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The Department of Genetics, the Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology (GMB) and the Curriculum in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (BCB) hosted the first annual Fall Festival for all affiliated faculty, staff and students.

On Wednesday, October 18, The Department of Genetics, the Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology (GMB) and the Curriculum in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (BCB) hosted the first annual Fall Festival for all affiliated faculty, staff and students. More than 200 people enjoyed the festivities that included Food Trucks, a Costume Contest (prizes
from Brenz Pizza), Trivia Contest (prizes from Carolina Brewery), Halloween Cookie Decorating (sponsored by Panera Bread), a Pumpkin Carving Contest, a Mad Scientist Photo Booth, Corn Hole, Four Square, Minute to Win It games, and door prizes from Crossroads Restaurant.

Kelada LabGMB/BCB Student Support Network groups hosted the games and activities. The Berg lab won the Pumpkin Carving Contest and Dr. Bob Duronio dominated the Trivia Contest. Participants enjoyed free dinner and dessert from The Humble Pig, Will and Pops, Chirba Chirba and Jams Ice Cream/Shaved Ice food trucks.

Graduate student Lauren Donoghue said “the festival was a fantastic opportunity to catch up with other trainees and faculty that I don’t get to see very often and to take a break from science to enjoy some fun fall activities.” Graduate student Talia Hatkevich-O’Donnell said “the Fall Festival was great! It is always nice to gather with peers and colleagues to not only talk about science, but also to laugh and have fun, and the Fall Festival gave us that opportunity! I cannot wait until next year!”

The annual “Terry Magnuson Awards” for Outstanding Senior Students were presented as part of the festival. This award was instituted in 2016 to honor the founding chair of the Department of Genetics and current Vice Chancellor of Research, Dr. Terry Magnuson. Congratulations to BCB students Dan Oreper, Bryan Quach and Natalie Stanley and to GMB students Josh Lawrimore and Maren Cannon!

Thanks to the department’s administrative staff for their volunteer efforts during the festival and special thanks to Cara Marlow and John Cornett for organizing the event.

View more pictures:

 

FF Dining full Student Games - full Food Court - full
Dining on the GMB lawn Student games At the food court
Magnuson Awards - GMB Magnuson Awards - BCB
Magnuson Awards – GMB Magnuson Awards – BCB

Terry Magnuson Award winners Josh Lawrimore and Maren Cannon (not pictured) with GMB Curriculum Director Jeff Sekelsky.

Terry Magnuson Award winners (left to right) Dan Oreper, Bryan Quach and Natalie Stanley are flanked by Drs. Will Valdar and Tim Elston, BCB Curriculum Directors.