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Increased Impact and Vitality of Toxicology through Enhanced Undergraduate Education
The Education Committee recently created the Undergraduate Education Subcommittee to target efforts for the SOT Strategic Priority of “building for the future of toxicology.” The subcommittee is comprised of Aaron Barchowsky, Sue M. Ford, Wesley G.N. Gray, Sara Hegglund, Stephen B. Pruett, Mindy F. Reynolds, and Teresa G. Dodd-Butera. Through the efforts of this group, there are several sessions on undergraduate education in which you may participate at the SOT 2010 Annual Meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah. Mark your calendar! Hear an update on initiatives for undergraduate faculty, provide your input, and network.
- Education and Outreach Poster Session, Tuesday, March 9, 9:00 AM–12:30 PM.
- Undergraduate Toxicology Faculty Meeting, Tuesday, March 9, 3:30 PM–4:30 PM. This is for all members interested in the activities of the Undergraduate Educational Subcommittee, in teaching toxicology to undergraduates, in including toxicological content in courses, and in undergraduate research opportunities.
- Seeking Funding for Undergraduate Research, Wednesday, March 10, 4:30 PM–5:30 PM. This session is for scientists at primarily undergraduate institutions who are looking for ways to secure research funding.
To identify needs and activities that support the strategic objectives relative to undergraduate teaching and learning, the subcommittee created a survey that was sent to approximately 900 SOT members at U.S. and international teaching institutions. Of the 197 respondents, approximately 77% are involved in toxicological-related teaching and/or research with undergraduates. Needs, such as providing shared curricular materials, links to educational materials and funding opportunities, and creation of networking for undergraduate educators, were identified. The survey results will help shape the subcommittee’s strategic planning activities with the goal of increasing SOT member impact on the pipeline of new toxicologists and the vitality of toxicology through enhancing undergraduate education in this discipline. Current efforts include developing an on-line repository of curricular resources, planning toxicology-related teaching workshops for undergraduate educators, and creating electronic networking and communication mechanisms to foster interactions among undergraduate educators.
This subcommittee needs the help of enthusiastic volunteers in their efforts to develop on-line resources and networking. We appreciate the interest shown by those of you who indicated on the survey that you are willing to assist, and we will be in contact with you. For those who did not indicate an interest in participating on the survey, please contact Betty Eidemiller.
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