- This event has passed.
Genetics-in-a-Day: Careers from the Bench to the Bedside
March 23 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Saturday March 23, 2024, 10am-2pm
Location: Mary Townes Science Building, NCCU campus
Lunch provided with registration.
The UNC Program for Precision Medicine in Health Care and North Carolina Central University present a 1-day workshop for undergraduate students. The goals of the workshop are to 1) introduce NCCU undergraduate students to applications of genetics & genomics; 2) increase students’ awareness about potential careers in the field; and 3) highlight opportunities for internships and further training at UNC. The 4-hour workshop will consist of concurrent breakout sessions featuring applications of genomics, and during lunch, students will have the opportunity to chat with career professionals in several related fields. The workshop will wrap up with a joint session to discuss takeaways, future training opportunities, and Q&A with panelists from various careers.
TENTATIVE AGENDA
1. Welcome & Introductions – 10:00-10:20am
Greetings from:
Dean of the College of Health & Sciences (NCCU) – Dr. Mohammad Ahmed
Chair of the Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences (NCCU) – Dr. Veronica Nwosu
Distinguished Professor & Director of PPMH (UNC) – Dr. Jonathan S. Berg
Workshop overview – 10:20-10:30am
2. Breakout room interactive discussions (Round I) – 10:30-10:55am and 11:00-11:25am
Topic Areas – Session I |
Room # |
Presenter(s) |
Clinical Genetic Interpretation |
|
Shruthi Mohan |
Genetics & the Law |
|
Brenda Raddix-Smalls |
Computational Biology |
|
Markia Smith |
Genes, Health, and Disease |
|
Courtney Thaxton |
Community Engagement for Health Equity |
|
Laura Milko |
3. LUNCH: Open discussion with career professionals -11:30am – 12:15pm
Career Fields |
Lunch table career professional facilitator(s) |
Genetic Counseling (2) |
Julianne O’Daniel & Dara McDougal |
Grad students/Med students/Postdocs |
Jahnelle Jackson & Essence Kendall |
Undergrad trainees |
Justine Siew |
Clinician: Nephrology & Ethnic Disparities |
|
Clinician: Epilepsy Neurogenetics |
Keisha Gibson & Senyene Hunter |
Epigenetics (Genes + Environment) |
Folami Ideraabdullah |
Genetic Epidemiology |
Jessica Hunter |
4. Breakout room interactive discussions (Round II) – 12:15-12:40pm and 12:45-1:10pm
Topic Areas – Session II |
Room # |
Presenter(s) |
Genetic Diagnostics |
|
Tirupapuliyur Damodaran |
AI & Genomics |
|
Keriayn Smith |
Genetic Testing |
|
Jenny Goldstein |
Clinical Genomic Research |
|
Tam Sneddon |
Science Communication |
|
Sabrina Powell |
5. General Discussion, Career Panel Q&A, and training opportunities – 1:10-1:50pm
6. Wrap-up – 1:50-2:00pm
PRESENTERS AND FACILITATORS
Markia Smith, PhD. Computational biologist, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research
Markia Smith is a computational biologist at Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, driven by her overarching goal to directly impact and enhance clinical outcomes through omics analyses and Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications (ELSI). Leveraging her expertise in cancer genetics/genomics, computational biology, and epidemiology, her current role involves determining the effects of genomic alterations and developing/discovering genomic determinants of response therapy.
Markia earned her PhD in Pathobiology and Translational Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, building upon her Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry with a minor in Chinese Studies from the University of Delaware. Under the mentorship of Drs. Katherine A. Hoadley and Melissa A. Troester, her research focused on employing integrative genomic approaches to investigate genetic and environmental determinants of cancer, with a particular emphasis on understanding health disparities in historically marginalized populations.
Beyond her scientific endeavors, Markia is deeply committed to mentoring historically marginalized populations and advocating for diversity and equity in the STEM field, especially within the realms of health and disability equity. She is the co-organizer and Founding President of Black in Genetics, and remains actively engaged in community initiatives aimed at enhancing the recruitment, retention, and advancement of underrepresented groups.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Markia is a passionate foodie, traveler, and avid lifter, finding joy in exploring new cuisines, cultures, and fitness routines.
Click here to register.
Questions? Email precisionmedicine@med.unc.edu