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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May
22
BMG Journal Club: Yoga Haribabu and Pranathi Vadlamani
Chicago - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
The BMG Journal Club is an opportunity for the department to come together and have in-depth discussions about the current literature and the overall implications of new studies, enhancing everyone’s knowledge of the field at large and about each other’s research interests within the department; providing possible opportunities to collaborate as well. This is also an opportunity to practice vital presentation skills in front of a friendly audience.
Presenters:
Yoga Haribabu
Graduate Student - BMG, Mendillo Lab
Article title: "A Genetically Encoded Device for Transcriptome Storage in Mammalian Cells"
Link: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adz9353
Prathani Vadlamani (SQE Forum Presentation)
PhD Candidate- BMG, Foltz Lab
Title of talk: “DNMT1 Mediated DNA Methylation Restricts Endogenous and Ectopic Centromeres”
Refreshments will be served.
May
29
SQE Forum on Biochemistry, Epigenetics, and Metabolism (BEaM)
Chicago - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
The BEaM Forum is a data group where Simpson Querrey Institute for Epigenetics members present ongoing work being conducted. It is a great opportunity to get feedback on your work from colleagues, and to make new connections and foster new collaborations within the Institute.
Our forum will normally be held every other week from 3:00-4:00 p.m. Presenters will give a 20-minute talk with 10 minutes for discussion and questions. We welcome presentation from students, techs, postdocs, and PIs. Presenting work-in-progress is always encouraged!
Cookies and coffee provided.
Presenters:
Elly Yeom, PhD Candidate, Neurology/Savas Lab
Title of talk: "Small Nucleolar RNA Binding Protein Longevity as a Point of Vulnerability in Aging"
May
18
Department of Pharmacology Seminar: Grace E. Stutzmann, PhD
Chicago - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Speaker: Grace E. Stutzmann, PhD; Professor & Chair of Neuroscience; Director, Center for Neurodegenerative Disease and Therapeutics.
Lecture title: "Neuronal signaling deficits linking ALzheimer's disease and Down syndrome"
Abstract: The Stutzmann lab is interested in identifying early mechanisms of neurological disorders at the cellular and synaptic levels in order to identify potential therapeutic targets. Mouse models and neurons derived from patient populations are used in electrophysiological, imaging, and molecular experiments to reveal functional deficits in Alzheimer's, Down syndrome and brain injury studies.
May
19
Microbiology-Immunology Seminar Series: Dr. Anita Chong, PhD
Chicago - 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM
Title: Mechanisms of T cell tolerance in Pregnancy and Transplantation
Description: Anita S. Chong, Ph.D. is a Professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Chicago in Chicago. She is a basic and translational transplant immunologist with research interests in transplantation tolerance, pregnancy and humoral sensitization-desensitization. She has published more than 300 articles, reviews and commentaries on these topics. Dr Chong served on the Council of the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Disease, chaired the Basic Science Committees for The Transplantation Society and American Society of Transplantation, and was the Chair of Pillar 1 for the Women in Transplantation Initiative of The Transplantation Society.
May
19
5th Annual Robert D. Goldman Lecture Presents: Michael Rosen, PhD, UT Southwestern
Chicago - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
The 5th Annual Robert D. Goldman Lecture
Cell Organization by Liquid-Liquid Phase
Cosponsored by Walter S. And Lucienne Driskill Graduate Program Lectures in Life Sciences and Feinberg School of Medicine Department of Cell & Developmental Biology
Michael K Rosen, PhD
Professor and Mar Nell and F. Andrew Bell Distinguished Chair
Department of Biophysics
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Biomolecular condensates are two- and three-dimensional cellular compartments that concentrate specific collections of proteins and nucleic acids without an encapsulating membrane. Many condensates behave as dynamic, viscoelastic liquids, and appear to form through liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) driven by interactions between multivalent constituents. In my talk I will discuss our early studies of actin regulatory signaling proteins. These explained how condensates can dynamically form and dissolve in response to upstream signals and how condensation itself can control biochemical activity. I will also discuss our more recent work to understand how phase separation may contribute to the organization of chromatin in the eukaryotic cell nucleus. The ability to observe individual nucleosomes in cryo-electron tomography images of chromatin condensates has allowed us to understand how nanometer-scale molecular structure ultimately translates to micrometer-scale organization of the condensate interior. We have also found that mammalian nuclei contain dense clusters of nucleosomes whose arrangement is mirrored by the reconstituted condensates. These studies suggest how nucleosome positioning may control the organization and dynamics of chromatin in cells.
About the Annual Robert D. Goldman, PhD Lecture:
Robert D. Goldman, PhD, is the Stephen Walter Ranson Professor Emeritus of Cell and Developmental Biology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, where he served as chair of the department from 1981-2019. Dr. Goldman earned his doctorate in biology from Princeton University, after which he trained as a postdoctoral fellow at Hammersmith Hospital in London and at the MRC Institute of Virology in Glasgow. He was appointed assistant professor of Biology at Case Western Reserve University in 1969 and moved to Carnegie Mellon University in 1977, prior to joining the faculty at Northwestern.
The annual lecture commemorates the accomplishments of Dr. Goldman and are a celebration of science and innovative discoveries in cell and developmental biology.
Contact cdb@northwestern.edu for more information or sign-up to our event listserv at https://forms.office.com/r/5X7DWBqXUq
Visit our department website to learn about how we are expanding the limits of scientific inquiry: https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/cdb/
May
20
OKRA National Forum: Biomarker-enriched Clinical Phenotyping of Acute Kidney Injury
Online - 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
The Northwestern O'Brien Kidney Resource Center invites you to participate in the upcoming O'Brien Kidney Resource Alliance (OKRA) webinar series, designed to foster networking and learning.
Join us on Thursday, May 20th, to hear from Steven Menez, MD (Johns Hopkins University) as she discusses “Biomarker-enriched Clinical Phenotyping of Acute Kidney Injury”
Registration is required.
May
20
CDB Trainee Seminar Series - Nathaniel Campbell
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Cell & Developmental Biology (CDB) Trainee Seminar Series
Nathaniel Campbell
Postdoc, Goyal Lab
Cell & Developmental Biology Department
May 20th 2026
12:00-01:00PM
Simpson-Querrey Auditorium 1-230
Simpson & Kimberly Querrey Biomedical Center
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
May
21
Presidential Fellows Lunch & Learn
Evanston - 12:00 PM - 1:15 PM
Please join The Graduate School (TGS) for a Lunch & Learn event featuring two of Northwestern's Presidential Fellows, which is the most prestigious fellowship awarded by the University, on Thursday, May 21 from 12:00–1:15 PM in Parkes Hall Room 122 on the Evanston campus. Enjoy a complimentary buffet lunch from Everest Indian Cuisine while connecting with colleagues and learning about innovative, interdisciplinary work happening on campus. A variety of food options will be served to accommodate dietary needs.
During lunch, hear brief research presentations from Victoria Lang, PhD candidate in Earth & Planetary Sciences, and Joshua Brallier, PhD candidate in Religious Studies. Lang will share her research on air quality improvement in Illinois and how air pollution affects communities. Brallier will share research on a nineteenth-century autobiography of a Tibetan Buddhist master that reflects on the intersections of masculinity, religion, and warfare.
This event is free and open to all members of the TGS community.
Please email tgs-events@northwestern.edu with any questions.
May
22
FCVRRI Research in Progress Seminar - Azadeh Haghighitalab, PhD
Chicago - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Talk title - Hic1 Maintains Renal Stromal Programs Essential for Kidney Morphogenesis
May
22
Bacterial Journal Club
Chicago - 1:45 PM - 3:00 PM
Speaker: Anna Liponska
Description: Bacteriology Journal Club is a forum for the presentation of original research-in-progress and for scholarly discussion of recently published papers in bacteriology
May
25
Department of Pharmacology Seminar: Christopher M McGraw, MD, PhD
Chicago - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Speaker: Christopher M McGraw, MD, PhD; Assistant Professor, Neurology (Epilepsy/Clinical Neurophysiology), Pharmacology.
Lecture title: Refractory status epilepticus as a model for novel anti-seizure target discovery
Abstract: Status epilepticus (SE) is a life-threatening neurological emergency affecting ~150k people annually in the US, which is characterized by prolonged seizures, often resistant to anti-seizure medications (ASMs) including first line benzodiazepines (BZDs). There is an urgent need for novel therapies to terminate refractory SE. While rodent models have advanced our understanding and treatment of SE in humans, they are costly and logistically intensive for discovering and testing novel therapies at scale. The complex cellular, synaptic, inflammatory, and neurochemical interplay arising during BZD-resistant SE is also unlikely to be fully recapitulated by in vitro or ex vivo models. This seminar will discuss efforts to develop a zebrafish model of refractory status epilepticus and its use for novel anti-seizure target discovery.
May
26
Teaching-Line Faculty Mini-Retreat on Strengths-Based Learning
Evanston - 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Join colleagues from across Northwestern at Teaching-Line Faculty Mini-Retreats, quarterly gatherings created in response to what teaching-line faculty told us they value most: community, meaningful conversations, and opportunities to learn from colleagues subject matter and experts on topics that directly impact their work. This mini-retreat was intentionally designed with teaching-line faculty feedback and experiences at the center.
Selected by participants of the winter mini-retreat, our spring topic is strengths-based learning. This two-hour mini-retreat offers two interactive 45-minute sessions where you will hear from Searle Center Distinguished Fellows and Northwestern instructors on the practices they use in their courses to harness students’ strengths for deep learning. Between sessions, continue the conversation and share your own on-the-ground expertise with colleagues over a seasonal lunch.
May
26
Microbiology-Immunology Seminar Series: Dr. Laty Cahoon
Chicago - 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM
Title: The intrinsically disordered region of the Listeria monocytogenes secretion chaperone PrsA2 is critical for bacterial virulence and client interactions
Decription: While 30-40% of eukaryotic proteins contain at least one intrinsically disordered region (IDR), only 4% of bacterial proteins contain IDRs, therefore investigating these disordered regions is critical for understanding protein function in bacteria. Here, we use the food-borne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) to characterize an IDR within a critical peptidyl-prolyl isomerase (PPIase) chaperone, PrsA2. Highlighting some of the most important aspects of this work, we demonstrate that the PrsA2 C-tail IDR is critical for Lm virulence and for the function (interaction and folding) of the major virulence factor and pore forming toxin, listeriolysin O (LLO). Since the intrinsically disordered nature of this C-tail IDR is conserved in many PrsA homologs; our results may be widely applicable to other important Gram-positive pathogens and adds to the newly expanding characterization of IDRs within bacterial proteomes.
May
26
Lurie Cancer Center Research-in-Progress Seminar Series
Chicago - 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Defining the Alternative Splicing Landscape in IDH-Mutant Gliomas
Maya Walker, PhD Candidate
(Cheng lab)
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Targeting Glyco-Immune Checkpoints to Overcome Immune Evasion in Cancer
Pratima Saini, Postdoctoral Scholar (Abdel-Mohsen lab)
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
* Lunch will be served
May
28
Application Workshop -- Fulbright Study/Research/Arts Awards
Evanston - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Interested in pursuing research, study, or the arts abroad? Attend an application workshop to learn about the Fulbright application process at Northwestern. We will discuss application components and successful application strategies. You do not need a draft of your essays, but will benefit most if you have a clear vision of your project.
Campus Deadline – Tuesday, Sept. 1st, 2026
May
28
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.
May
29
FCVRRI Series Seminar - Daniel Batlle, MD
Chicago - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Talk title - ACE2 and Its Therapeutic Potential.
May
29
Bacterial Journal Club
Chicago - 1:45 PM - 3:00 PM
Speaker: Iryna Boika
Description: Bacteriology Journal Club is a forum for the presentation of original research-in-progress and for scholarly discussion of recently published papers in bacteriology
May
29
2026 James C. Houk Lecture in Motor Control: Motor Action Selection, Evaluation and Reinforcement by the Basal Ganglia - Bernardo Sabatini, MD, PhD
Chicago - 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
The Department of Neuroscience Presents:
2026 James C. Houk Lecture in Motor Control: "Motor Action Selection, Evaluation and Reinforcement by the Basal Ganglia"
Bernardo Sabatini, MD, PhD
Alice and Rodman W. Moorhead III Professor of Neurobiology
Harvard Medical School
Abstract
In order to survive in and adapt to changing environments, animals must choose appropriate actions to achieve their goals. This process depends on their past experience, internal state, and environmental conditions and must be be rapidly adapted based on the outcome of their choice. Here we discuss how circuits and synapses of the basal ganglia, an evolutionarily old and phylogenetically conserved set of subcortical nuclei, contribute to these processes in mice. We focus on specialized features of the basal ganglia circuit that uniquely contribute to action selection and reinforcement as well as the role of dopamine in these processes. Although we study mice, we believe our findings are likely relevant for understanding human behavior and disease.
About the James C. Houk Lecture in Motor Control
In 2020, the late James Houk, PhD, former chair and professor of Physiology (now Neuroscience), and his wife Antoinette established the Dr. James C. Houk Fellowship in Neuroscience through a bequest. Their gift provides funding for a graduate student or postdoctoral fellow training in the Department of Neuroscience at Northwestern and also supports the annual James C. Houk Lecture in Motor Control, delivered by a renowned neuroscientist whose work reflects Dr. Houk’s broad interests.
About James C. Houk, PhD
Dr. James C. Houk originally studied electrical engineering before receiving his PhD in physiology at Harvard University. As an assistant professor at Harvard, he studied Golgi tendon organs, muscle spindles and developed control models of muscle activation through neuronal circuits in the spinal cord.
Later, as an associate professor at Johns Hopkins Medical School, Houk began work on the central nervous system in behaving monkeys, work he continued at Northwestern University, after being recruited in 1978 as chair of the Department of Physiology (now Neuroscience). During this time, Houk also built a world-renowned systems neuroscience group within the department.
In 2001, after 23 years, Houk stepped down as chair to concentrate on multimodal approaches to studying how the nonlinear dynamics of microscopic modules in the brain give rise to its unique computational properties. He became particularly interested in the interplay between the basal ganglia, motor cortex and cerebellum.
May
29
DGP Student Thesis Seminar - Iris Qianli Liu - Dr. Ben Singer Lab
Chicago - 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Title of Presentation:
"Assessing Predictive Methylation and Transcriptional Markers Associated with Respiratory Disease Outcomes Using a Novel Enzyme-based Method"
This is a hybrid event. For Zoom access or more information, email rachael.hill@northwestern.edu.
Jun
02
Application Workshop -- Fulbright Study/Research/Arts Awards
Online - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Interested in pursuing research, study, or the arts abroad? Attend an application workshop to learn about the Fulbright application process at Northwestern. We will discuss application components and successful application strategies. You do not need a draft of your essays, but will benefit most if you have a clear vision of your project.
Campus Deadline – Tuesday, Sept. 1st, 2026
Jun
03
Searle Center Community Celebration
Evanston - 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Mark your calendars!
Join us for the Searle Center Community Celebration, a joyful afternoon of connection, conversation, and appreciation for our vibrant teaching and learning community.
Enjoy food, drinks, and the chance to engage with colleagues, meet our Graduate Teaching Fellows, and explore highlights inspired by this year’s theme of Bolstering Student Success and Instructor Vitality.
We can’t wait to celebrate with you! 🌟
Jun
05
FCVRRI Research in Progress Seminar - Mariaelena Valentino, PhD
Chicago - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Talk title - Decoding Regional Vulnerability to Inflammation in the Brain Vasculature.
Jun
05
DGP Student Thesis Seminar - Arpan Das - Dr. Rui Yi Lab
Chicago - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
TItle of Presentation:
"MicroRNA-200 Family: A tale of influence over WNT-SOX balance in defining the sebocyte fate"
This is a hybrid event. For Zoom access or more information, email rachael.hill@northwestern.edu.
Jun
07
2026 Cancer Survivors' Celebration Walk & 5K
Off-Campus - 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
For 33 years, Lurie Cancer Center’s Cancer Survivors’ Celebration Walk & 5K has been a source of hope and inspiration for people who have faced or are facing cancer. Held in Chicago’s Grant Park, our community event is a unique opportunity for cancer survivors, supporters, scientists and health professionals to connect, celebrate milestones and make an impact on the future of cancer care.
We’re excited to run, walk and celebrate together on National Cancer Survivors Day! We strongly encourage you to register in advance. You must register by May 1 to receive your T-shirt before the event. If you register after May 1, you may pick up your T-shirt on the day of the event. T-shirts will not be mailed after the event.
Highlights include:
A non-competitive walk or chip-timed 5K race along the lakefront
A commemorative T-shirt
Music, entertainment, inspiring speakers and Dedication Wall
Refreshments and activities for families
Net proceeds and funds raised from our 33rd annual event will help to advance groundbreaking cancer research and treatment at Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. We hope you will join the donors, sponsors and fundraising teams who support our efforts by creating a personalized fundraising page when you register. Fundraising is optional, and no minimum is required.
Jun
09
Application Workshop -- Fulbright Study/Research/Arts Awards
Online - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Interested in pursuing research, study, or the arts abroad? Attend an application workshop to learn about the Fulbright application process at Northwestern. We will discuss application components and successful application strategies. You do not need a draft of your essays, but will benefit most if you have a clear vision of your project.
Campus Deadline – Tuesday, Sept. 1st, 2026
Jun
10
DGP Student Thesis Seminar - Chenlin Zhao - Dr. Shana Kelley Lab
Chicago - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Title of Presentation:
"AI-Guided CRISPR Screening for Therapeutic Target Discovery in Psoriasis"
This is a hybrid event. For Zoom access or more information, email rachael.hill@northwestern.edu.
Jun
10
CDB Experts-in-the-field Seminar Series - Dr. Shawn M. Burgess
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
CDB Experts-in-the-field Seminar Series
"Multidimensional gene regulatory networks controlling regeneration"
Dr. Shawn M. Burgess
Deputy Scientific Director for the NHGRI Intramural Program
Head, Developmental Genomics Section
National Institutes of Health
Wednesday, June 10th, 2026
12:00–1:00 PM
Simpson-Querrey Auditorium 1-230
Simpson & Kimberly Querrey Biomedical Center
303 E. Superior St. Chicago, Illinois, 60611
Host:
CDB Trainee Chairs
Roxroy C Morgan, PhD.
Post-doctoral Fellow, Shukla Lab
https://sites.northwestern.edu/shuklalab/team/
&
Prathyaya Ramesh
PhD Candidate, Shukla Lab
https://sites.northwestern.edu/shuklalab/team/
Calendar invites with event details are disseminated in advance. Contact cdb@northwestern.edu for additional details or sign-up for our listserv at https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/cdb/about/listserv.html#listserv
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
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
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
22
Department of Pharmacology Seminar: Reesha R. Patel, PhD
Chicago - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Speaker: Reesha R. Patel; Assistant Profesor, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciecnes, Northwestern University.
Lecture title: TBA;
Abstract: TBA;
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.
No events found. Please try again later.
May
18
Department of Pharmacology Seminar: Grace E. Stutzmann, PhD
Chicago - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Speaker: Grace E. Stutzmann, PhD; Professor & Chair of Neuroscience; Director, Center for Neurodegenerative Disease and Therapeutics.
Lecture title: "Neuronal signaling deficits linking ALzheimer's disease and Down syndrome"
Abstract: The Stutzmann lab is interested in identifying early mechanisms of neurological disorders at the cellular and synaptic levels in order to identify potential therapeutic targets. Mouse models and neurons derived from patient populations are used in electrophysiological, imaging, and molecular experiments to reveal functional deficits in Alzheimer's, Down syndrome and brain injury studies.
May
19
Microbiology-Immunology Seminar Series: Dr. Anita Chong, PhD
Chicago - 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM
Title: Mechanisms of T cell tolerance in Pregnancy and Transplantation
Description: Anita S. Chong, Ph.D. is a Professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Chicago in Chicago. She is a basic and translational transplant immunologist with research interests in transplantation tolerance, pregnancy and humoral sensitization-desensitization. She has published more than 300 articles, reviews and commentaries on these topics. Dr Chong served on the Council of the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Disease, chaired the Basic Science Committees for The Transplantation Society and American Society of Transplantation, and was the Chair of Pillar 1 for the Women in Transplantation Initiative of The Transplantation Society.
May
19
5th Annual Robert D. Goldman Lecture Presents: Michael Rosen, PhD, UT Southwestern
Chicago - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
The 5th Annual Robert D. Goldman Lecture
Cell Organization by Liquid-Liquid Phase
Cosponsored by Walter S. And Lucienne Driskill Graduate Program Lectures in Life Sciences and Feinberg School of Medicine Department of Cell & Developmental Biology
Michael K Rosen, PhD
Professor and Mar Nell and F. Andrew Bell Distinguished Chair
Department of Biophysics
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Biomolecular condensates are two- and three-dimensional cellular compartments that concentrate specific collections of proteins and nucleic acids without an encapsulating membrane. Many condensates behave as dynamic, viscoelastic liquids, and appear to form through liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) driven by interactions between multivalent constituents. In my talk I will discuss our early studies of actin regulatory signaling proteins. These explained how condensates can dynamically form and dissolve in response to upstream signals and how condensation itself can control biochemical activity. I will also discuss our more recent work to understand how phase separation may contribute to the organization of chromatin in the eukaryotic cell nucleus. The ability to observe individual nucleosomes in cryo-electron tomography images of chromatin condensates has allowed us to understand how nanometer-scale molecular structure ultimately translates to micrometer-scale organization of the condensate interior. We have also found that mammalian nuclei contain dense clusters of nucleosomes whose arrangement is mirrored by the reconstituted condensates. These studies suggest how nucleosome positioning may control the organization and dynamics of chromatin in cells.
About the Annual Robert D. Goldman, PhD Lecture:
Robert D. Goldman, PhD, is the Stephen Walter Ranson Professor Emeritus of Cell and Developmental Biology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, where he served as chair of the department from 1981-2019. Dr. Goldman earned his doctorate in biology from Princeton University, after which he trained as a postdoctoral fellow at Hammersmith Hospital in London and at the MRC Institute of Virology in Glasgow. He was appointed assistant professor of Biology at Case Western Reserve University in 1969 and moved to Carnegie Mellon University in 1977, prior to joining the faculty at Northwestern.
The annual lecture commemorates the accomplishments of Dr. Goldman and are a celebration of science and innovative discoveries in cell and developmental biology.
Contact cdb@northwestern.edu for more information or sign-up to our event listserv at https://forms.office.com/r/5X7DWBqXUq
Visit our department website to learn about how we are expanding the limits of scientific inquiry: https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/cdb/
May
20
OKRA National Forum: Biomarker-enriched Clinical Phenotyping of Acute Kidney Injury
Online - 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
The Northwestern O'Brien Kidney Resource Center invites you to participate in the upcoming O'Brien Kidney Resource Alliance (OKRA) webinar series, designed to foster networking and learning.
Join us on Thursday, May 20th, to hear from Steven Menez, MD (Johns Hopkins University) as she discusses “Biomarker-enriched Clinical Phenotyping of Acute Kidney Injury”
Registration is required.
May
20
CDB Trainee Seminar Series - Nathaniel Campbell
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Cell & Developmental Biology (CDB) Trainee Seminar Series
Nathaniel Campbell
Postdoc, Goyal Lab
Cell & Developmental Biology Department
May 20th 2026
12:00-01:00PM
Simpson-Querrey Auditorium 1-230
Simpson & Kimberly Querrey Biomedical Center
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
May
21
Presidential Fellows Lunch & Learn
Evanston - 12:00 PM - 1:15 PM
Please join The Graduate School (TGS) for a Lunch & Learn event featuring two of Northwestern's Presidential Fellows, which is the most prestigious fellowship awarded by the University, on Thursday, May 21 from 12:00–1:15 PM in Parkes Hall Room 122 on the Evanston campus. Enjoy a complimentary buffet lunch from Everest Indian Cuisine while connecting with colleagues and learning about innovative, interdisciplinary work happening on campus. A variety of food options will be served to accommodate dietary needs.
During lunch, hear brief research presentations from Victoria Lang, PhD candidate in Earth & Planetary Sciences, and Joshua Brallier, PhD candidate in Religious Studies. Lang will share her research on air quality improvement in Illinois and how air pollution affects communities. Brallier will share research on a nineteenth-century autobiography of a Tibetan Buddhist master that reflects on the intersections of masculinity, religion, and warfare.
This event is free and open to all members of the TGS community.
Please email tgs-events@northwestern.edu with any questions.
May
22
FCVRRI Research in Progress Seminar - Azadeh Haghighitalab, PhD
Chicago - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Talk title - Hic1 Maintains Renal Stromal Programs Essential for Kidney Morphogenesis
May
22
Bacterial Journal Club
Chicago - 1:45 PM - 3:00 PM
Speaker: Anna Liponska
Description: Bacteriology Journal Club is a forum for the presentation of original research-in-progress and for scholarly discussion of recently published papers in bacteriology
May
22
BMG Journal Club: Yoga Haribabu and Pranathi Vadlamani
Chicago - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
The BMG Journal Club is an opportunity for the department to come together and have in-depth discussions about the current literature and the overall implications of new studies, enhancing everyone’s knowledge of the field at large and about each other’s research interests within the department; providing possible opportunities to collaborate as well. This is also an opportunity to practice vital presentation skills in front of a friendly audience.
Presenters:
Yoga Haribabu
Graduate Student - BMG, Mendillo Lab
Article title: "A Genetically Encoded Device for Transcriptome Storage in Mammalian Cells"
Link: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adz9353
Prathani Vadlamani (SQE Forum Presentation)
PhD Candidate- BMG, Foltz Lab
Title of talk: “DNMT1 Mediated DNA Methylation Restricts Endogenous and Ectopic Centromeres”
Refreshments will be served.
May
25
Department of Pharmacology Seminar: Christopher M McGraw, MD, PhD
Chicago - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Speaker: Christopher M McGraw, MD, PhD; Assistant Professor, Neurology (Epilepsy/Clinical Neurophysiology), Pharmacology.
Lecture title: Refractory status epilepticus as a model for novel anti-seizure target discovery
Abstract: Status epilepticus (SE) is a life-threatening neurological emergency affecting ~150k people annually in the US, which is characterized by prolonged seizures, often resistant to anti-seizure medications (ASMs) including first line benzodiazepines (BZDs). There is an urgent need for novel therapies to terminate refractory SE. While rodent models have advanced our understanding and treatment of SE in humans, they are costly and logistically intensive for discovering and testing novel therapies at scale. The complex cellular, synaptic, inflammatory, and neurochemical interplay arising during BZD-resistant SE is also unlikely to be fully recapitulated by in vitro or ex vivo models. This seminar will discuss efforts to develop a zebrafish model of refractory status epilepticus and its use for novel anti-seizure target discovery.
May
26
Teaching-Line Faculty Mini-Retreat on Strengths-Based Learning
Evanston - 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Join colleagues from across Northwestern at Teaching-Line Faculty Mini-Retreats, quarterly gatherings created in response to what teaching-line faculty told us they value most: community, meaningful conversations, and opportunities to learn from colleagues subject matter and experts on topics that directly impact their work. This mini-retreat was intentionally designed with teaching-line faculty feedback and experiences at the center.
Selected by participants of the winter mini-retreat, our spring topic is strengths-based learning. This two-hour mini-retreat offers two interactive 45-minute sessions where you will hear from Searle Center Distinguished Fellows and Northwestern instructors on the practices they use in their courses to harness students’ strengths for deep learning. Between sessions, continue the conversation and share your own on-the-ground expertise with colleagues over a seasonal lunch.
May
26
Microbiology-Immunology Seminar Series: Dr. Laty Cahoon
Chicago - 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM
Title: The intrinsically disordered region of the Listeria monocytogenes secretion chaperone PrsA2 is critical for bacterial virulence and client interactions
Decription: While 30-40% of eukaryotic proteins contain at least one intrinsically disordered region (IDR), only 4% of bacterial proteins contain IDRs, therefore investigating these disordered regions is critical for understanding protein function in bacteria. Here, we use the food-borne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) to characterize an IDR within a critical peptidyl-prolyl isomerase (PPIase) chaperone, PrsA2. Highlighting some of the most important aspects of this work, we demonstrate that the PrsA2 C-tail IDR is critical for Lm virulence and for the function (interaction and folding) of the major virulence factor and pore forming toxin, listeriolysin O (LLO). Since the intrinsically disordered nature of this C-tail IDR is conserved in many PrsA homologs; our results may be widely applicable to other important Gram-positive pathogens and adds to the newly expanding characterization of IDRs within bacterial proteomes.
May
26
Lurie Cancer Center Research-in-Progress Seminar Series
Chicago - 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Defining the Alternative Splicing Landscape in IDH-Mutant Gliomas
Maya Walker, PhD Candidate
(Cheng lab)
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Targeting Glyco-Immune Checkpoints to Overcome Immune Evasion in Cancer
Pratima Saini, Postdoctoral Scholar (Abdel-Mohsen lab)
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
* Lunch will be served
May
28
Application Workshop -- Fulbright Study/Research/Arts Awards
Evanston - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Interested in pursuing research, study, or the arts abroad? Attend an application workshop to learn about the Fulbright application process at Northwestern. We will discuss application components and successful application strategies. You do not need a draft of your essays, but will benefit most if you have a clear vision of your project.
Campus Deadline – Tuesday, Sept. 1st, 2026
May
28
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.
May
29
FCVRRI Series Seminar - Daniel Batlle, MD
Chicago - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Talk title - ACE2 and Its Therapeutic Potential.
May
29
Bacterial Journal Club
Chicago - 1:45 PM - 3:00 PM
Speaker: Iryna Boika
Description: Bacteriology Journal Club is a forum for the presentation of original research-in-progress and for scholarly discussion of recently published papers in bacteriology
May
29
2026 James C. Houk Lecture in Motor Control: Motor Action Selection, Evaluation and Reinforcement by the Basal Ganglia - Bernardo Sabatini, MD, PhD
Chicago - 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
The Department of Neuroscience Presents:
2026 James C. Houk Lecture in Motor Control: "Motor Action Selection, Evaluation and Reinforcement by the Basal Ganglia"
Bernardo Sabatini, MD, PhD
Alice and Rodman W. Moorhead III Professor of Neurobiology
Harvard Medical School
Abstract
In order to survive in and adapt to changing environments, animals must choose appropriate actions to achieve their goals. This process depends on their past experience, internal state, and environmental conditions and must be be rapidly adapted based on the outcome of their choice. Here we discuss how circuits and synapses of the basal ganglia, an evolutionarily old and phylogenetically conserved set of subcortical nuclei, contribute to these processes in mice. We focus on specialized features of the basal ganglia circuit that uniquely contribute to action selection and reinforcement as well as the role of dopamine in these processes. Although we study mice, we believe our findings are likely relevant for understanding human behavior and disease.
About the James C. Houk Lecture in Motor Control
In 2020, the late James Houk, PhD, former chair and professor of Physiology (now Neuroscience), and his wife Antoinette established the Dr. James C. Houk Fellowship in Neuroscience through a bequest. Their gift provides funding for a graduate student or postdoctoral fellow training in the Department of Neuroscience at Northwestern and also supports the annual James C. Houk Lecture in Motor Control, delivered by a renowned neuroscientist whose work reflects Dr. Houk’s broad interests.
About James C. Houk, PhD
Dr. James C. Houk originally studied electrical engineering before receiving his PhD in physiology at Harvard University. As an assistant professor at Harvard, he studied Golgi tendon organs, muscle spindles and developed control models of muscle activation through neuronal circuits in the spinal cord.
Later, as an associate professor at Johns Hopkins Medical School, Houk began work on the central nervous system in behaving monkeys, work he continued at Northwestern University, after being recruited in 1978 as chair of the Department of Physiology (now Neuroscience). During this time, Houk also built a world-renowned systems neuroscience group within the department.
In 2001, after 23 years, Houk stepped down as chair to concentrate on multimodal approaches to studying how the nonlinear dynamics of microscopic modules in the brain give rise to its unique computational properties. He became particularly interested in the interplay between the basal ganglia, motor cortex and cerebellum.
May
29
DGP Student Thesis Seminar - Iris Qianli Liu - Dr. Ben Singer Lab
Chicago - 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Title of Presentation:
"Assessing Predictive Methylation and Transcriptional Markers Associated with Respiratory Disease Outcomes Using a Novel Enzyme-based Method"
This is a hybrid event. For Zoom access or more information, email rachael.hill@northwestern.edu.
May
29
SQE Forum on Biochemistry, Epigenetics, and Metabolism (BEaM)
Chicago - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
The BEaM Forum is a data group where Simpson Querrey Institute for Epigenetics members present ongoing work being conducted. It is a great opportunity to get feedback on your work from colleagues, and to make new connections and foster new collaborations within the Institute.
Our forum will normally be held every other week from 3:00-4:00 p.m. Presenters will give a 20-minute talk with 10 minutes for discussion and questions. We welcome presentation from students, techs, postdocs, and PIs. Presenting work-in-progress is always encouraged!
Cookies and coffee provided.
Presenters:
Elly Yeom, PhD Candidate, Neurology/Savas Lab
Title of talk: "Small Nucleolar RNA Binding Protein Longevity as a Point of Vulnerability in Aging"
Jun
02
Application Workshop -- Fulbright Study/Research/Arts Awards
Online - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Interested in pursuing research, study, or the arts abroad? Attend an application workshop to learn about the Fulbright application process at Northwestern. We will discuss application components and successful application strategies. You do not need a draft of your essays, but will benefit most if you have a clear vision of your project.
Campus Deadline – Tuesday, Sept. 1st, 2026
Jun
03
Searle Center Community Celebration
Evanston - 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Mark your calendars!
Join us for the Searle Center Community Celebration, a joyful afternoon of connection, conversation, and appreciation for our vibrant teaching and learning community.
Enjoy food, drinks, and the chance to engage with colleagues, meet our Graduate Teaching Fellows, and explore highlights inspired by this year’s theme of Bolstering Student Success and Instructor Vitality.
We can’t wait to celebrate with you! 🌟
Jun
05
FCVRRI Research in Progress Seminar - Mariaelena Valentino, PhD
Chicago - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Talk title - Decoding Regional Vulnerability to Inflammation in the Brain Vasculature.
Jun
05
DGP Student Thesis Seminar - Arpan Das - Dr. Rui Yi Lab
Chicago - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
TItle of Presentation:
"MicroRNA-200 Family: A tale of influence over WNT-SOX balance in defining the sebocyte fate"
This is a hybrid event. For Zoom access or more information, email rachael.hill@northwestern.edu.
Jun
07
2026 Cancer Survivors' Celebration Walk & 5K
Off-Campus - 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
For 33 years, Lurie Cancer Center’s Cancer Survivors’ Celebration Walk & 5K has been a source of hope and inspiration for people who have faced or are facing cancer. Held in Chicago’s Grant Park, our community event is a unique opportunity for cancer survivors, supporters, scientists and health professionals to connect, celebrate milestones and make an impact on the future of cancer care.
We’re excited to run, walk and celebrate together on National Cancer Survivors Day! We strongly encourage you to register in advance. You must register by May 1 to receive your T-shirt before the event. If you register after May 1, you may pick up your T-shirt on the day of the event. T-shirts will not be mailed after the event.
Highlights include:
A non-competitive walk or chip-timed 5K race along the lakefront
A commemorative T-shirt
Music, entertainment, inspiring speakers and Dedication Wall
Refreshments and activities for families
Net proceeds and funds raised from our 33rd annual event will help to advance groundbreaking cancer research and treatment at Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. We hope you will join the donors, sponsors and fundraising teams who support our efforts by creating a personalized fundraising page when you register. Fundraising is optional, and no minimum is required.
Jun
09
Application Workshop -- Fulbright Study/Research/Arts Awards
Online - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Interested in pursuing research, study, or the arts abroad? Attend an application workshop to learn about the Fulbright application process at Northwestern. We will discuss application components and successful application strategies. You do not need a draft of your essays, but will benefit most if you have a clear vision of your project.
Campus Deadline – Tuesday, Sept. 1st, 2026
Jun
10
DGP Student Thesis Seminar - Chenlin Zhao - Dr. Shana Kelley Lab
Chicago - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Title of Presentation:
"AI-Guided CRISPR Screening for Therapeutic Target Discovery in Psoriasis"
This is a hybrid event. For Zoom access or more information, email rachael.hill@northwestern.edu.
Jun
10
CDB Experts-in-the-field Seminar Series - Dr. Shawn M. Burgess
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
CDB Experts-in-the-field Seminar Series
"Multidimensional gene regulatory networks controlling regeneration"
Dr. Shawn M. Burgess
Deputy Scientific Director for the NHGRI Intramural Program
Head, Developmental Genomics Section
National Institutes of Health
Wednesday, June 10th, 2026
12:00–1:00 PM
Simpson-Querrey Auditorium 1-230
Simpson & Kimberly Querrey Biomedical Center
303 E. Superior St. Chicago, Illinois, 60611
Host:
CDB Trainee Chairs
Roxroy C Morgan, PhD.
Post-doctoral Fellow, Shukla Lab
https://sites.northwestern.edu/shuklalab/team/
&
Prathyaya Ramesh
PhD Candidate, Shukla Lab
https://sites.northwestern.edu/shuklalab/team/
Calendar invites with event details are disseminated in advance. Contact cdb@northwestern.edu for additional details or sign-up for our listserv at https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/cdb/about/listserv.html#listserv
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
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
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
22
Department of Pharmacology Seminar: Reesha R. Patel, PhD
Chicago - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Speaker: Reesha R. Patel; Assistant Profesor, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciecnes, Northwestern University.
Lecture title: TBA;
Abstract: TBA;
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.