Education & Seminars
Our members are active member of the Feinberg community, speaking at and participating in a number of educational events around campus on a variety of epigentics-related topics.
Use the tabs below to browse listings of upcoming genetics-related seminars and events. For a schedule of additional Northwestern University and Feinberg School of Medicine events, visit the Feinberg Medical School Event Calendar or PlanIt Purple.
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Jun
12
FCVRRI Research in Progress Seminar - James O'Sullivan, PhD
Chicago - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Talk title - Exploiting Hypoxic Postconditioning and Genetic Approaches of NAD Modulation in Acute Kidney Injury
Jun
12
"PACS1 syndrome causative variant diverges from loss-of-function model in iNeuron"
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Annika Schroder, PhD candidate, Guemez-Gamboa Lab, Department of Neuroscience
PACS1 syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder hallmarked by craniofacial dysmorphisms and intellectual disability. Patients with PACS1 syndrome have a single de novo missense mutation at c.607C>T of the Phosphofurin acidic cluster sorting 1 (Pacs1) gene, which causes an Arginine to Tryptophan substitution in the peptide (p.R203W). While PACS1 function remains understudied, it is annotated as a multifunctional sorting protein with roles in both cytoplasmic and nuclear transport. We previously showed that PACS1+/R203W forebrain organoids develop mature glutamatergic neurons with impaired expression of synaptic signaling genes when compared to isogenic controls. Additionally, PACS1+/R203W iNeurons (iNs) have prolonged network bursts, which has implications for circuit formation. While these results highlight the impact of p.R203W in the broader context of neural development, the mechanism by which p.R203W operates on a cellular level remains unclear. We can begin to understand more about disease pathogenesis and potential targets for therapeutics by determining if p.R203W operates via a loss-of-function, gain-of-function, or dominant-negative mechanism. Here we used control (PACS1+/+), pathogenic (PACS1+/R203W), and null (PACS1-/-) iNs to address if p.R203W operates via a loss-of-function mechanism. Our findings indicate that complete loss of PACS1 in iNs does not substantially alter neuronal electrophysiological properties or proteomic landscape, potentially due to compensation by redundant proteins. In contrast, introduction of p.R203W into iNs produces aberrant phenotypes, suggesting that it acts through either a gain-of-function or dominant-negative mechanism rather than a loss-of-function.
Jun
12
DGP Student Thesis Seminar - Blake Everett - Dr. Arthur Prindle Lab
Chicago - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Title of Presentation:
"Investigating tryptophan systems in Bacillus subtilis"
This is a hybrid defense. For Zoom access or more information, email rachael.hill@northwestern.edu.
Jun
15
DGP Student Thesis Seminar - Shiyu Xiao - Dr. Yan Liu Lab
Chicago - 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Title of Presentation:
"Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase PRL2 in the Pathogenesis of Acute Myeloid Leukemia"
This is a hybrid event. For Zoom access or more information, email rachael.hill@northwestern.edu.
Jun
16
20th Annual Pain & Palliative Care Conference
Chicago - 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
On Tuesday, June 16, 2026 the 20th Annual Pain & Palliative Care Conference will bring together physicians, nurses, social workers, physical therapists, occupational therapists, chaplains, and healthcare professionals to share research and clinical best practices to advance the field of palliative care and improve care for patients with serious illnesses and their loved ones.
Jun
17
CDB Trainee Seminar Series Flash Talk - Claire Stockard
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Cell & Developmental Biology (CDB) Trainee Seminar Series
"Systematic phenotyping of atp6v1c1 mutants reveals pleiotropic developmental defects and cardiac dysfunction in zebrafish"
Claire Stockard
Research Technologist - Parvez Lab
Cell & Developmental Biology Department
June 17th 2026
12:00-01:00PM
Simpson & Kimberly Querrey Biomedical Center
Simpson Querrey Auditorium - 1-230
303 E Superior St, Chicago, IL 60611
The department meets every first and third Wednesday from 12:00 to 1:00 PM to enjoy a presentation from a research trainee (postbacc, pre-, post-doctoral fellow, etc). Meetings usually take place at Simpson Querry Auditorium, with some exceptions.
Calendar invites with the meeting location are disseminated in advance. Please contact cdb@northwestern.edu for more information or sign-up to our event listserv at https://forms.office.com/r/5X7DWBqXUq
Jun
17
CDB Trainee Seminar Series Flash Talk - Gillian Primavera
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Cell & Developmental Biology (CDB) Trainee Seminar Series
"Decoding Embryonic Patterning with Engineered Stem Cell Models"
Gillian Primavera
PhD Student, Goyal Lab
Cell & Developmental Biology Department
June 17th 2026
12:00-01:00PM
Simpson & Kimberly Querrey Biomedical Center
Simpson Querrey Auditorium - 1-230
303 E Superior St, Chicago, IL 60611
The department meets every first and third Wednesday from 12:00 to 1:00 PM to enjoy a presentation from a research trainee (postbacc, pre-, post-doctoral fellow, etc). Meetings usually take place at Simpson Querry Auditorium, with some exceptions.
Calendar invites with the meeting location are disseminated in advance. Please contact cdb@northwestern.edu for more information or sign-up to our event listserv at https://forms.office.com/r/5X7DWBqXUq
Jun
18
Immunology Journal Club
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Discussion of impactful and high-quality papers that will foster meaningful learning and discussion for all participants.
Jun
18
Lurie Cancer Center Symposium & Scientific Poster Session
Chicago - 2:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Please join us on Thursday, June 18 for the Lurie Cancer Center Symposium to learn about groundbreaking research taking place in laboratories of Lurie Cancer Center members on Northwestern University's Evanston and Chicago campuses.
Admission is complimentary but advance registration is required. Posters must be registered by June 12. Travel Scholarship Recipients are required to display their work at the poster session. T32 Trainees are strongly encouraged to participate in the poster session.
Jun
19
DGP Student Thesis Seminar - Ruochen Du - Dr. Amy Heimberger Lab
Chicago - 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Title of Presentation:
"Activation of oxidative bursting in microglia delays pediatric low-grade glioma inception"
Jun
22
Department of Pharmacology Seminar: Reesha R. Patel, PhD
Chicago - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Speaker: Reesha R. Patel; Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University.
Lecture title: Prefrontal CRF signaling shapes behavior under stress and uncertainty.
Abstract: The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) plays a central role in integrating internal state with environmental information to guide adaptive behavior. However, how stress-related neuromodulatory signals reconfigure prefrontal circuit function to bias behavioral output remains an open question. In this seminar, I will discuss our recent work identifying corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) signaling within mPFC as a key neuromodulatory mechanism that shapes behavioral responses across distinct contexts. First, I will present work demonstrating that social isolation recruits CRF-dependent prefrontal circuit mechanisms that promote escalated alcohol drinking through alterations in basolateral amygdala (BLA)-mPFC connectivity and alcohol-related neural representations. I will then discuss ongoing studies examining how local CRF signaling biases prefrontal processing of ambiguous threat-related cues during fear generalization. Together, these findings reveal CRF signaling within mPFC as a context-sensitive internal-state signal that reconfigures prefrontal circuit function to guide behavioral responses to stress and threat.
Jun
23
Distinguished Lecturers in Life Sciences: Harnessing blood vessels to promote brain health | Anne Eichmann, PhD
Chicago - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Anne Eichmann, PhD
Professor of Cardiology (Medicine)
Professor of Cellular & Molecular Physiology
Co-Director, Yale Cardiovascular Research Center
Yale School of Medicine
Host: Luisa Iruela-Arispe
Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at 3:30 pm
Reception to follow in the Potocsnak Family Atrium at 4:30 pm
Jun
26
FCVRRI Series Seminar - Marmar Vaseghi, MD, PhD
Chicago - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Talk title - Neuromodulation to Suppress Ventricular Arrhythmias – Triumphs, Defeats, and Emerging Strategies
Jul
16
Embedding Meaningful Course Touchpoints with Vigil: An Instructor Reading Circle
Off-Campus - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Join a summer reading circle with the Searle Center where instructors collectively explore the Litowitz Center’s 2026 campus read, Vigil, and exchange ideas for integrating the text into courses.
Through generative, cross‑disciplinary dialogue and reflective pedagogy, participants will develop adaptable discussion questions, learning activities, and assignments that spark engagement, invite constructive disagreement, and connect learning to pressing real‑world questions.
Jul
17
Oncology Review Symposium
Chicago - 8:00 AM - 5:15 PM
Join us in person Friday, July 17 for the 2026 Lurie Cancer Center Oncology Review, which provides medical, radiation and surgical oncologists, nurses, scientists and allied healthcare professionals with a comprehensive summary of the most up-to-date research and clinical data in the field of oncology. This review covers multiple oncology and hematology disease types, and each topic is presented by an expert in the respective field.
Aug
24
Teaching without AI When AI Is Everywhere
Evanston - 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
As instructors across disciplines navigate the growing presence of generative AI in their teaching contexts, they are thoughtfully considering how it intersects with learning, assessment, and disciplinary values. This 90‑minute in-person conversation creates space to focus on shared questions:
Which intellectual tasks should students practice without AI, and how can assignments make that learning observable, assessable, and meaningful?
Participants will take away practical strategies for both small and large classes, including ways to structure assessments that make student thinking visible. After the session, these strategies will be shared broadly to all faculty through the Searle Center for Advancing Teaching and Learning and the Office of the Provost. Throughout the conversation, we will emphasize instructor vitality, underscoring the importance of sustainable, shareable approaches that build on existing practices rather than continual reinvention.
Co-sponsored by the Searle Center for Advancing Learning and Teaching and the Office of the Provost.
Aug
25
Course Design Institute
Evanston - 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Are you an instructor eager to craft a dynamic, engaging new course that inspires and empowers your students but that is also a manageable workload for you?
Then join colleagues, Searle Center educational developers, and Northwestern IT Teaching and Technology instructional designers for the summer Course Design Institute!
The CDI is an annual,lina.eskew@northwestern.edu in-person immersive three-day course design institute centered on developing a new syllabus for the upcoming academic year, driven by inclusive, evidence-based practices, iterative discussion, and reflective learning communities.
—Tuesday, August 25 (Norris University Center, Evanston Campus)
—Wednesday, August 26 (Norris University Center, Evanston Campus)
—Thursday, August 27 (Online)
Aug
26
Course Design Institute
Evanston - 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Are you an instructor eager to craft a dynamic, engaging new course that inspires and empowers your students but that is also a manageable workload for you?
Then join colleagues, Searle Center educational developers, and Northwestern IT Teaching and Technology instructional designers for the summer Course Design Institute!
The CDI is an annual,lina.eskew@northwestern.edu in-person immersive three-day course design institute centered on developing a new syllabus for the upcoming academic year, driven by inclusive, evidence-based practices, iterative discussion, and reflective learning communities.
—Tuesday, August 25 (Norris University Center, Evanston Campus)
—Wednesday, August 26 (Norris University Center, Evanston Campus)
—Thursday, August 27 (Online)
Aug
27
Course Design Institute
Evanston - 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Are you an instructor eager to craft a dynamic, engaging new course that inspires and empowers your students but that is also a manageable workload for you?
Then join colleagues, Searle Center educational developers, and Northwestern IT Teaching and Technology instructional designers for the summer Course Design Institute!
The CDI is an annual,lina.eskew@northwestern.edu in-person immersive three-day course design institute centered on developing a new syllabus for the upcoming academic year, driven by inclusive, evidence-based practices, iterative discussion, and reflective learning communities.
—Tuesday, August 25 (Norris University Center, Evanston Campus)
—Wednesday, August 26 (Norris University Center, Evanston Campus)
—Thursday, August 27 (Online)
No events found. Please try again later.
Jun
12
FCVRRI Research in Progress Seminar - James O'Sullivan, PhD
Chicago - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Talk title - Exploiting Hypoxic Postconditioning and Genetic Approaches of NAD Modulation in Acute Kidney Injury
Jun
12
"PACS1 syndrome causative variant diverges from loss-of-function model in iNeuron"
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Annika Schroder, PhD candidate, Guemez-Gamboa Lab, Department of Neuroscience
PACS1 syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder hallmarked by craniofacial dysmorphisms and intellectual disability. Patients with PACS1 syndrome have a single de novo missense mutation at c.607C>T of the Phosphofurin acidic cluster sorting 1 (Pacs1) gene, which causes an Arginine to Tryptophan substitution in the peptide (p.R203W). While PACS1 function remains understudied, it is annotated as a multifunctional sorting protein with roles in both cytoplasmic and nuclear transport. We previously showed that PACS1+/R203W forebrain organoids develop mature glutamatergic neurons with impaired expression of synaptic signaling genes when compared to isogenic controls. Additionally, PACS1+/R203W iNeurons (iNs) have prolonged network bursts, which has implications for circuit formation. While these results highlight the impact of p.R203W in the broader context of neural development, the mechanism by which p.R203W operates on a cellular level remains unclear. We can begin to understand more about disease pathogenesis and potential targets for therapeutics by determining if p.R203W operates via a loss-of-function, gain-of-function, or dominant-negative mechanism. Here we used control (PACS1+/+), pathogenic (PACS1+/R203W), and null (PACS1-/-) iNs to address if p.R203W operates via a loss-of-function mechanism. Our findings indicate that complete loss of PACS1 in iNs does not substantially alter neuronal electrophysiological properties or proteomic landscape, potentially due to compensation by redundant proteins. In contrast, introduction of p.R203W into iNs produces aberrant phenotypes, suggesting that it acts through either a gain-of-function or dominant-negative mechanism rather than a loss-of-function.
Jun
12
DGP Student Thesis Seminar - Blake Everett - Dr. Arthur Prindle Lab
Chicago - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Title of Presentation:
"Investigating tryptophan systems in Bacillus subtilis"
This is a hybrid defense. For Zoom access or more information, email rachael.hill@northwestern.edu.
Jun
15
DGP Student Thesis Seminar - Shiyu Xiao - Dr. Yan Liu Lab
Chicago - 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Title of Presentation:
"Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase PRL2 in the Pathogenesis of Acute Myeloid Leukemia"
This is a hybrid event. For Zoom access or more information, email rachael.hill@northwestern.edu.
Jun
16
20th Annual Pain & Palliative Care Conference
Chicago - 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
On Tuesday, June 16, 2026 the 20th Annual Pain & Palliative Care Conference will bring together physicians, nurses, social workers, physical therapists, occupational therapists, chaplains, and healthcare professionals to share research and clinical best practices to advance the field of palliative care and improve care for patients with serious illnesses and their loved ones.
Jun
17
CDB Trainee Seminar Series Flash Talk - Claire Stockard
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Cell & Developmental Biology (CDB) Trainee Seminar Series
"Systematic phenotyping of atp6v1c1 mutants reveals pleiotropic developmental defects and cardiac dysfunction in zebrafish"
Claire Stockard
Research Technologist - Parvez Lab
Cell & Developmental Biology Department
June 17th 2026
12:00-01:00PM
Simpson & Kimberly Querrey Biomedical Center
Simpson Querrey Auditorium - 1-230
303 E Superior St, Chicago, IL 60611
The department meets every first and third Wednesday from 12:00 to 1:00 PM to enjoy a presentation from a research trainee (postbacc, pre-, post-doctoral fellow, etc). Meetings usually take place at Simpson Querry Auditorium, with some exceptions.
Calendar invites with the meeting location are disseminated in advance. Please contact cdb@northwestern.edu for more information or sign-up to our event listserv at https://forms.office.com/r/5X7DWBqXUq
Jun
17
CDB Trainee Seminar Series Flash Talk - Gillian Primavera
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Cell & Developmental Biology (CDB) Trainee Seminar Series
"Decoding Embryonic Patterning with Engineered Stem Cell Models"
Gillian Primavera
PhD Student, Goyal Lab
Cell & Developmental Biology Department
June 17th 2026
12:00-01:00PM
Simpson & Kimberly Querrey Biomedical Center
Simpson Querrey Auditorium - 1-230
303 E Superior St, Chicago, IL 60611
The department meets every first and third Wednesday from 12:00 to 1:00 PM to enjoy a presentation from a research trainee (postbacc, pre-, post-doctoral fellow, etc). Meetings usually take place at Simpson Querry Auditorium, with some exceptions.
Calendar invites with the meeting location are disseminated in advance. Please contact cdb@northwestern.edu for more information or sign-up to our event listserv at https://forms.office.com/r/5X7DWBqXUq
Jun
18
Immunology Journal Club
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Discussion of impactful and high-quality papers that will foster meaningful learning and discussion for all participants.
Jun
18
Lurie Cancer Center Symposium & Scientific Poster Session
Chicago - 2:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Please join us on Thursday, June 18 for the Lurie Cancer Center Symposium to learn about groundbreaking research taking place in laboratories of Lurie Cancer Center members on Northwestern University's Evanston and Chicago campuses.
Admission is complimentary but advance registration is required. Posters must be registered by June 12. Travel Scholarship Recipients are required to display their work at the poster session. T32 Trainees are strongly encouraged to participate in the poster session.
Jun
19
DGP Student Thesis Seminar - Ruochen Du - Dr. Amy Heimberger Lab
Chicago - 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Title of Presentation:
"Activation of oxidative bursting in microglia delays pediatric low-grade glioma inception"
Jun
22
Department of Pharmacology Seminar: Reesha R. Patel, PhD
Chicago - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Speaker: Reesha R. Patel; Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University.
Lecture title: Prefrontal CRF signaling shapes behavior under stress and uncertainty.
Abstract: The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) plays a central role in integrating internal state with environmental information to guide adaptive behavior. However, how stress-related neuromodulatory signals reconfigure prefrontal circuit function to bias behavioral output remains an open question. In this seminar, I will discuss our recent work identifying corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) signaling within mPFC as a key neuromodulatory mechanism that shapes behavioral responses across distinct contexts. First, I will present work demonstrating that social isolation recruits CRF-dependent prefrontal circuit mechanisms that promote escalated alcohol drinking through alterations in basolateral amygdala (BLA)-mPFC connectivity and alcohol-related neural representations. I will then discuss ongoing studies examining how local CRF signaling biases prefrontal processing of ambiguous threat-related cues during fear generalization. Together, these findings reveal CRF signaling within mPFC as a context-sensitive internal-state signal that reconfigures prefrontal circuit function to guide behavioral responses to stress and threat.
Jun
23
Distinguished Lecturers in Life Sciences: Harnessing blood vessels to promote brain health | Anne Eichmann, PhD
Chicago - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Anne Eichmann, PhD
Professor of Cardiology (Medicine)
Professor of Cellular & Molecular Physiology
Co-Director, Yale Cardiovascular Research Center
Yale School of Medicine
Host: Luisa Iruela-Arispe
Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at 3:30 pm
Reception to follow in the Potocsnak Family Atrium at 4:30 pm
Jun
26
FCVRRI Series Seminar - Marmar Vaseghi, MD, PhD
Chicago - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Talk title - Neuromodulation to Suppress Ventricular Arrhythmias – Triumphs, Defeats, and Emerging Strategies
Jul
16
Embedding Meaningful Course Touchpoints with Vigil: An Instructor Reading Circle
Off-Campus - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Join a summer reading circle with the Searle Center where instructors collectively explore the Litowitz Center’s 2026 campus read, Vigil, and exchange ideas for integrating the text into courses.
Through generative, cross‑disciplinary dialogue and reflective pedagogy, participants will develop adaptable discussion questions, learning activities, and assignments that spark engagement, invite constructive disagreement, and connect learning to pressing real‑world questions.
Jul
17
Oncology Review Symposium
Chicago - 8:00 AM - 5:15 PM
Join us in person Friday, July 17 for the 2026 Lurie Cancer Center Oncology Review, which provides medical, radiation and surgical oncologists, nurses, scientists and allied healthcare professionals with a comprehensive summary of the most up-to-date research and clinical data in the field of oncology. This review covers multiple oncology and hematology disease types, and each topic is presented by an expert in the respective field.
Aug
24
Teaching without AI When AI Is Everywhere
Evanston - 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
As instructors across disciplines navigate the growing presence of generative AI in their teaching contexts, they are thoughtfully considering how it intersects with learning, assessment, and disciplinary values. This 90‑minute in-person conversation creates space to focus on shared questions:
Which intellectual tasks should students practice without AI, and how can assignments make that learning observable, assessable, and meaningful?
Participants will take away practical strategies for both small and large classes, including ways to structure assessments that make student thinking visible. After the session, these strategies will be shared broadly to all faculty through the Searle Center for Advancing Teaching and Learning and the Office of the Provost. Throughout the conversation, we will emphasize instructor vitality, underscoring the importance of sustainable, shareable approaches that build on existing practices rather than continual reinvention.
Co-sponsored by the Searle Center for Advancing Learning and Teaching and the Office of the Provost.
Aug
25
Course Design Institute
Evanston - 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Are you an instructor eager to craft a dynamic, engaging new course that inspires and empowers your students but that is also a manageable workload for you?
Then join colleagues, Searle Center educational developers, and Northwestern IT Teaching and Technology instructional designers for the summer Course Design Institute!
The CDI is an annual,lina.eskew@northwestern.edu in-person immersive three-day course design institute centered on developing a new syllabus for the upcoming academic year, driven by inclusive, evidence-based practices, iterative discussion, and reflective learning communities.
—Tuesday, August 25 (Norris University Center, Evanston Campus)
—Wednesday, August 26 (Norris University Center, Evanston Campus)
—Thursday, August 27 (Online)
Aug
26
Course Design Institute
Evanston - 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Are you an instructor eager to craft a dynamic, engaging new course that inspires and empowers your students but that is also a manageable workload for you?
Then join colleagues, Searle Center educational developers, and Northwestern IT Teaching and Technology instructional designers for the summer Course Design Institute!
The CDI is an annual,lina.eskew@northwestern.edu in-person immersive three-day course design institute centered on developing a new syllabus for the upcoming academic year, driven by inclusive, evidence-based practices, iterative discussion, and reflective learning communities.
—Tuesday, August 25 (Norris University Center, Evanston Campus)
—Wednesday, August 26 (Norris University Center, Evanston Campus)
—Thursday, August 27 (Online)
Aug
27
Course Design Institute
Evanston - 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Are you an instructor eager to craft a dynamic, engaging new course that inspires and empowers your students but that is also a manageable workload for you?
Then join colleagues, Searle Center educational developers, and Northwestern IT Teaching and Technology instructional designers for the summer Course Design Institute!
The CDI is an annual,lina.eskew@northwestern.edu in-person immersive three-day course design institute centered on developing a new syllabus for the upcoming academic year, driven by inclusive, evidence-based practices, iterative discussion, and reflective learning communities.
—Tuesday, August 25 (Norris University Center, Evanston Campus)
—Wednesday, August 26 (Norris University Center, Evanston Campus)
—Thursday, August 27 (Online)