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.
Nov
21
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:
Yueming Liu, PhD Candidate, Division of Biostatistics: "Evaluating Ancestry Adjustment in Multi-Ancestry Epigenome-Wide Analysis"
Jason Brickner, Professor, Molecular Biosciences: "Exportin-1 Functions as an Adaptor between Transcription Factors and the Nuclear Pore Complex to Regulate Transcription"
Dec
18
BMG Seminar: Lindsay Pino, PhD, Talus Bio
Chicago - 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
The Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics presents:
Lindsay Pino, PhD
Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer
Talus Bioscience, Inc.
Presentation:
Profiling the regulome with high-throughput proteomics to enable small-molecule therapeutics
Abstract:
Transcription factors, cofactors, and chromatin regulators orchestrate gene expression yet remain poorly measured in their native chromatin context and historically difficult to drug. To address these challenges, we developed regulome profiling, a functional proteomics approach that quantifies protein–DNA binding activity in live cells using high-throughput mass spectrometry. This assay measures regulator activity directly, generating proteome-wide maps of DNA engagement that can be compared across perturbations, cell types, and chemical treatments.
Because of its flexibility and high-dimensional output, regulome profiling delivers actionable biological insight across diverse contexts. In deorphanization, we uncover off-target DNA-binding effects of anthracyclines, uncovering new mechanisms of action not previously associated with this drug class. In toxicity studies, regulome signatures reveal early regulatory disruptions preceding transcriptomic or phenotypic changes. In drug discovery, these activity maps expose tractable intervention points directly within disease-relevant cell contexts, seeding a pipeline of small-molecule therapeutics against transcription factors including brachyury (TBXT) and androgen receptor variants.
To accelerate these drug discovery efforts, we built an AI model on top of this unique data, called Strategian. Strategian triages billions of compounds by predicted impact on transcription-factor activity and selectivity, feeding prioritized candidates back into regulome profiling for experimental validation. This closed-loop, two-week iteration connects small-molecule chemistry to chromatin regulatory biology, transforming transcriptional control into a measurable and druggable system.
Host: Dr. Ali Shilatifard, Chairman, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics; Director, Simpson Querrey Institute for Epigenetics
Refreshments will be served.
Feb
06
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.
Presenter:
Evra Ho, Lab Technician, Mendillo Lab, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics: "Systematic Chemical-Genetic Profiling as a Path to Expand Precision Medicine in Cancer"
Dec
04
BMG Seminar: Karen H Miga, PhD, UCSC
Chicago - 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
The Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics presents:
Karen H Miga, PhD
Associate Professor, Biomolecular Engineering Department, UCSC
Director, UC Santa Cruz Sequencing Technology Center
Associate Director, UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute
University of California, Santa Cruz
Presentation:
Centromere Genomics in the Pangenome Era
Abstract:
Centromeric satellite arrays are essential for chromosome stability, yet their architecture and evolution have remained largely unresolved. With complete telomere-to-telomere assemblies now available, we analyzed 470 phased haplotypes from the Human Pangenome Reference Consortium, representing globally diverse, highly accurate genomes. A large fraction of newly resolved sequence lies in constitutive heterochromatin, where suppressed recombination creates megabase-scale linkage disequilibrium. These centromere-spanning haplotypes (cenhaps) encompass satellite arrays, segmental duplications, and genes linked to human traits. Cenhaps preserve deep evolutionary signals, with many lineages coalescing over a million years ago and showing Neanderthal and Denisovan introgression. We developed the first centromeric pangenome data structure to standardize variant calling and enable genetic and epigenetic analyses across these regions. This framework reveals rare recombination, local mutation rates, selection signals, and disease associations within archaic cenhaps. Together, these results establish cenhaps as a powerful system for exploring human genome evolution and diversity.
Host: Dr. Daniel Foltz, Professor, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics
Refreshments will be served.
Dec
11
BMG Seminar: Matthew G. Oser MD, PhD, Harvard Medical School
Chicago - 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
The Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics presents:
Matthew G. Oser MD, PhD
Department of Medical Oncology, Division of Molecular and Cellular Oncology
Assistant Professor, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute,
Harvard Medical School
Presentation:
New Therapeutic Strategies for Small Cell Lung Cancer
Host: Dr. Lu Wang, Assistant Professor, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics
Refreshments will be served.
Dec
18
BMG Seminar: Lindsay Pino, PhD, Talus Bio
Chicago - 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
The Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics presents:
Lindsay Pino, PhD
Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer
Talus Bioscience, Inc.
Presentation:
Profiling the regulome with high-throughput proteomics to enable small-molecule therapeutics
Abstract:
Transcription factors, cofactors, and chromatin regulators orchestrate gene expression yet remain poorly measured in their native chromatin context and historically difficult to drug. To address these challenges, we developed regulome profiling, a functional proteomics approach that quantifies protein–DNA binding activity in live cells using high-throughput mass spectrometry. This assay measures regulator activity directly, generating proteome-wide maps of DNA engagement that can be compared across perturbations, cell types, and chemical treatments.
Because of its flexibility and high-dimensional output, regulome profiling delivers actionable biological insight across diverse contexts. In deorphanization, we uncover off-target DNA-binding effects of anthracyclines, uncovering new mechanisms of action not previously associated with this drug class. In toxicity studies, regulome signatures reveal early regulatory disruptions preceding transcriptomic or phenotypic changes. In drug discovery, these activity maps expose tractable intervention points directly within disease-relevant cell contexts, seeding a pipeline of small-molecule therapeutics against transcription factors including brachyury (TBXT) and androgen receptor variants.
To accelerate these drug discovery efforts, we built an AI model on top of this unique data, called Strategian. Strategian triages billions of compounds by predicted impact on transcription-factor activity and selectivity, feeding prioritized candidates back into regulome profiling for experimental validation. This closed-loop, two-week iteration connects small-molecule chemistry to chromatin regulatory biology, transforming transcriptional control into a measurable and druggable system.
Host: Dr. Ali Shilatifard, Chairman, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics; Director, Simpson Querrey Institute for Epigenetics
Refreshments will be served.
Nov
19
CDB Trainee Seminar Series - Yun Liu Research Technician
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Cell & Developmental Biology (CDB) Trainee Seminar Series
"Foxf1 drives capillary endothelial cell fate during lung development"
Yun Liu
Research Technician, Vila Ellis Lab
Wednesday, November 19th, 2025
12:00-1:00pm
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://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/cdb/about/listserv.html#listserv
Nov
19
Pedagogical Innovations in STEM featuring Carine Nemr
Online - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Pedagogical Innovations in STEM is a scholarly exchange offered each quarter, showcasing leading-edge research that informs teaching and learning strategies.
This session will feature Dr. Carine Nemr, an Assistant Professor of Instruction in the Department of Chemistry. She will discuss how she utilizes iClickers to enhance classroom engagement in her chemistry courses.
Recommended for those pursuing the CIRTL Certificate.
Nov
20
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.
Nov
21
Oncology Nursing Conference
Chicago - 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
On Friday, November 21, the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University will host the 28th Annual Oncology Nursing Conference – Emerging Therapies in Oncology Care. This year’s conference will be held in person. This highly visible and successful conference attracts more than 250 oncology nurses from the Chicagoland area and throughout the Midwest to discuss the latest topics of interest in oncology nursing.
Nov
21
FCVRRI Series Seminar - Alfred George, MD
Chicago - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Talk title - Genetics and Pathophysiology of Calmodulinopathy
Nov
21
Pallido-Tegmental Endocannabinoids Orchestrate Dopamine-based Action Selection
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Dr. Miguel A. Lujan Ph.D.
Nov
21
Bacterial Journal Club
Chicago - 1:45 PM - 3:00 PM
Student Speaker: Preeti Garai
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
Nov
24
Lurie Cancer Center Research-in-Progress Seminar Series
Chicago - 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Outcomes of HPV-Positive Oropharyngeal Cancer in Smokers vs. Non-Smokers
Michelle Kwan, Medical Student
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Loss of Mrgprd+ sensory nerves delays wound healing by suppressing keratinocyte migration and exacerbating inflammatory states in immune cells
Lisa Maccio-Maretto, PhD
Postdoctoral Scholar
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Lunch will be served
Nov
25
Mellon Mays Office Hours
Evanston - 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Join Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship alumna and current doctoral candidate Monique Newton for insights about this unrivaled opportunity to prepare for doctoral study in the humanities and/or qualitative social sciences!
Dec
01
Boren Awards Information Meeting
Online - 4:00 PM - 5:00 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 -- 1/16/26 @ 12:00 noon
National Deadline for Boren Fellowship -- 1/21/26
National Deadline for Boren Scholarship -- 1/28/26
Dec
02
Mellon Mays Office Hours
Evanston - 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Join Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship alumna and current doctoral candidate Monique Newton for insights about this unrivaled opportunity to prepare for doctoral study in the humanities and/or qualitative social sciences!
Dec
02
Microbiology-Immunology Seminar Series: Grayce Mores DGP Candidate
Chicago - 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM
Title: Characterization of Virulence Factors in Shanghai Fever Isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Description: My research focuses on understanding why certain Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) strains cause Shanghai Fever (SF), a rare but often fatal infection in previously healthy children. Unlike typical PA infections, we hypothesize that these strains originate in the gut and rapidly spread to sepsis. Using a murine sepsis model, we’ve found that Shanghai Fever isolates are significantly more virulent than samples from Northwestern Memorial Hospital. We hypothesize SF strains may express type III secretion system effectors like ExoU and ExoS at unusually high levels, and have developed a modified quantitative Western blot assay to measure PA secretion.
Dec
02
Distinguished Lecturers in Life Sciences | Dr. Matthew Meyerson: "Lung cancer: genome alterations and targeted therapies"
Chicago - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Matthew Meyerson, MD, PhD
Charles A. Dana Chair in Human Cancer Genetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Director, Center for Cancer Genomics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Professor, Genetics and Medicine, Harvard Medical School
Host: Mohamed Abazeed, MD, PhD
Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at 3:30 pm
Reception to follow in the Potocsnak Family Atrium at 4:30 pm
Dec
03
Cancer Connections: Clinical Trials 101 – What Patients Need to Know
Online - 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
Cancer patients, survivors, caregivers and family members are invited to join us for an engaging and informative session designed to help you better understand the role of clinical trials in cancer care. Learn what participation involves, how trials are structured, and what questions to ask when considering your options. You’ll also have the chance to engage directly with the speaker during a live Q&A session—bring your questions and get the answers you need. Please register in advance to receive your access link.
Dec
03
CDB Trainee Seminar Series
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Cell & Developmental Biology (CDB) Trainee Seminar Series
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://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/cdb/about/listserv.html#listserv
Dec
05
New and Early Career Faculty Institute
Evanston - 9:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Date: Dec. 5, 2025
Time: 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Lunch provided
Location: Louis Room, Norris Center, Evanston
Join us for the New and Early Career Faculty Institute — a dynamic half-day experience designed to equip new and early career faculty with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive at Northwestern. This event also offers a valuable opportunity to connect with colleagues and become familiar with key resources across the university.
The morning kicks off with Communicating Course Expectations for Student Success: The Power of Transparency, a session that invites instructors to reflect on the possible “hidden curriculum” within their courses and explore evidence-driven strategies to increase clarity, foster connection, and support student achievement.
Faculty may choose between Navigating Promotion on the Tenure Track or Navigating Promotion on the Teaching/Clinical/NTE Track, where a panel of experienced faculty will share general tips including how to find information about expectations and obtain feedback, access resources available to junior faculty, establish your academic identity, and cultivate mentoring relationships.
Cap off the morning by getting to know colleagues from across campus over lunch. In addition, meet representatives from key University-wide resources for research and teaching who will be on hand for a Resource Fair.
Full time new and early career faculty will receive an invitation to attend this special program. If you have questions, please contact Joan Marie Johnson, Senior Director for Faculty, at faculty@northwestern.edu.
Dec
05
FCVRRI Research in Progress Seminar - Jing Jin, MD, PhD
Chicago - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Talk title - A Master Role of Symmetric Arginine Dimethylation in Lupus Autoantibody Response
Dec
05
Biomechanical and neural control of hyolingual kinematics
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Dr. Callum F. Ross
Effective treatment for dysphagia depends on a solid understanding of hyolingual morphology, biomechanics, and neural control in both humans and animal models. There is significant variation among animal models in morphology of the hyoid chain and suprahyoid muscles which may be associated with variation in swallowing mechanisms. The recent deployment of XROMM (X-ray Reconstruction of Moving Morphology) to quantify 3D hyolingual kinematics makes it possible to document this variation in animal models. XROMM based studies of swallowing in macaques have falsified traditional hypotheses of mechanisms of tongue base retraction during swallowing, and literature review suggests that other animal models may employ a diversity of mechanisms of tongue base retraction. Head posture significantly impacts hyoid position and suprahyoid muscle lengths in animal models and humans. Better understanding of these muscle mechanics is needed.
Dec
05
Bacterial Journal Club
Chicago - 1:45 PM - 3:00 PM
Student Speaker: Mahmoud Shoman
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
Dec
05
DGP Student Thesis Seminar - Nikolay Markov - Dr. Alexander Misharin
Chicago - 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Title of Presentation:
"Towards Precision Medicine for Severe Pneumonia"
This is a hybrid event. For Zoom access or more information, email rachael.hill@northwestern.edu.
Dec
08
Lurie Cancer Center Core Technologies & Applications Seminar Series
Chicago - 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Decoding Cancer Metabolism, from Mass Spectrometry Based Metabolomics to NGS Based Genomics
Hiam Abdala-Valencia, PhD
Associate Professor, Medicine (Pulmonary and Critical Care)
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Peng Gao, PhD
Research Associate Professor, Medicine (Pulmonary and Critical Care)
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
*Lunch will be served
Dec
08
DGP Student Thesis Seminar - Alexander J. Duval - Dr. Mazhar Adli Lab
Chicago - 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Title of Presentation:
"SOX9 drives a stem-like transcriptional state and platinum resistance in high-grade serous ovarian cancer"
This is a hybrid event. For Zoom access or more information, email rachael.hill@northwestern.edu.
Dec
09
Mellon Mays Office Hours
Evanston - 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Join Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship alumna and current doctoral candidate Monique Newton for insights about this unrivaled opportunity to prepare for doctoral study in the humanities and/or qualitative social sciences!
Dec
09
Microbiology-Immunology Seminar Series: Osamudiamen Ebohon Graduate Research Assistant
Chicago - 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM
Title: Peptidoglycan Release by Borrelia burgdorferi: Driver of Pathogenesis and Biomarker in Lyme Disease
Description: Unlike most Gram-negative bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi cannot recycle its peptidoglycan (PG) during growth, leading to the continuous release of unique and inflammatory cell-wall fragments. We exploited this fundamental property to both understand Lyme disease pathogenesis and attempt to develop a novel biomarker-based diagnostic. To this end, we generated monoclonal antibodies targeting B. burgdorferi PG and created a lytic transglycosylase mutant defective in PG release. Our combined approaches shed new light on host-pathogen interactions necessary to establish infection and may lead to a new diagnostic PG-based platform that accurately identifies an active infection, weeks before the current method used in the clinic.
Dec
09
Distinguished Lecturers in Life Sciences | Dr. Charles Rudin: "Paths to and from small cell lung cancer"
Chicago - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Charles Rudin, MD, PhD
Deputy Director, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Sylvia Hassenfeld Chair in Lung Cancer Research
Co-Director, Druckenmiler Center for Lung Cancer Research
Professor of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
Host: Mohamed Abazeed, MD, PhD
Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at 3:30 pm
Reception to follow in the Potocsnak Family Atrium at 4:30 pm
Dec
11
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.
Dec
12
Bacterial Journal Club
Chicago - 1:45 PM - 3:00 PM
Student Speaker: Kathleen Nicholson
Description: 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
Dec
15
Course Delivery Lab
Evanston - 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Experiment with dynamic, evidence-informed instruction in this lab designed for instructors—at any career stage—who want to invigorate courses with fresh ideas for active, collaborative, and experiential learning, and apply easy-to-implement formative assessment techniques.
Lunch provided!
Dec
16
Mellon Mays Office Hours
Evanston - 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Join Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship alumna and current doctoral candidate Monique Newton for insights about this unrivaled opportunity to prepare for doctoral study in the humanities and/or qualitative social sciences!
Dec
16
Microbiology-Immunology Seminar Series: Rebecca Trimble PhD Candidate
Chicago - 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM
Title: The role of BB0323 in the localization of FtsZ in Borrelia burgdorferi'.
Description: The causative agent of Lyme disease, Borrelia burgdorferi, has a complex cell cycle that involves the coordinated production of multiple zones of peptidoglycan synthesis that are spatially and temporally regulated through unknown processes. We’ve identified a protein of unknown function that appears to function as a negative regulator of both divisome assembly and zonal peptidoglycan synthesis. Our findings provide new insights into the complex cell cycle of B. burgdorferi and hint at a novel mechanism in which the site of cytokinesis is determined by the unusual architecture of the peptidoglycan cell wall.
Dec
17
Clinical Research Course
Chicago - 8:30 AM - 11:30 PM
On Wednesday, December 17, 2025, all clinical cancer researchers and trainees are invited to join us for an educational event providing valuable insite into opportunities, resources and expectations for investigators developing and conducting clinical trials.
Dec
17
CDB Trainee Seminar Series
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Cell & Developmental Biology (CDB) Trainee Seminar Series
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://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/cdb/about/listserv.html#listserv
Dec
18
OKRA National Forum: Nano-AMPs: The future of UTI management?
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, December 18th, to hear from Laura Schwartz, PhD (Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Ohio State University) as she discusses “Nano-AMPs: The future of UTI management?”
Registration is required.
Dec
19
Bacterial Journal Club
Chicago - 1:45 PM - 3:00 PM
Student Speaker: Daniel Amusin
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
Jan
06
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 -- 1/16/26 @ 12:00 noon
National Deadline for Boren Fellowship -- 1/21/26
National Deadline for Boren Scholarship -- 1/28/26
Jan
07
CDB Trainee Seminar Series
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Cell & Developmental Biology (CDB) Trainee Seminar Series
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://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/cdb/about/listserv.html#listserv
Jan
08
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.
Jan
09
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 -- 1/16/26 @ 12:00 noon
National Deadline for Boren Fellowship -- 1/21/26
National Deadline for Boren Scholarship -- 1/28/26
Jan
09
Bacterial Journal Club
Chicago - 1:45 PM - 3:00 PM
Student Speaker: Francisco
Description: 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
Jan
21
CDB Trainee Seminar Series
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Cell & Developmental Biology (CDB) Trainee Seminar Series
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://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/cdb/about/listserv.html#listserv
Jan
22
OKRA National Forum: Decoding diet and microbiome drivers of heterogeneous kidney immunobiology
Online - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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, January 22nd, to hear from Leah Guthrie, PhD (University of California, Berkeley) as she discusses “Decoding diet and microbiome drivers of heterogeneous kidney immunobiology”
Registration is required.
Jan
22
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.
Feb
04
CDB Trainee Seminar Series
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Cell & Developmental Biology (CDB) Trainee Seminar Series
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://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/cdb/about/listserv.html#listserv
Feb
05
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.
Feb
12
OKRA National Forum: Renal adaptations to exercise and the implications for cardiorenal health
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, February 12th, to hear from Sophia Sears, PhD (University of Lousville) as she discusses “Renal adaptations to exercise and the implications for cardiorenal health”
Registration is required.
Feb
18
CDB Trainee Seminar Series
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Cell & Developmental Biology (CDB) Trainee Seminar Series
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://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/cdb/about/listserv.html#listserv
Feb
19
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.
No events found. Please try again later.
Nov
19
CDB Trainee Seminar Series - Yun Liu Research Technician
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Cell & Developmental Biology (CDB) Trainee Seminar Series
"Foxf1 drives capillary endothelial cell fate during lung development"
Yun Liu
Research Technician, Vila Ellis Lab
Wednesday, November 19th, 2025
12:00-1:00pm
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://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/cdb/about/listserv.html#listserv
Nov
19
Pedagogical Innovations in STEM featuring Carine Nemr
Online - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Pedagogical Innovations in STEM is a scholarly exchange offered each quarter, showcasing leading-edge research that informs teaching and learning strategies.
This session will feature Dr. Carine Nemr, an Assistant Professor of Instruction in the Department of Chemistry. She will discuss how she utilizes iClickers to enhance classroom engagement in her chemistry courses.
Recommended for those pursuing the CIRTL Certificate.
Nov
20
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.
Nov
21
Oncology Nursing Conference
Chicago - 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
On Friday, November 21, the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University will host the 28th Annual Oncology Nursing Conference – Emerging Therapies in Oncology Care. This year’s conference will be held in person. This highly visible and successful conference attracts more than 250 oncology nurses from the Chicagoland area and throughout the Midwest to discuss the latest topics of interest in oncology nursing.
Nov
21
FCVRRI Series Seminar - Alfred George, MD
Chicago - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Talk title - Genetics and Pathophysiology of Calmodulinopathy
Nov
21
Pallido-Tegmental Endocannabinoids Orchestrate Dopamine-based Action Selection
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Dr. Miguel A. Lujan Ph.D.
Nov
21
Bacterial Journal Club
Chicago - 1:45 PM - 3:00 PM
Student Speaker: Preeti Garai
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
Nov
24
Lurie Cancer Center Research-in-Progress Seminar Series
Chicago - 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Outcomes of HPV-Positive Oropharyngeal Cancer in Smokers vs. Non-Smokers
Michelle Kwan, Medical Student
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Loss of Mrgprd+ sensory nerves delays wound healing by suppressing keratinocyte migration and exacerbating inflammatory states in immune cells
Lisa Maccio-Maretto, PhD
Postdoctoral Scholar
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Lunch will be served
Nov
25
Mellon Mays Office Hours
Evanston - 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Join Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship alumna and current doctoral candidate Monique Newton for insights about this unrivaled opportunity to prepare for doctoral study in the humanities and/or qualitative social sciences!
Dec
01
Boren Awards Information Meeting
Online - 4:00 PM - 5:00 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 -- 1/16/26 @ 12:00 noon
National Deadline for Boren Fellowship -- 1/21/26
National Deadline for Boren Scholarship -- 1/28/26
Dec
02
Mellon Mays Office Hours
Evanston - 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Join Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship alumna and current doctoral candidate Monique Newton for insights about this unrivaled opportunity to prepare for doctoral study in the humanities and/or qualitative social sciences!
Dec
02
Microbiology-Immunology Seminar Series: Grayce Mores DGP Candidate
Chicago - 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM
Title: Characterization of Virulence Factors in Shanghai Fever Isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Description: My research focuses on understanding why certain Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) strains cause Shanghai Fever (SF), a rare but often fatal infection in previously healthy children. Unlike typical PA infections, we hypothesize that these strains originate in the gut and rapidly spread to sepsis. Using a murine sepsis model, we’ve found that Shanghai Fever isolates are significantly more virulent than samples from Northwestern Memorial Hospital. We hypothesize SF strains may express type III secretion system effectors like ExoU and ExoS at unusually high levels, and have developed a modified quantitative Western blot assay to measure PA secretion.
Dec
02
Distinguished Lecturers in Life Sciences | Dr. Matthew Meyerson: "Lung cancer: genome alterations and targeted therapies"
Chicago - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Matthew Meyerson, MD, PhD
Charles A. Dana Chair in Human Cancer Genetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Director, Center for Cancer Genomics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Professor, Genetics and Medicine, Harvard Medical School
Host: Mohamed Abazeed, MD, PhD
Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at 3:30 pm
Reception to follow in the Potocsnak Family Atrium at 4:30 pm
Dec
03
Cancer Connections: Clinical Trials 101 – What Patients Need to Know
Online - 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
Cancer patients, survivors, caregivers and family members are invited to join us for an engaging and informative session designed to help you better understand the role of clinical trials in cancer care. Learn what participation involves, how trials are structured, and what questions to ask when considering your options. You’ll also have the chance to engage directly with the speaker during a live Q&A session—bring your questions and get the answers you need. Please register in advance to receive your access link.
Dec
03
CDB Trainee Seminar Series
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Cell & Developmental Biology (CDB) Trainee Seminar Series
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://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/cdb/about/listserv.html#listserv
Dec
04
BMG Seminar: Karen H Miga, PhD, UCSC
Chicago - 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
The Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics presents:
Karen H Miga, PhD
Associate Professor, Biomolecular Engineering Department, UCSC
Director, UC Santa Cruz Sequencing Technology Center
Associate Director, UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute
University of California, Santa Cruz
Presentation:
Centromere Genomics in the Pangenome Era
Abstract:
Centromeric satellite arrays are essential for chromosome stability, yet their architecture and evolution have remained largely unresolved. With complete telomere-to-telomere assemblies now available, we analyzed 470 phased haplotypes from the Human Pangenome Reference Consortium, representing globally diverse, highly accurate genomes. A large fraction of newly resolved sequence lies in constitutive heterochromatin, where suppressed recombination creates megabase-scale linkage disequilibrium. These centromere-spanning haplotypes (cenhaps) encompass satellite arrays, segmental duplications, and genes linked to human traits. Cenhaps preserve deep evolutionary signals, with many lineages coalescing over a million years ago and showing Neanderthal and Denisovan introgression. We developed the first centromeric pangenome data structure to standardize variant calling and enable genetic and epigenetic analyses across these regions. This framework reveals rare recombination, local mutation rates, selection signals, and disease associations within archaic cenhaps. Together, these results establish cenhaps as a powerful system for exploring human genome evolution and diversity.
Host: Dr. Daniel Foltz, Professor, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics
Refreshments will be served.
Dec
05
New and Early Career Faculty Institute
Evanston - 9:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Date: Dec. 5, 2025
Time: 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Lunch provided
Location: Louis Room, Norris Center, Evanston
Join us for the New and Early Career Faculty Institute — a dynamic half-day experience designed to equip new and early career faculty with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive at Northwestern. This event also offers a valuable opportunity to connect with colleagues and become familiar with key resources across the university.
The morning kicks off with Communicating Course Expectations for Student Success: The Power of Transparency, a session that invites instructors to reflect on the possible “hidden curriculum” within their courses and explore evidence-driven strategies to increase clarity, foster connection, and support student achievement.
Faculty may choose between Navigating Promotion on the Tenure Track or Navigating Promotion on the Teaching/Clinical/NTE Track, where a panel of experienced faculty will share general tips including how to find information about expectations and obtain feedback, access resources available to junior faculty, establish your academic identity, and cultivate mentoring relationships.
Cap off the morning by getting to know colleagues from across campus over lunch. In addition, meet representatives from key University-wide resources for research and teaching who will be on hand for a Resource Fair.
Full time new and early career faculty will receive an invitation to attend this special program. If you have questions, please contact Joan Marie Johnson, Senior Director for Faculty, at faculty@northwestern.edu.
Dec
05
FCVRRI Research in Progress Seminar - Jing Jin, MD, PhD
Chicago - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Talk title - A Master Role of Symmetric Arginine Dimethylation in Lupus Autoantibody Response
Dec
05
Biomechanical and neural control of hyolingual kinematics
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Dr. Callum F. Ross
Effective treatment for dysphagia depends on a solid understanding of hyolingual morphology, biomechanics, and neural control in both humans and animal models. There is significant variation among animal models in morphology of the hyoid chain and suprahyoid muscles which may be associated with variation in swallowing mechanisms. The recent deployment of XROMM (X-ray Reconstruction of Moving Morphology) to quantify 3D hyolingual kinematics makes it possible to document this variation in animal models. XROMM based studies of swallowing in macaques have falsified traditional hypotheses of mechanisms of tongue base retraction during swallowing, and literature review suggests that other animal models may employ a diversity of mechanisms of tongue base retraction. Head posture significantly impacts hyoid position and suprahyoid muscle lengths in animal models and humans. Better understanding of these muscle mechanics is needed.
Dec
05
Bacterial Journal Club
Chicago - 1:45 PM - 3:00 PM
Student Speaker: Mahmoud Shoman
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
Dec
05
DGP Student Thesis Seminar - Nikolay Markov - Dr. Alexander Misharin
Chicago - 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Title of Presentation:
"Towards Precision Medicine for Severe Pneumonia"
This is a hybrid event. For Zoom access or more information, email rachael.hill@northwestern.edu.
Dec
08
Lurie Cancer Center Core Technologies & Applications Seminar Series
Chicago - 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Decoding Cancer Metabolism, from Mass Spectrometry Based Metabolomics to NGS Based Genomics
Hiam Abdala-Valencia, PhD
Associate Professor, Medicine (Pulmonary and Critical Care)
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Peng Gao, PhD
Research Associate Professor, Medicine (Pulmonary and Critical Care)
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
*Lunch will be served
Dec
08
DGP Student Thesis Seminar - Alexander J. Duval - Dr. Mazhar Adli Lab
Chicago - 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Title of Presentation:
"SOX9 drives a stem-like transcriptional state and platinum resistance in high-grade serous ovarian cancer"
This is a hybrid event. For Zoom access or more information, email rachael.hill@northwestern.edu.
Dec
09
Mellon Mays Office Hours
Evanston - 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Join Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship alumna and current doctoral candidate Monique Newton for insights about this unrivaled opportunity to prepare for doctoral study in the humanities and/or qualitative social sciences!
Dec
09
Microbiology-Immunology Seminar Series: Osamudiamen Ebohon Graduate Research Assistant
Chicago - 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM
Title: Peptidoglycan Release by Borrelia burgdorferi: Driver of Pathogenesis and Biomarker in Lyme Disease
Description: Unlike most Gram-negative bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi cannot recycle its peptidoglycan (PG) during growth, leading to the continuous release of unique and inflammatory cell-wall fragments. We exploited this fundamental property to both understand Lyme disease pathogenesis and attempt to develop a novel biomarker-based diagnostic. To this end, we generated monoclonal antibodies targeting B. burgdorferi PG and created a lytic transglycosylase mutant defective in PG release. Our combined approaches shed new light on host-pathogen interactions necessary to establish infection and may lead to a new diagnostic PG-based platform that accurately identifies an active infection, weeks before the current method used in the clinic.
Dec
09
Distinguished Lecturers in Life Sciences | Dr. Charles Rudin: "Paths to and from small cell lung cancer"
Chicago - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Charles Rudin, MD, PhD
Deputy Director, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Sylvia Hassenfeld Chair in Lung Cancer Research
Co-Director, Druckenmiler Center for Lung Cancer Research
Professor of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
Host: Mohamed Abazeed, MD, PhD
Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at 3:30 pm
Reception to follow in the Potocsnak Family Atrium at 4:30 pm
Dec
11
BMG Seminar: Matthew G. Oser MD, PhD, Harvard Medical School
Chicago - 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
The Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics presents:
Matthew G. Oser MD, PhD
Department of Medical Oncology, Division of Molecular and Cellular Oncology
Assistant Professor, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute,
Harvard Medical School
Presentation:
New Therapeutic Strategies for Small Cell Lung Cancer
Host: Dr. Lu Wang, Assistant Professor, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics
Refreshments will be served.
Dec
11
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.
Dec
12
Bacterial Journal Club
Chicago - 1:45 PM - 3:00 PM
Student Speaker: Kathleen Nicholson
Description: 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
Dec
15
Course Delivery Lab
Evanston - 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Experiment with dynamic, evidence-informed instruction in this lab designed for instructors—at any career stage—who want to invigorate courses with fresh ideas for active, collaborative, and experiential learning, and apply easy-to-implement formative assessment techniques.
Lunch provided!
Dec
16
Mellon Mays Office Hours
Evanston - 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Join Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship alumna and current doctoral candidate Monique Newton for insights about this unrivaled opportunity to prepare for doctoral study in the humanities and/or qualitative social sciences!
Dec
16
Microbiology-Immunology Seminar Series: Rebecca Trimble PhD Candidate
Chicago - 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM
Title: The role of BB0323 in the localization of FtsZ in Borrelia burgdorferi'.
Description: The causative agent of Lyme disease, Borrelia burgdorferi, has a complex cell cycle that involves the coordinated production of multiple zones of peptidoglycan synthesis that are spatially and temporally regulated through unknown processes. We’ve identified a protein of unknown function that appears to function as a negative regulator of both divisome assembly and zonal peptidoglycan synthesis. Our findings provide new insights into the complex cell cycle of B. burgdorferi and hint at a novel mechanism in which the site of cytokinesis is determined by the unusual architecture of the peptidoglycan cell wall.
Dec
17
Clinical Research Course
Chicago - 8:30 AM - 11:30 PM
On Wednesday, December 17, 2025, all clinical cancer researchers and trainees are invited to join us for an educational event providing valuable insite into opportunities, resources and expectations for investigators developing and conducting clinical trials.
Dec
17
CDB Trainee Seminar Series
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Cell & Developmental Biology (CDB) Trainee Seminar Series
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://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/cdb/about/listserv.html#listserv
Dec
18
BMG Seminar: Lindsay Pino, PhD, Talus Bio
Chicago - 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
The Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics presents:
Lindsay Pino, PhD
Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer
Talus Bioscience, Inc.
Presentation:
Profiling the regulome with high-throughput proteomics to enable small-molecule therapeutics
Abstract:
Transcription factors, cofactors, and chromatin regulators orchestrate gene expression yet remain poorly measured in their native chromatin context and historically difficult to drug. To address these challenges, we developed regulome profiling, a functional proteomics approach that quantifies protein–DNA binding activity in live cells using high-throughput mass spectrometry. This assay measures regulator activity directly, generating proteome-wide maps of DNA engagement that can be compared across perturbations, cell types, and chemical treatments.
Because of its flexibility and high-dimensional output, regulome profiling delivers actionable biological insight across diverse contexts. In deorphanization, we uncover off-target DNA-binding effects of anthracyclines, uncovering new mechanisms of action not previously associated with this drug class. In toxicity studies, regulome signatures reveal early regulatory disruptions preceding transcriptomic or phenotypic changes. In drug discovery, these activity maps expose tractable intervention points directly within disease-relevant cell contexts, seeding a pipeline of small-molecule therapeutics against transcription factors including brachyury (TBXT) and androgen receptor variants.
To accelerate these drug discovery efforts, we built an AI model on top of this unique data, called Strategian. Strategian triages billions of compounds by predicted impact on transcription-factor activity and selectivity, feeding prioritized candidates back into regulome profiling for experimental validation. This closed-loop, two-week iteration connects small-molecule chemistry to chromatin regulatory biology, transforming transcriptional control into a measurable and druggable system.
Host: Dr. Ali Shilatifard, Chairman, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics; Director, Simpson Querrey Institute for Epigenetics
Refreshments will be served.
Dec
18
OKRA National Forum: Nano-AMPs: The future of UTI management?
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, December 18th, to hear from Laura Schwartz, PhD (Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Ohio State University) as she discusses “Nano-AMPs: The future of UTI management?”
Registration is required.
Dec
19
Bacterial Journal Club
Chicago - 1:45 PM - 3:00 PM
Student Speaker: Daniel Amusin
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
Jan
06
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 -- 1/16/26 @ 12:00 noon
National Deadline for Boren Fellowship -- 1/21/26
National Deadline for Boren Scholarship -- 1/28/26
Jan
07
CDB Trainee Seminar Series
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Cell & Developmental Biology (CDB) Trainee Seminar Series
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://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/cdb/about/listserv.html#listserv
Jan
08
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.
Jan
09
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 -- 1/16/26 @ 12:00 noon
National Deadline for Boren Fellowship -- 1/21/26
National Deadline for Boren Scholarship -- 1/28/26
Jan
09
Bacterial Journal Club
Chicago - 1:45 PM - 3:00 PM
Student Speaker: Francisco
Description: 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
Jan
21
CDB Trainee Seminar Series
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Cell & Developmental Biology (CDB) Trainee Seminar Series
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://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/cdb/about/listserv.html#listserv
Jan
22
OKRA National Forum: Decoding diet and microbiome drivers of heterogeneous kidney immunobiology
Online - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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, January 22nd, to hear from Leah Guthrie, PhD (University of California, Berkeley) as she discusses “Decoding diet and microbiome drivers of heterogeneous kidney immunobiology”
Registration is required.
Jan
22
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.
Feb
04
CDB Trainee Seminar Series
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Cell & Developmental Biology (CDB) Trainee Seminar Series
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://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/cdb/about/listserv.html#listserv
Feb
05
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.
Feb
12
OKRA National Forum: Renal adaptations to exercise and the implications for cardiorenal health
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, February 12th, to hear from Sophia Sears, PhD (University of Lousville) as she discusses “Renal adaptations to exercise and the implications for cardiorenal health”
Registration is required.
Feb
18
CDB Trainee Seminar Series
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Cell & Developmental Biology (CDB) Trainee Seminar Series
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://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/cdb/about/listserv.html#listserv
Feb
19
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.