Student Events at the SETAC North America 46th Annual Meeting: Portland Edition

Miranda Jackson, Benjamin Komolafe and Bonnie Ertel, SETAC North America Student Advisory Council

In preparation for the SETAC North America 46th Annual Meeting, which will be held from 16–20 November in Portland, Oregon, we are excited to highlight several events geared for student attendees. This year’s programming aims to make the conference experience as enjoyable as it is enriching, featuring a mix of networking opportunities, skill-building activities and relaxed social gatherings that encourage students to connect and interact.

Portland – known for its vibrant culture, scenic riverside setting and easy access to nature – offers a unique backdrop for connecting with peers and exploring new ideas beyond the scientific sessions. The city, often described as a blend of quirky charm and natural splendor, provides the ideal backdrop for combining science and exploration, with its walkable city center, vibrant culinary scene and proximity to the Columbia and Willamette Rivers. Whether you are grabbing coffee with friends and new colleagues or strolling along the famous waterfront, Portland offers lots of spaces to carry on conversations outside of conference rooms.

Attending a large scientific conference can feel overwhelming, but it is also an incredible opportunity to build your network, share your experiences and find support from fellow students navigating similar challenges and opportunities. The SETAC North America Student Advisory Council (NASAC) is here to help make that experience both meaningful and fun. Our goal is to create spaces where students feel welcome, engaged and empowered. We can’t wait to see you there!

Meet NASAC

Before we share more about the events happening throughout the week, we would like to briefly introduce ourselves. NASAC provides a voice for student members of SETAC and to represent student interests within SETAC North America (SNA). NASAC consists of students who serve as Regional Chapter student representatives as well as any interested student members of SNA. Each year, we organize events at the SNA annual meeting to foster meaningful engagement and participation among student members. In addition to our broader membership, the NASAC Chairs will be attending the Portland meeting. Our headshots are included below, and we encourage you to introduce yourself and say hello! In addition to the events below, you can catch us throughout the week at:

• Student Corner (all week in the exhibit hall): Drop by during the poster socials to meet fellow students and current NASAC members, and be sure to grab some of our SETAC giveaways! We will also provide charging stations and comfortable chairs, so stop by and relax whenever you need a break from the busy scientific program. Each day you can pick up fun stickers, participate in our “Question of the Day” activity, and see what fellow students are thinking. Whether you’re looking for a quick break or a place to network and share experiences, the Student Corner is designed to be your go-to hub throughout the meeting.
• NASAC Slack Channel: To stay connected during the meeting, please join our Slack channel.

Student Events

New Member Welcome (8:00 a.m., Monday, 17 November, Oregon Ballroom 202)
To start off the meeting, the SETAC North America Board of Directors, including the NASAC Chairs, will be hosting an informal gathering to learn about opportunities to engage with the society and connect with other conference attendees. If this is your first SETAC meeting, please stop by!

Student/Mentor Mix and Mingle (5:30–7:00 p.m., Monday, 17 November, room C 120-121)
Enjoy an updated version of the traditional Student/Mentor Dinner, now transformed into a lively and interactive networking social! Light refreshments will be served as students have the chance to connect with mentors representing the diverse sectors that make up SETAC – academia, government, consulting and industry. This must-attend event is a fantastic chance to expand your network, interact with professionals in your fields of interest, and obtain insightful career guidance in a laid-back atmosphere. This event is hosted by the SETAC North America Careers Committee and NASAC, and tickets are available through the meeting website for $10.

NASAC General Meeting (1:00 p.m., Tuesday, 18 November, room D135)
Join the NASAC Chairs for a brief overview of our group and to learn more about how you can get involved. We will not have a formal agenda but plan to solicit input on the current meeting, begin discussing our plans for next year, and share with students how to get involved with these initiatives. If you are unable to make this meeting but are interested in learning more about NASAC, please join our affinity group page.

Early Career Social (5:30–7:00 p.m., Tuesday, 18 November, room C 120-121)
Whether you’re looking to connect with peers, expand your network or gain insights into transitioning from student life to a post-doc or full-time career, this social will offer something for every early career scientist, including students and early career professionals. This event, hosted by the SETAC North America Careers Committee and sponsored by Wellington Laboratories, is currently fully booked.

Student Lunch Seminar: Eat Learn Connect (12:00–1:30 p.m., Wednesday, 19 November, room C 123-124)
This year, we are excited to hear from Chris Stransky, GEI Consultants and incoming SETAC North America President, who will share his experiences navigating a career in industry, his involvement with SETAC, and strategies for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. His talk promises to be both inspiring and informative for students at all stages of their professional journey. This sold-out event is hosted by NASAC, chaired by Lola Renauer, and sponsored by Colgate-Palmolive.

Student Trivia and Mixer (7:00–10:00 p.m., Wednesday, 19 November, Spirit of 77)
Join us Wednesday night at Spirit of 77 for our annual Student Trivia and Mixer, the largest student-only event of the SNA annual meeting. This NASAC event, chaired by Leenia Mukhopadhyay, is the perfect chance to expand your network, meet fellow students, and enjoy some lighthearted competition. Spirit of 77 is just across the street from the convention center, and we have reserved a covered patio for the event. Test your knowledge on everything from pop culture to fun regional trivia while connecting with new friends. The evening will kick off with a bingo card mixer to encourage mingling before diving into the trivia competition, with a taco bar provided and drinks available for purchases. A few tickets are still available through the meeting website for $20—don’t miss it!

Keep an eye out for the Student Guide, which will include key event details, student tips, and ways to get the most out of your SETAC experience.

At the conclusion of the Portland meeting, Katie Irhin will move into the NASAC Chair role, Jessica Donaldson will become the Vice Chair, and Bonnie Ertel will roll into the Outgoing Chair position. We would like to thank Adam Wronski for his leadership as Vice Chair, Chair and Outgoing Chair, and his continued service to NASAC. We would also like to thank the Outreach Co-chairs, Miranda Jackson and Benjamin Komolafe, who have facilitated student engagement throughout the year. Additional thanks to Leenia Mukhopadhyay and Lola Renauer for their efforts in planning our popular Student Trivia and Mixer and Student Lunch Seminar events, respectively. Finally, NASAC extends sincere gratitude to the student volunteers who provided input to our programming and the sponsors who supported this year’s initiatives. We are proud to see student engagement grow within SNA each year and cannot wait to welcome everyone to Portland for a week of science, community and connection.

Whether you have a question about NASAC, need assistance or just want to connect, we are excited to meet so many of our fellow SETAC students in Portland!

NASAC Officers and Annual Meeting Chairs (2024-2025)