Southern Ontario Pub Night - February 27, 2026

Our next pub night will take place on Friday February 27 at The Lookout at the University of Guelph. Join us to hear panelists Dr. Pria Mahabir, Carolyn Martinko, and Amanda Reside discuss the intersection of amphibian ecotoxicology in industry, government, and academia. Food and drink will be available for purchase. Doors @ 6:00, talk @ 6:30.

Title: Exploring amphibian ecotoxicology across industry, government, and academia

Location: The Lookout: Rooftop Patio and Grad Lounge on the 5^th floor of the University Centre, Reynolds Walk, Guelph, ON N1G 4Y2

Date and Time: February 27^th, doors at 6pm, talk at 6:30

Speakers: Dr. Pria Mahabir (Syngenta), Carolyn Martinko (Environment and Climate Change Canada), and Amanda Reside (University of Guelph)

Make a donation here: https://www.laurentiansetac.ca/support-pubnights

Southern Ontario Pub Night - February 27, 2026

February 27, 2026, 6:00–8:00 p.m.The Lookout: Rooftop Patio and Graduate

Register Now

Abstract:

Students in ecotoxicology are often presented with a few job categories after graduation: industry, academia, and government. While it sometimes feels like the sectors have no overlap, we share many values and goals and support each other daily. This panel discussion will highlight these commonalities by focusing on an emerging interest in the field, amphibian ecotoxicology. Panelists Pria Mahabir (Syngenta), Carolyn Martinko (ECCC), and Amanda Reside (UofG) will discuss how amphibian toxicity data is generated and applied by each of their sectors. The discussion will explore the interplay among seemingly separate positions and what they can learn from one another.

Bios:

Dr. Pria Mahabir is an Ecotoxicologist at Syngenta Canada, where she combines her passions about environmental health and food security. After completing her MSc in Biology and Neuroscience at Western University, her doctoral research at the University of Guelph centered on fish ecophysiology, agricultural land use, and pesticide toxicity. Since joining Syngenta in 2023, she has continued evaluating potential pesticide impacts on fish and has expanded her work to include a diversity of organisms and ecosystems.

Carolyn Martinko is a Senior Test Method Accreditation Specialist at Environment and Climate Change Canada, where she applies her passion for environmental protection by standardizing lab-based biological test methods. She is an ecotoxicology laboratory assessor for the Canadian Association for Laboratory Accreditation, and has previous experience conducting aquatic and soil toxicity testing for regulatory and research purposes. She completed her BSc in Biomedical Toxicology at the University of Guelph.

Amanda Reside is a PhD candidate in Environmental Sciences and Integrative Biology at the University of Guelph. Her doctoral research examines the physiological effects of natural gas industry pollution on amphibians. She is passionate about using her research to help reduce the harmful effects of environmental contaminants on wildlife. She completed her MSc in Environmental Toxicology at the University of Guelph and her BSc in Life Sciences at Queen’s University.