|
|
|
Print this article 
20th Group of Undergraduates Participate in Undergraduate Program at Annual Meeting
Submitted by Adrian Nanez, 2009–2010 CDI Chair
 |
Julio Davila organized the special poster session and Mari Stavanja was 2008–2010 chair of the CDI |
The 2009 Society of Toxicology Annual Meeting in Baltimore, Maryland, marked the 20th anniversary for the Undergraduate Education Program for Minority Students (UEP). Mari Stavanja chaired the Committee for Diversity Initiatives (CDI) in this important year. The historic occasion was celebrated on Saturday, March 14, with a special event highlighted by historical perspectives from early program organizers Faye Calhoun Broadwater and Marion Ehrich (see article). The night continued with the inaugural presentation of the Perry J. Gehring Diversity Travel Award to Vanessa Y. De La Rosa for work performed at the University of Texas at El Paso entitled, "Bioluminescent bacteria as biosensors for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons." This award was established with generous contributions to the SOT Endowment in the name of Perry J. Gehring. Tony Ndifor encouraged attendees to contribute to the Gehring Diversity Fund as well as the newly established Diversity Initiatives Fund, which has recently achieved permanently restricted status. Program alumni, current students, organizers from the past two decades, and CDI friends shared their personal experiences while partaking in a delicious commemorative cake.
 |
Students discussed toxicology research
during a special poster session |
As usual the pool of applicants for the 2009 UEP was stocked with topnotch talent that showed scientific prowess in the classroom and laboratory. The 38 students and 8 faculty advisors were selected through a national review process. The official program for the students selected through application runs from Saturday night to Monday. All undergraduate students registered for the meeting can register for the Sunday portion. That day was officially kicked off by a welcome from the SOT President, Kenneth S. Ramos. Jose Manautou presented a crash-course "Introduction to Toxicology" that was followed by a stimulating foray into nano particles by Martin Philbert. Adrian Nanez, an alumna of the program and CDI Committee member, presented work detailing the role of transcription factor in fetal programming or renal disease. Mary Ann Smith's talk on translating toxicology into public health actions rounded out the scientific program.
 |
Students explore options for graduate
school and internships |
In the afternoon, students were treated to an insider's perspective on graduate school followed by a panel discussion with academic advisors including Robert Roth, Kim Daniel, Katherine Squibb, and Kim Boekelheide. There was not an empty seat in the house during the recruiting session with over 31 Academic Toxicology Program Directors and Internship sponsors available to meet with students to discuss graduate and research opportunities.
The final day of the program was highlighted by the stirring plenary lecture presented by Nobel Laureate Paul Greengard entitled "Signal Transduction Pathways Used by Therapeutic Agents and Drugs of Abuse." The whirlwind weekend was closed out with plenty of photos, goodbyes, and the promise of newly burgeoning careers in Toxicology.
 |
Students were organized into groups
with mentors |
Many SOT members devoted the weekend to serve as mentors and peer mentors for the students. Participants are organized into small groups, with designated mentors and peer mentors, and this key aspect of the program is possible because of the dedication of SOT members who devote their time to make this happen. We recognize mentors Antonio Baines, Abraham Dalu, Julio Davila, Erin Hines, Braulio Jimenez, Marquea King, Craig Marcus, David McGuinn, Eva McLanahan, Rebeka Merson, Kristini Miles, Chuck Miller, Jeffrey Moffit, Jorge Naciff, Tony Ndifor, Ofelia Olivero, Jennifer Rayner, Angela Slitt, Alice Villalobos, and Judy Zelikoff and peer mentors Natasha Catlin, Vanessa De la Rosa, Navada Eagleton, Jessica Epple-Farmer, Enrique Fuentes Mattei, Patricia Gillespie, Dan Hochman, Natalie Johnson, Adrienne King, Alicia Marroquin-Cardona, Erica Rogers, and Vikrant Vijay. On behalf of the CDI, I would like to thank all of the volunteers, participants, and SOT staff for making the 2009 UEP a success. See you next year in Salt Lake City, UT!
|
