The
Ohio Valley Chapter of the SOT (OVSOT) held its Annual Meeting on
Friday, October 13, 2000 at the EPA in Cincinnati, Ohio. On the day before
the Meeting, the OVSOT in conjunction with the Center of Environmental
Genetics, University of Cincinnati, sponsored a Workshop for Science Teachers
in the Greater Cincinnati Area aimed at promoting toxicology education in the
classroom. The Workshop organizers, Dr. Hollie Swanson, Dr. Susan VanDale
and Dr. Howard Glauert, presented a half-day program entitled "Toxicology
in the 21st Century: The Environment and Your Genes." Over 20 Toxicologists
from the Ohio Valley Region graciously volunteered their time to serve as mentors
to the Cincinnati Area Teachers. The Workshop was educational, enjoyable and
highly gratifying to all involved.
The
Annual Meeting of the OVSOT on the following day featured four distinguished
Speakers, a concurrent Student Poster Competition, and elections
of new Officers and Councilors. The OVSOT President, Dr. Joseph
Siglin, welcomed the audience of over 100 attendees and presided over the
Chapter's Business Meeting. The Secretary-Treasurer, Dr. Lisa Kamendulis,
gave the Treasurer's Report and Dr. Hollie Swanson, Chair of the K–12
Education Committee, gave a brief report on the Teacher-Toxicologist Workshop.
Attendees were warmly welcomed to the EPA and Cincinnati Area by the site host,
Dr. Terry Harvey. President-Elect and 2000 Program Organizer, Dr.
Yvonne Dragan, introduced the Scientific Program which was entitled "Transgenic
Animals in Toxicology: Research and Applications in Safety Assessment."
The Program featured four outstanding Speakers: Dr. Denise Robinson of
the International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI) reported on ILSI's role in
the evaluation of alternative models for carcinogenicity testing; Dr. Frank
Sistare of the US FDA spoke on applications of the Tg.AC transgenic mouse
to investigations of the carcinogenic and photocarcinogenic potential of pharmaceuticals;
Dr. Joseph DeGeorge of US FDA presented a regulatory update on the use
of alternatives in carcinogenicity testing; and Dr. Raymond Stoll of
Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals spoke on the carcinogenic assessment of
drugs using the p53 and Tg.AC transgenic mouse models, citing specific case
examples. Attendees enjoyed the thought-provoking Program which elicited numerous
questions and excellent audience participation.
At
conclusion of the morning session, Dr. Daniel Acosta, President of the
National SOT, greeted the audience and congratulated the organizers for an excellent
Scientific Program and successful Teacher-Toxicologist Workshop. The afternoon
session began with presentation of the OVSOT Meritorious Service Award
to Dr. Mark Lafranconi for exceptional service and support of the Chapter
over many years. The Award was presented by Dr. August Wilke, Chair of
the Awards Committee. Election results were presented by Past-President and
Chair of the Nominations Committee, Dr. David Hein. Dr. John Lipscomb
was elected as OVSOT Vice President; Dr. Lisa Kamendulis was elected
for a second term as Secretary-Treasurer; and Dr. Y. James Kang, Dr.
David Mattie, and Dr. Dan Wierda were elected as Councilors. Dr.
Steve Myers ascended to the office of OVSOT President-Elect, and Dr.
Yvonne Dragan ascended to the office of OVSOT President. Individuals who
volunteered to serve as judges for the Student Poster Competition, Dr. Harlal
Choudhary, Dr. Jennifer Counts and Dr. Steve Myers, were recognized
and thanked by Dr. August Wilke. Winners of the Student Poster Competition
were: 1st Place, Keith Harris, The Ohio State University; 2nd Place,
Norma Nangju, University of Louisville; and 3rd Place, Xin Fu,
University of Louisville. Prior to adjourning the Meeting, incoming OVSOT Presdient,
Dr. Yvonne Dragan, presented a plaque and gavel to outgoing President,
Dr. Joseph Siglin.
