Power Hour and Retreat Recap
Connecting with incoming research students
The Department of Molecular Genetics hosts the Power Hour annually to allow first-year students to engage in meaningful interactions with faculty members accepting rotation students. This year, 25 faculty members attended the Power Hour hosted by Dr. Hartland Jackson and the Graduate Student Association (GSA) at the Faculty Club. MoGen's support staff, including Marcia Iglesias, Kyle Turner, and Purnoor Bala, were also in attendance to ensure everything ran smoothly. Additionally, a team of GSA volunteers was present to assist students in connecting and mingling with faculty members.
Each faculty member gave a brief talk, allowing students to quickly learn about various research groups. Following the presentations, students could engage and socialize with the speakers while enjoying food and refreshments. This year's event was especially successful, with GSA volunteers and support staff present to facilitate interactions and help create a welcoming environment for students and faculty.
Power Hour
The Department of Molecular Genetics also successfully hosted the annual retreat on September 19th and 20th, 2024, at Queen's Landing in the picturesque town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. The two-day event brought together faculty, staff, and students to celebrate the innovative research in MoGen. This year's retreat was particularly memorable, featuring a new "Spinout Session" panel and welcoming seven new faculty members to our community.
The retreat opened with remarks from Dr. Timothy Hughes and a series of insightful faculty talks. Highlights from the presentations included Dr. Julie Claycomb's work on germline small RNA factors in C. elegans, Dr. Brett Trost's research on autism genetics using "omics" and machine learning, and Dr. Aleksandrina Goeva's development of machine learning methods to study cellular changes.
One of the most anticipated parts of the retreat was the poster session, where students and MoGen community members presented their research. With presentations divided into two sessions, the poster competition showcased a wide range of topics, from proteomics to CRISPR screening. Faculty judges evaluated the posters and presented awards during the evening program. The strong participation and quality of research on display reflected the hard work and creativity of the department's students.
The evening social, organized by the Graduate Student Association (GSA), was a highlight for many. After a buffet dinner, the award ceremony took place, where the following winners were recognized for their outstanding achievements:
2024 Award Winners:
- L.W. Macpherson Microbiology Award: Bonnie Yiu
- Roman Pakula Award: Jimmy Nguyen
- Norman Bethune Award: Jasmine Kang
- Eric Hani Fellowship: Daniella Serrador
- Dr. Louis Siminovitch Catalyst Award: Esra Erkut
- Hannah Farkas-Himsley and Alexander Himsley Memorial Prize: Alex Bahcheli
Poster winners: Jordan Lindzon, Tanner Zocher, and Saya Sedighi
Following the ceremony, attendees enjoyed a lively dance party in the Grand Georgian Ballroom with DJ Tanner, a photobooth, and a cash bar. The GSA also prepared a special entertainment segment, which added an extra layer of excitement to the night. For those who preferred a more relaxed atmosphere, the Emerald Room offered board games and a cozy setting for conversation. The entertainment brought everyone together for a fun-filled evening of celebration.
The second day of the retreat continued with exciting talks, including Dr. Mike Tyers' presentation on synthetic biotics and Dr. Diane Haakonsen's research on stress response silencing. The retreat concluded with the much-anticipated "Spinout Session" panel, where MoGen faculty shared their experiences founding biotech startups and more. The discussion provided valuable insights into the transition from academia to industry, leaving attendees with inspiration and new ideas for future collaborations.
A special thank you goes out to the retreat organizers, including Dr. Timothy Hughes, Dr. Hartland Jackson, Dr. Charlie Boone, and Sondra Bahr, alongside the Graduate Student Association team: Jocelyn Nurtanto (VP Internal), Esra Erkut, and Saya Sedighi (GSA's co-presidents), and all the GSA volunteers. Their dedication and hard work brought the 2024 MoGen retreat to life, making it a memorable experience for everyone who attended.
Retreat
