Finding Your Place as a Student at SETAC Montreal
Carly Dempsey, The University of Texas at Austin; Katie Irhin, Virginia Tech; and Jessica Donaldson, University of Florida
As the students of SETAC gear up for the SETAC North America 47th Annual Meeting, Carly Dempsey, Student Mixer Co-Chair for the SETAC North America Student Advisory Council (NASAC), offers her perspective on her first SETAC meeting in hopes of encouraging other first-time attendees in Montreal:
Graduate school often feels like an ongoing experiment, and one variable that seems to appear in nearly every student’s experience is impostor syndrome. Many students approach their first major conference with a quiet voice in the back of their minds, questioning whether they truly belong among the researchers, professionals and leaders they admire.
I attended regional and national conferences as an undergraduate and postbaccalaureate researcher. Although these experiences helped me grow professionally, I often found myself wandering conference halls with few familiar faces, unsure where I fit in and uncertain how to strengthen myself as a researcher and science communicator. I spent vast amounts of time trying to make sense of the programs and where I might find those pesky connections young professionals are so often told to make.
Looking back at my first SETAC conference, I realize that impostor syndrome is not a conference requirement, and it no longer needs to be added to my packing checklist. Last year, I got the opportunity to go to my first SETAC meeting, the SETAC North America 46th Annual Meeting in Portland, Oregon. There, I was joined by our lab’s master’s student. Because it was her first conference, I was unsure of my ability to provide helpful advice or any premonitions on how the following days might go. While preparing for the trip, we discussed my past experiences and my still-present anxiety. Swearing by my motto of “fake it till you make it,” I told her that we were in this together. Even if our future connections were nowhere to be found, we would stick with each other.
As soon as we arrived, my tension eased. The energy of the room was vastly different from my previous conference experiences. During the Opening Reception, we eventually wandered over to the NASAC corner. I remember my excitement over a space dedicated to students. There were games, comfortable seating and even a memo board that would change the topic every day, giving each student the opportunity to share a bit of their knowledge.
The following days, filled with many coffee breaks and research talks, also brought amazing events dedicated to the next generation of toxicologists: a meet-and-greet with potential advisers, a student lunch with members of the SETAC board and, as a grand finale, a student mixer with trivia. Every student I met felt like an instantaneous new friend and someone who truly understood what I was experiencing. What I didn’t realize at the time was that many of the opportunities helping students connect with one another were intentionally created by NASAC, whose mission is to ensure students have a voice within SETAC and feel supported throughout their professional development.
As this year’s SETAC North America annual meeting in Montreal draws near, I find myself serving on NASAC, a group of students dedicated to creating opportunities for students, by students. Having benefited from the welcoming community that NASAC helped foster during my first SETAC meeting, I find it rewarding to now assist in providing that experience for others. From a refreshed Student Corner and volunteer service opportunities to networking events and student socials, our goal is simple: to help every student feel that they belong. I hope this year’s attendees leave Montreal not only with new scientific ideas, but also with new friendships, new professional connections and the confidence that they have found a home within the greater SETAC community.
For new and returning student attendees, the NASAC Executive Board and Committee Chairs have been busy this past year planning several events and student-centered resources for this year’s meeting! Here is some information about NASAC and its events.
Meet NASAC
NASAC exists to provide a voice for student members of SETAC and to represent student interests within SETAC North America. NASAC consists of an Executive Board (chair, vice chair and outgoing chair), as well as students who serve as committee chairs, liaisons and regional chapter representatives. Each year, we organize events at the SETAC North America annual meeting to foster meaningful engagement and participation among student members. We are always looking for SETAC students to join our monthly meetings and participate. We hope many of you will attend our events, visit our Student Corner and sign up for communications! Here are some key events and resources:
- NASAC General Meeting (TBD): Join the NASAC Executive Board and fellow NASAC members to learn more about NASAC and how to become involved; keep an eye on the meeting platform for a date, time and location.
- Student Corner (exhibit hall): Stop by our space in the exhibit hall throughout the meeting for SETAC giveaways, an interactive “Question of the Day” on our bulletin board and a comfortable area to network with peers or take a break.
- NASAC Channel: To stay connected with other students during the meeting, please join our communications group.
Events for Students
New Member Welcome
5:30–6:00 p.m. on Monday, 2 November | Room 517b
To start off the meeting, the SETAC North America Board of Directors, including NASAC leadership, will host an informal gathering where you can meet SETAC leaders and learn valuable tips on navigating the meeting and making the most of the conference. If this is your first SETAC meeting, please stop by!
Student Mentor Mix and Mingle
5:30–7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, 3 November | Room 524abc
Enjoy a chance to socialize with mentors representing the various sectors, including academia, government and business, that make up SETAC. This is an updated version of the traditional Student/Mentor Dinner, which has been transformed into a lively and interactive networking social. Light refreshments will be served while students have the opportunity to expand their network, interact with professionals and gain valuable career guidance in a laid-back atmosphere. NASAC and the SETAC North America Careers Committee are co-hosting this event.
Student Lunchtime Seminar: Eat Learn Connect
12:00–1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, 4 November | Room 510bd
This year we are excited to welcome and hear from Jessica Head, Associate Professor at McGill University, who has experience in multiple sectors and long-standing involvement with SETAC. Head will share insights on career development, professional growth and navigating transitions within and between career paths. Her talk promises to be both inspiring and informative for all students, whether they are considering academia or exploring opportunities in other sectors. NASAC is hosting this event, and tickets are available through the meeting website for $25; lunch is provided with the ticket purchase.
Early Career Social (sold out)
5:30–7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, 4 November | Room 519ab
This social is an opportunity to network with others at the same career stage and help broaden one’s early-career cohort. It is ideal for all young professionals, including students looking to form collaborations, meet new colleagues or learn more about the transition from student life to a career. Prompts during the event will help with networking, and one complimentary beverage is included. This event, hosted by the SETAC North America Careers Committee and sponsored by Wellington Laboratories.
Student Trivia and Mixer (sold out)
8:00–11:00 p.m. on Wednesday, 4 November | 3 Brassaseaurs
Our annual Student Trivia and Mixer, the largest student-only event of the SNA annual meeting, takes place Wednesday night at 3 Brasseurs. This NASAC event is a great way to meet our student cohort and expand your network. The venue is right near the convention center, and we have reserved the upstairs bar for the event. Test your trivia knowledge and mingle with fellow students with the help of a bingo card mixer! NASAC is hosting the event, and registration and a $25 ticket include food and one drink ticket (more refreshments will be available for purchase at the venue).
SETAC Community Clean-up
12:00–1:30 p.m. on Thursday, 5 November | Meeting Point: SETAC Registration
In line with the annual meeting theme of “One Planet, Shared Future,” NASAC is teaming up with a local éco-quartier in Montreal to host a community cleanup in the city. This opportunity will help students and attendees connect to the local ecosystem and make a positive environmental impact for the city of Montreal. The event is free, but registration is required; all supplies will be provided.
Student Guide
Sofia Paciello, one of our NASAC members, curated this year’s Student Guide, which includes key event details, student tips, travel advice and ways to get the most out of your meeting experience in Montreal! Read the Montreal Student Guide. A link to the Student Guide will also be provided on the meeting platform for your convenience.
“Perfecting Your Presentation” NASAC Webinar
John Fast and Benjamin Komolafe, NASAC Outreach Committee Co-Chairs, have organized a webinar for students to engage with panelists, who will share tips and tricks on how to perfect your presentation. The webinar will be held online at 2:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday, 21 October. Please use this virtual meeting link to access the live webinar. You can also join the North America Students Affinity Group on the SETAC website to receive reminders about this event (and future meetings).
Looking Ahead
At the conclusion of the Montreal meeting, Jessica Donaldson will move into the NASAC Chair position, Brian Weir is nominated to become NASAC’s Vice Chair, and Katie Irhin will become Outgoing Chair. Thank you to the entire NASAC Executive Board for its efforts in leading NASAC activities this year. We would also like to thank Bonnie Ertel for her leadership over the past three years on the NASAC Executive Board and her continued service to NASAC. Thank you to our Outreach Committee Co-Chairs, John Fast and Benjamin Komolafe, who have facilitated student engagement throughout the year. Additional thanks to Carly Dempsey and Vann Boyte for their efforts in planning our popular Student Trivia and Mixer event, and to Lola Renauer for leading the planning of our Student Lunch Seminar. Thank you to all the students who have contributed to planning our events and supported NASAC over the past year!
We look forward to welcoming students in Montreal for a great annual meeting of learning and connecting! Please don’t hesitate to reach out to NASAC leadership for guidance throughout the meeting if you have questions.
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