Education & Seminars
Our members are active member of the Feinberg community, speaking at and participating in a number of educational events around campus on a variety of epigentics-related topics.
Use the tabs below to browse listings of upcoming genetics-related seminars and events. For a schedule of additional Northwestern University and Feinberg School of Medicine events, visit the Feinberg Medical School Event Calendar or PlanIt Purple.
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Sep
09
CDB Experts in the Field - Edwin M. Munro, PhD.
Chicago - 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
CDB Experts-in-the-field Seminar Series
“Design principles for self-organized cortical polarity”
Edwin M. Munro, PhD
Professor of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology
The University of Chicago, Dept of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology
https://mgcb.uchicago.edu/faculty/edwin-m-munro-phd
Wednesday, September 9th, 2026
4:00pm to 5:00pm
Baldwin Auditorium Lurie - 1-123
Robert H. Lurie Medical Research Center
303 E. Superior St. Chicago, Illinois, 60611
Host:
Wilton Snead PhD
Assistant Professor, Cell and Developmental Biology
https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/cdb/faculty/profile.html?xid=65199
Calendar invites with event details are disseminated in advance. Contact cdb@northwestern.edu for additional details or sign-up for our listserv at https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/cdb/about/listserv.html#listserv
Sep
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.
Sep
14
Annual Cell & Developmental Biology Retreat - Day 1
Chicago - 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Please secure this time for the annual Cell & Developmental Biology departmental retreat.
Additional details will follow.
Sep
14
Toshio Narahashi Annual Lecture: Richard S. Lewis, PhD
Chicago - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Guest Speaker: Richard S. Lewis, Ph.D., Emeritus Professor of Molecular and Cellular Physiology
Speaker Bio: Dr. Lewis graduated from Yale University in 1978 with a B.S. degree in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry and earned his Ph.D. in Neurobiology at Caltech in the lab of Dr. James Hudspeth, where his work on the ionic basis of frequency tuning in hair cells sparked a lifelong interest in the mechanisms and functions of ion channels. As a postdoctoral fellow with Dr. Michael Cahalan at UC Irvine, he discovered new varieties of K+, Cl-, and Ca2+ channels in T lymphocytes, including the Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channel. In 1990 he joined the Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology at Stanford and served as Department Chair from 2004 to 2009, becoming Emeritus in 2026. His lab at Stanford has made important advances in understanding the biophysical properties of CRAC channels, the molecular and cellular mechanisms governing their activation, and their functions in controlling gene expression, lymphocyte motility and immune synapse organization and dynamics. In recognition of these achievements, Dr. Lewis was elected to the National Academy of Sciences (2020) and received the Cole Award from the Biophysical Society (2021).
Talk Title: "Molecules in motion: the cellular and molecular dynamics of store-operated calcium channels"
Abstract: Store-operated calcium channels, essential for maintaining calcium signals in excitable and non-excitable cells, are unique in being activated by depletion of Ca2+ from the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum. In this lecture, I will trace the series of breakthroughs that revealed an activation mechanism in which the ER protein STIM1 detects Ca2+ depletion, clusters at ER–plasma-membrane junctions, and couples to mobile Orai1/CRAC channels to drive calcium entry across the plasma membrane. Most recently, our studies using single-molecule FRET offer new insight into the conformational changes and dynamic interactions through which STIM1, the master regulator of store-operated calcium entry, transitions from its inactive state to its Orai1-activating form.
Sep
15
Annual Cell & Developmental Biology Retreat - Day 2
Chicago - 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Please secure this time for the annual Cell & Developmental Biology departmental retreat.
Additional details will follow.
Sep
15
"Neuronal excitation-transcription coupling in health and disease"
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Neuroscience Seminar Series: Mark Dell'Acqua, Ph.D
Long-term information storage mediated by synaptic plasticity in the brain requires modification of the neuronal transcriptome in response to changes in neuronal activity. This process, known as excitation-transcription (E-T) coupling, can be initiated by receptors and ion channels at distal synaptic sites in dendrites, to trigger long-range signaling via protein kinases and phosphatases to transcription factors, such as CREB and NFAT, in the nucleus in the cell soma. Importantly, E-T coupling is required for normal brain development and learning and memory, and disruption of synapse-to-nucleus signaling is implicated in neurodevelopmental, neuropsychiatric, and neurodegenerative diseases. Through employing a variety of optical stimulation and imaging approaches in combination with genetic and pharmacological manipulations, we previously found that glutamate receptors activated on distal dendrites can initiate L-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channel (LTCC)-dependent Ca2+ spikes that rapidly propagate from dendrites to the soma to promote calcineurin (CaN) phosphatase-mediated activation NFAT. Furthermore, this E-T coupling pathway is organized by an AKAP scaffold protein that recruits CaN, and also the kinase PKA, to glutamate receptors and LTCCs to control both upstream Ca2+ signal generation in dendrites and downstream propagation to the soma to promote NFAT translocation to the nucleus. Importantly, new findings will be presented indicating that these AKAP-CaN-NFAT synapse-to-nucleus signaling mechanisms are aberrantly engaged by synaptotoxic amyloid-beta oligomers in Alzheimer’s disease and are disrupted by de novo mutations in the human PPP3CA gene encoding CaNAalpha that cause a developmental epileptic encephalopathy.
Sep
16
Welcome to CIRTL @ Northwestern Certificate Program
Online - 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Interested in developing your teaching skills and learning more about evidence-based and inclusive teaching practices?
Join us for a 30-minute online information session to learn about the CIRTL @ Northwestern Certificate Program, a flexible, three-level professional development pathway for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars from all disciplines.
We’ll introduce our fall offerings, explain how to get started, and answer questions about how the program can support your growth as an educator and advance your professional goals.
Sep
18
FCVRRI Series Seminar - Rocio Servin-Vences, PhD
Chicago - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Talk title - Using Mechanosensitive PIEZO Channels to Understand Visceral Sensory Circuits
Sep
21
Microbiology-Immunology Staff Retreat
Chicago - 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Description:
The Department of Microbiology-Immunology will host its annual staff retreat on Monday, September 21. This full-day event will begin on campus in the SQ Auditorium and Atrium, followed by a group lunch at Lincoln Park Zoo.
The retreat will provide an opportunity for staff to reflect on accomplishments and key milestones from Fiscal Year 2025 while engaging in collaborative activities designed to strengthen team relationships and foster continued success. Through reflection, discussion, and team-building exercises, participants will focus on advancing departmental goals and enhancing collaboration for future endeavors.
Sep
21
Department of Pharmacology Seminar, Kevin H. Gardner Ph.D
Chicago - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Speaker: Kevin H. Gardner Ph.D; Director, Structural Biology Initiative, CUNY Advanced Science Research Center
Lecture title: "Using nature’s inspiration to drug the “undraggable”: HIF-2alpha inhibitor, belzutifan"
Abstract: Using a combination of structural biology, biochemistry, and chemistry, I will show how studies of environmental sensory proteins – particularly ligand-regulated protein/protein interaction systems – reveal insights both into natural signaling mechanisms and ways that these can be exploited for therapeutic and biotech advances.
Sep
24
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.
Sep
25
FCVRRI Research in Progress Seminar - Milagros Romay, PhD
Chicago - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Talk title - The Molecular Architecture of Vascular Identity: From Diversity to Pathology.
Sep
29
Distinguished Lecturers in Life Sciences: Advances in dynamic and responsive materials for intestinal Organoid Culture | Kristi Anseth, PhD
Chicago - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Kristi Anseth, PhD
Distinguished Professor, Chemical and Biological Engineering
Tisone Professor, Chemical and Biological Engineering
Associate Faculty Director, BioFrontiers Institute
University of Colorado at Boulder
Host: Rui Yi
Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at 3:30 pm
Reception to follow in the Ryan Family Atrium at 4:30 pm
Oct
01
Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Symposium
Off-Campus - 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Widely recognized as one of the most valuable breast cancer meetings for practicing clinicians, the Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Symposium returns this year with 3.5 days of in-person presentations, case-based discussions, and interactive Q&A in downtown Chicago. THe symposium runs from Thursday, October 1 through Sunday, October 4.
For nearly three decades, this multidisciplinary CME program has provided the latest information regarding cutting-edge technology and approaches in the management of breast cancer from leading national and international medical, surgical, and radiation oncologists. This year's symposium will include a superb line-up of internationally recognized faculty who will not only present the latest research findings, but will also be available for real-time interaction following their presentations. The symposium will focus on the close cooperation required for effective multidisciplinary management of patients with breast cancer.
Oct
02
FCVRRI Series Seminar - Nathan Gianneschi, PhD
Chicago - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Talk title - Materials as Medicines: Proteomimetic Polymers for Expanding the Druggable Proteome
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
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
26
Department of Pharmacology Seminar, Ahmad Jomaa Ph. D
Chicago - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Ahmad Jomaa Ph. D, Assistant Professor of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics University of Virginia School of Medicine
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
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.
Nov
02
Department of Pharmacology Seminar, Janos Zempleni Ph.D
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
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
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
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 Ph.D
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.
No events found. Please try again later.
Sep
09
CDB Experts in the Field - Edwin M. Munro, PhD.
Chicago - 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
CDB Experts-in-the-field Seminar Series
“Design principles for self-organized cortical polarity”
Edwin M. Munro, PhD
Professor of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology
The University of Chicago, Dept of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology
https://mgcb.uchicago.edu/faculty/edwin-m-munro-phd
Wednesday, September 9th, 2026
4:00pm to 5:00pm
Baldwin Auditorium Lurie - 1-123
Robert H. Lurie Medical Research Center
303 E. Superior St. Chicago, Illinois, 60611
Host:
Wilton Snead PhD
Assistant Professor, Cell and Developmental Biology
https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/cdb/faculty/profile.html?xid=65199
Calendar invites with event details are disseminated in advance. Contact cdb@northwestern.edu for additional details or sign-up for our listserv at https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/cdb/about/listserv.html#listserv
Sep
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.
Sep
14
Annual Cell & Developmental Biology Retreat - Day 1
Chicago - 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Please secure this time for the annual Cell & Developmental Biology departmental retreat.
Additional details will follow.
Sep
14
Toshio Narahashi Annual Lecture: Richard S. Lewis, PhD
Chicago - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Guest Speaker: Richard S. Lewis, Ph.D., Emeritus Professor of Molecular and Cellular Physiology
Speaker Bio: Dr. Lewis graduated from Yale University in 1978 with a B.S. degree in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry and earned his Ph.D. in Neurobiology at Caltech in the lab of Dr. James Hudspeth, where his work on the ionic basis of frequency tuning in hair cells sparked a lifelong interest in the mechanisms and functions of ion channels. As a postdoctoral fellow with Dr. Michael Cahalan at UC Irvine, he discovered new varieties of K+, Cl-, and Ca2+ channels in T lymphocytes, including the Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channel. In 1990 he joined the Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology at Stanford and served as Department Chair from 2004 to 2009, becoming Emeritus in 2026. His lab at Stanford has made important advances in understanding the biophysical properties of CRAC channels, the molecular and cellular mechanisms governing their activation, and their functions in controlling gene expression, lymphocyte motility and immune synapse organization and dynamics. In recognition of these achievements, Dr. Lewis was elected to the National Academy of Sciences (2020) and received the Cole Award from the Biophysical Society (2021).
Talk Title: "Molecules in motion: the cellular and molecular dynamics of store-operated calcium channels"
Abstract: Store-operated calcium channels, essential for maintaining calcium signals in excitable and non-excitable cells, are unique in being activated by depletion of Ca2+ from the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum. In this lecture, I will trace the series of breakthroughs that revealed an activation mechanism in which the ER protein STIM1 detects Ca2+ depletion, clusters at ER–plasma-membrane junctions, and couples to mobile Orai1/CRAC channels to drive calcium entry across the plasma membrane. Most recently, our studies using single-molecule FRET offer new insight into the conformational changes and dynamic interactions through which STIM1, the master regulator of store-operated calcium entry, transitions from its inactive state to its Orai1-activating form.
Sep
15
Annual Cell & Developmental Biology Retreat - Day 2
Chicago - 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Please secure this time for the annual Cell & Developmental Biology departmental retreat.
Additional details will follow.
Sep
15
"Neuronal excitation-transcription coupling in health and disease"
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Neuroscience Seminar Series: Mark Dell'Acqua, Ph.D
Long-term information storage mediated by synaptic plasticity in the brain requires modification of the neuronal transcriptome in response to changes in neuronal activity. This process, known as excitation-transcription (E-T) coupling, can be initiated by receptors and ion channels at distal synaptic sites in dendrites, to trigger long-range signaling via protein kinases and phosphatases to transcription factors, such as CREB and NFAT, in the nucleus in the cell soma. Importantly, E-T coupling is required for normal brain development and learning and memory, and disruption of synapse-to-nucleus signaling is implicated in neurodevelopmental, neuropsychiatric, and neurodegenerative diseases. Through employing a variety of optical stimulation and imaging approaches in combination with genetic and pharmacological manipulations, we previously found that glutamate receptors activated on distal dendrites can initiate L-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channel (LTCC)-dependent Ca2+ spikes that rapidly propagate from dendrites to the soma to promote calcineurin (CaN) phosphatase-mediated activation NFAT. Furthermore, this E-T coupling pathway is organized by an AKAP scaffold protein that recruits CaN, and also the kinase PKA, to glutamate receptors and LTCCs to control both upstream Ca2+ signal generation in dendrites and downstream propagation to the soma to promote NFAT translocation to the nucleus. Importantly, new findings will be presented indicating that these AKAP-CaN-NFAT synapse-to-nucleus signaling mechanisms are aberrantly engaged by synaptotoxic amyloid-beta oligomers in Alzheimer’s disease and are disrupted by de novo mutations in the human PPP3CA gene encoding CaNAalpha that cause a developmental epileptic encephalopathy.
Sep
16
Welcome to CIRTL @ Northwestern Certificate Program
Online - 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Interested in developing your teaching skills and learning more about evidence-based and inclusive teaching practices?
Join us for a 30-minute online information session to learn about the CIRTL @ Northwestern Certificate Program, a flexible, three-level professional development pathway for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars from all disciplines.
We’ll introduce our fall offerings, explain how to get started, and answer questions about how the program can support your growth as an educator and advance your professional goals.
Sep
18
FCVRRI Series Seminar - Rocio Servin-Vences, PhD
Chicago - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Talk title - Using Mechanosensitive PIEZO Channels to Understand Visceral Sensory Circuits
Sep
21
Microbiology-Immunology Staff Retreat
Chicago - 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Description:
The Department of Microbiology-Immunology will host its annual staff retreat on Monday, September 21. This full-day event will begin on campus in the SQ Auditorium and Atrium, followed by a group lunch at Lincoln Park Zoo.
The retreat will provide an opportunity for staff to reflect on accomplishments and key milestones from Fiscal Year 2025 while engaging in collaborative activities designed to strengthen team relationships and foster continued success. Through reflection, discussion, and team-building exercises, participants will focus on advancing departmental goals and enhancing collaboration for future endeavors.
Sep
21
Department of Pharmacology Seminar, Kevin H. Gardner Ph.D
Chicago - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Speaker: Kevin H. Gardner Ph.D; Director, Structural Biology Initiative, CUNY Advanced Science Research Center
Lecture title: "Using nature’s inspiration to drug the “undraggable”: HIF-2alpha inhibitor, belzutifan"
Abstract: Using a combination of structural biology, biochemistry, and chemistry, I will show how studies of environmental sensory proteins – particularly ligand-regulated protein/protein interaction systems – reveal insights both into natural signaling mechanisms and ways that these can be exploited for therapeutic and biotech advances.
Sep
24
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.
Sep
25
FCVRRI Research in Progress Seminar - Milagros Romay, PhD
Chicago - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Talk title - The Molecular Architecture of Vascular Identity: From Diversity to Pathology.
Sep
29
Distinguished Lecturers in Life Sciences: Advances in dynamic and responsive materials for intestinal Organoid Culture | Kristi Anseth, PhD
Chicago - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Kristi Anseth, PhD
Distinguished Professor, Chemical and Biological Engineering
Tisone Professor, Chemical and Biological Engineering
Associate Faculty Director, BioFrontiers Institute
University of Colorado at Boulder
Host: Rui Yi
Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at 3:30 pm
Reception to follow in the Ryan Family Atrium at 4:30 pm
Oct
01
Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Symposium
Off-Campus - 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Widely recognized as one of the most valuable breast cancer meetings for practicing clinicians, the Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Symposium returns this year with 3.5 days of in-person presentations, case-based discussions, and interactive Q&A in downtown Chicago. THe symposium runs from Thursday, October 1 through Sunday, October 4.
For nearly three decades, this multidisciplinary CME program has provided the latest information regarding cutting-edge technology and approaches in the management of breast cancer from leading national and international medical, surgical, and radiation oncologists. This year's symposium will include a superb line-up of internationally recognized faculty who will not only present the latest research findings, but will also be available for real-time interaction following their presentations. The symposium will focus on the close cooperation required for effective multidisciplinary management of patients with breast cancer.
Oct
02
FCVRRI Series Seminar - Nathan Gianneschi, PhD
Chicago - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Talk title - Materials as Medicines: Proteomimetic Polymers for Expanding the Druggable Proteome
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
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
26
Department of Pharmacology Seminar, Ahmad Jomaa Ph. D
Chicago - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Ahmad Jomaa Ph. D, Assistant Professor of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics University of Virginia School of Medicine
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
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.
Nov
02
Department of Pharmacology Seminar, Janos Zempleni Ph.D
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
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
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
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 Ph.D
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.