New Approach Methodologies: Considerations of efficiency and ethics

Teaching Demonstration presented by Faculty Candidate for Toxicology Assistant Professor in the Department of Environmental Sciences

Description: Under the ethical pressures to reduce the use of vertebrates in toxicological research, the field of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) has come to the forefront as a potential avenue by which these pressures can be addressed. The use of NAMs involve in vitro and in silico techniques that compliment, and in some cases replace, existing traditional toxicology studies. In this Teaching Demonstration, we will discuss the fundamentals of NAMs and how they foundationally challenge traditional toxicology methods. We will discuss exemplars of NAMs being used in the present day. Looking to the future, we will discuss the benefits and challenges of integrating NAMs across sectors that rely on toxicological studies.  

Dr. Lauren Zink: Lauren (she/her) is currently a post- doctoral research fellow at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Additionally, Lauren simultaneously holds teaching positions at the University of Lethbridge (Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada) and Mikaisto, Red Crow Community College (Standoff, Alberta, Canada). At each institution, Lauren is heavily involved in promoting undergraduate research opportunities, pursuing pedagogical development, and seeking ways to contribute to the University community through committee and volunteer activities.