Graduate Students Organizations

BU-SETAC is a student organization that promotes and inspires student research in Environmental Science, while also providing a space for students in our department to connect and build community. We aim to promote student research, encourage philanthropy, and engage the broader community through educational events with the ultimate goal of improving science education and environmental stewardship within Baylor University and our broader community.

About BU SETAC

The main goal of BU-SETAC is to promote student involvement and research in environmental science. BU-SETAC is associated with the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC), a global organization that promotes environmental quality through science and hosts annual conferences in both North America and Europe. Our student chapter aims to engage the broader community provided by SETAC to provide a path of communication between undergraduate, graduate students and academics or professionals in industry, academia, and government. Along with our facilitation and support of student research opportunities, we organize volunteer and philanthropic events to promote environmental awareness and engage stakeholders within our community.

BU SETAC welcomes any student, regardless of area of interest, who is passionate about environmental science and related fields. We host monthly meetings, which often provide the opportunity for students to present their current research, practice for upcoming conferences, and meet fellow students who are passionate about similar subjects. Also, we are excited to have recently launched a mentoring program, which allows for further interaction and community building between graduate and undergraduate students. Whether it is joining our monthly meetings or participating in any of our great traditions like our hiking trips, we welcome all as we promote environmental science at Baylor and beyond.

Mentoring Program

BU SETAC is proud to have recently launched our mentoring program, which pairs graduate students with current undergraduates to provide advice and help as they begin to explore a career in environmental science after graduation. If you are a current undergraduate who would like to be paired with a mentor, or a current graduate student who would like to join this program, please contact the current BU SETAC President or Vice President.

BU SETAC Officers

Joseph Choi - President

joseph_choi3@baylor.edu

Alisha Janiga-Macnelly - Outreach/Secretary

alisha_janiga1@baylor.edu

Gracen Collier - Vice-President

gracen_collier1@baylor.edu

Luke Calder - Treasurer

luke_calder1@baylor.edu

Adam Wronski - Outgoing President

adam_wronski1@baylor.edu

Drs. Ramon Lavado and George Cobb - Faculty Advisors

Upcoming Events

SETAC North America 45^th Annual Meeting: Fort Worth, TX October 20-242024

Past Events and Awards

2023

BU SETAC wrapped up yet another successful semester at the SETAC North America 44^th annual meeting in Louisville Kentucky. In addition to great networking opportunities throughout the conference, many of our members presented their current research in posters or platform presentations. Additionally, current BU SETAC president, Adam Wronski, became chair of the North America Student Advisory Council; as well as leading that group for the next year, he will also serve as a voting member of the SETAC NA Board of Directors for that year. This role was previously held by Megan Solan, a recent graduate of our program and past BU SETAC president. During the semester, BU SETAC also hosted monthly meetings, and launched our new mentoring program to better engage our undergraduate student members. As we approach the new year, we are excited to keep growing and evolving to best meet the needs of our student members.

2019

On February 26, 10 SETAC members and environmental science students volunteered to be a judge at the 2019 Central Texas Science and Engineering Fair. Members evaluated projects and provided feedback to young scientist in the Waco community ranging from middle school to high school.

2018

2017

Fall 2017

BU SETAC had a great fall semester. We started the semester participating in Waco’s Cultural Arts Festival Science Fest teaching kids and their families about life cycles of model organisms and why model organisms are so important. We also participated in Baylor’s Steppin’ Out program and cleaned Waco Creek outside of the BSB (pictured right). We had about 30 volunteers show up and cleaned up a lot of trash! This semester we plan on participating in the Girl Scout’s STEMFest, cleaning the Waco Creek, and hosting a guest speaker. For further information or interest in joining, please email Claire_Moffett@baylor.edu.

North America Annual Meeting 2017

Graduate students and faculty representing a variety of Baylor research labs attended the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC ) North America 38th Annual Meeting held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in November 2017.

Platform abstracts presented by graduate students were Ben Castellon, Sam Haddad, Brittany Perrotta Gavin Saari, Baylor Steele, and recent graduates Dr. Lauren Kristofco and Dr. Elias Oziolor.

Poster presentations were given by Bekah Burket, Bridgett Hill, Jing Liu, Sarah Guberman, Casan Scott, and Chi Yen Tseng.

The faculty present were Drs. George Cobb, Ramon Lavado, Cole Matson, and Bryan Brooks who presented two invited platforms.

Graduate student Sam Haddad received a presidential citation from SETAC North America for his service provided to other graduate students.

Spring 2017

BU SETAC had a busy 2016-2017 school year! We completed several river and creek cleanups as well as our favorite event: the Girl Scouts STEMFest, where we taught the scouts about aquatic toxicology and air quality. This upcoming year, we are plan on participating in the Waco Cultural Arts Festival ScienceFest, as well as, cleaning up the Waco Creek, and building another trash monster to raise awareness about pollution. We also hosted a table during “Late Night”, to talk to interested students about joining.

Mayborn Museum Public Outreach Opportunity 2017

Baylor University SETAC graduate students participated a public outreach opportunity with the Mayborn Museum in April 2017, where they shared information on their research projects and science activities occurring at Baylor and in the community. Portal to the Public is a program for science professionals which is facilitated by the Mayborn Museum on Baylor University’s Campus. The workshop consists of two sessions of professional development and an opportunity for participants to share their current research at the museum before a live audience. The goal of the workshop is to (1) equip scientists with the skills to communicate their knowledge with the community and (2) facilitate opportunities for the community to interact with local scientists regarding their cutting-edge research.

2015

South Central Regional Meeting Awards 2015
2nd Place Platform Presentation- Elias Oziolor, PhD Candidate Biomedical Sciences
1st Place Poster Presentation- Aparna Sarode, Gretta Smith, and Raveena Patel
2nd Place Poster Presentation- Colleen Peters, PhD Candidate Environmental Science

2015 - BU SETAC helped in hosting a regional professional conference at Baylor University with approximately 100 scientists and engineers from various states.

In August 2012, BU-SETAC prepared and submitted a proposal to SETAC to perform community service in the area by planting vegetation along the shores of Lake Waco. The proposal was one of only two that were ultimately funded. The project was designed to stabilize the shoreline, mitigate nutrients in the lake, sequester carbon, and educate local students.

A number of students involved in BU-SETAC have earned national and international awards for their research and community service activities.

The BU-SETAC group also took on a Girl Scout STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) outreach event in 2015, developing an activity to teach regional girl scouts about the science done here in the ENV department at Baylor. Entitled “Forever Green”, the activity aimed to educate the girls on the forms of environmental pollution, where it migrates, and how they could be better stewards of the environment.

About Pi Epsilon the National Environmental Sciences Honor Society

The goal of Baylor's Chapter of Pi Epsilon the National Environmental Sciences Honor Society is to reward academic excellence in undergraduate and graduate students as well as provide opportunities for members to promote academic excellence. To be eligible as a regular member of the Society, students must be enrolled in an interdisciplinary environmental science program at an accredited institution where a chapter of Pi Epsilon is established. If the institution does not offer an interdisciplinary environmental science program, students must be enrolled in a natural science program at an accredited institution where a chapter of Pi Epsilon is established. Undergraduates and graduates may apply for membership if they fulfill the following criteria:

Graduate students shall:

Have completed at least 8 semester hours (12 quarter hours) of graduate level environmental science coursework.

Maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.30.

If the institution does not offer an interdisciplinary environmental science program, course of study must consist of at least two of the four natural science disciplines (biology, chemistry, geology, and physics) with coursework in one discipline not to exceed 75% of the total science coursework.

Natural science courses must include courses in at least two of the four following disciplines: biology, chemistry, geology, and physics.

Students will be invited to join Pi Epsilon as a member if they meet the criteria as listed above. Please reach out to baylorpiepsilon@gmail.com for more information on the necessary qualifications for membership eligibility.