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.
Oct
05
DAAD Study Scholarship & Research Grant Information Session
Evanston - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) offers recent undergraduate alums and graduate students the opportunity to study or research in Germany. Come hear about ways to further your education at a German University or pursue a research project.
Campus Deadline -- 10/15/26 @ 12:00 noon
National Deadline -- 10/30/26
Oct
05
DAAD RISE Germany and ThinkSwiss information session
Online - 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
DAAD RISE Germany offers summer research internships in German research institutes and universities to undergraduate students from the US, Ireland and the UK. ThinkSwiss provides opportunities for students enrolled in US universities to conduct research in Swiss institutes. This information session will outline the programs, eligibility and application timelines. If you are a sophomore or junior in STEM fields who is interested in these programs, please attend to learn more. Questions? Latanya Williams, PhD Office of Fellowships; latanya.williams@northwestern.edu
Oct
07
CDB Trainee Seminar Series - Charity Muriuki
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Cell & Developmental Biology (CDB) Trainee Seminar Series
"Molecular Differences Across Human Foreskin Tissues: Transcriptomic Insights into Pathways Relevant to HIV Susceptibility"
Charity Muriuki,
Postdoc, Hope Lab
Cell & Developmental Biology Department
October 7th 2026
12:00-01:00PM
Ward 5-230 Neuroscience
Ward Building
303 E Chicago Ave, 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
Oct
08
BMG Seminar: Yumi Kim, Ph.D., Johns Hopkins University
Chicago - 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
The Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics presents:
Yumi Kim, Ph. D.
Associate Professor
Department of Biology
Johns Hopkins University
Presentation:
"Building the Synaptonemal Complex During Meiosis"
Sexually reproducing organisms rely on meiosis to produce haploid gametes such as sperm and eggs. Errors in this process can lead to aneuploidy, a major cause of human miscarriges and congenital defects such as Down Syndrome. During meiotic prophase, chromosomes must pair, synapse, and undergo crossover recombination with their homologous partners. Central to these events is the synaptonemal complex (SC), a conserved zipper-like protein structure that holds homologs together and regulates crossover formation. Although genetic studies have identified proteins essential for SC function, how these components assemble into a functional structure has remained unclear, in part due to the lack of in vitro reconstitution systems.
My lab investigates meiotic chromosome dynamics using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism, combining genetics with biochemical and structural approaches. I will present our recent work defining the composition and architecture of the polymerization-competent buolding block of the SC central region. We show that six subunits (SYP-1 through SYP-5 and SKR-1) assemble into a hexamer that dimerizes to form an elongated unit capable of polymerizing into higher-order structures through defined molecular interfaces. I will also discuss how SC biogenesis is coordinated in vivo by developmentally timed mRNA organization and ordered co-translational assembly.
Host: Dr. Dan Foltz, Professor, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics
Oct
09
FCVRRI Research in Progress Seminar - Margherita Zamberlan, PhD
Chicago - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Talk Title - Long Term Lineage Tracing of Endothelial Cells Reveals Unique Turnover Dynamics Across Different Organs
Oct
09
Oct
09
DGP Student Thesis Seminar - CC Clark - Dr. Minoli Perera Lab
Chicago - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Title of Presentation:
"Elucidating the Multi-Omic Drivers of Hepatocytes: Insights into African American Drug Metabolism"
This is a hybrid defense. For Zoom access, email rachael.hill@northwestern.edu.
Oct
12
Lurie Cancer Center Core Technologies & Applications Seminar Series
Chicago - 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
From Mouse to Human: Expanding Genome Targeting Approaches for Disease Modeling
Styliani Markoulaki, PhD
Director, Transgenic and Targeted
Mutagenesis (TTML) Lab
Research Professor, Department of
Cellular and Developmental Biology
Feinberg School of Medicine
Angel Alvarez, PhD
Director, Stem Cell Core
Research Assistant Professor, Department of Neurology
Feinberg School of Medicine
Lunch is provided
Oct
14
A Student-Centered Approach to Plagiarism in the Age of Generative AI [CIRTL Network Event]
Online - 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Many instructors have struggled to address plagiarism in the rise of generative AI, but these technologies may simply be revealing long‑standing gaps in how students understand the work of learning. This two‑part workshop explores how transparency about the cognitive work required in assignments and how students perceive that work can strengthen assessment validity and reduce the reliance of AI in coursework. By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
Identify the current literature regarding why students plagiarize.
Discuss the differences between assessment security and assessment validity.
Examine a class assessment’s cognitive load, germane load, and extraneous cognitive load.
Revise a class assessment to improve its assessment validity and clarify the learning process.
Instructors
Teresa Hooper, University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Chris Kilgore, University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Workshop Schedule
This two-session online workshop meets in Zoom on Tuesday, October 13th and 14th at 9-10:30pm Gulf / 1-2:30pm Eastern / 12-1:30pm Central / 10-11:30am Pacific/Arizona.
This workshop is available to the Northwestern community through the University's affiliation with the CIRTL Network.
Oct
14
CDB Experts in the Field - Christopher A. Walsh, M.D., Ph.D.
Chicago - 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
CDB Experts-in-the-field Seminar Series
“Somatic mosaicism in the human brain in development, aging, and disease”
Christopher A. Walsh, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor of Pediatrics and Neurology at Harvard Medical School,
Chief of the Division of Genetics and Genomics at Boston Children's Hospital,
Investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute
https://www.hsci.harvard.edu/people/christopher-walsh-md-phd
Wednesday, October 14th, 2026
12:30pm to 1:30pm
Baldwin Auditorium Lurie - 1-123
Robert H. Lurie Medical Research Center
303 E. Superior St. Chicago, Illinois, 60611
Host:
Saba Parvez PhD
Assistant Professor, Cell and Developmental Biology
https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/cdb/faculty/profile.html?xid=62620
Calendar invites with event details are disseminated in advance. Contact cdb@northwestern.edu for additional details or sign-up for our listserv here.
Oct
15
BMG Seminar: Diego V. Bohórquez, Ph.D., Duke University
Chicago - 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
The Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics presents:
Diego V. Bohórquez, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Duke University
Presentation:
"Deciphering Visceral Instincts: A Gut-Brain Dialogue "
The Laboratory of Gut-Brain Neurobiology at Duke University works to heal the brain from the gut by deciphering the neural circuits that convert food into feelings. We discovered neuropod cells—specialized sensory epithelial cells that form direct synaptic connections with vagal afferents—enabling rapid communication from gut to brain. Using this neuroepithelial circuit, we demonstrated that neuropod cells transduce specific nutrients through glutamate signaling onto vagal neurons to drive nutrient-selective feeding behaviors. In collaboration with Dr. Polina Anikeeva's lab at MIT, we developed gut optogenetics using flexible fiber-optic technology and identified a discrete population of these cells that confers preference for caloric sugar over artificial sweeteners. More recently, we identified a "neurobiotic sense": colonic neuropod cells detect bacterial flagellin via TLR5 and signal through PYY–Y2R transduction to suppress feeding in real time—revealing that the gut senses its microbiota using the same rapid logic it uses for nutrient sensing. We are now dissecting neural circuits for reward valuation and protein sensing to define how neuroepithelial systems assign hedonic value to food and detect essential macronutrients. Each new sense we uncover reveals an architecture in which the gut feels before the brain knows why. We propose this circuitry represents a promising therapeutic avenue for obesity, addiction, and mood disorders—not by treating the brain in isolation, but by engaging the organ that speaks to it first. This is what it means to heal the brain from the gut.
Host: Dr. Iris Titos Vivancos, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Oct
15
Immunology Journal Club
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
The Northwestern University Immunology Journal Club is a forum for students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty, and research staff to come together to discuss current and influential research in immunology. Each session focuses on a recently published paper or emerging topic, with an emphasis on understanding experimental approaches, interpreting data, evaluating scientific rigor, and discussing the broader implications for immunology and human health.
The journal club provides an informal and collaborative environment for sharing ideas, asking questions, and exploring new research directions. Discussions may span areas including innate and adaptive immunity, inflammation, immunometabolism, autoimmunity, infectious disease, cancer immunology, immunotherapy, vaccines, and emerging technologies in immunological research.
The goal is not only to stay current with the literature, but also to encourage critical thinking, scientific collaboration, and meaningful discussion across Northwestern's diverse immunology research community. All levels of experience are welcome, and participants are encouraged to contribute questions, perspectives, and ideas.
Oct
16
H Foundation Basic Science Symposium
Chicago - 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
On Friday, October 16, the Basic Science Programs of the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University will host a one-day symposium entitled "Decoding Cancer’s Architecture: From Tumor Structure to Genome Function."
Admission is complimentary but advance registration is requested as space is limited.
This program is made possible through the generous support of The H Foundation.
Confirmed Speakers:
Joseph Costello, PhD
University of California, San Francisco
Shannon Lauberth, PhD
Lurie Cancer Center
Vineet Bafna, PhD
University of California, San Diego
Linghua Wang, MD, PhD
University of Texas MD Anderson
Jane Skok, PhD
NYU Langone Health
Wei Li, PhD
University of California, Irvine
Oct
16
FCVRRI Seminar - ASN Poster/Short Talk Competition
Chicago - 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
ASN Poster practice sessions
Oct
16
"Spatiotemporal Organization of Striatal Output Pathway Dynamics During Learning and Action"
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Neuroscience Seminar Series: Dr. Mark Howe, PhD
The direct and indirect pathways of the striatum have traditionally been associated with opposing influences on behavior, yet in vivo recordings generally revealed broad co-activation and similar behavioral correlates during movement and action. How these observations can be reconciled, and how relationships between the two pathways evolve during the learning and execution of sensory guided behaviors, remain unresolved. I will discuss recent work from our laboratory examining the organization of direct- and indirect-pathway activity across spatial and cellular scales during learned behavior. Using two-photon calcium imaging, we find that learning produces structured, dynamic imbalances between direct- and indirect-pathway populations within neuronal ensembles representing progress through goal-directed trajectories. These pathway relationships emerge with experience and cannot be explained simply by ongoing movement. To investigate how dynamics are organized across functionally distinct striatal circuits, we developed high-density optical fiber arrays which enable measurements of cell-type-specific activity and excitatory input at over 100 sites simultaneously throughout the striatum. These measurements reveal that low-level sensory and action-related representations are similarly expressed in both output pathways and closely reflect their inputs, whereas learned motivational representations become selectively differentiated between pathways within specific striatal regions. Together, these findings suggest a model in which learning transforms broadly shared input representations into spatially and temporally structured biases in striatal output. I will discuss how these dynamics may emerge through local circuit and neuromodulatory mechanisms, and how they could contribute to the selection, organization, and refinement of goal-directed behavior.
Oct
16
Oct
16
DAAD RISE Germany and ThinkSwiss information session
Evanston - 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM
DAAD RISE Germany offers summer research internships in German research institutes and universities to undergraduate students from the US, Ireland and the UK. ThinkSwiss provides opportunities for students enrolled in US universities to conduct research in Swiss institutes. This information session will outline the programs, eligibility and application timelines. If you are a sophomore or junior in STEM fields who is interested in these programs, please attend to learn more. Questions? Latanya Williams, PhD Office of Fellowships; latanya.williams@northwestern.edu
Oct
19
Designing Assignments with UDL: Supporting Student Emotional Capacity [CIRTL Network Event]
Online - 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Students’ ability to learn depends not only on what they know, but also on their ability to navigate frustration, uncertainty, feedback, and other emotional aspects of the learning process. In this two-session workshop, participants will explore how the design of course assignments can either encourage learning or create unnecessary emotional barriers to it, and develop concrete strategies for assignment design that help students direct their emotional resources toward successful learning rather than avoidable frustration.
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) calls a student’s ability to navigate the emotional aspects of learning their emotional capacity. We will use three UDL Emotional Capacity considerations as a framework for understanding how assignment design can support or hinder student emotional capacity (by removing emotional barriers or introducing unnecessary ones, respectively), and as a guide for intentionally designing assignments that reduce common sources of frustration.
This workshop utilizes an object-based teaching and learning approach, allowing participants to engage with and learn directly from assignments from a wide range of disciplines. In the first session, participants will use authentic assignments as shared objects for observation, analysis, and discussion to uncover assumptions they may hold about students’ emotional capacity before connecting those observations and assumptions to the UDL framework and UDL informed assignment design strategies. At the end of this session participants will begin to redesign an assignment relevant to their discipline by using at least one of the assignment design strategies discussed in the session. In the second session, participants will explore action-oriented feedback as a tool for maintaining motivation and promoting growth, then participate in a structured peer-review process to refine their assignment revisions. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of how assignment design influences students’ emotional experiences and concrete strategies for designing assignments that better support the emotional needs of learners. By the end of this workshop, participants will be prepared to:
Discuss concrete strategies for promoting student emotional capacity through incorporating UDL considerations 8.5, and 9.1-3 in assignment design.
Design or revise an assignment to promote student emotional capacity through the incorporation of one or more of the UDL emotional capacity considerations.
Instructors
Lyla Hestand, The Ohio State University
Erin Mercurio, The Ohio State University
Workshop Schedule
This two-part online workshop meets in Zoom on Monday, October 19th and 26th at 8-10pm Gulf / 12-2pm Eastern / 11am-1pm Central / 9-11am Pacific/Arizona.
Audience
While every discipline has their own norms and conventions, the CAST UDL Guidelines – including the Emotional Capacity considerations we will focus on – are designed to be applicable regardless of domain. Emotional barriers to learning and strategies for circumventing them do not depend upon content. All graduate students are invited to attend, regardless of discipline or teaching experience.
This workshop is available to the Northwestern community through the University's membership in the CIRTL Network.
Oct
20
Microbiology-Immunology Seminar Series: Dr. Nadia Roan, PhD
Chicago - 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM
Title: The active reservoir as a therapeutic target to achieve HIV remission
Description: Although antiretroviral therapy (ART) effectively suppresses HIV replication, it is not a cure for HIV which persists in a long-lived reservoir of infected cells. This seminar will focus on the reservoir actively transcribing HIV – the so-called "active" HIV reservoir – which is an important therapeutic target for HIV cure and remission strategies given its contribution to chronic inflammation and its potential to elicit viral rebound upon ART interruption. The seminar will cover development and application of recent single-cell sequencing technologies to characterize the active HIV reservoir in blood and tissues of ART-suppressed people with HIV, and strategies to silence and eliminate this reservoir.
Oct
20
CANCELLED - Distinguished Lecturers in Life Sciences: Cells as Agents | Arjun Raj, PhD
Chicago - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Arjun Raj, PhD
Richard K. Lubin Professor of Bioengineering
Professor of Genetics
University of Pennsylvania
Host: Yogesh Goyal, PhD
Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at 3:30 pm
Reception to follow in the Ryan Family Atrium at 4:30 pm
Oct
21
CDB Trainee Seminar Series Flash Talk - Hannah Ball, PhD
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Cell & Developmental Biology (CDB) Trainee Seminar Series: Flash Talk
Hannah Ball, PhD
Postdoctoral scholar, Snead Lab
October 7th 2026
12:00-01:00PM
Simpson Querry 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
Oct
22
BMG Seminar: Pascal Kaeser, MD, Harvard Medical School
Chicago - 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
The Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics presents:
Pascal S. Kaeser, MD
Professor
Harvard Medical School
Presentation:
"Mechanisms and Roles of Striatal Neuromodulatory Transmission "
Striatal neuromodulators, for example monoamines, control movement, motivation and reward. These modulatory transmitters code information on various spatiotemporal scales. The presentation will focus on our progress in understanding striatal neuromodulatory transmission mechanisms, and on the roles of these transmitters in the modulation of striatal function. I will discuss recent findings on the molecular machinery that controls their secretion, present data on the transcellular organization of modulatory transmission, and evaluate how the various systems might interact with one another. In the long-term, our work will allow for a better understanding of the mechanisms and time scales of striatal neuromodulation in health and disease.
Host: Dr. Iris Titos Vivancos, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Oct
26
Designing Assignments with UDL: Supporting Student Emotional Capacity [CIRTL Network Event]
Online - 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Students’ ability to learn depends not only on what they know, but also on their ability to navigate frustration, uncertainty, feedback, and other emotional aspects of the learning process. In this two-session workshop, participants will explore how the design of course assignments can either encourage learning or create unnecessary emotional barriers to it, and develop concrete strategies for assignment design that help students direct their emotional resources toward successful learning rather than avoidable frustration.
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) calls a student’s ability to navigate the emotional aspects of learning their emotional capacity. We will use three UDL Emotional Capacity considerations as a framework for understanding how assignment design can support or hinder student emotional capacity (by removing emotional barriers or introducing unnecessary ones, respectively), and as a guide for intentionally designing assignments that reduce common sources of frustration.
This workshop utilizes an object-based teaching and learning approach, allowing participants to engage with and learn directly from assignments from a wide range of disciplines. In the first session, participants will use authentic assignments as shared objects for observation, analysis, and discussion to uncover assumptions they may hold about students’ emotional capacity before connecting those observations and assumptions to the UDL framework and UDL informed assignment design strategies. At the end of this session participants will begin to redesign an assignment relevant to their discipline by using at least one of the assignment design strategies discussed in the session. In the second session, participants will explore action-oriented feedback as a tool for maintaining motivation and promoting growth, then participate in a structured peer-review process to refine their assignment revisions. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of how assignment design influences students’ emotional experiences and concrete strategies for designing assignments that better support the emotional needs of learners. By the end of this workshop, participants will be prepared to:
Discuss concrete strategies for promoting student emotional capacity through incorporating UDL considerations 8.5, and 9.1-3 in assignment design.
Design or revise an assignment to promote student emotional capacity through the incorporation of one or more of the UDL emotional capacity considerations.
Instructors
Lyla Hestand, The Ohio State University
Erin Mercurio, The Ohio State University
Workshop Schedule
This two-part online workshop meets in Zoom on Monday, October 19th and 26th at 8-10pm Gulf / 12-2pm Eastern / 11am-1pm Central / 9-11am Pacific/Arizona.
Audience
While every discipline has their own norms and conventions, the CAST UDL Guidelines – including the Emotional Capacity considerations we will focus on – are designed to be applicable regardless of domain. Emotional barriers to learning and strategies for circumventing them do not depend upon content. All graduate students are invited to attend, regardless of discipline or teaching experience.
This workshop is available to the Northwestern community through the University's affiliation with the Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning.
Oct
26
Lurie Cancer Center Research-in-Progress Seminar Series
Chicago - 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Chemical-Genetic Mapping Identifies TMED2 as a Critical Factor in Cancer-Associated Proliferation Stress
Austin Klein, PhD Candidate (Mendillo lab)
Combined DNA-PK Inhibition and Interferon Therapy for Advanced Myeloproliferative Neoplasms
Brian Lee, MD, PhD Candidate (Platanias lab)
Lunch will be provided
Oct
26
Department of Pharmacology Seminar, Ahmad Jomaa PhD
Chicago - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Speaker: Ahmad Jomaa PhD, Assistant Professor of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics University of Virginia School of Medicine
Bio: Ahmad Jomaa, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics at the University of Virginia School of Medicine and a member of the UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center. He received his doctoral training in Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences from McMaster University in Canada and his postdoctoral training in Structural and Molecular Biology at the ETH Zurich in Switzerland. He established his laboratory at UVA in 2022.
The Jomaa laboratory investigates how ribosomes coordinate protein synthesis with nascent protein processing, targeting, quality control, and cellular adaptation. By integrating cryo-electron microscopy, cryo-electron tomography, genetics, biochemistry, and cell-based approaches, his group has uncovered mechanisms governing ribosome dormancy and translational recovery, co-translational protein modification and targeting, ribosome-associated quality control, and organelle-directed protein biogenesis. Dr. Jomaa is a Searle Scholar, and his research is supported by the NIH and NSF.
Lecture Title: The Ribosome as a Regulatory Hub for Protein Biogenesis and Cellular Adaptation
Abstract: Ribosomes do much more than synthesize proteins: they also coordinate nascent protein processing, targeting, quality control, and cellular adaptation. This lecture will highlight our work combining cryo-electron microscopy, cryo-electron tomography, biochemistry and cell-based approaches to uncover how ribosomes interact with regulatory factors during protein synthesis and how these mechanisms enable cells to respond to changing physiological conditions.
Oct
27
Microbiology-Immunology Seminar Series: Dr. Paul Lieberman, PhD
Chicago - 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM
Title: Human Gammaherpesvirus Latency and Pathogenesis: Viral Episomes, Cancer and Autoimmunity
Description: Paul M. Lieberman, PhD is the Hilary Koprowski Professor and Director of the Center for Advanced Therapeutics at the Wistar Institute, and Program Leader for the Genome Regulation and Cell Signaling Program at the Ellen and Ronald Caplan Cancer Center of the Wistar Institute. Dr. Lieberman received his BA from Cornell University and PhD from The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Pharmacology/Virology. Dr. Lieberman’s research focuses on oncogenic herpesvirus persistence and genome maintenance in cancer and autoimmune disease. The Lieberman lab is developing clinical stage small molecule inhibitors to block Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) latent infection and persistence to treat EBV-associated disease. Dr. Lieberman is an Elected Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Oct
27
Northwestern Curriculum Innovation Series
Evanston - 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Join us for the new Northwestern Curriculum Innovation Series!
The inaugural event will feature the 2025 recipients of the Alumnae of Northwestern University Award for Curriculum Innovation: Claudia Quevedo-Webb, César Hoyos Álvarez, and María Jesús Barros García of the Department of Spanish and Portuguese. Their project uses virtual reality to create immersive language-learning experiences that strengthen students' linguistic and intercultural development.
This series creates a forum for faculty to share insights, lessons learned, and questions emerging from their work. In each one-hour program, featured faculty will discuss the thinking behind their projects, reflect on what they are learning through implementation, and engage colleagues in conversation.
Please contact Denise Drane (d-drane@northwestern.edu) with any questions.
Oct
29
BMG Seminar: Thomas Clandinin, Ph.D., Stanford University
Chicago - 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
The Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics presents:
Thomas Clandinin, Ph.D.
Shooter Family Professor
Stanford University
Presentation:
"How Does Brain Structure Constrain Brain Function "
Host: Dr. Iris Titos Vivancos, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Oct
29
DAAD RISE Germany and ThinkSwiss information session
Online - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
DAAD RISE Germany offers summer research internships in German research institutes and universities to undergraduate students from the US, Ireland and the UK. ThinkSwiss provides opportunities for students enrolled in US universities to conduct research in Swiss institutes. This information session will outline the programs, eligibility and application timelines. If you are a sophomore or junior in STEM fields who is interested in these programs, please attend to learn more. Questions? Latanya Williams, PhD Office of Fellowships; latanya.williams@northwestern.edu
Oct
29
Immunology Journal Club
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
The Northwestern University Immunology Journal Club is a forum for students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty, and research staff to come together to discuss current and influential research in immunology. Each session focuses on a recently published paper or emerging topic, with an emphasis on understanding experimental approaches, interpreting data, evaluating scientific rigor, and discussing the broader implications for immunology and human health.
The journal club provides an informal and collaborative environment for sharing ideas, asking questions, and exploring new research directions. Discussions may span areas including innate and adaptive immunity, inflammation, immunometabolism, autoimmunity, infectious disease, cancer immunology, immunotherapy, vaccines, and emerging technologies in immunological research.
The goal is not only to stay current with the literature, but also to encourage critical thinking, scientific collaboration, and meaningful discussion across Northwestern's diverse immunology research community. All levels of experience are welcome, and participants are encouraged to contribute questions, perspectives, and ideas.
Oct
29
Pedagogical Innovations Featuring Dr. Almaz Mesghina
Evanston - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Pedagogical Innovations is a scholarly exchange offered each quarter, showcasing leading-edge research that informs teaching and learning strategies.
This session will feature Dr. Almaz Mesghina, an Assistant Professor of Instruction in the Department of Psychology. She will discuss how she uses cooperative assignments and assessments to support students' belonging and learning.
This session is open to faculty, graduate students, and postdocs. It is recommended for those pursuing the CIRTL Certificate.
Oct
30
FCVRRI Seminar - AHA Poster/Short Talk Competition
Chicago - 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
AHA Poster Practice sessions
Oct
30
"Molecular Physiology of Pain: From Calcium Channels to Brain Circuits"
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Neuroscience Seminar Series: Dr. Gerald W. Zamponi, PhD
Chronic pain involves dysregulation of neuronal signalling at the peripheral and CNS levels. T-type voltage calcium channels control the firing of sensory afferents and spinal cord interneurons and are aberrantly upregulated in response to inflammation or nerve injury. This is due to alterations in post translational modification by deubiquitinase activity. I will present data on preclinical development of new drug molecules that act on this pathway. Neuronal circuits in the brain process nociceptive inputs to construct pain as an unpleasant sensation. Using optogenetics, electrophysiology, calcium imaging and projection tracing our team has identified a long range brain circuit that processes neuropathic pain by altering descending control over the spinal cord. I will present data showing that complex alterations in excitation-inhibition balance in the amygdala-prefrontal cortex-vlPAG-locus coeruleus- spinal cord axis is a key determinant of pain processing.
Oct
30
Nov
02
Department of Pharmacology Seminar, Janos Zempleni PhD
Chicago - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Janos Zempleni Ph.D
Willa Cather Professor of Molecular Nutrition and Director of the Nebraska Center for the Prevention of Obesity Diseases.
More info TBA
Nov
03
Nov
03
Microbiology-Immunology Seminar Series: Dr. Amy Lee, PhD
Chicago - 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM
Title: Evolution of mRNA translation across the diversity of life
Description: How do organisms control which proteins they make to drive distinct cellular functions? Every aspect of biology is defined by which proteins each cell expresses. Furthermore, to manifest diverse phenotypes, cells must regulate protein synthesis at both global and gene-specific levels. To address this fundamental question, we leverage diverse cells, viruses, and animals to identify unanticipated principles of mRNA translational control that confer species-specific evolutionary novelty.
Nov
03
DGP and CHI Lecture: Immunological Mechanisms of Cancer Defense | Ming Li, PhD
Chicago - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Ming Li, PhD
David H. Koch Chair in
Immunological Studies
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Host: Caylee Silvers
Tuesday, November 3, 2026 at 3:30 pm
Reception to follow in the Ryan Family Atrium at 4:30 pm
Nov
04
Sparkshop: Making Large Classes Feel Smaller
Online - 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Teaching a large course doesn't mean settling for passive listening. Join this fast-paced, 30-minute Sparkshop to learn methods for increasing student engagement and motivation in large classes..., all while keeping your workload manageable. We’ll dive into a few active learning techniques that can engage large groups of students, as well as some approaches for building community in ways that foster learning and academic integrity. Join us to discover how to break down a massive class into manageable, collaborative moments where every student has a chance to engage.
Nov
05
Immunology Journal Club
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
The Northwestern University Immunology Journal Club is a forum for students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty, and research staff to come together to discuss current and influential research in immunology. Each session focuses on a recently published paper or emerging topic, with an emphasis on understanding experimental approaches, interpreting data, evaluating scientific rigor, and discussing the broader implications for immunology and human health.
The journal club provides an informal and collaborative environment for sharing ideas, asking questions, and exploring new research directions. Discussions may span areas including innate and adaptive immunity, inflammation, immunometabolism, autoimmunity, infectious disease, cancer immunology, immunotherapy, vaccines, and emerging technologies in immunological research.
The goal is not only to stay current with the literature, but also to encourage critical thinking, scientific collaboration, and meaningful discussion across Northwestern's diverse immunology research community. All levels of experience are welcome, and participants are encouraged to contribute questions, perspectives, and ideas.
Nov
09
Department of Pharmacology Seminar, Edward C. Twomey, MA, MPhil, PhD
Chicago - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Edward C. Twomey, MA, MPhil, PhD
Dr. Edward Twomey is an assistant professor of biophysics and biophysical chemistry at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
More info TBD
Nov
10
Student Belonging and Success Reading Circle
Online - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
The Student Belonging and Success Reading Circle Series offers an opportunity to focus on students’ experiences, development, and their perceptions of commonly used learning practices and the classroom environment.
Open to graduate students, postdocs, staff, and instructors at all stages of their careers. Recommended for those pursuing the CIRTL Certificate.
Nov
10
Microbiology-Immunology Seminar Series: Dr. Montserrat Anguera, PhD
Chicago - 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM
Title: Genetic and Epigenetic Influences on Female-Biased Autoimmunity
Description: Women with two X chromosomes are disproportionately affected by autoimmune diseases such as lupus. Our recent studies reveal that maintenance of X-chromosome inactivation in B cells is highly dynamic and relies on both Xist RNA-dependent and Xist-independent mechanisms to preserve the epigenetic state of the inactive X chromosome. In addition, disrupting Xist RNA-mediated X-chromosome inactivation specifically in B cells can promote aberrant B-cell activation, autoantibody production, and lupus-associated disease in female mice. Together, these findings identify maintenance of X-chromosome inactivation as an important regulator of B-cell function and provide a mechanistic link between the X chromosome and female-biased autoimmunity.
Nov
13
2026 Lurie Cancer Center GI Oncology Symposium
Chicago - 7:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Join us in person for the inaugural Lurie Cancer Center GI Oncology Symposium, a new multidisciplinary forum dedicated to the rapidly evolving landscape of gastrointestinal cancer care. From targeted therapies and immunotherapy to innovative surgical approaches and complex case management, this one-day CME program delivers the latest evidence and expert perspectives across the full continuum of GI malignancies. Developed by the team behind the Lurie Cancer Center's longstanding oncology education programs and featuring distinguished faculty from leading cancer centers nationwide, this inaugural symposium offers a unique opportunity to connect with colleagues, explore emerging advances, and gain practical strategies that can be immediately applied to patient care.
Nov
16
Department of Pharmacology Seminar, Jonathan Schlebach PhD
Chicago - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Jonathan Schlebach Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Biochemistry at Purdue University.
More info TBA
Nov
19
Immunology Journal Club
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
The Northwestern University Immunology Journal Club is a forum for students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty, and research staff to come together to discuss current and influential research in immunology. Each session focuses on a recently published paper or emerging topic, with an emphasis on understanding experimental approaches, interpreting data, evaluating scientific rigor, and discussing the broader implications for immunology and human health.
The journal club provides an informal and collaborative environment for sharing ideas, asking questions, and exploring new research directions. Discussions may span areas including innate and adaptive immunity, inflammation, immunometabolism, autoimmunity, infectious disease, cancer immunology, immunotherapy, vaccines, and emerging technologies in immunological research.
The goal is not only to stay current with the literature, but also to encourage critical thinking, scientific collaboration, and meaningful discussion across Northwestern's diverse immunology research community. All levels of experience are welcome, and participants are encouraged to contribute questions, perspectives, and ideas.
Nov
30
Boren Awards Information Meeting
Evanston - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
The Boren Scholarship funds undergraduate students who pursue language-intensive study abroad in countries out of the mainstream. At its core, Boren is a language program, thus competitive applicants will be serious students of a language not commonly taught in the United States. In addition, Boren funding comes from the US Government, thus they prize government service. All applicants must be thoughtful about how their career contributes to national security. Finally, Boren rewards long-duration study abroad. Most recipients will stay abroad for six months or more.
The Boren Fellowship funds graduate students who pursue language-intensive study abroad or research in countries out of the mainstream At its core, Boren is a language program, thus competitive applicants will be serious students of a language not commonly taught in the United States. In addition, Boren funding comes from the US Government, thus they prize government service. All applicants must be thoughtful about how their career contributes to national security. Finally, Boren rewards long-duration study abroad. Most recipients will stay abroad for six months or more.
Campus Deadline for Boren Scholarship -- 1/13/27 @ 12:00 noon
National Deadline for Boren Fellowship -- 1/20/27
National Deadline for Boren Scholarship -- 1/27/27
Dec
04
“Dysregulation of Prefrontal Circuit Maturation Following Early Life Adversity"
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Neuroscience Seminar Series: Dr. Kuei Y. Tseng, PhD
Exposure to early life adversity (ELA) is known to negatively impact the development of neural circuits controlling threat detection, leading to cognitive and emotional dysregulation later in life. Yet, the underlying mechanisms contributing to such behavioral deficits remain elusive due to our limited understanding of key neural maturation events that are sensitive to ELA. The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is likely to play a pivotal role in driving the circuit-level effects of ELA, given its protracted developmental trajectory and high reactivity to stress. Here I will show unpublished data and discuss key concepts on how sensitive neurodevelopmental processes become vulnerable to the impact of ELA, with emphasis on PFC neural circuits that undergo functional remodeling during the adolescent period. Of particular interest is the gain of PFC GABA transmission and the re-calibration of local excitatory-inhibitory balance, a hallmark of PFC maturation that is intimately linked to the maturation cognitive functioning.
Dec
08
Boren Awards Information Meeting
Online - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
The Boren Scholarship funds undergraduate students who pursue language-intensive study abroad in countries out of the mainstream. At its core, Boren is a language program, thus competitive applicants will be serious students of a language not commonly taught in the United States. In addition, Boren funding comes from the US Government, thus they prize government service. All applicants must be thoughtful about how their career contributes to national security. Finally, Boren rewards long-duration study abroad. Most recipients will stay abroad for six months or more.
The Boren Fellowship funds graduate students who pursue language-intensive study abroad or research in countries out of the mainstream At its core, Boren is a language program, thus competitive applicants will be serious students of a language not commonly taught in the United States. In addition, Boren funding comes from the US Government, thus they prize government service. All applicants must be thoughtful about how their career contributes to national security. Finally, Boren rewards long-duration study abroad. Most recipients will stay abroad for six months or more.
Campus Deadline for Boren Scholarship -- 1/13/27 @ 12:00 noon
National Deadline for Boren Fellowship -- 1/20/27
National Deadline for Boren Scholarship -- 1/27/27
Dec
10
Immunology Journal Club
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
The Northwestern University Immunology Journal Club is a forum for students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty, and research staff to come together to discuss current and influential research in immunology. Each session focuses on a recently published paper or emerging topic, with an emphasis on understanding experimental approaches, interpreting data, evaluating scientific rigor, and discussing the broader implications for immunology and human health.
The journal club provides an informal and collaborative environment for sharing ideas, asking questions, and exploring new research directions. Discussions may span areas including innate and adaptive immunity, inflammation, immunometabolism, autoimmunity, infectious disease, cancer immunology, immunotherapy, vaccines, and emerging technologies in immunological research.
The goal is not only to stay current with the literature, but also to encourage critical thinking, scientific collaboration, and meaningful discussion across Northwestern's diverse immunology research community. All levels of experience are welcome, and participants are encouraged to contribute questions, perspectives, and ideas.
Oct
05
DAAD Study Scholarship & Research Grant Information Session
Evanston - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) offers recent undergraduate alums and graduate students the opportunity to study or research in Germany. Come hear about ways to further your education at a German University or pursue a research project.
Campus Deadline -- 10/15/26 @ 12:00 noon
National Deadline -- 10/30/26
Oct
05
DAAD RISE Germany and ThinkSwiss information session
Online - 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
DAAD RISE Germany offers summer research internships in German research institutes and universities to undergraduate students from the US, Ireland and the UK. ThinkSwiss provides opportunities for students enrolled in US universities to conduct research in Swiss institutes. This information session will outline the programs, eligibility and application timelines. If you are a sophomore or junior in STEM fields who is interested in these programs, please attend to learn more. Questions? Latanya Williams, PhD Office of Fellowships; latanya.williams@northwestern.edu
Oct
07
CDB Trainee Seminar Series - Charity Muriuki
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Cell & Developmental Biology (CDB) Trainee Seminar Series
"Molecular Differences Across Human Foreskin Tissues: Transcriptomic Insights into Pathways Relevant to HIV Susceptibility"
Charity Muriuki,
Postdoc, Hope Lab
Cell & Developmental Biology Department
October 7th 2026
12:00-01:00PM
Ward 5-230 Neuroscience
Ward Building
303 E Chicago Ave, 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
Oct
09
FCVRRI Research in Progress Seminar - Margherita Zamberlan, PhD
Chicago - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Talk Title - Long Term Lineage Tracing of Endothelial Cells Reveals Unique Turnover Dynamics Across Different Organs
Oct
09
Oct
09
DGP Student Thesis Seminar - CC Clark - Dr. Minoli Perera Lab
Chicago - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Title of Presentation:
"Elucidating the Multi-Omic Drivers of Hepatocytes: Insights into African American Drug Metabolism"
This is a hybrid defense. For Zoom access, email rachael.hill@northwestern.edu.
Oct
12
Lurie Cancer Center Core Technologies & Applications Seminar Series
Chicago - 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
From Mouse to Human: Expanding Genome Targeting Approaches for Disease Modeling
Styliani Markoulaki, PhD
Director, Transgenic and Targeted
Mutagenesis (TTML) Lab
Research Professor, Department of
Cellular and Developmental Biology
Feinberg School of Medicine
Angel Alvarez, PhD
Director, Stem Cell Core
Research Assistant Professor, Department of Neurology
Feinberg School of Medicine
Lunch is provided
Oct
14
A Student-Centered Approach to Plagiarism in the Age of Generative AI [CIRTL Network Event]
Online - 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Many instructors have struggled to address plagiarism in the rise of generative AI, but these technologies may simply be revealing long‑standing gaps in how students understand the work of learning. This two‑part workshop explores how transparency about the cognitive work required in assignments and how students perceive that work can strengthen assessment validity and reduce the reliance of AI in coursework. By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
Identify the current literature regarding why students plagiarize.
Discuss the differences between assessment security and assessment validity.
Examine a class assessment’s cognitive load, germane load, and extraneous cognitive load.
Revise a class assessment to improve its assessment validity and clarify the learning process.
Instructors
Teresa Hooper, University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Chris Kilgore, University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Workshop Schedule
This two-session online workshop meets in Zoom on Tuesday, October 13th and 14th at 9-10:30pm Gulf / 1-2:30pm Eastern / 12-1:30pm Central / 10-11:30am Pacific/Arizona.
This workshop is available to the Northwestern community through the University's affiliation with the CIRTL Network.
Oct
14
CDB Experts in the Field - Christopher A. Walsh, M.D., Ph.D.
Chicago - 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
CDB Experts-in-the-field Seminar Series
“Somatic mosaicism in the human brain in development, aging, and disease”
Christopher A. Walsh, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor of Pediatrics and Neurology at Harvard Medical School,
Chief of the Division of Genetics and Genomics at Boston Children's Hospital,
Investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute
https://www.hsci.harvard.edu/people/christopher-walsh-md-phd
Wednesday, October 14th, 2026
12:30pm to 1:30pm
Baldwin Auditorium Lurie - 1-123
Robert H. Lurie Medical Research Center
303 E. Superior St. Chicago, Illinois, 60611
Host:
Saba Parvez PhD
Assistant Professor, Cell and Developmental Biology
https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/cdb/faculty/profile.html?xid=62620
Calendar invites with event details are disseminated in advance. Contact cdb@northwestern.edu for additional details or sign-up for our listserv here.
Oct
15
Immunology Journal Club
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
The Northwestern University Immunology Journal Club is a forum for students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty, and research staff to come together to discuss current and influential research in immunology. Each session focuses on a recently published paper or emerging topic, with an emphasis on understanding experimental approaches, interpreting data, evaluating scientific rigor, and discussing the broader implications for immunology and human health.
The journal club provides an informal and collaborative environment for sharing ideas, asking questions, and exploring new research directions. Discussions may span areas including innate and adaptive immunity, inflammation, immunometabolism, autoimmunity, infectious disease, cancer immunology, immunotherapy, vaccines, and emerging technologies in immunological research.
The goal is not only to stay current with the literature, but also to encourage critical thinking, scientific collaboration, and meaningful discussion across Northwestern's diverse immunology research community. All levels of experience are welcome, and participants are encouraged to contribute questions, perspectives, and ideas.
Oct
16
H Foundation Basic Science Symposium
Chicago - 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
On Friday, October 16, the Basic Science Programs of the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University will host a one-day symposium entitled "Decoding Cancer’s Architecture: From Tumor Structure to Genome Function."
Admission is complimentary but advance registration is requested as space is limited.
This program is made possible through the generous support of The H Foundation.
Confirmed Speakers:
Joseph Costello, PhD
University of California, San Francisco
Shannon Lauberth, PhD
Lurie Cancer Center
Vineet Bafna, PhD
University of California, San Diego
Linghua Wang, MD, PhD
University of Texas MD Anderson
Jane Skok, PhD
NYU Langone Health
Wei Li, PhD
University of California, Irvine
Oct
16
FCVRRI Seminar - ASN Poster/Short Talk Competition
Chicago - 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
ASN Poster practice sessions
Oct
16
"Spatiotemporal Organization of Striatal Output Pathway Dynamics During Learning and Action"
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Neuroscience Seminar Series: Dr. Mark Howe, PhD
The direct and indirect pathways of the striatum have traditionally been associated with opposing influences on behavior, yet in vivo recordings generally revealed broad co-activation and similar behavioral correlates during movement and action. How these observations can be reconciled, and how relationships between the two pathways evolve during the learning and execution of sensory guided behaviors, remain unresolved. I will discuss recent work from our laboratory examining the organization of direct- and indirect-pathway activity across spatial and cellular scales during learned behavior. Using two-photon calcium imaging, we find that learning produces structured, dynamic imbalances between direct- and indirect-pathway populations within neuronal ensembles representing progress through goal-directed trajectories. These pathway relationships emerge with experience and cannot be explained simply by ongoing movement. To investigate how dynamics are organized across functionally distinct striatal circuits, we developed high-density optical fiber arrays which enable measurements of cell-type-specific activity and excitatory input at over 100 sites simultaneously throughout the striatum. These measurements reveal that low-level sensory and action-related representations are similarly expressed in both output pathways and closely reflect their inputs, whereas learned motivational representations become selectively differentiated between pathways within specific striatal regions. Together, these findings suggest a model in which learning transforms broadly shared input representations into spatially and temporally structured biases in striatal output. I will discuss how these dynamics may emerge through local circuit and neuromodulatory mechanisms, and how they could contribute to the selection, organization, and refinement of goal-directed behavior.
Oct
16
Oct
16
DAAD RISE Germany and ThinkSwiss information session
Evanston - 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM
DAAD RISE Germany offers summer research internships in German research institutes and universities to undergraduate students from the US, Ireland and the UK. ThinkSwiss provides opportunities for students enrolled in US universities to conduct research in Swiss institutes. This information session will outline the programs, eligibility and application timelines. If you are a sophomore or junior in STEM fields who is interested in these programs, please attend to learn more. Questions? Latanya Williams, PhD Office of Fellowships; latanya.williams@northwestern.edu
Oct
19
Designing Assignments with UDL: Supporting Student Emotional Capacity [CIRTL Network Event]
Online - 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Students’ ability to learn depends not only on what they know, but also on their ability to navigate frustration, uncertainty, feedback, and other emotional aspects of the learning process. In this two-session workshop, participants will explore how the design of course assignments can either encourage learning or create unnecessary emotional barriers to it, and develop concrete strategies for assignment design that help students direct their emotional resources toward successful learning rather than avoidable frustration.
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) calls a student’s ability to navigate the emotional aspects of learning their emotional capacity. We will use three UDL Emotional Capacity considerations as a framework for understanding how assignment design can support or hinder student emotional capacity (by removing emotional barriers or introducing unnecessary ones, respectively), and as a guide for intentionally designing assignments that reduce common sources of frustration.
This workshop utilizes an object-based teaching and learning approach, allowing participants to engage with and learn directly from assignments from a wide range of disciplines. In the first session, participants will use authentic assignments as shared objects for observation, analysis, and discussion to uncover assumptions they may hold about students’ emotional capacity before connecting those observations and assumptions to the UDL framework and UDL informed assignment design strategies. At the end of this session participants will begin to redesign an assignment relevant to their discipline by using at least one of the assignment design strategies discussed in the session. In the second session, participants will explore action-oriented feedback as a tool for maintaining motivation and promoting growth, then participate in a structured peer-review process to refine their assignment revisions. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of how assignment design influences students’ emotional experiences and concrete strategies for designing assignments that better support the emotional needs of learners. By the end of this workshop, participants will be prepared to:
Discuss concrete strategies for promoting student emotional capacity through incorporating UDL considerations 8.5, and 9.1-3 in assignment design.
Design or revise an assignment to promote student emotional capacity through the incorporation of one or more of the UDL emotional capacity considerations.
Instructors
Lyla Hestand, The Ohio State University
Erin Mercurio, The Ohio State University
Workshop Schedule
This two-part online workshop meets in Zoom on Monday, October 19th and 26th at 8-10pm Gulf / 12-2pm Eastern / 11am-1pm Central / 9-11am Pacific/Arizona.
Audience
While every discipline has their own norms and conventions, the CAST UDL Guidelines – including the Emotional Capacity considerations we will focus on – are designed to be applicable regardless of domain. Emotional barriers to learning and strategies for circumventing them do not depend upon content. All graduate students are invited to attend, regardless of discipline or teaching experience.
This workshop is available to the Northwestern community through the University's membership in the CIRTL Network.
Oct
20
Microbiology-Immunology Seminar Series: Dr. Nadia Roan, PhD
Chicago - 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM
Title: The active reservoir as a therapeutic target to achieve HIV remission
Description: Although antiretroviral therapy (ART) effectively suppresses HIV replication, it is not a cure for HIV which persists in a long-lived reservoir of infected cells. This seminar will focus on the reservoir actively transcribing HIV – the so-called "active" HIV reservoir – which is an important therapeutic target for HIV cure and remission strategies given its contribution to chronic inflammation and its potential to elicit viral rebound upon ART interruption. The seminar will cover development and application of recent single-cell sequencing technologies to characterize the active HIV reservoir in blood and tissues of ART-suppressed people with HIV, and strategies to silence and eliminate this reservoir.
Oct
20
CANCELLED - Distinguished Lecturers in Life Sciences: Cells as Agents | Arjun Raj, PhD
Chicago - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Arjun Raj, PhD
Richard K. Lubin Professor of Bioengineering
Professor of Genetics
University of Pennsylvania
Host: Yogesh Goyal, PhD
Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at 3:30 pm
Reception to follow in the Ryan Family Atrium at 4:30 pm
Oct
21
CDB Trainee Seminar Series Flash Talk - Hannah Ball, PhD
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Cell & Developmental Biology (CDB) Trainee Seminar Series: Flash Talk
Hannah Ball, PhD
Postdoctoral scholar, Snead Lab
October 7th 2026
12:00-01:00PM
Simpson Querry 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
Oct
26
Designing Assignments with UDL: Supporting Student Emotional Capacity [CIRTL Network Event]
Online - 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Students’ ability to learn depends not only on what they know, but also on their ability to navigate frustration, uncertainty, feedback, and other emotional aspects of the learning process. In this two-session workshop, participants will explore how the design of course assignments can either encourage learning or create unnecessary emotional barriers to it, and develop concrete strategies for assignment design that help students direct their emotional resources toward successful learning rather than avoidable frustration.
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) calls a student’s ability to navigate the emotional aspects of learning their emotional capacity. We will use three UDL Emotional Capacity considerations as a framework for understanding how assignment design can support or hinder student emotional capacity (by removing emotional barriers or introducing unnecessary ones, respectively), and as a guide for intentionally designing assignments that reduce common sources of frustration.
This workshop utilizes an object-based teaching and learning approach, allowing participants to engage with and learn directly from assignments from a wide range of disciplines. In the first session, participants will use authentic assignments as shared objects for observation, analysis, and discussion to uncover assumptions they may hold about students’ emotional capacity before connecting those observations and assumptions to the UDL framework and UDL informed assignment design strategies. At the end of this session participants will begin to redesign an assignment relevant to their discipline by using at least one of the assignment design strategies discussed in the session. In the second session, participants will explore action-oriented feedback as a tool for maintaining motivation and promoting growth, then participate in a structured peer-review process to refine their assignment revisions. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of how assignment design influences students’ emotional experiences and concrete strategies for designing assignments that better support the emotional needs of learners. By the end of this workshop, participants will be prepared to:
Discuss concrete strategies for promoting student emotional capacity through incorporating UDL considerations 8.5, and 9.1-3 in assignment design.
Design or revise an assignment to promote student emotional capacity through the incorporation of one or more of the UDL emotional capacity considerations.
Instructors
Lyla Hestand, The Ohio State University
Erin Mercurio, The Ohio State University
Workshop Schedule
This two-part online workshop meets in Zoom on Monday, October 19th and 26th at 8-10pm Gulf / 12-2pm Eastern / 11am-1pm Central / 9-11am Pacific/Arizona.
Audience
While every discipline has their own norms and conventions, the CAST UDL Guidelines – including the Emotional Capacity considerations we will focus on – are designed to be applicable regardless of domain. Emotional barriers to learning and strategies for circumventing them do not depend upon content. All graduate students are invited to attend, regardless of discipline or teaching experience.
This workshop is available to the Northwestern community through the University's affiliation with the Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning.
Oct
26
Lurie Cancer Center Research-in-Progress Seminar Series
Chicago - 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Chemical-Genetic Mapping Identifies TMED2 as a Critical Factor in Cancer-Associated Proliferation Stress
Austin Klein, PhD Candidate (Mendillo lab)
Combined DNA-PK Inhibition and Interferon Therapy for Advanced Myeloproliferative Neoplasms
Brian Lee, MD, PhD Candidate (Platanias lab)
Lunch will be provided
Oct
26
Department of Pharmacology Seminar, Ahmad Jomaa PhD
Chicago - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Speaker: Ahmad Jomaa PhD, Assistant Professor of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics University of Virginia School of Medicine
Bio: Ahmad Jomaa, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics at the University of Virginia School of Medicine and a member of the UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center. He received his doctoral training in Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences from McMaster University in Canada and his postdoctoral training in Structural and Molecular Biology at the ETH Zurich in Switzerland. He established his laboratory at UVA in 2022.
The Jomaa laboratory investigates how ribosomes coordinate protein synthesis with nascent protein processing, targeting, quality control, and cellular adaptation. By integrating cryo-electron microscopy, cryo-electron tomography, genetics, biochemistry, and cell-based approaches, his group has uncovered mechanisms governing ribosome dormancy and translational recovery, co-translational protein modification and targeting, ribosome-associated quality control, and organelle-directed protein biogenesis. Dr. Jomaa is a Searle Scholar, and his research is supported by the NIH and NSF.
Lecture Title: The Ribosome as a Regulatory Hub for Protein Biogenesis and Cellular Adaptation
Abstract: Ribosomes do much more than synthesize proteins: they also coordinate nascent protein processing, targeting, quality control, and cellular adaptation. This lecture will highlight our work combining cryo-electron microscopy, cryo-electron tomography, biochemistry and cell-based approaches to uncover how ribosomes interact with regulatory factors during protein synthesis and how these mechanisms enable cells to respond to changing physiological conditions.
Oct
27
Microbiology-Immunology Seminar Series: Dr. Paul Lieberman, PhD
Chicago - 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM
Title: Human Gammaherpesvirus Latency and Pathogenesis: Viral Episomes, Cancer and Autoimmunity
Description: Paul M. Lieberman, PhD is the Hilary Koprowski Professor and Director of the Center for Advanced Therapeutics at the Wistar Institute, and Program Leader for the Genome Regulation and Cell Signaling Program at the Ellen and Ronald Caplan Cancer Center of the Wistar Institute. Dr. Lieberman received his BA from Cornell University and PhD from The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Pharmacology/Virology. Dr. Lieberman’s research focuses on oncogenic herpesvirus persistence and genome maintenance in cancer and autoimmune disease. The Lieberman lab is developing clinical stage small molecule inhibitors to block Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) latent infection and persistence to treat EBV-associated disease. Dr. Lieberman is an Elected Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Oct
27
Northwestern Curriculum Innovation Series
Evanston - 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Join us for the new Northwestern Curriculum Innovation Series!
The inaugural event will feature the 2025 recipients of the Alumnae of Northwestern University Award for Curriculum Innovation: Claudia Quevedo-Webb, César Hoyos Álvarez, and María Jesús Barros García of the Department of Spanish and Portuguese. Their project uses virtual reality to create immersive language-learning experiences that strengthen students' linguistic and intercultural development.
This series creates a forum for faculty to share insights, lessons learned, and questions emerging from their work. In each one-hour program, featured faculty will discuss the thinking behind their projects, reflect on what they are learning through implementation, and engage colleagues in conversation.
Please contact Denise Drane (d-drane@northwestern.edu) with any questions.
Oct
29
DAAD RISE Germany and ThinkSwiss information session
Online - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
DAAD RISE Germany offers summer research internships in German research institutes and universities to undergraduate students from the US, Ireland and the UK. ThinkSwiss provides opportunities for students enrolled in US universities to conduct research in Swiss institutes. This information session will outline the programs, eligibility and application timelines. If you are a sophomore or junior in STEM fields who is interested in these programs, please attend to learn more. Questions? Latanya Williams, PhD Office of Fellowships; latanya.williams@northwestern.edu
Oct
29
Immunology Journal Club
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
The Northwestern University Immunology Journal Club is a forum for students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty, and research staff to come together to discuss current and influential research in immunology. Each session focuses on a recently published paper or emerging topic, with an emphasis on understanding experimental approaches, interpreting data, evaluating scientific rigor, and discussing the broader implications for immunology and human health.
The journal club provides an informal and collaborative environment for sharing ideas, asking questions, and exploring new research directions. Discussions may span areas including innate and adaptive immunity, inflammation, immunometabolism, autoimmunity, infectious disease, cancer immunology, immunotherapy, vaccines, and emerging technologies in immunological research.
The goal is not only to stay current with the literature, but also to encourage critical thinking, scientific collaboration, and meaningful discussion across Northwestern's diverse immunology research community. All levels of experience are welcome, and participants are encouraged to contribute questions, perspectives, and ideas.
Oct
29
Pedagogical Innovations Featuring Dr. Almaz Mesghina
Evanston - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Pedagogical Innovations is a scholarly exchange offered each quarter, showcasing leading-edge research that informs teaching and learning strategies.
This session will feature Dr. Almaz Mesghina, an Assistant Professor of Instruction in the Department of Psychology. She will discuss how she uses cooperative assignments and assessments to support students' belonging and learning.
This session is open to faculty, graduate students, and postdocs. It is recommended for those pursuing the CIRTL Certificate.
Oct
30
FCVRRI Seminar - AHA Poster/Short Talk Competition
Chicago - 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
AHA Poster Practice sessions
Oct
30
"Molecular Physiology of Pain: From Calcium Channels to Brain Circuits"
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Neuroscience Seminar Series: Dr. Gerald W. Zamponi, PhD
Chronic pain involves dysregulation of neuronal signalling at the peripheral and CNS levels. T-type voltage calcium channels control the firing of sensory afferents and spinal cord interneurons and are aberrantly upregulated in response to inflammation or nerve injury. This is due to alterations in post translational modification by deubiquitinase activity. I will present data on preclinical development of new drug molecules that act on this pathway. Neuronal circuits in the brain process nociceptive inputs to construct pain as an unpleasant sensation. Using optogenetics, electrophysiology, calcium imaging and projection tracing our team has identified a long range brain circuit that processes neuropathic pain by altering descending control over the spinal cord. I will present data showing that complex alterations in excitation-inhibition balance in the amygdala-prefrontal cortex-vlPAG-locus coeruleus- spinal cord axis is a key determinant of pain processing.
Oct
30
Nov
02
Department of Pharmacology Seminar, Janos Zempleni PhD
Chicago - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Janos Zempleni Ph.D
Willa Cather Professor of Molecular Nutrition and Director of the Nebraska Center for the Prevention of Obesity Diseases.
More info TBA
Nov
03
Nov
03
Microbiology-Immunology Seminar Series: Dr. Amy Lee, PhD
Chicago - 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM
Title: Evolution of mRNA translation across the diversity of life
Description: How do organisms control which proteins they make to drive distinct cellular functions? Every aspect of biology is defined by which proteins each cell expresses. Furthermore, to manifest diverse phenotypes, cells must regulate protein synthesis at both global and gene-specific levels. To address this fundamental question, we leverage diverse cells, viruses, and animals to identify unanticipated principles of mRNA translational control that confer species-specific evolutionary novelty.
Nov
03
DGP and CHI Lecture: Immunological Mechanisms of Cancer Defense | Ming Li, PhD
Chicago - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Ming Li, PhD
David H. Koch Chair in
Immunological Studies
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Host: Caylee Silvers
Tuesday, November 3, 2026 at 3:30 pm
Reception to follow in the Ryan Family Atrium at 4:30 pm
Nov
04
Sparkshop: Making Large Classes Feel Smaller
Online - 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Teaching a large course doesn't mean settling for passive listening. Join this fast-paced, 30-minute Sparkshop to learn methods for increasing student engagement and motivation in large classes..., all while keeping your workload manageable. We’ll dive into a few active learning techniques that can engage large groups of students, as well as some approaches for building community in ways that foster learning and academic integrity. Join us to discover how to break down a massive class into manageable, collaborative moments where every student has a chance to engage.
Nov
05
Immunology Journal Club
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
The Northwestern University Immunology Journal Club is a forum for students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty, and research staff to come together to discuss current and influential research in immunology. Each session focuses on a recently published paper or emerging topic, with an emphasis on understanding experimental approaches, interpreting data, evaluating scientific rigor, and discussing the broader implications for immunology and human health.
The journal club provides an informal and collaborative environment for sharing ideas, asking questions, and exploring new research directions. Discussions may span areas including innate and adaptive immunity, inflammation, immunometabolism, autoimmunity, infectious disease, cancer immunology, immunotherapy, vaccines, and emerging technologies in immunological research.
The goal is not only to stay current with the literature, but also to encourage critical thinking, scientific collaboration, and meaningful discussion across Northwestern's diverse immunology research community. All levels of experience are welcome, and participants are encouraged to contribute questions, perspectives, and ideas.
Nov
09
Department of Pharmacology Seminar, Edward C. Twomey, MA, MPhil, PhD
Chicago - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Edward C. Twomey, MA, MPhil, PhD
Dr. Edward Twomey is an assistant professor of biophysics and biophysical chemistry at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
More info TBD
Nov
10
Student Belonging and Success Reading Circle
Online - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
The Student Belonging and Success Reading Circle Series offers an opportunity to focus on students’ experiences, development, and their perceptions of commonly used learning practices and the classroom environment.
Open to graduate students, postdocs, staff, and instructors at all stages of their careers. Recommended for those pursuing the CIRTL Certificate.
Nov
10
Microbiology-Immunology Seminar Series: Dr. Montserrat Anguera, PhD
Chicago - 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM
Title: Genetic and Epigenetic Influences on Female-Biased Autoimmunity
Description: Women with two X chromosomes are disproportionately affected by autoimmune diseases such as lupus. Our recent studies reveal that maintenance of X-chromosome inactivation in B cells is highly dynamic and relies on both Xist RNA-dependent and Xist-independent mechanisms to preserve the epigenetic state of the inactive X chromosome. In addition, disrupting Xist RNA-mediated X-chromosome inactivation specifically in B cells can promote aberrant B-cell activation, autoantibody production, and lupus-associated disease in female mice. Together, these findings identify maintenance of X-chromosome inactivation as an important regulator of B-cell function and provide a mechanistic link between the X chromosome and female-biased autoimmunity.
Nov
13
2026 Lurie Cancer Center GI Oncology Symposium
Chicago - 7:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Join us in person for the inaugural Lurie Cancer Center GI Oncology Symposium, a new multidisciplinary forum dedicated to the rapidly evolving landscape of gastrointestinal cancer care. From targeted therapies and immunotherapy to innovative surgical approaches and complex case management, this one-day CME program delivers the latest evidence and expert perspectives across the full continuum of GI malignancies. Developed by the team behind the Lurie Cancer Center's longstanding oncology education programs and featuring distinguished faculty from leading cancer centers nationwide, this inaugural symposium offers a unique opportunity to connect with colleagues, explore emerging advances, and gain practical strategies that can be immediately applied to patient care.
Nov
16
Department of Pharmacology Seminar, Jonathan Schlebach PhD
Chicago - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Jonathan Schlebach Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Biochemistry at Purdue University.
More info TBA
Nov
19
Immunology Journal Club
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
The Northwestern University Immunology Journal Club is a forum for students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty, and research staff to come together to discuss current and influential research in immunology. Each session focuses on a recently published paper or emerging topic, with an emphasis on understanding experimental approaches, interpreting data, evaluating scientific rigor, and discussing the broader implications for immunology and human health.
The journal club provides an informal and collaborative environment for sharing ideas, asking questions, and exploring new research directions. Discussions may span areas including innate and adaptive immunity, inflammation, immunometabolism, autoimmunity, infectious disease, cancer immunology, immunotherapy, vaccines, and emerging technologies in immunological research.
The goal is not only to stay current with the literature, but also to encourage critical thinking, scientific collaboration, and meaningful discussion across Northwestern's diverse immunology research community. All levels of experience are welcome, and participants are encouraged to contribute questions, perspectives, and ideas.
Nov
30
Boren Awards Information Meeting
Evanston - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
The Boren Scholarship funds undergraduate students who pursue language-intensive study abroad in countries out of the mainstream. At its core, Boren is a language program, thus competitive applicants will be serious students of a language not commonly taught in the United States. In addition, Boren funding comes from the US Government, thus they prize government service. All applicants must be thoughtful about how their career contributes to national security. Finally, Boren rewards long-duration study abroad. Most recipients will stay abroad for six months or more.
The Boren Fellowship funds graduate students who pursue language-intensive study abroad or research in countries out of the mainstream At its core, Boren is a language program, thus competitive applicants will be serious students of a language not commonly taught in the United States. In addition, Boren funding comes from the US Government, thus they prize government service. All applicants must be thoughtful about how their career contributes to national security. Finally, Boren rewards long-duration study abroad. Most recipients will stay abroad for six months or more.
Campus Deadline for Boren Scholarship -- 1/13/27 @ 12:00 noon
National Deadline for Boren Fellowship -- 1/20/27
National Deadline for Boren Scholarship -- 1/27/27
Dec
04
“Dysregulation of Prefrontal Circuit Maturation Following Early Life Adversity"
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Neuroscience Seminar Series: Dr. Kuei Y. Tseng, PhD
Exposure to early life adversity (ELA) is known to negatively impact the development of neural circuits controlling threat detection, leading to cognitive and emotional dysregulation later in life. Yet, the underlying mechanisms contributing to such behavioral deficits remain elusive due to our limited understanding of key neural maturation events that are sensitive to ELA. The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is likely to play a pivotal role in driving the circuit-level effects of ELA, given its protracted developmental trajectory and high reactivity to stress. Here I will show unpublished data and discuss key concepts on how sensitive neurodevelopmental processes become vulnerable to the impact of ELA, with emphasis on PFC neural circuits that undergo functional remodeling during the adolescent period. Of particular interest is the gain of PFC GABA transmission and the re-calibration of local excitatory-inhibitory balance, a hallmark of PFC maturation that is intimately linked to the maturation cognitive functioning.
Dec
08
Boren Awards Information Meeting
Online - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
The Boren Scholarship funds undergraduate students who pursue language-intensive study abroad in countries out of the mainstream. At its core, Boren is a language program, thus competitive applicants will be serious students of a language not commonly taught in the United States. In addition, Boren funding comes from the US Government, thus they prize government service. All applicants must be thoughtful about how their career contributes to national security. Finally, Boren rewards long-duration study abroad. Most recipients will stay abroad for six months or more.
The Boren Fellowship funds graduate students who pursue language-intensive study abroad or research in countries out of the mainstream At its core, Boren is a language program, thus competitive applicants will be serious students of a language not commonly taught in the United States. In addition, Boren funding comes from the US Government, thus they prize government service. All applicants must be thoughtful about how their career contributes to national security. Finally, Boren rewards long-duration study abroad. Most recipients will stay abroad for six months or more.
Campus Deadline for Boren Scholarship -- 1/13/27 @ 12:00 noon
National Deadline for Boren Fellowship -- 1/20/27
National Deadline for Boren Scholarship -- 1/27/27
Dec
10
Immunology Journal Club
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
The Northwestern University Immunology Journal Club is a forum for students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty, and research staff to come together to discuss current and influential research in immunology. Each session focuses on a recently published paper or emerging topic, with an emphasis on understanding experimental approaches, interpreting data, evaluating scientific rigor, and discussing the broader implications for immunology and human health.
The journal club provides an informal and collaborative environment for sharing ideas, asking questions, and exploring new research directions. Discussions may span areas including innate and adaptive immunity, inflammation, immunometabolism, autoimmunity, infectious disease, cancer immunology, immunotherapy, vaccines, and emerging technologies in immunological research.
The goal is not only to stay current with the literature, but also to encourage critical thinking, scientific collaboration, and meaningful discussion across Northwestern's diverse immunology research community. All levels of experience are welcome, and participants are encouraged to contribute questions, perspectives, and ideas.