On September 7, 2018, the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine hosted its first Research Day under the direction of Vice Chair for Research Yvonne Janssen-Heininger, Ph.D., Assistant Professor Nels Olson, Ph.D., and Dermatopathology Fellow Tom S. Rogers, D.O. The organizing committee had three main goals: Highlight the ongoing research in the department; allow trainees and junior faculty an opportunity to publicly discuss their work; and explore areas for collaboration within the department.
Attendees of Research Day gathered in UVM’s Davis Center for presentations, a poster session and other events.
On September 7, 2018, the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine hosted its first Research Day under the direction of Vice Chair for Research Yvonne Janssen-Heininger, Ph.D., Assistant Professor Nels Olson, Ph.D., and Dermatopathology Fellow Tom S. Rogers, D.O. The organizing committee had three main goals: Highlight the ongoing research in the department; allow trainees and junior faculty an opportunity to publicly discuss their work; and explore areas for collaboration within the department.
After opening remarks from Department Chair Debra Leonard, M.D., Ph.D., introductory talks highlighting the major research areas in the department (Laboratory for Clinical Biochemistry Research, Clinical Research, Redox Biology & Pathology Research, Population Health and Genomic Medicine) were presented. To keep the day fun, an “elevator pitch” competition was held, where poster presenters were given one minute and one slide to convince the audience to attend their poster.
Participants then had an opportunity to visit the 25 posters and discuss research findings. Roundtable discussions were held over lunch, which included conversations on how to integrate clinical and basic sciences, how to remove barriers and maximize research opportunities for students, post-docs, fellows and residents within the department, and a S.W.O.T. discussion of the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats for research in the department. This was a great opportunity for senior faculty, trainees, basic scientists and clinicians to share a seat at the table and help shape future collaborative research within our department. The afternoon session featured scientific talks on specific areas of research, followed by closing remarks by Dr. Janssen-Heininger. A reception and cocktail hour closed out the day. The organizers felt that the first Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Research Day was a huge success and will become an annual event. A special thanks to Claire McCullough for all her hard work coordinating the logistics of the event.