The Rutgers Association of Toxicology Students (RATS) is organized by and involves all of the students in the Joint Graduate Program of Toxicology (JGPT). The group meets every other month to address student issues, organize program events, and to plan social outings. We make it a priority to address student concerns involving curriculum, seminars, conferences, and program requirements.

The association participates in various departmental events and tasks. We have the opportunity to plan a number of toxicology seminars; that is, we invite guest speakers in the field of toxicology to present research to the department at our biweekly noontime seminar. The third and fourth year RATS present data from their research at the annual student symposium. In addition, the RATS organize various events that are specifically for graduate students. For example, once a year, the RATS hold a mock oral examination to aid in the preparation of those students who are studying for oral qualifying exams. The RATS also make it a point to meet socially, whether it be dinner, happy hour, or a night on the town. It is important that all students in the program feel a sense of unity. Although research is an important part of our graduate student career, we feel that unwinding every once in a while is a must!

As a student in the toxicology program, one must apply for membership to the Society of Toxicology (SOT) and to the Mid-Atlantic Society of Toxicology (MASOT). Members of such organizations remain on the cutting edge of toxicology research. Each year, SOT meets at its national conference. Here, students are afforded the opportunity to present their research data, attend workshops and symposia on current toxicology issues, and interact with experts in the field.

We encourage all students in the program to attend the RATS meetings and RATS sponsored events, including our socials. Although each of us has important research priorities, we work as a team to achieve goals important to us, the students. We are an essential part of toxicology research and the association recognizes this. If you are a current student and have a suggestion, please feel free to contact me or Michelle Jobes, vice-president. As RATS president, I can present any concerns or issues to the department administration.

If you are a prospective student and are interested in visiting our department, please contact me or Bernadine Chmielowicz. We will be happy to assist you. We can plan for you to visit, give you a tour, introduce you to some of the students and faculty, and answer your questions from the student perspective. For more information, please go to the Prospective Students page. We look forward to seeing you soon!