postdoctoral scholars Archives - Sanford Burnham Prebys

Category: postdoctoral scholars

Institute News

19th annual Trainee Research Symposium is a virtual success!

AuthorSusan Gammon
Date

October 5, 2020

Virtual Symposium on Zoom

Sanford Burnham Prebys’ annual Trainee Research Symposium is dedicated to highlighting the research of postdoctoral scientists and advanced graduate students.

This year, nearly 40 early-career scientists presented their research during an engaging two-day, jam-packed Zoom call that went off without a hitch.

After opening remarks by Malene Hansen, PhD, professor and faculty adviser for Postdoctoral Training, the podium and poster presentations began. Faculty, trainees, staff scientists and other interested parties navigated through sessions that ranged from new approaches to conquer brain cancer to the molecular basis of aging. The event gives “up-and-coming” scientists an opportunity to receive feedback on their work, explore potential new collaborations and receive prize money to support career development activities.

“We’re fortunate to be starting our careers at Sanford Burnham Prebys where the scientific research is significant and diverse,” says Cynthia Lebeaupin, PhD, a best poster presentation award winner. “I’m grateful to be able to present my project, which is focused on the link between fatty liver disease and cancer, to colleagues from different disciplines, such as cardiac disease and immunology. Their questions about my research bring fresh perspectives and spark new ideas.”

Keynote speaker Martin Chalfie, PhD, a Nobel Laureate in Chemistry and professor at Columbia University, opened day two of the event with a presentation titled, “GFP: Lighting Up Life,” detailing the journey that led to his discovery of GFP—a fluorescent protein that revolutionized how scientists look at the inner workings of living cells. Chalfie followed with an informal “Ask Me Anything” session where he shared his passion for mentoring early-career scientists.

C. Randal (Randy) Mills, PhD, CEO of Sanford Burnham Prebys, closed the event with a happy hour exclusively attended by trainee presenters—an opportunity for everyone to get to know more about his experiences as a PhD student and how his career evolved to his current position as leader of our world-class biomedical research Institute.

Many congratulations to all who participated in the symposium, and thanks to the organizers at the SBP Science Network and the Office of Education, Training, & International Services (OETIS).
 

This year’s symposium winners are:

Best Podium Talk

Judges Selection

Natalie Kirkland, PhD
Engler/Bodmer Labs

Runner-up

Stephen Sakuma
D’Angelo Lab

Honorable Mentions

Mallika Iyer
Godzik Lab

Jaime Zlamal, PhD
Osterman Lab
 

Best Poster

Judges Selection

Cynthia Lebeaupin, PhD
Kaufman Lab
Rashmi Mishra, PhD
Dong Lab
Ee Phie Tan, PhD
Hansen Lab
 

Best Podium Talk

Popular Vote

Stephen Sakuma
D’Angelo Lab

Honorable Mention

Jaime Zlamal, PhD
Osterman Lab

Institute News

SBP secures grant to prepare early career scientists for jobs in industry

AuthorMonica May
Date

August 22, 2018

Headshot of Garth Powis, D. Phil., professor and director of the Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute (SBP) NCI-designated Cancer Center.

A five-year training grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) has been awarded to Garth Powis, D. Phil., professor and director of the Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute (SBP) NCI-designated Cancer Center. The funding will establish a training program to help graduate students and postdoctoral scholars at SBP explore potential careers in cancer research in the biotech industry.  

In 1973, more than half of biologists with PhD’s obtained tenure-track positions within six years of graduation. In 2006, this number shrank to 15 percent. The majority of researchers now work in government; at pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies; for independent research institutes; or in research-related positions, such as patent law, science writing and more. 

“Opportunities for scientists today are incredibly diverse, creating a need for training programs that help early-career researchers better understand their career possibilities,” says Powis. “We are grateful for the support from the NCI, a leader in creating environments to help innovators learn the business side of science. This program will help streamline the career path for young scientists interested in advancing cancer research in an industry setting, helping them attain successful, fulfilling roles at an earlier point in their career.” 

The program will have the capacity for one graduate student and three postdoctoral scientists at SBP. Participants would apply for the program and be selected based on pre-specified criteria. Applications are currently being accepted. 

Powis adds, “This training program is also valuable for scientists who wish to stay in basic research, as their discoveries will eventually transition to biotech and pharmaceutical scientists on their journey to patients. Firsthand understanding of the complexities of drug development increases the chances an idea can become a medicine, so this is an invaluable learning opportunity for SBP’s graduate students and postdoctoral scholars.” 

Read more about the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Institutional Research Training Grant (T32).