Florida College Students Present Research on National Stage

May 5, 2025 | 2 min read

At the end of March, two Florida College students stepped onto a national stage to present their research, representing the college’s growing presence in the sciences.

At the 65th annual meeting of the Society of Toxicology in San Diego, Meredith Hammontree and Halle Paz shared their ongoing zebrafish research, marking their second time presenting at one of the premier gatherings in their field. The conference draws thousands of scientists, researchers, and students from around the world, offering a platform to exchange ideas, collaborate across disciplines, and explore advancements in toxicology and human health.

This opportunity is rooted in the hands-on academic experience students receive at Florida College. Under the mentorship of professor Dr. Andrew Stafford, Hammontree has found the zebrafish lab to be central in shaping both her coursework and confidence.

“The zebrafish lab has provided me with a great opportunity to be challenged as a student,” she said. “Our lab is small, which means each student has the opportunity to learn every aspect of what we do. I have been involved in learning the scientific background, helping solve problems that arise, and now learning skills related to analyzing and presenting data.”

Working in a close-knit lab environment has allowed her to engage deeply in every stage of the research process, an experience that has strengthened both her technical abilities and her performance in the classroom.

Returning to the conference for a second year brought a noticeable shift in her confidence and a deeper level of engagement.

“This year, I felt a lot more comfortable and I think that made me a better presenter,” Hammontree said. “I was a lot more confident talking to other researchers in similar fields, which helped me make some really good connections and receive really valuable advice.”

Since their first presentation, their research has become more focused and precise, refined through continued experimentation and faculty mentorship. That growth, combined with exposure to professionals across the discipline, is already forming Hammontree’s goals for graduate school and a future career in science.

“This opportunity made me excited to see what my future as a biologist could be.”

Beyond the presentation, their trip to San Diego also offered moments of connection and perspective. Hammontree and Paz shared a meal with a professional toxicologist, gaining insight into the field while building relationships beyond the classroom. Time spent along the California coast provided a chance to reflect, recharge, and take in the significance of presenting their work on a national stage.

Experiences like these demonstrate how Florida College equips students to not only to enter their fields, but to contribute to them.

To learn more about a biology degree from Florida College, click here.