. Department of Toxicology, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA.

The Importance of People and Leadership Skills in Career Success: L. A. Burns Naas. Drug Safety Research and Development, Pfizer Research and Development, Groton, CT. Sponsor: T. Kawabata.

Public Forum for Students and Postdocs with SOT Council
Wednesday, March 28, 4:45 PM-5:15 PM
Room 210

All students and postdoctoral fellows are encouraged to participate in this informal meeting, which provides opportunity for dialog with members of SOT Council. Officers of the Student Advisory Committee and the Postdoctoral Assembly will present the goals of those groups to initiate conversations. Sodas will be available.

Students: Volunteer–Assist with a Continuing Education course or other annual meeting activity