TARC’s 8th annual Research Day was held on Friday, November 14th with a record-setting attendee turnout and number of abstracts submitted. With over 100 attendees and more than 40 abstracts presented as oral and/or poster presentations, the event showcased the range of work being done by researchers within TARC and the UNC Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology.
The keynote speaker, J. Michelle Kahlenberg, MD, PhD, Professor of Rheumatology and Vice Chair for Basic and Translational Research in the Department of Internal Medicine at University of Michigan, delivered an impressive overview of her lab’s work investigating mechanisms that drive photosensitivity in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. Following tradition, the keynote speaker was honored as a John B. Winfield, MD Visiting Scholar. Established in 2021 and named after TARC’s founding Director, this award honors an outstanding, nationally recognized investigator who has made significant contributions in the fields of rheumatology and arthritis research.
Researchers at all career levels, including both Rheumatology and Allergy and Immunology fellows, post-doctoral fellows, undergraduate and graduate research assistants, and faculty and staff across multiple departments at UNC participated in TARC Research Day. This intersection of research, education, and clinical care exemplifies the philosophy that TARC continuously strives to uphold. It is a special opportunity to not only celebrate and commend the important work being done by TARC’s researchers, but also to gather together with colleagues and meet the many people within our growing community.