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DBHSC - NORR

28th Conference & AGM

McMaster University | Hamilton, ON
June 13-14, 2024

Logo for the L-SETAC 2024 conference. A circle with a trillium in the centre.

We are excited to welcome you to McMaster University for the 28th Laurentian SETAC Conference and AGM.

 

Read below for important conference information.

SCHEDULE OVERVIEW

Thursday, June 13, 2024

Short Course

Introduction to Environmental Chemistry

Dr. Jessica D'eon, University of Toronto​

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Students: $25 | Regular: $50

Thursday, June 13 | 09:00 - 12:00

David Braley Health Sciences Centre, Hamilton

Lake Landscape

Course Description:

All environmental research includes some chemistry; however, many self-identified non-chemists perceive the subject to be an insurmountable obstacle.  In this course I will present an environmental chemistry primer aimed at non-experts from biology and engineering that will provide participants with an appreciation for the role of chemistry in their environmental research. It will cover chemical partitioning and relevant chemical transformations. The discussion of chemical partitioning will include bioavailability, bioaccumulation, chemical exposure, and environmental distribution. The discussion of chemical transformations will include typical chemical reactions in the atmosphere, water, and biological systems.

Short Course

Introduction to Conceptual Site Models and Problem Formulations

Andrea Amendola, Ecometrix Inc.​

Dr. Lara Alves Beese, Dillon Consulting Limited

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Students: $25 | Regular: $50

Thursday, June 13 | 13:00 - 17:00

David Braley Health Sciences Centre, Hamilton

Toxic Container sitting on a beach

Course Description:

This short course will introduce the Problem Formulation, the first step of a Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessment. The Problem Formulation provides the objectives, framework and approach for the risk assessment. It identifies the contaminants of concern (COC), the human and/or ecological receptors, and the exposure pathways by which the receptors may be exposed to the COCs. The goal of the Problem Formulation is to develop a Conceptual Site Model (CSM) that summarizes and illustrates these relationships. The Problem Formulation is the blueprint for the risk assessment. 

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This course will be a mix of lectures and breakout case exercises to help students apply the concepts. The first part of the course will focus on the Human Health Problem Formulation, while the second part of the course will focus on the Ecological Problem Formulation. Many of the concepts discussed in this course will be relevant to the Ontario Regulation 153/04 Risk Assessment Framework. 

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This short course is ideal for students, new graduates, and early career professionals in the fields of environmental toxicology, chemistry, and risk assessment. 

Laurentian SETAC Pub Night

From heart rate to heat stress: monitoring the direct and indirect effects of

climate change and pollutants to Arctic seabirds

Dr. Emily Choy, McMaster University

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By donation

Thursday, June 13 | 18:30 - 21:00

Anchor Bar Hamilton

Logo: Anchor Bar Hamilton

From heart rate to heat stress: monitoring the direct and indirect effects of climate change and pollutants to Arctic seabirds

Seabirds are considered sentinels of ecosystem health and marine contaminants. Thick-billed murres (Uria lomvia) and black-legged kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla) have experienced population declines believed to be due to changing oceanographic conditions. For example, over the past 30 years, the diets of murres on Coats Island, Nunavut have shifted from 50% Arctic cod to 50% capelin, a north Atlantic species. To examine whether shifting prey bases could result in an energy deficit, we examined several measures of energetics including heart rate in murres and kittiwakes. Birds with heart rate loggers were injected with doubly-labelled water and deployed with gps-accelerometers to identify which behaviours (flight, swimming, etc.) required the most energy during different stages of the breeding season. Using activity specific metabolic rates, we identified flapping flight as the most energy-costly behaviour in kittiwakes, which is performed mainly during the chick-rearing stage.

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As the Arctic is warming at 4 times the average global rate, increasing air temperatures may also affect birds. Using flow through respirometry, we examined the effects of warming temperatures on several physiological traits associated with heat stress in murres. Murres experienced hyperthermia at low air temperatures relative to heat tolerant (desert) birds and limited ability to dissipate heat, with the lowest evaporative cooling efficiencies ever recorded in birds. Finally, we investigated relationships between perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) and thyroid hormones in murres. Total triiodothyronine (TT3) decreased with long-chain PFAAs in murres. Several long-chain PFAAs were negatively correlated with body mass, an index of body condition. Understanding the impacts of multiple stressors including contaminants may help to predict the overall effects of Arctic climate change on seabirds and other wildlife.

Friday, June 14, 2024

Schedule Overview 

Laurentian SETAC Conference and AGM

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Friday, June 14 | 08:30 - 17:00

David Braley Health Sciences Centre, Hamilton

Thursday, June 14, 2024

Plenary

Dr. Darren Thomas, Wilfrid Laurier University​

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Friday, June 14 | 09:00 - 09:55

This conversation will examine historic Crown-Indigenous relations with a focus on a new evolving Indigenous rights framework. All levels of Canadian governments as well as private industries must recognize the rights of Indigenous Peoples in Canada.  Developing a pathway forward to improving relations is an incredibly challenging task that requires a paradigmatic shift in thinking about Canada, Indigenous Peoples, and the relationship between them. Moving from a historic era where the State had complete dominance and control over Indigenous Peoples, to recognizing and developing Canadian and International Indigenous right standards will take generations. This shift requires participating in difficult conversations that deconstruct Canada and Indigenous Peoples.  Utilizing Indigenous law and Seven Generation Philosophy which asks us to consider the impacts of our actions and decisions on the future generations. Our great, great grandchildren who are not even born yet are looking to us as leaders to lift this burden from them. If we truly wish to have a country and society where all citizens have the opportunity for health and well-being, we must commit to actions that will make this a reality.

Concurrent Sessions

Platform Presentations​

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Friday, June 14 | 10:15 - 12:00, 13:00 - 15:15

Poster Session

Poster Presentations​

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Friday, June 14 | 15:15 - 16:30

Annual General Meeting and Closing Remarks

Laurentian SETAC Board of Directors​

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Friday, June 14 | 16:30 - 17:00

Student Event​

More information coming soon!​

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Friday, June 14 | 17:00 - 18:00

Anchor Bar Hamilton

Awards Social​

Join us for some food and drinks as we recognize the outstanding research and presentations conducted by students of Laurentian SETAC!​

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Friday, June 14 | 18:00 - 21:00

Anchor Bar Hamilton

2024 SPONSORS

This conference would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. Click on the images below to view the sponsor websites. Interested in becoming a sponsor? View our sponsor package or contact us at info@laurentiansetac.ca for more information.

Gold Sponsors

Logo: Syngenta
Logo: ISI Investigative Science Incorporated, Scientists and Technical Consultants
Logo: MTE consultants
Logo: Nautilus Environmental
Web - ThermoFisher.png

Silver Sponsors

Logo: Wellington Laboratories: standards for environmental testing and research
Web_Dillon.png
Logo: McMaster University Science
Web - Ecometrix.png

Bronze Sponsors

Logo: Aquatic Omics Lab, Ontario Tech University
Logo: Geosyntec consultants
Logo: SLR Consulting

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

FEE SCHEDULE & GRANTS

Be sure to register early!

Fees go up after May 1st and again on June 1st.

 

Registration closes on June 10th - there will be no in-person registration available.

Early
Regular
Late
Student Non-Member
$100
$125
$175
Regular Non-Member
$125
$175
$225
Student Member
$75
$100
$150
Regular Member
$100
$150
$200

Early bird ends on May 1st

Late fees apply after June 1st

We have travel grants available to students who require financial support to attend.

See below for information on how to apply and submit your grant application before May 1st.

New this year, we are excited to introduce an Indigenous Student Travel and Attendance Grant thanks to the generous support from Shared Value Solutions. This travel and attendance grant seeks to support Indigenous students interested in attending and presenting their research at the Laurentian SETAC Conference and AGM. Apply by June 1st.

Logo: Shared Value Solutions

PRESENTATION GUIDELINES AND JUDGING

PLATFORM PRESENTATIONS should be no longer than 10 minutes in length. This will be followed by a 2-minute question and discussion period. Presentations should be emailed to info@laurentiansetac.ca before the conference. More details can be found in your abstract acceptance email.

POSTERS should be no larger than 3' x 4' (91 cm x 122 cm) in portrait orientation.

Poster dimensions. A rectangle with dimensions 3 feet by 4 feet (91 x 122 cm)

Presentations will be evaluated based on the below criteria. Familiarize yourself with the judging criteria while preparing your presentation.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Logo: McMaster University Science
Logo: Anchor Bar Hamilton

Anchor Bar Hamilton

120 King Street West

Hamilton, Ontario

L8P 1A1

The Conference and AGM will be hosted at the David Braley Health Sciences Centre (DBHSC) located in central Hamilton. The pub night and awards social will be hosted at Anchor Bar Hamilton, just a short walk from the DBHSC. For parking and directions, please refer to the information above. If you require more information on getting to the conference, please reach out to as at info@laurentiansetac.ca.

HOTEL OPTIONS:

SHERATON HAMILTON HOTEL

Address: 116 King St W, Hamilton, ON, L8P 4V3

Amenities: Paid parking, wifi, restaurant, gym

Price: $159/night

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Book by May 31st to secure the L-SETAC group rate

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We have compiled other hotel options near DBHSC that you may want to check out. Browse the map above to find directions and hotel website information.

THE LAUNDRY ROOM

Address: 18 Augusta St, Hamilton, ON, L8N 1P6

Amenities: Paid parking, wifi, kitchen, laundry

Price: $176/night

 

THE HAMPTON INN

Address: 7 Queen Street North, Hamilton, ON

Amenities: Paid parking, free breakfast, wifi

Price: $152/night

HOMEWOOD SUITES BY HILTON

Address: 40 Bay Street South, Hamilton, ON, L8P 0B3

Amenities: Paid parking, wifi, free breakfast, pool

Prices: $181-196/night

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STAYBRIDGE SUITES

Address: 20 Caroline St S, Hamilton, ON, L8P 0B1

Amenities: Paid parking, wifi, free breakfast, pool

Price: $160- $180/night

PARKING OPTIONS:

Multiple parking options are available around the venue. There may also be parking available at your hotel. View options below or by browsing the map.

MUNICIPAL CAR PARK 22

Address: 451 King St W, Hamilton, ON L8P 1B8

Times: Mon- Sat 7am to 9pm. 

Rate: $1 per hour, daily max $10

 

100 MAIN STREET

Address: 129 Bay St S, Hamilton, ON L8P 1C8

Times: Mon-Fri 6am – 6pm, Fri 7am -7pm

Rates: $5 per hour, daily max $20

Times: Mon-Fri 6pm-6am $7 flat rate

 

CONVENTION CENTRE PARKING

Address: 1 Summers Ln, Hamilton, ON L8P 4S8

Times: Mon-Fri 6am – 6pm, Fri 7am -7pm

Rates: $5 per hour, daily max $20

 

JACKSON SQUARE

Address: 110 King St. W, Hamilton, ON L8P 4V3

Times: Mon-Sat 6am – 6pm, 6pm-6am

Rates: $5 per hour, daily max $12

 

MUNICIPAL LOT 46

Address: 114 Main St West, Hamilton, ON L8N 3W7

Times: Mon-Fri 6am – 6pm

Rates: $4 per hour, daily max $8, evening max $2

MUNICIPAL LOT 75

Address: 160 Main St West, Hamilton, ON L8N 4Y4

Times:  day Mon-Fri 6am – 6pm, eve Mon-Fri 6pm-6am

Rates: $4 per hour, daily max $8, evening max $2

 

INDIGO JACKSON SQUARE

Address: 100 King St. West, Hamilton, ON, L8P 4X1

Times: all day

Rates: $5 per hour, daily max $12, evening max $6

 

INDIGO

Address: 32 James St South, Hamilton, ON L8P 4X1

Times: 6am to 6pm

Rates: $6 per hour, daily max $25

 

HAMILTON CITY HALL MUNICIPAL PARK 40

Address: 71 Main St. W, Hamilton, ON, L8P 4Y5

Times: 8am to 10 pm

Rates: $3.25 per hour, daily max $15

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