Laurentian SETAC was established in 1991, and officially incorporated in 1994, hosting our very first conference and AGM the following year. Over the past 30 years, Laurentian SETAC has brought together scientists, students, and professionals through annual AGMs, engaging short courses, and networking events such as pub nights across Ontario. Our commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in science is reflected in the creation of the DISC (Diversity in Science Committee), which has led meaningful initiatives and events to promote equity within our community. Beyond conferences and workshops, Laurentian SETAC members have actively contributed to sustainability efforts, including carbon offset projects like tree planting, and volunteered at local science fairs to inspire future generations of environmental scientists. As we celebrate three decades of growth, collaboration, and impact, we look forward to building on this legacy and embracing the opportunities of the years ahead.
MEMBER
MEMORIES
Hear from the folks who have made L-SETAC what it is today: Past Presidents, committee members, new L-SETAC members, and more. Have your own memories to share? Add them to the Dropbox at the link below.
REBECCA DALTON
# years as a member: 18
Previous roles: President, Past President, Vice-President, Chair of Ottawa Pub Night committee, Chair of AGM and Short Course committees, member of the DISC
Favourite part of being an L-SETAC member: People make it happen and LSETAC counts some of the best people as members. I love that members strive to make LSETAC a positive and inclusive organization and that all members have opportunities to get involved.
What does L-SETAC mean to you?: Science + Socializing. Having organized over 50 LSETAC Ottawa Pub Nights, I can attest that LSETACers excel at both!
Most memorable moment from a L-SETAC event: Losing power during a short course at the Queen's University Biological Station and observing the amazing resilience, creativity, adaptability and humour of LSETAC short course instructors, organizers and attendees. Kudos especially to Paul Welsh who took off his President hat and donned his Chauffeur hat to ferry attendees to/from a functional bathroom.
SARAH GEWURTZ
# years as a member: 5
Previous roles: President, Past President, Vice-President
Favourite part of being an L-SETAC member: Meeting new people and getting valuable experience organizing fun events.
What does L-SETAC mean to you?: Friendships.
Most memorable moment from a L-SETAC event: Running around like a chicken with my head cut off during our first in-person AGM post-covid but then realizing after talking to people after the event that they thought it went smoothly (for the most part!).
MELANIE APPLETON
# years as a member: 17
Previous roles: Southern Ontario Pub Night committee (2008-2020)
Favourite part of being an L-SETAC member: When I first started working at MECP, senior staff recommended I attend a LSETAC meeting or AGM which has since provided me opportunities to network with other researchers & technologists in southern Ontario and introduced me to several people who have since become long-time colleagues and friends.
What does L-SETAC mean to you?: Shared career interests and a support network with local scientists and toxicology technologists that have led, me to life-long friendships!
Most memorable moment from a L-SETAC event: The AGM was held at the Queen’s University Biological Research Station (QUBS) & there was no power for half the day, but we still had great presentations & networking opportunities. That afternoon, we went on a boat ride to see some wildlife nesting stations & the turtles. Overall, it was a lot of fun & informative as usual.
CAROLYN MARTINKO
# years as a member: 4
Previous roles: DISC Co-Chair, Co-Secretary
Favourite part of being an L-SETAC member: I love learning about new research in environmental toxicology, but my favourite part of LSETAC is the people. The people you meet can become your colleagues, mentors, and friends - it’s a wonderful and welcoming community.
What does L-SETAC mean to you?: Community.
Most memorable moment from a L-SETAC event: The L-SETAC Diversity in Science Committee screened the documentary, “Picture A Scientist” in 2021. During the event there were breakout rooms where I got to meet other women in science and discuss our life experiences. I am still truly appreciative that I had the opportunity early in my career to talk to a number of scientists that I admire, and that this event led me to joining the DISC and getting more involved in LSETAC.
RICK FRANK
# years as a member: 14
Previous roles: Board of Directors (2014-2023), Secretary (2014-15), Vice-President, President, Past President (2015-2018)
Favourite part of being an L-SETAC member: When I was an early-career researcher, LSETAC provided me opportunities to network with other scientists in southern Ontario and introduced me to several people who have since become long-time colleagues and friends.
What does L-SETAC mean to you?: Shared career interests and a support network with local scientists that have eventually lead to life-long friendships!
Most memorable moment from a L-SETAC event: The first AGM that I helped coordinate as the VP was my first attempt at coordinating this large of a meeting. The days of the meeting were incredibly fulfilling and rewarding and gave me the confidence to take leadership roles in coordinating several meetings since then.
LARA ALVES BEESE
# years as a member: 6
Previous roles: Board of Directors (2023-present), Pub Night committee (2008-2011)
Favourite part of being an L-SETAC member: Re-connecting with colleagues from graduate school, and meeting up and coming researchers and scientists.
What does L-SETAC mean to you?: Great network, wonderful mentors and long-term friendships.
LEANA VAN DER VLIET
# years as a member: 22
Previous roles: Ottawa Pub Night committee, Board of Directors, Vice-President, President, Past President
What does L-SETAC mean to you?: In a word: Nachos. I can explain. I was quite involved with Laurentian SETAC in my early career years, and helped with Pub Nights in Ottawa. I was eager for the science presentations, sure, but also nervous for the introduction I gave at the start every night. Beer helped with the nerves, and I also looked forward to not cooking that night. I can still feel the weight of the ClockTower’s glossy menu in my hands, wondering “will I order nachos again tonight?”
VICTORIA RESTIVO
# years as a member: 6
Previous roles: Pub Night committee, AGM committee, Board of Directors, Secretary, Vice-President, current President
Favourite part of being an L-SETAC member: I appreciate the countless opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals in similar fields, many of whom have become friends over time. The LSETAC environment is incredibly welcoming and positive, creating an ideal space to share your work and build meaningful relationships with others in the industry.
What does L-SETAC mean to you?: Community.
Most memorable moment from a L-SETAC event: In 2018, my MSc supervisor brought our lab to a pub night at Emma’s Back Porch; that was my introduction to LSETAC. While I can't recall the speaker, I vividly remember connecting with other grad students in the area and forming friendships that have lasted to this day.
DENINA SIMMONS
# years as a member: 6
Previous roles: GTA Pub Night committee, Board of Directors, Vice-President, President, Past President
Favourite part of being an L-SETAC member: I love connecting with other researchers in my local community - it fosters collaboration and friendships
What does L-SETAC mean to you?: Network of like-minded people who care about Environmental Science
Most memorable moment from a L-SETAC event: Online SETAC AGM - 2020 - when we played (https://skribbl.io/) drawing games together and I laughed almost the entire time. Such a blast!
JACK SALOLE
# years as a member: 2
Previous roles: Southern Ontario Pub Night committee, AGM committee, Vice-President
Favourite part of being an L-SETAC member: I love that I get to be a part of creating the space that will be some people’s first experience with the scientific community.
What does L-SETAC mean to you?: To me, LSETAC is all about being inviting and welcoming. I want LSETAC to always be a place that people feel comfortable presenting and have fun meeting people who work in the field in a variety of different roles.
Most memorable moment from a L-SETAC event: My first conference presentation ever was at an LSETAC AGM. I remember being so stressed about the presentation, but looking back, all I can remember about the conference is meeting so many great new people and getting to chat about anything and everything with them.
Have your own memories to share?
Add photos and videos of your time with
L-SETAC at the Dropbox link to the right.
We hope to share these at the next AGM and throughout our 30th year.