Toxicology is a science concerned with the adverse effects of chemicals, and extends to clinical, industrial, environmental and legal arenas.
The regional chapters of SOT provide opportunities for students to present research in a constructive and less formal environment than that of national level meetings. SOT also fosters interaction and exchange of information among geographically associated institutions and national organizations through their newsletters and annual meetings.
Young said the international SOT focuses on toxicology in the areas of basic research as well as risk assessment. He said SOT covers a wide range of chemicals and toxicologic issues.
He became interested in toxicology while working on his doctorate in physiology and pharmacology at Southern Illinois University. While pharmacology deals with the positive effects of drugs and chemicals, he said he found toxicology more challenging because the effects are adverse or unwanted. His interest prompted his subsequent National Institute of Environmental Health Science (NIEHS) post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Mississippi where he remained until joining ORNL in 1988. In addition to his membership in SOT, Young is a member of the International Society on Toxinology (a specialization of toxicology). He is a board-certified toxicologist.
ORNL, one of DOE's multiprogram research facilities, is managed by Lockheed Martin Energy Research Corporation.