Six North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) students recently attended the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) Carolinas Conference, a regional scientific meeting that brings together researchers, professionals, and students working in environmental science and ecotoxicology. NCWU students presented original research posters, gaining hands-on experience sharing scientific findings with experts in the field.
The Carolinas SETAC Conference serves as an important venue for environmental scientists to share research, receive professional feedback, and stay current on emerging environmental challenges. For students, the conference also provides valuable exposure to the professional scientific community and offers an opportunity to develop confidence in public speaking and research communication.
The students attended as part of BIO325 (Ecotoxicology), a course designed around independent student research that develops into a manuscript for publication and a professional presentation. Students prepared throughout the semester by developing research questions, designing experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and creating professional scientific posters. They also practiced presenting their findings and answering questions to prepare for conference discussions.
The students presented two posters focused on the environmental impacts of fluoxetine, a commonly prescribed antidepressant, and microplastics on freshwater snails.
Poster presentations included:
Poster 1: Ecotoxicological Effects of Fluoxetine on a Freshwater Bioindicator Snail, Physa acuta
Ben Sellers, Ayden Harper, Dr. Jason Doll, and Dr. Daniel Elías
Poster 2: Individual and Combined Effects of Fluoxetine and Microplastics on Physa acuta
Ben Sellers, Andrea Elaez Miranda, Kayla Atkins, Lauren Martin, Jadyn Smith, Christian Thompson, Dr. Jason Doll, Dr. Daniel Elías
To conduct their research, students completed controlled laboratory experiments using freshwater snails as a model organism. Methods included exposing snails to fluoxetine and microplastics, measuring biological responses such as movement, egestion, and reproduction, and analyzing data using statistical software.
Students received strong feedback and thoughtful questions from conference faculty, scientists, and professionals, which helped them strengthen their work and expand their understanding of the research process.
Dr. Daniel Elías, who helped guide the student research, said the experience of bringing students to a professional scientific conference is especially rewarding. “Students get to see how other undergraduate and graduate researchers present their work, and they also learn about emerging topics where science is currently focused,” Elías said. “It broadens their perspective and gives them an opportunity to interact with professionals in the field. At the same time, they build confidence in their presentation skills and begin expanding their professional network for future career or graduate opportunities.”
The conference experience directly aligns with the goals of BIO325, which emphasizes applied research and professional-level communication. The objective of the course is for students to complete independent research that leads to both publication-ready writing and a formal presentation of results.
NC Wesleyan supports undergraduate research opportunities through funding for supplies and conference attendance, helping ensure students can participate in meaningful, real-world academic experiences.
