Education & Seminars
Our members are active member of the Feinberg community, speaking at and participating in a number of educational events around campus on a variety of epigentics-related topics.
Use the tabs below to browse listings of upcoming genetics-related seminars and events. For a schedule of additional Northwestern University and Feinberg School of Medicine events, visit the Feinberg Medical School Event Calendar or PlanIt Purple.
Oct
30
FCVRRI Seminar - AHA Poster/Short Talk Competition
Chicago - 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
AHA Poster Practice sessions
Oct
30
"Molecular Physiology of Pain: From Calcium Channels to Brain Circuits"
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Neuroscience Seminar Series: Dr. Gerald W. Zamponi, PhD
Chronic pain involves dysregulation of neuronal signalling at the peripheral and CNS levels. T-type voltage calcium channels control the firing of sensory afferents and spinal cord interneurons and are aberrantly upregulated in response to inflammation or nerve injury. This is due to alterations in post translational modification by deubiquitinase activity. I will present data on preclinical development of new drug molecules that act on this pathway. Neuronal circuits in the brain process nociceptive inputs to construct pain as an unpleasant sensation. Using optogenetics, electrophysiology, calcium imaging and projection tracing our team has identified a long range brain circuit that processes neuropathic pain by altering descending control over the spinal cord. I will present data showing that complex alterations in excitation-inhibition balance in the amygdala-prefrontal cortex-vlPAG-locus coeruleus- spinal cord axis is a key determinant of pain processing.
Oct
30
Nov
02
Exploring Teaching Careers at Research Universities with CIRTL Alumni [CIRTL Event]
Online - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
In this online panel, we’ll hear from CIRTL alumni who now work as teaching professors at research universities around the United States. Faculty members who primarily teach, rather than do research, have become increasingly important for delivering courses at research universities. Alumni will share what their jobs are like, how they became interested in teaching, how they ended up at research institutions and how they fit within their departments, and what growth and progression can look like in these types of career paths.
This event is designed first and foremost for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers exploring potential career paths, but generally relevant to anyone interested in understanding career trajectories within academia and beyond.
Nov
02
Northwestern Nexus Lab Awards: Information Webinar
No Location - 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Date: Monday, November 2, 2026
Time: 1–2 p.m. CST
Location: Online via Zoom
Audience: Northwestern faculty and research staff
Sponsor: Office for Research
Description
Have an ambitious research idea that brings together expertise across disciplines? Join this informational webinar to learn about the new Northwestern Nexus Lab Awards and the opportunity to develop collaborative research programs positioned to compete for major external funding.
The initiative will support interdisciplinary teams with awards of up to $250,000 each for work spanning 12–18 months. The awards aim to help teams address significant scientific, societal, technological, economic or human challenges and build enduring research programs. Partnerships with industry, foundations, philanthropic organizations and government agencies are encouraged, with particular interest in collaborations across the Chicago region.
Northwestern faculty and their staff interested in the awards or supporting a prospective team are encouraged to attend.
Registration: Register for the November 2 webinar
More information: Visit the Northwestern Nexus Labs website
Nov
03
Nov
03
Microbiology-Immunology Seminar Series: Dr. Amy Lee, PhD
Chicago - 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM
Title: Evolution of mRNA translation across the diversity of life
Description: How do organisms control which proteins they make to drive distinct cellular functions? Every aspect of biology is defined by which proteins each cell expresses. Furthermore, to manifest diverse phenotypes, cells must regulate protein synthesis at both global and gene-specific levels. To address this fundamental question, we leverage diverse cells, viruses, and animals to identify unanticipated principles of mRNA translational control that confer species-specific evolutionary novelty.
Nov
03
DGP and CHI Lecture: Immunological Mechanisms of Cancer Defense | Ming Li, PhD
Chicago - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Ming Li, PhD
David H. Koch Chair in
Immunological Studies
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Host: Caylee Silvers
Tuesday, November 3, 2026 at 3:30 pm
Reception to follow in the Ryan Family Atrium at 4:30 pm
Nov
04
Sparkshop: Making Large Classes Feel Smaller
Online - 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Teaching a large course doesn't mean settling for passive listening. Join this fast-paced, 30-minute Sparkshop to learn methods for increasing student engagement and motivation in large classes..., all while keeping your workload manageable. We’ll dive into a few active learning techniques that can engage large groups of students, as well as some approaches for building community in ways that foster learning and academic integrity. Join us to discover how to break down a massive class into manageable, collaborative moments where every student has a chance to engage.
Nov
05
BMG Seminar: Ophir Shalem, PhD, University of Pennsylvania
Chicago - 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
The Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics presents:
Ophir Shalem, PhD
Associate Professor, Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine
University of Pennsylvania, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Presentation:
"Towards scalable pooled optical profiling of subcellular neuronal proteome organization"
System-level understanding of proteome organization and function requires methods for direct visualization and perturbation of proteins at scale. We set to develop pooled protein tagging, an approach that enables parallel quantification of the levels and localization patterns for hundreds to thousands of proteins in a highly scalable manner. Using two alternative methods, prime editing and intron tagging, we were able to generate complex cell pools with a single endogenously tagged protein in each cell which then undergo phenotyping by high throughput imaging, and in-situ barcode sequencing. Deep learning driven analysis of single cell images enables clustering of proteins based on their observed localization pattens, and identification of stress responsive changes in subcellular organization, including the formation of protein condensates. In ongoing work, we have developed improved tools for prime editing mediated tagging in iPSCs followed by robust imaging of endogenous protein localization patterns in neurons. We used this to investigate spatial organelle heterogeneity and eventually deep profiling of proteome organization in iPSC derived neuronal models of disease.
Host: Dr. Marc Mendillo, Associate Professor, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics
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
06
"Windows into OCD: Translating mechanisms from mice into treatments"
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Neuroscience Seminar Series: Dr. Susanne Ahmari, MD, PhD
Compulsive behaviors are a central component of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), as well as prominent, disabling, and notoriously-treatment resistant symptoms of many severe psychiatric disorders, including autism, schizophrenia, and addiction. Although OCD symptoms have been broadly linked to abnormal activity in cortical-basal ganglia circuits via human imaging studies, we still have a quite limited understanding of how maladaptive repetitive behaviors are encoded in the brain. Our lab is using novel technologic approaches and statistical strategies that finally allow us to address this topic by determining: 1) which neural circuits underlie maladaptive repetitive behaviors, 2) how these behaviors are encoded in the brain, and 3) when the neural code changes as these behaviors develop and resolve. Our previous work has demonstrated that a) brief but repeated optogenetic hyperstimulation of projections from orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) to ventromedial striatum (VMS) leads to long-lasting perseverative grooming, a mouse behavior linked to OCD (Ahmari et al, Science, 2013); and b) compulsive grooming behavior is associated with increased neural activity in the striatum (measured in awake-behaving mice using both in vivo microscopy and in vivo electrophysiology). Using transgenic OCD mouse-models and healthy control mice combined with in vivo optogenetics, electrophysiology, and microscopy, we are now identifying the specific activity patterns, cell-types, and circuits responsible for the development of abnormal repetitive and compulsive behaviors. I will discuss both these mechanistic studies in mice, as well as our interdisciplinary efforts to translate these neuroscience findings into new treatments for people with OCD.
Nov
06
Bacterial Journal Club
Chicago - 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Presentor: Daniel Amusin
Description: Bacterial Journal Club
Nov
06
Bacterial Journal Club
Chicago - 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Presentor: Daniel Amusin
Description: Bacterial Journal Club
Nov
09
Special FCVRRI Seminar - Miguel Torres, PhD
Chicago - 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Talk title - Regulation of Cardiomyocyte Polyploidization and Myocardial Renewal in Mammals
Nov
09
Exploring Teaching Careers at Teaching Intensive Universities with CIRTL Alumni [CIRTL Event]
Online - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
In this online panel, we’ll hear from CIRTL alumni who now teach at liberal arts colleges. Most undergraduates in the United States are educated at liberal arts colleges and other non-research institutions like community colleges and specialized BS and MS universities, and the faculty who teach them frequently balance teaching, research, and mentorship as dynamic pieces of a rewarding career. Alumni will share what their jobs are like, how they became interested in teaching, what it was like to transition from the research-intensive R1 institutions they studied at to the smaller colleges and universities where they now work, and what growth and progression can look like in these types of career paths.
This event is designed first and foremost for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in STEM/SBE disciplines exploring potential career paths, but generally relevant to anyone interested in understanding career trajectories within academia and beyond.
Nov
09
Lurie Cancer Center Core Technologies & Applications Seminar Series
Chicago - 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Macromolecular Structures Matter: Exploring Northwestern’s Structural Biology & Krios Facilities
Behrouz Ghasi Esfahani, PhD
Manager, Krios Facility
Department Of Molecular Biosciences
Northwestern University Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences
Nov
09
Department of Pharmacology Seminar, Edward C. Twomey, PhD
Chicago - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Speaker: Edward C. Twomey PhD, Associate Professor, Departments of Biophysics & Neuroscience, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Bio: Ed Twomey is an associate professor in the Departments of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry and of Neuroscience at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He received his B.S. in biochemistry with distinction from Seton Hall University and his Ph.D. with distinction from Columbia University, where he trained with Alexander Sobolevsky and Joachim Frank. He then completed postdoctoral training with Tom Rapoport at Harvard Medical School before joining Johns Hopkins. His lab studies the biophysics of cellular communication. One focus is how neurons communicate at synapses: using cryo-electron microscopy and electrophysiology, the lab examines how chemical signals are converted into electrical signals, and how disruptions in these processes contribute to brain disorders and aging. The lab also studies how tissue barriers form and function, with the goal of developing better and safer ways to deliver drugs across them. Ed’s honors include being named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, a Searle Scholar, a National Academy of Sciences Kavli Fellow, a One Mind–Bristol Myers Squibb Rising Star, and the recipient of the Lee Hood Prize in Biomedical Science. Most recently, he received the Margaret C. Etter Early Career Award from the American Crystallographic Association.
Lecture Title: From glutamate to dopamine: decoding the orphan delta glutamate receptors.
Abstract: Delta glutamate receptors (GluD1 and GluD2) were discovered more than three decades ago, yet they remain orphan receptors. Although they belong to the glutamate receptor family, they do not bind glutamate, so their molecular function has stayed unknown even though they are essential for synaptic regulation and implicated in neurological disease. In this talk, I will present our recent structural, functional and pharmacological work decoding the molecular principles of how GluDs work, including their unexpected link to dopamine.
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. All are welcome!
Nov
10
Microbiology-Immunology Seminar Series: Dr. Montserrat Anguera, PhD
Chicago - 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM
Title: Genetic and Epigenetic Influences on Female-Biased Autoimmunity
Description: Women with two X chromosomes are disproportionately affected by autoimmune diseases such as lupus. Our recent studies reveal that maintenance of X-chromosome inactivation in B cells is highly dynamic and relies on both Xist RNA-dependent and Xist-independent mechanisms to preserve the epigenetic state of the inactive X chromosome. In addition, disrupting Xist RNA-mediated X-chromosome inactivation specifically in B cells can promote aberrant B-cell activation, autoantibody production, and lupus-associated disease in female mice. Together, these findings identify maintenance of X-chromosome inactivation as an important regulator of B-cell function and provide a mechanistic link between the X chromosome and female-biased autoimmunity.
Nov
10
Distinguished Lecturers in Life Sciences: Perchance to dream: Sleep and lethal neuroinflammation | Douglas Green, PhD | Tuesday, November 10th | 3:30 pm
Chicago - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Douglas Green, PhD
Peter C. Doherty Endowed Chair, Department of Immunology
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Host: Sarah Yoshimi Tropp
Tuesday, November 10, 2026 at 3:30 pm. Reception to follow in Ryan Family Atrium.
Nov
11
CDB Experts in the Field - Jeremy F. Reiter, MD, PhD
Chicago - 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
CDB Experts-in-the-field Seminar Series
“How centrioles and cilia help build the heart”
Jeremy F. Reiter, MD, PhD
Chair, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Biochemistry and Biophysics, at the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine
https://cancer.ucsf.edu/people/reiter.jeremy
Wednesday, November 11th, 2026
12:30pm to 1:30pm
Baldwin Auditorium Lurie - 1-123
Robert H. Lurie Medical Research Center
303 E. Superior St. Chicago, Illinois, 60611
Host:
Brian J Mitchell, PhD
Associate Professor, Cell and Developmental Biology
https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/cdb/faculty/profile.html?xid=18090
Calendar invites with event details are disseminated in advance. Contact cdb@northwestern.edu for additional details or sign-up for our listserv here.
Nov
12
BMG Seminar: Guizhi (Julian) Zhu, PhD, University of Michigan
Chicago - 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
The Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics presents:
Guizhi (Julian) Zhu, PhD
Ara G. Paul Associate Professor, Associate Chair,
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy; University of Michigan
Presentation:
"Engineering and delivery of circular RNA therapeutics and vaccines"
Host: Dr. Ruli Gao, Assistant Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics
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
13
FCVRRI Research in Progress Seminar - Natalia Mendonca
Chicago - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Talk title - Engineering Lipid Nanoparticles for Gene Delivery to the Anterior Chamber
Nov
13
"Pedunculopontine and subthalamic innervation and excitation of substantia nigra dopamine neuron subtypes susceptible and resilient to degeneration in Parkinson’s disease"
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Andrew Hunter, PhD Candidate Bevan Lab, Department of Neuroscience
Substantia nigra (SN) dopamine (DA) neuron subtypes exhibit distinct properties and susceptibilities to degeneration in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Aldh1a1- and Anxa1-expressing SN DA neurons encode acceleration and degenerate early in PD, whereas Vglut2-expressing DA neurons are salience- and deceleration-encoding and relatively resilient. Glutamatergic pedunculopontine nucleus/mesopontine tegmental (PPN/MTg) and subthalamic nucleus (STN) inputs drive SN DA neuron activity but also generate excitotoxic/bioenergetic stress. Given the classical view that the PPN/MTg and STN are movement-promoting and -preventing, respectively, we hypothesized that these afferents differentially target vulnerable pro-motor and resilient anti-motor SN DA neuron subtypes. Here using anterograde viral tracing, stereological estimation, optogenetic stimulation, and patch clamp-recording of DA neurons, we report that PPN and STN inputs to SN DA neurons are similar in number but PPN/MTg inputs terminate more proximally than STN inputs. Furthermore, PPN/MTg inputs to Aldh1a1/Anxa1 and Vglut2 DA neurons are more frequently detectable and ~18- and 4-fold larger than STN inputs, respectively. Together these and others data indicate that PPN/MTg inputs more powerfully drive firing (and associated stress) in both at risk and resilient DA subtypes and suggest that functionally heterogeneous neuronal subtypes within the PPN/MTg and STN could target functionally homologous DA neuron subtypes.
Nov
13
"Transcriptional repression of mHTT rescues STN function and prevents cell loss in HD mice"
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Josh Callahan PhD, Research Assistant Professor, Bevan Lab, Department of Neuroscience
Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder caused by a trinucleotide CAG repeat expansion in the huntingtin gene (HTT). The debilitating psychomotor symptoms of HD are linked to basal ganglia indirect pathway degeneration. The glutamatergic subthalamic nucleus (STN) is a key component of this pathway and a primary site of dysregulation. In symptomatic 6-12-month-old Q175 HDmice, STN neurons exhibit: (1) NMDA receptor-dependent mitochondrial oxidant stress, (2) reactive oxygen species-mediated KATP channel activation, (3) transcriptional dysregulation, (4) ex vivo autonomous firing loss and in vivo hypoactivity. This pathophysiology is selective for motor cortical-recipient, pro-motor STN neurons (type 1), which increase their activity during locomotion and in control mice optimize movement. Although neuron loss is typically negligible in HD mice, 25% of STN neurons die by 18-months in Q175 mice, mirroring human pathology. Together, these findings establish the STN as a key site for the development and application of symptomatic and disease-modifying treatments in HD.
Zinc finger protein transcriptional repressors (ZFPs) that target expanded CAG repeats can selectively reduce mutant huntingtin (mHTT) expression. To evaluate their efficacy in the STN, AAV-encoding ZFPs were injected bilaterally in the STN of Q175 mice before (2 months) or after (6 months) the onset of pathophysiology. Late ZFP treatment: (1) reduced STN mitochondrial oxidant stress and restored autonomous firing, (2) rescued type 1 STN activity in vivo, (3) improved locomotion performance and kinematics. However, this late intervention did not prevent STN neuron loss. In contrast, early ZFP treatment improved locomotion and prevented STN cell loss. Together, these data demonstrate that mHTT suppression can reverse pathophysiology in symptomatic mice and prevent cell death when treatment is initiated prior to symptom onset. Our findings support further development and application of ZFPs for HD treatment and highlight the importance of ZFP timing and target selection.
Nov
13
Bacterial Journal Club
Chicago - 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Speaker: Casey Kellogg
Description: Bacterial Journal Club
Nov
16
Department of Pharmacology Seminar, Jonathan Schlebach PhD
Chicago - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Jonathan Schlebach Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Biochemistry at Purdue University.
More info TBA
Nov
17
Distinguished Lecturers in Life Sciences: Developing a Career: From Khao I Dang to the Microbiota in Colon Cancer | Cynthia Sears, MD | Tuesday, November 17th | 3:30 pm
Chicago - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Cynthia Sears, MD
Bloomberg-Kimmel Professor of Cancer Immunotherapy
Director, Germ-free Murine Facility
The John Hopkins University School of Medicine
Editor-in-Chief, The Journal of Infectious Diseases
Host: Nicholas Cianciotto, PhD
Tuesday, November 17, 2026 at 3:30 pm. Reception to follow in Ryan Family Atrium.
Nov
19
Immunology Journal Club
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
The Northwestern University Immunology Journal Club is a forum for students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty, and research staff to come together to discuss current and influential research in immunology. Each session focuses on a recently published paper or emerging topic, with an emphasis on understanding experimental approaches, interpreting data, evaluating scientific rigor, and discussing the broader implications for immunology and human health.
The journal club provides an informal and collaborative environment for sharing ideas, asking questions, and exploring new research directions. Discussions may span areas including innate and adaptive immunity, inflammation, immunometabolism, autoimmunity, infectious disease, cancer immunology, immunotherapy, vaccines, and emerging technologies in immunological research.
The goal is not only to stay current with the literature, but also to encourage critical thinking, scientific collaboration, and meaningful discussion across Northwestern's diverse immunology research community. All levels of experience are welcome, and participants are encouraged to contribute questions, perspectives, and ideas.
Nov
20
"Pain, Addiction, and Overdose: Neural Circuit Mechanisms Driving Opioid Escalation and Novel Strategies for Rescue"
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Neuroscience Seminar Series: Jose Moron-Concepcion, PhD
Females and males differ in brain structure and function. These findings may potentially explain sex differences in pain and efficacy and misuse of certain treatments, such as opioids. Dr. Jose Moron-Concepcion will consider new data reflecting on neural mechanisms underlying sex-specific effects of pain on opioid use. Novel data from an inflammatory pain model in rats will demonstrate how pain alters opioid reward signaling in a sex-specific and time-dependent manner and reveal novel mechanisms underlying opioid misuse liability. In addition, he will show that ovarian hormones protect females from pain-induced effects fentanyl use, but the effects are not attributable to estradiol per se. Instead, they demonstrate the therapeutic potential of estradiol treatment in males and its ability to reverse the effects of pain on and fentanyl use. These findings are the first to implicate a role for gonadal hormones in pain-facilitated opioid use and provide novel therapeutic targets that may contribute to pain-related risk for opioid abuse. In a second part of the talk, I will discuss the recent surge in fatal overdoses which is predominantly attributed to the synthetic opioid fentanyl. Despite its short acting nature, fentanyl is more potent and induces opioid induced respiratory depression (OIRD) faster than other opioids. Consequently, understanding the mechanisms by which fentanyl induces OIRD is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies. While naloxone is widely used to reversal OIRD, it produces extraordinarily unpleasant physical responses consistent with severe opioid withdrawal. My lab utilizes a diverse array of complementary techniques including wireless in vivo fiber photometry, wireless, implantable EMG technology, pharmacology, biodistribution, cardiorespiratory physiology, immunohistochemistry, and rodent behavioral approaches to investigate peripheral mechanisms that contribute to fentanyl-induced respiratory depression and muscle rigidity. We have exciting data demonstrating that the peripheral MOR antagonist Naloxone Methiodide (NLXM) is sufficient to reverse OIRD. Surprisingly, this reversal of OIRD does not induce aversive behavioral effects that are observed after naloxone (NLX) administration. Overall, our data provide insight into a potential new approach to develop effective prevention and intervention strategies in individuals suffering from opioid use disorders.
Nov
20
Bacterial Journal Club
Chicago - 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Presentor: Osas Ebohon
Description: Bacterial Journal Club
Nov
30
Boren Awards Information Meeting
Evanston - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
The Boren Scholarship funds undergraduate students who pursue language-intensive study abroad in countries out of the mainstream. At its core, Boren is a language program, thus competitive applicants will be serious students of a language not commonly taught in the United States. In addition, Boren funding comes from the US Government, thus they prize government service. All applicants must be thoughtful about how their career contributes to national security. Finally, Boren rewards long-duration study abroad. Most recipients will stay abroad for six months or more.
The Boren Fellowship funds graduate students who pursue language-intensive study abroad or research in countries out of the mainstream At its core, Boren is a language program, thus competitive applicants will be serious students of a language not commonly taught in the United States. In addition, Boren funding comes from the US Government, thus they prize government service. All applicants must be thoughtful about how their career contributes to national security. Finally, Boren rewards long-duration study abroad. Most recipients will stay abroad for six months or more.
Campus Deadline for Boren Scholarship -- 1/13/27 @ 12:00 noon
National Deadline for Boren Fellowship -- 1/20/27
National Deadline for Boren Scholarship -- 1/27/27
Dec
01
Teaching-Line Faculty Mini-Retreat on Managing the Relational Work of Teaching
Evanston - 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Teaching, mentoring, and supporting students can be deeply rewarding, but they also demand significant time, energy, and attention. Faculty are continually balancing student needs, professional responsibilities, and competing demands. Selected by participants of the spring mini-retreat, our fall topic is managing the relational work of teaching.
During the retreat, Distinguished Fellows will share the practices, boundaries, and habits that have helped them sustain their work, navigate complex relationships, and remain engaged educators over time.
A seasonal lunch will be served at 11:45 AM. We will email participants in late November to collect lunch orders.
Dec
03
BMG Seminar: De-Chen Lin, Ph.D., University of Southern California
Chicago - 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
The Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics presents:
De-Chen Lin, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
University of Southern California
Presentation:
"Cancer Evolution and Tumor Microenvironment: Insights from Multi-Omic Analysis of Advanced Human Organoid Models"
Host: Dr. Lu Wang, PhD Assistant Professor, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics
Dec
03
Introducing STAR: Searle Teaching as Research Projects
Online - 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Are you interested in applying your pedagogical knowledge to investigate and improve student learning? Searle's Teaching-as-Research (STAR) projects provide an opportunity to engage in discipline-specific scholarly inquiry about teaching and learning. This session will introduce the STAR Winter Community of Practice, which supports graduate students and postdoctoral scholars interested in developing and completing a STAR project. Completion of a STAR project may be applied toward the Scholar-Level CIRTL Certificate.
Join Dr. David O'Neill, Professor of Biomedical Engineering, and Dr. Sarah Pila, Assistant Professor of Medical Social Sciences, as they share their experiences with Teaching-as-Research projects. Participants will learn how educational research questions emerge from teaching practice, explore examples of STAR projects, and gain insight into the process of designing and implementing a project of their own.
This session is especially encouraged for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars interested in conducting a STAR project and pursuing the Scholar-Level CIRTL Certificate. Faculty and staff are also welcome to attend.
Dec
04
“Dysregulation of Prefrontal Circuit Maturation Following Early Life Adversity"
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Neuroscience Seminar Series: Dr. Kuei Y. Tseng, PhD
Exposure to early life adversity (ELA) is known to negatively impact the development of neural circuits controlling threat detection, leading to cognitive and emotional dysregulation later in life. Yet, the underlying mechanisms contributing to such behavioral deficits remain elusive due to our limited understanding of key neural maturation events that are sensitive to ELA. The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is likely to play a pivotal role in driving the circuit-level effects of ELA, given its protracted developmental trajectory and high reactivity to stress. Here I will show unpublished data and discuss key concepts on how sensitive neurodevelopmental processes become vulnerable to the impact of ELA, with emphasis on PFC neural circuits that undergo functional remodeling during the adolescent period. Of particular interest is the gain of PFC GABA transmission and the re-calibration of local excitatory-inhibitory balance, a hallmark of PFC maturation that is intimately linked to the maturation cognitive functioning.
Dec
08
Boren Awards Information Meeting
Online - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
The Boren Scholarship funds undergraduate students who pursue language-intensive study abroad in countries out of the mainstream. At its core, Boren is a language program, thus competitive applicants will be serious students of a language not commonly taught in the United States. In addition, Boren funding comes from the US Government, thus they prize government service. All applicants must be thoughtful about how their career contributes to national security. Finally, Boren rewards long-duration study abroad. Most recipients will stay abroad for six months or more.
The Boren Fellowship funds graduate students who pursue language-intensive study abroad or research in countries out of the mainstream At its core, Boren is a language program, thus competitive applicants will be serious students of a language not commonly taught in the United States. In addition, Boren funding comes from the US Government, thus they prize government service. All applicants must be thoughtful about how their career contributes to national security. Finally, Boren rewards long-duration study abroad. Most recipients will stay abroad for six months or more.
Campus Deadline for Boren Scholarship -- 1/13/27 @ 12:00 noon
National Deadline for Boren Fellowship -- 1/20/27
National Deadline for Boren Scholarship -- 1/27/27
Dec
10
Immunology Journal Club
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
The Northwestern University Immunology Journal Club is a forum for students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty, and research staff to come together to discuss current and influential research in immunology. Each session focuses on a recently published paper or emerging topic, with an emphasis on understanding experimental approaches, interpreting data, evaluating scientific rigor, and discussing the broader implications for immunology and human health.
The journal club provides an informal and collaborative environment for sharing ideas, asking questions, and exploring new research directions. Discussions may span areas including innate and adaptive immunity, inflammation, immunometabolism, autoimmunity, infectious disease, cancer immunology, immunotherapy, vaccines, and emerging technologies in immunological research.
The goal is not only to stay current with the literature, but also to encourage critical thinking, scientific collaboration, and meaningful discussion across Northwestern's diverse immunology research community. All levels of experience are welcome, and participants are encouraged to contribute questions, perspectives, and ideas.
Dec
17
BMG Seminar: Kwok-Kin Wong, MD, PhD, NYU Langone Health
Chicago - 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
The Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics presents:
Kwok-King Wong,MD,PhD
Director, Scientific Innovation
NYU Langone Health
Presentation:
"Squamous cell lung carcinoma and novel therapeutic strategies"
Host: Dr. Shannon Lauberth, PhD Associate Professor, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics
Dec
17
Building an AI Philosophy and Policy Together
Online - 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
In this workshop, instructors will be invited to reflect on their AI philosophies to inspire and build intentional AI policies for their courses.
Through reflection, discussion, and collaborative activities, participants will examine their values and perspectives on AI, consider its role in student learning, and begin translating those ideas into course-specific AI policies.
In preparation for the winter quarter, instructors will leave with a foundation of an AI philosophy, frameworks to structure an AI policy, and evidence-based resources for communicating expectations and fostering productive conversations about AI in their classrooms.
Jan
05
Boren Awards Information Meeting
Online - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
The Boren Scholarship funds undergraduate students who pursue language-intensive study abroad in countries out of the mainstream. At its core, Boren is a language program, thus competitive applicants will be serious students of a language not commonly taught in the United States. In addition, Boren funding comes from the US Government, thus they prize government service. All applicants must be thoughtful about how their career contributes to national security. Finally, Boren rewards long-duration study abroad. Most recipients will stay abroad for six months or more.
The Boren Fellowship funds graduate students who pursue language-intensive study abroad or research in countries out of the mainstream At its core, Boren is a language program, thus competitive applicants will be serious students of a language not commonly taught in the United States. In addition, Boren funding comes from the US Government, thus they prize government service. All applicants must be thoughtful about how their career contributes to national security. Finally, Boren rewards long-duration study abroad. Most recipients will stay abroad for six months or more.
Campus Deadline for Boren Scholarship -- 1/13/27 @ 12:00 noon
National Deadline for Boren Fellowship -- 1/20/27
National Deadline for Boren Scholarship -- 1/27/27
Jan
07
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.
Jan
21
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
30
FCVRRI Seminar - AHA Poster/Short Talk Competition
Chicago - 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
AHA Poster Practice sessions
Oct
30
"Molecular Physiology of Pain: From Calcium Channels to Brain Circuits"
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Neuroscience Seminar Series: Dr. Gerald W. Zamponi, PhD
Chronic pain involves dysregulation of neuronal signalling at the peripheral and CNS levels. T-type voltage calcium channels control the firing of sensory afferents and spinal cord interneurons and are aberrantly upregulated in response to inflammation or nerve injury. This is due to alterations in post translational modification by deubiquitinase activity. I will present data on preclinical development of new drug molecules that act on this pathway. Neuronal circuits in the brain process nociceptive inputs to construct pain as an unpleasant sensation. Using optogenetics, electrophysiology, calcium imaging and projection tracing our team has identified a long range brain circuit that processes neuropathic pain by altering descending control over the spinal cord. I will present data showing that complex alterations in excitation-inhibition balance in the amygdala-prefrontal cortex-vlPAG-locus coeruleus- spinal cord axis is a key determinant of pain processing.
Oct
30
Nov
02
Exploring Teaching Careers at Research Universities with CIRTL Alumni [CIRTL Event]
Online - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
In this online panel, we’ll hear from CIRTL alumni who now work as teaching professors at research universities around the United States. Faculty members who primarily teach, rather than do research, have become increasingly important for delivering courses at research universities. Alumni will share what their jobs are like, how they became interested in teaching, how they ended up at research institutions and how they fit within their departments, and what growth and progression can look like in these types of career paths.
This event is designed first and foremost for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers exploring potential career paths, but generally relevant to anyone interested in understanding career trajectories within academia and beyond.
Nov
02
Northwestern Nexus Lab Awards: Information Webinar
No Location - 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Date: Monday, November 2, 2026
Time: 1–2 p.m. CST
Location: Online via Zoom
Audience: Northwestern faculty and research staff
Sponsor: Office for Research
Description
Have an ambitious research idea that brings together expertise across disciplines? Join this informational webinar to learn about the new Northwestern Nexus Lab Awards and the opportunity to develop collaborative research programs positioned to compete for major external funding.
The initiative will support interdisciplinary teams with awards of up to $250,000 each for work spanning 12–18 months. The awards aim to help teams address significant scientific, societal, technological, economic or human challenges and build enduring research programs. Partnerships with industry, foundations, philanthropic organizations and government agencies are encouraged, with particular interest in collaborations across the Chicago region.
Northwestern faculty and their staff interested in the awards or supporting a prospective team are encouraged to attend.
Registration: Register for the November 2 webinar
More information: Visit the Northwestern Nexus Labs website
Nov
03
Nov
03
Microbiology-Immunology Seminar Series: Dr. Amy Lee, PhD
Chicago - 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM
Title: Evolution of mRNA translation across the diversity of life
Description: How do organisms control which proteins they make to drive distinct cellular functions? Every aspect of biology is defined by which proteins each cell expresses. Furthermore, to manifest diverse phenotypes, cells must regulate protein synthesis at both global and gene-specific levels. To address this fundamental question, we leverage diverse cells, viruses, and animals to identify unanticipated principles of mRNA translational control that confer species-specific evolutionary novelty.
Nov
03
DGP and CHI Lecture: Immunological Mechanisms of Cancer Defense | Ming Li, PhD
Chicago - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Ming Li, PhD
David H. Koch Chair in
Immunological Studies
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Host: Caylee Silvers
Tuesday, November 3, 2026 at 3:30 pm
Reception to follow in the Ryan Family Atrium at 4:30 pm
Nov
04
Sparkshop: Making Large Classes Feel Smaller
Online - 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Teaching a large course doesn't mean settling for passive listening. Join this fast-paced, 30-minute Sparkshop to learn methods for increasing student engagement and motivation in large classes..., all while keeping your workload manageable. We’ll dive into a few active learning techniques that can engage large groups of students, as well as some approaches for building community in ways that foster learning and academic integrity. Join us to discover how to break down a massive class into manageable, collaborative moments where every student has a chance to engage.
Nov
05
Immunology Journal Club
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
The Northwestern University Immunology Journal Club is a forum for students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty, and research staff to come together to discuss current and influential research in immunology. Each session focuses on a recently published paper or emerging topic, with an emphasis on understanding experimental approaches, interpreting data, evaluating scientific rigor, and discussing the broader implications for immunology and human health.
The journal club provides an informal and collaborative environment for sharing ideas, asking questions, and exploring new research directions. Discussions may span areas including innate and adaptive immunity, inflammation, immunometabolism, autoimmunity, infectious disease, cancer immunology, immunotherapy, vaccines, and emerging technologies in immunological research.
The goal is not only to stay current with the literature, but also to encourage critical thinking, scientific collaboration, and meaningful discussion across Northwestern's diverse immunology research community. All levels of experience are welcome, and participants are encouraged to contribute questions, perspectives, and ideas.
Nov
06
"Windows into OCD: Translating mechanisms from mice into treatments"
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Neuroscience Seminar Series: Dr. Susanne Ahmari, MD, PhD
Compulsive behaviors are a central component of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), as well as prominent, disabling, and notoriously-treatment resistant symptoms of many severe psychiatric disorders, including autism, schizophrenia, and addiction. Although OCD symptoms have been broadly linked to abnormal activity in cortical-basal ganglia circuits via human imaging studies, we still have a quite limited understanding of how maladaptive repetitive behaviors are encoded in the brain. Our lab is using novel technologic approaches and statistical strategies that finally allow us to address this topic by determining: 1) which neural circuits underlie maladaptive repetitive behaviors, 2) how these behaviors are encoded in the brain, and 3) when the neural code changes as these behaviors develop and resolve. Our previous work has demonstrated that a) brief but repeated optogenetic hyperstimulation of projections from orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) to ventromedial striatum (VMS) leads to long-lasting perseverative grooming, a mouse behavior linked to OCD (Ahmari et al, Science, 2013); and b) compulsive grooming behavior is associated with increased neural activity in the striatum (measured in awake-behaving mice using both in vivo microscopy and in vivo electrophysiology). Using transgenic OCD mouse-models and healthy control mice combined with in vivo optogenetics, electrophysiology, and microscopy, we are now identifying the specific activity patterns, cell-types, and circuits responsible for the development of abnormal repetitive and compulsive behaviors. I will discuss both these mechanistic studies in mice, as well as our interdisciplinary efforts to translate these neuroscience findings into new treatments for people with OCD.
Nov
06
Bacterial Journal Club
Chicago - 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Presentor: Daniel Amusin
Description: Bacterial Journal Club
Nov
06
Bacterial Journal Club
Chicago - 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Presentor: Daniel Amusin
Description: Bacterial Journal Club
Nov
09
Special FCVRRI Seminar - Miguel Torres, PhD
Chicago - 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Talk title - Regulation of Cardiomyocyte Polyploidization and Myocardial Renewal in Mammals
Nov
09
Exploring Teaching Careers at Teaching Intensive Universities with CIRTL Alumni [CIRTL Event]
Online - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
In this online panel, we’ll hear from CIRTL alumni who now teach at liberal arts colleges. Most undergraduates in the United States are educated at liberal arts colleges and other non-research institutions like community colleges and specialized BS and MS universities, and the faculty who teach them frequently balance teaching, research, and mentorship as dynamic pieces of a rewarding career. Alumni will share what their jobs are like, how they became interested in teaching, what it was like to transition from the research-intensive R1 institutions they studied at to the smaller colleges and universities where they now work, and what growth and progression can look like in these types of career paths.
This event is designed first and foremost for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in STEM/SBE disciplines exploring potential career paths, but generally relevant to anyone interested in understanding career trajectories within academia and beyond.
Nov
09
Lurie Cancer Center Core Technologies & Applications Seminar Series
Chicago - 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Macromolecular Structures Matter: Exploring Northwestern’s Structural Biology & Krios Facilities
Behrouz Ghasi Esfahani, PhD
Manager, Krios Facility
Department Of Molecular Biosciences
Northwestern University Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences
Nov
09
Department of Pharmacology Seminar, Edward C. Twomey, PhD
Chicago - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Speaker: Edward C. Twomey PhD, Associate Professor, Departments of Biophysics & Neuroscience, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Bio: Ed Twomey is an associate professor in the Departments of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry and of Neuroscience at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He received his B.S. in biochemistry with distinction from Seton Hall University and his Ph.D. with distinction from Columbia University, where he trained with Alexander Sobolevsky and Joachim Frank. He then completed postdoctoral training with Tom Rapoport at Harvard Medical School before joining Johns Hopkins. His lab studies the biophysics of cellular communication. One focus is how neurons communicate at synapses: using cryo-electron microscopy and electrophysiology, the lab examines how chemical signals are converted into electrical signals, and how disruptions in these processes contribute to brain disorders and aging. The lab also studies how tissue barriers form and function, with the goal of developing better and safer ways to deliver drugs across them. Ed’s honors include being named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, a Searle Scholar, a National Academy of Sciences Kavli Fellow, a One Mind–Bristol Myers Squibb Rising Star, and the recipient of the Lee Hood Prize in Biomedical Science. Most recently, he received the Margaret C. Etter Early Career Award from the American Crystallographic Association.
Lecture Title: From glutamate to dopamine: decoding the orphan delta glutamate receptors.
Abstract: Delta glutamate receptors (GluD1 and GluD2) were discovered more than three decades ago, yet they remain orphan receptors. Although they belong to the glutamate receptor family, they do not bind glutamate, so their molecular function has stayed unknown even though they are essential for synaptic regulation and implicated in neurological disease. In this talk, I will present our recent structural, functional and pharmacological work decoding the molecular principles of how GluDs work, including their unexpected link to dopamine.
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. All are welcome!
Nov
10
Microbiology-Immunology Seminar Series: Dr. Montserrat Anguera, PhD
Chicago - 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM
Title: Genetic and Epigenetic Influences on Female-Biased Autoimmunity
Description: Women with two X chromosomes are disproportionately affected by autoimmune diseases such as lupus. Our recent studies reveal that maintenance of X-chromosome inactivation in B cells is highly dynamic and relies on both Xist RNA-dependent and Xist-independent mechanisms to preserve the epigenetic state of the inactive X chromosome. In addition, disrupting Xist RNA-mediated X-chromosome inactivation specifically in B cells can promote aberrant B-cell activation, autoantibody production, and lupus-associated disease in female mice. Together, these findings identify maintenance of X-chromosome inactivation as an important regulator of B-cell function and provide a mechanistic link between the X chromosome and female-biased autoimmunity.
Nov
10
Distinguished Lecturers in Life Sciences: Perchance to dream: Sleep and lethal neuroinflammation | Douglas Green, PhD | Tuesday, November 10th | 3:30 pm
Chicago - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Douglas Green, PhD
Peter C. Doherty Endowed Chair, Department of Immunology
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Host: Sarah Yoshimi Tropp
Tuesday, November 10, 2026 at 3:30 pm. Reception to follow in Ryan Family Atrium.
Nov
11
CDB Experts in the Field - Jeremy F. Reiter, MD, PhD
Chicago - 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
CDB Experts-in-the-field Seminar Series
“How centrioles and cilia help build the heart”
Jeremy F. Reiter, MD, PhD
Chair, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Biochemistry and Biophysics, at the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine
https://cancer.ucsf.edu/people/reiter.jeremy
Wednesday, November 11th, 2026
12:30pm to 1:30pm
Baldwin Auditorium Lurie - 1-123
Robert H. Lurie Medical Research Center
303 E. Superior St. Chicago, Illinois, 60611
Host:
Brian J Mitchell, PhD
Associate Professor, Cell and Developmental Biology
https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/cdb/faculty/profile.html?xid=18090
Calendar invites with event details are disseminated in advance. Contact cdb@northwestern.edu for additional details or sign-up for our listserv here.
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
13
FCVRRI Research in Progress Seminar - Natalia Mendonca
Chicago - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Talk title - Engineering Lipid Nanoparticles for Gene Delivery to the Anterior Chamber
Nov
13
"Pedunculopontine and subthalamic innervation and excitation of substantia nigra dopamine neuron subtypes susceptible and resilient to degeneration in Parkinson’s disease"
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Andrew Hunter, PhD Candidate Bevan Lab, Department of Neuroscience
Substantia nigra (SN) dopamine (DA) neuron subtypes exhibit distinct properties and susceptibilities to degeneration in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Aldh1a1- and Anxa1-expressing SN DA neurons encode acceleration and degenerate early in PD, whereas Vglut2-expressing DA neurons are salience- and deceleration-encoding and relatively resilient. Glutamatergic pedunculopontine nucleus/mesopontine tegmental (PPN/MTg) and subthalamic nucleus (STN) inputs drive SN DA neuron activity but also generate excitotoxic/bioenergetic stress. Given the classical view that the PPN/MTg and STN are movement-promoting and -preventing, respectively, we hypothesized that these afferents differentially target vulnerable pro-motor and resilient anti-motor SN DA neuron subtypes. Here using anterograde viral tracing, stereological estimation, optogenetic stimulation, and patch clamp-recording of DA neurons, we report that PPN and STN inputs to SN DA neurons are similar in number but PPN/MTg inputs terminate more proximally than STN inputs. Furthermore, PPN/MTg inputs to Aldh1a1/Anxa1 and Vglut2 DA neurons are more frequently detectable and ~18- and 4-fold larger than STN inputs, respectively. Together these and others data indicate that PPN/MTg inputs more powerfully drive firing (and associated stress) in both at risk and resilient DA subtypes and suggest that functionally heterogeneous neuronal subtypes within the PPN/MTg and STN could target functionally homologous DA neuron subtypes.
Nov
13
"Transcriptional repression of mHTT rescues STN function and prevents cell loss in HD mice"
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Josh Callahan PhD, Research Assistant Professor, Bevan Lab, Department of Neuroscience
Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder caused by a trinucleotide CAG repeat expansion in the huntingtin gene (HTT). The debilitating psychomotor symptoms of HD are linked to basal ganglia indirect pathway degeneration. The glutamatergic subthalamic nucleus (STN) is a key component of this pathway and a primary site of dysregulation. In symptomatic 6-12-month-old Q175 HDmice, STN neurons exhibit: (1) NMDA receptor-dependent mitochondrial oxidant stress, (2) reactive oxygen species-mediated KATP channel activation, (3) transcriptional dysregulation, (4) ex vivo autonomous firing loss and in vivo hypoactivity. This pathophysiology is selective for motor cortical-recipient, pro-motor STN neurons (type 1), which increase their activity during locomotion and in control mice optimize movement. Although neuron loss is typically negligible in HD mice, 25% of STN neurons die by 18-months in Q175 mice, mirroring human pathology. Together, these findings establish the STN as a key site for the development and application of symptomatic and disease-modifying treatments in HD.
Zinc finger protein transcriptional repressors (ZFPs) that target expanded CAG repeats can selectively reduce mutant huntingtin (mHTT) expression. To evaluate their efficacy in the STN, AAV-encoding ZFPs were injected bilaterally in the STN of Q175 mice before (2 months) or after (6 months) the onset of pathophysiology. Late ZFP treatment: (1) reduced STN mitochondrial oxidant stress and restored autonomous firing, (2) rescued type 1 STN activity in vivo, (3) improved locomotion performance and kinematics. However, this late intervention did not prevent STN neuron loss. In contrast, early ZFP treatment improved locomotion and prevented STN cell loss. Together, these data demonstrate that mHTT suppression can reverse pathophysiology in symptomatic mice and prevent cell death when treatment is initiated prior to symptom onset. Our findings support further development and application of ZFPs for HD treatment and highlight the importance of ZFP timing and target selection.
Nov
13
Bacterial Journal Club
Chicago - 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Speaker: Casey Kellogg
Description: Bacterial Journal Club
Nov
16
Department of Pharmacology Seminar, Jonathan Schlebach PhD
Chicago - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Jonathan Schlebach Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Biochemistry at Purdue University.
More info TBA
Nov
17
Distinguished Lecturers in Life Sciences: Developing a Career: From Khao I Dang to the Microbiota in Colon Cancer | Cynthia Sears, MD | Tuesday, November 17th | 3:30 pm
Chicago - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Cynthia Sears, MD
Bloomberg-Kimmel Professor of Cancer Immunotherapy
Director, Germ-free Murine Facility
The John Hopkins University School of Medicine
Editor-in-Chief, The Journal of Infectious Diseases
Host: Nicholas Cianciotto, PhD
Tuesday, November 17, 2026 at 3:30 pm. Reception to follow in Ryan Family Atrium.
Nov
19
Immunology Journal Club
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
The Northwestern University Immunology Journal Club is a forum for students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty, and research staff to come together to discuss current and influential research in immunology. Each session focuses on a recently published paper or emerging topic, with an emphasis on understanding experimental approaches, interpreting data, evaluating scientific rigor, and discussing the broader implications for immunology and human health.
The journal club provides an informal and collaborative environment for sharing ideas, asking questions, and exploring new research directions. Discussions may span areas including innate and adaptive immunity, inflammation, immunometabolism, autoimmunity, infectious disease, cancer immunology, immunotherapy, vaccines, and emerging technologies in immunological research.
The goal is not only to stay current with the literature, but also to encourage critical thinking, scientific collaboration, and meaningful discussion across Northwestern's diverse immunology research community. All levels of experience are welcome, and participants are encouraged to contribute questions, perspectives, and ideas.
Nov
20
"Pain, Addiction, and Overdose: Neural Circuit Mechanisms Driving Opioid Escalation and Novel Strategies for Rescue"
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Neuroscience Seminar Series: Jose Moron-Concepcion, PhD
Females and males differ in brain structure and function. These findings may potentially explain sex differences in pain and efficacy and misuse of certain treatments, such as opioids. Dr. Jose Moron-Concepcion will consider new data reflecting on neural mechanisms underlying sex-specific effects of pain on opioid use. Novel data from an inflammatory pain model in rats will demonstrate how pain alters opioid reward signaling in a sex-specific and time-dependent manner and reveal novel mechanisms underlying opioid misuse liability. In addition, he will show that ovarian hormones protect females from pain-induced effects fentanyl use, but the effects are not attributable to estradiol per se. Instead, they demonstrate the therapeutic potential of estradiol treatment in males and its ability to reverse the effects of pain on and fentanyl use. These findings are the first to implicate a role for gonadal hormones in pain-facilitated opioid use and provide novel therapeutic targets that may contribute to pain-related risk for opioid abuse. In a second part of the talk, I will discuss the recent surge in fatal overdoses which is predominantly attributed to the synthetic opioid fentanyl. Despite its short acting nature, fentanyl is more potent and induces opioid induced respiratory depression (OIRD) faster than other opioids. Consequently, understanding the mechanisms by which fentanyl induces OIRD is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies. While naloxone is widely used to reversal OIRD, it produces extraordinarily unpleasant physical responses consistent with severe opioid withdrawal. My lab utilizes a diverse array of complementary techniques including wireless in vivo fiber photometry, wireless, implantable EMG technology, pharmacology, biodistribution, cardiorespiratory physiology, immunohistochemistry, and rodent behavioral approaches to investigate peripheral mechanisms that contribute to fentanyl-induced respiratory depression and muscle rigidity. We have exciting data demonstrating that the peripheral MOR antagonist Naloxone Methiodide (NLXM) is sufficient to reverse OIRD. Surprisingly, this reversal of OIRD does not induce aversive behavioral effects that are observed after naloxone (NLX) administration. Overall, our data provide insight into a potential new approach to develop effective prevention and intervention strategies in individuals suffering from opioid use disorders.
Nov
20
Bacterial Journal Club
Chicago - 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Presentor: Osas Ebohon
Description: Bacterial Journal Club
Nov
30
Boren Awards Information Meeting
Evanston - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
The Boren Scholarship funds undergraduate students who pursue language-intensive study abroad in countries out of the mainstream. At its core, Boren is a language program, thus competitive applicants will be serious students of a language not commonly taught in the United States. In addition, Boren funding comes from the US Government, thus they prize government service. All applicants must be thoughtful about how their career contributes to national security. Finally, Boren rewards long-duration study abroad. Most recipients will stay abroad for six months or more.
The Boren Fellowship funds graduate students who pursue language-intensive study abroad or research in countries out of the mainstream At its core, Boren is a language program, thus competitive applicants will be serious students of a language not commonly taught in the United States. In addition, Boren funding comes from the US Government, thus they prize government service. All applicants must be thoughtful about how their career contributes to national security. Finally, Boren rewards long-duration study abroad. Most recipients will stay abroad for six months or more.
Campus Deadline for Boren Scholarship -- 1/13/27 @ 12:00 noon
National Deadline for Boren Fellowship -- 1/20/27
National Deadline for Boren Scholarship -- 1/27/27
Dec
01
Teaching-Line Faculty Mini-Retreat on Managing the Relational Work of Teaching
Evanston - 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Teaching, mentoring, and supporting students can be deeply rewarding, but they also demand significant time, energy, and attention. Faculty are continually balancing student needs, professional responsibilities, and competing demands. Selected by participants of the spring mini-retreat, our fall topic is managing the relational work of teaching.
During the retreat, Distinguished Fellows will share the practices, boundaries, and habits that have helped them sustain their work, navigate complex relationships, and remain engaged educators over time.
A seasonal lunch will be served at 11:45 AM. We will email participants in late November to collect lunch orders.
Dec
03
Introducing STAR: Searle Teaching as Research Projects
Online - 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Are you interested in applying your pedagogical knowledge to investigate and improve student learning? Searle's Teaching-as-Research (STAR) projects provide an opportunity to engage in discipline-specific scholarly inquiry about teaching and learning. This session will introduce the STAR Winter Community of Practice, which supports graduate students and postdoctoral scholars interested in developing and completing a STAR project. Completion of a STAR project may be applied toward the Scholar-Level CIRTL Certificate.
Join Dr. David O'Neill, Professor of Biomedical Engineering, and Dr. Sarah Pila, Assistant Professor of Medical Social Sciences, as they share their experiences with Teaching-as-Research projects. Participants will learn how educational research questions emerge from teaching practice, explore examples of STAR projects, and gain insight into the process of designing and implementing a project of their own.
This session is especially encouraged for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars interested in conducting a STAR project and pursuing the Scholar-Level CIRTL Certificate. Faculty and staff are also welcome to attend.
Dec
04
“Dysregulation of Prefrontal Circuit Maturation Following Early Life Adversity"
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Neuroscience Seminar Series: Dr. Kuei Y. Tseng, PhD
Exposure to early life adversity (ELA) is known to negatively impact the development of neural circuits controlling threat detection, leading to cognitive and emotional dysregulation later in life. Yet, the underlying mechanisms contributing to such behavioral deficits remain elusive due to our limited understanding of key neural maturation events that are sensitive to ELA. The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is likely to play a pivotal role in driving the circuit-level effects of ELA, given its protracted developmental trajectory and high reactivity to stress. Here I will show unpublished data and discuss key concepts on how sensitive neurodevelopmental processes become vulnerable to the impact of ELA, with emphasis on PFC neural circuits that undergo functional remodeling during the adolescent period. Of particular interest is the gain of PFC GABA transmission and the re-calibration of local excitatory-inhibitory balance, a hallmark of PFC maturation that is intimately linked to the maturation cognitive functioning.
Dec
08
Boren Awards Information Meeting
Online - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
The Boren Scholarship funds undergraduate students who pursue language-intensive study abroad in countries out of the mainstream. At its core, Boren is a language program, thus competitive applicants will be serious students of a language not commonly taught in the United States. In addition, Boren funding comes from the US Government, thus they prize government service. All applicants must be thoughtful about how their career contributes to national security. Finally, Boren rewards long-duration study abroad. Most recipients will stay abroad for six months or more.
The Boren Fellowship funds graduate students who pursue language-intensive study abroad or research in countries out of the mainstream At its core, Boren is a language program, thus competitive applicants will be serious students of a language not commonly taught in the United States. In addition, Boren funding comes from the US Government, thus they prize government service. All applicants must be thoughtful about how their career contributes to national security. Finally, Boren rewards long-duration study abroad. Most recipients will stay abroad for six months or more.
Campus Deadline for Boren Scholarship -- 1/13/27 @ 12:00 noon
National Deadline for Boren Fellowship -- 1/20/27
National Deadline for Boren Scholarship -- 1/27/27
Dec
10
Immunology Journal Club
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
The Northwestern University Immunology Journal Club is a forum for students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty, and research staff to come together to discuss current and influential research in immunology. Each session focuses on a recently published paper or emerging topic, with an emphasis on understanding experimental approaches, interpreting data, evaluating scientific rigor, and discussing the broader implications for immunology and human health.
The journal club provides an informal and collaborative environment for sharing ideas, asking questions, and exploring new research directions. Discussions may span areas including innate and adaptive immunity, inflammation, immunometabolism, autoimmunity, infectious disease, cancer immunology, immunotherapy, vaccines, and emerging technologies in immunological research.
The goal is not only to stay current with the literature, but also to encourage critical thinking, scientific collaboration, and meaningful discussion across Northwestern's diverse immunology research community. All levels of experience are welcome, and participants are encouraged to contribute questions, perspectives, and ideas.
Dec
17
Building an AI Philosophy and Policy Together
Online - 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
In this workshop, instructors will be invited to reflect on their AI philosophies to inspire and build intentional AI policies for their courses.
Through reflection, discussion, and collaborative activities, participants will examine their values and perspectives on AI, consider its role in student learning, and begin translating those ideas into course-specific AI policies.
In preparation for the winter quarter, instructors will leave with a foundation of an AI philosophy, frameworks to structure an AI policy, and evidence-based resources for communicating expectations and fostering productive conversations about AI in their classrooms.
Jan
05
Boren Awards Information Meeting
Online - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
The Boren Scholarship funds undergraduate students who pursue language-intensive study abroad in countries out of the mainstream. At its core, Boren is a language program, thus competitive applicants will be serious students of a language not commonly taught in the United States. In addition, Boren funding comes from the US Government, thus they prize government service. All applicants must be thoughtful about how their career contributes to national security. Finally, Boren rewards long-duration study abroad. Most recipients will stay abroad for six months or more.
The Boren Fellowship funds graduate students who pursue language-intensive study abroad or research in countries out of the mainstream At its core, Boren is a language program, thus competitive applicants will be serious students of a language not commonly taught in the United States. In addition, Boren funding comes from the US Government, thus they prize government service. All applicants must be thoughtful about how their career contributes to national security. Finally, Boren rewards long-duration study abroad. Most recipients will stay abroad for six months or more.
Campus Deadline for Boren Scholarship -- 1/13/27 @ 12:00 noon
National Deadline for Boren Fellowship -- 1/20/27
National Deadline for Boren Scholarship -- 1/27/27
Jan
07
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.
Jan
21
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.