Stepping Into the Toxicology Community: Highlights from SOT 2025

By: Maryam Afghah, M.S.

Exploring opportunities and insights at SOT 2025

In Spring 2025, I had the amazing opportunity to travel to Orlando, Florida, for the Society of Toxicology (SOT) Annual Conference with my lab group and Dr. Rock. This event brought together experts from academia, industry, and regulatory agencies to discuss cutting-edge research and innovations in toxicology. It was an inspiring experience that allowed me to deepen my understanding of current studies, connect with professionals across the field, and explore various career paths in toxicology.

Repro-Eco Tox lab group photo on the last day of SOT 2025. Left to right: Me (Maryam), Dr. Rock, Paige, Ansley, Mel (my hotel roomie), and Zach. ©Subham Dasgupta

Presenting my research and unexpected connections

One of the highlights of the conference was presenting my research poster titled "Effects of Preconception Phthalate Exposure on Maternal and Offspring Health Outcomes." What made the experience especially memorable was discovering that several other researchers were using the exact same phthalate mixtures and concentrations as I was. At first, I was surprised—but quickly realized this overlap stemmed from collaborations with Dr. Jodi Flaws, a leading figure in the field of endocrine-disrupting chemicals. This unexpected connection was a powerful reminder of how essential networking and collaboration are in research. Shared approaches and insights can truly accelerate progress and deepen our collective understanding.

Presenting my poster at SOT 2025. ©Mel Walker

Career insights from Dr. Flaws

Another standout moment from the conference was meeting Dr. Flaws in person. As a highly respected expert in the study of phthalates and endocrine disrupting chemicals, she shared some incredibly valuable advice on navigating a career in academia. She spoke about the importance of building connections, attending conferences, and actively engaging with others in the field. According to her, academia still offers great opportunities, especially for those passionate about teaching, writing grants, and working on collaborative research. She also reassured me that tenure-track positions are still attainable, especially as faculty retire and new roles open up. While the path can be competitive, she emphasized that taking initiative, developing a strong research profile, and staying involved in professional networks can make a big difference.

Presenting during the Reproductive and Developmental Toxicology Specialty Section (RDTSS) poster competition. ©Kanchaka Pathiraja

Industry vs. Academia: A broad perspective

Attending the RDTSS poster competition and speaking with professionals from Pfizer, the pharmaceutical industry, and academia really opened my eyes to the variety of career paths available in toxicology. It was fascinating to hear different perspectives on whether it’s easier to land a job in academia or industry—opinions varied widely! One common thread, though, was the universal challenge of securing funding—whether it’s writing research grants in academia or navigating regulatory approvals in industry. While the day-to-day work may differ, both paths demand persistence, strong communication, and the ability to adapt in a constantly evolving field.

Receiving a poster award at the Southeastern chapter of SOT social. ©Ansley Elkins

Celebrating achievements and networking at the southeastern SOT (SESOT) social

One of the most exciting moments of the trip was attending the SESOT afternoon event, where I was honored to receive an award for placing third in last fall’s poster competition in Auburn, Alabama. It was a proud and meaningful moment to celebrate alongside my lab mates and reconnect with old friends. The event also offered a more laid-back atmosphere, making it a great space to network and chat with others in the field.

Learning from experts in Risk Assessment

Another eye-opening part of the conference was taking part in a poster review session with a diverse panel of experts from both academia and industry. The conversation covered a wide range of topics in risk assessment, from the importance of Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) to the differences between FDA and EMA regulatory guidelines. One of the most fascinating parts was the debate over non-human primate studies and what they mean for the future of toxicology research. These discussions really expanded my perspective on regulatory science and highlighted just how crucial ethical considerations are when designing experiments.

Dr. Rock presenting my new RNA-seq data during the "Battle of the sexes: sexually dimorphic response to in utero toxicant exposures" symposium. ©Subham Dasgupta

Not only did Dr. Rock not fall off the stage, but she nailed her presentation!

One of the most meaningful moments of the conference was attending a specialty section talk that my advisor, Dr. Rock, presented in on sexually dimorphic placental and neuroendocrine responses to prenatal and preconception exposures. It was inspiring to see how her earlier work has evolved and now connects directly to my own research. Watching her present not only deepened my appreciation for the field but also gave me valuable insight into how I might communicate my own findings at future conferences. On top of that, seeing my first RNA sequencing results made the experience even more exciting, it was the first time I could truly see where my research fits within the larger scientific conversation.

Attending SOT 2025 was truly a transformative experience. Beyond gaining new knowledge and career insights, the conference underscored the value of collaboration, mentorship, and staying actively engaged in the scientific community. I left feeling inspired, more connected to the field, and energized to bring everything I’d learned back into my own research. It was a powerful reminder of why I chose this path, and how exciting the journey ahead continues to be.