40th Annual Toxicology Symposium

On Saturday, March 28th, 2026, approximately 100 undergraduate students, graduate students, almuni, faculty, staff, friends, and family gathered for the 40th annual Toxicology Symposium presented by the Toxicology Student Association (TOXSA). This year’s topic was Natural and Synthetic Neurotoxins. The event featured guest lectures and student poster presentations. 

With coffee and a light breakfast in hand, attendees listened to the opening speaker, Sara Packull-McCormick (Post-Doctoral Fellow, University of Guelph) who gave an intriguing discussion about methyl mercury exposure and effects on the human nervous system. Next, Andrew Doxey (Associate Professor, University of Waterloo) explored computational methods for understanding Botulinum neurotoxins and related bacterial toxins. After a short lunch break catered by Hospitality Services, TOX*4200 students shared their posters with guests in an informal poster presentation.  The final presentation of the symposium was given by Giuseppe Melacini (Professor, McMaster University) where he shared his research on Alzheimer's related protein aggregates. 

The successful day concluded with departing gifts from the TOXSA leadership including stickers, syringe pens, and treats.