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
20
CANCELLED - SQE Distinguished Lecture Series: "The Age of Cancer: Insights and Interception" with Ronald A. DePinho, MD
Chicago - 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
The Simpson Querrey Institute for Epigenetics presents:
Ronald A. DePinho, MD
Harry Graves Burkhart III Distinguished University Chair
Professor, Department of Cancer Biology
Past President of UT MD Anderson Cancer Center
"The Age of Cancer: Insights and Interception."
Oct
24
SQE Forum on Biochemistry, Epigenetics, and Metabolism (BEaM)
Chicago - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
The BEaM Forum is a data group where Simpson Querrey Institute for Epigenetics members present ongoing work being conducted. It is a great opportunity to get feedback on your work from colleagues, and to make new connections and foster new collaborations within the Institute.
Our forum will normally be held every other week from 3:00-4:00 p.m. Presenters will give a 20-minute talk with 10 minutes for discussion and questions. We welcome presentation from students, techs, postdocs, and PIs. Presenting work-in-progress is always encouraged!
Cookies and coffee provided.
Presenter:
Mark Youngblood, Postdoctoral Fellow, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Yue Lab "Epigenetic Drivers of Meningioma"
Nov
03
SQE Lectureship Series with Ernst Lengyel, MD/PhD
Chicago - 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
The Simpson Querrey Institute for Epigenetics presents:
Ernst Lengyel, MD/PhD
Chair, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
The University of Chicago Medicine
Nov
21
SQE Forum on Biochemistry, Epigenetics, and Metabolism (BEaM)
Chicago - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
The BEaM Forum is a data group where Simpson Querrey Institute for Epigenetics members present ongoing work being conducted. It is a great opportunity to get feedback on your work from colleagues, and to make new connections and foster new collaborations within the Institute.
Our forum will normally be held every other week from 3:00-4:00 p.m. Presenters will give a 20-minute talk with 10 minutes for discussion and questions. We welcome presentation from students, techs, postdocs, and PIs. Presenting work-in-progress is always encouraged!
Cookies and coffee provided.
Presenters:
Yueming Liu, PhD Candidate, Division of Biostatistics: "Evaluating Ancestry Adjustment in Multi-Ancestry Epigenome-Wide Analysis"
Jason Brickner, Professor, Molecular Biosciences: "Exportin-1 Functions as an Adaptor between Transcription Factors and the Nuclear Pore Complex to Regulate Transcription"
Oct
09
BMG Seminar: Ronen Marmorstein, PhD, UPenn
Chicago - 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
The Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics presents:
Ronen Marmorstein, PhD
George W. Raiziss Professor and Vice-Chair
Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics
Investigator, Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute
Perelman School of Medicine
University of Pennsylvania
Presentation:
"Allosteric regulation of acetyl-CoA utilizing enzymes"
Abstract:
The metabolite acetyl-CoA is essential for life through participation in many biochemical reactions in protein, RNA carbohydrate, and lipid metabolism; and production of energy through the Krebs cycle. A major focus of the laboratory is to understand the molecular basis of acetyl-CoA utilization. Three enzymes of recent interest in the laboratory are ATP-citrate lyase (ACLY) and acetyl-CoA short-change synthetase 2 (ACSS2), which synthesizes nucleocytosolic acetyl-CoA; and fatty acid synthase (FASN), which uses acetyl-CoA for de novo lipogenesis. These enzymes are important for health and, in certain contexts, are also therapeutic targets for various metabolic disorders and cancer. We have used cryo-EM structural studies, in combination with biochemical, biophysical and cellular biology studies to understanding how these enzymes are allosterically regulated by cellular metabolites and small molecule inhibitors with implications for therapy.
Host: Dr. Daniel Foltz, Professor, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics
Oct
23
BMG Seminar: Hagen Tilgner, PhD, Weill Cornell
Chicago - 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
The Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics presents:
Hagen Tilgner, PhD
Associate Professor
Brain and Mind Institute
Weill Cornell Medical College
Presentation:
A single-cell view of splicing (dys)regulation across in development and the diseases of the brain
Abstract:
Complex tissue includes diverse cell types employing distinct RNA isoforms. To untangle full-length cell-type specific brain isoforms, we developed single-cell long-read technology for many thousands of cells (from previous approaches for 10-100 cells) in fresh tissues and in frozen tissues. These approaches revealed the rules of combination of TSSs, alternative exons and poly(A) sites and their cell-type specificity. Autism-associated exons (as previously described) but also FTD-associated exons are highly variably-used across cell types. For spatial resolution, we developed spatially-barcoded isoform sequencing with 60um, 10um and 220nm spots, showing that often isoform switches correlate with precise boundaries of brain structures (e.g., choroid plexus to hippocampus). However, genes including Snap25, use a gradient of exon inclusion through the brain. Choroid plexus epithelial cells show a dramatically distinct isoform profile, which originates most strongly from TSS usage. During human puberty, layer4-excitatory splicing is more regulated than in other cortical layers – probably influenced by retroviral sequences. More generally, we can now detect isoform-expression variability that does not correspond to known brain structures.
For the NIH Brain Initiative, we have mapped single-cell isoforms across development, brain regions and species. Neurotransmitter release and reuptake as well as synapse turnover genes harbor variability in the same cell type across anatomical regions but the same cell type traced across development shows more isoform variability than across adult anatomical regions. Moreover, most cell-type-specific exons in adult mouse hippocampus behave similarly in human hippocampi. However, human brains have evolved additional cell-type specificity in splicing. Additionally, the concurrent measurement of chromatin and splicing patterns in post-mortem human brain shows broadly-speaking convergent dysregulation of both modalities in similar cell types in Alzheimer’s disease but more divergence between both modalities in evolution. Finally, we have advanced our understanding of error sources of PacBio and ONT and implemented highly accurate long-read software.
Host: Dr. Ruli Gao, Assistant Professor, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics
Nov
06
BMG Seminar: Karlene A. Cimprich, PhD, Stanford Medicine
Chicago - 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
The Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics presents:
Karlene A. Cimprich, PhD
Professor and Vice-Chair of Chemical and Systems Biology and, by courtesy, of Biochemistry
Stanford Cancer Institute Leader, Genome Stability Research
Stanford University, School of Medicine
Presentation:
RNA Meets DNA: Dangerous Encounters in the Genome
Abstract:
R-loops are three-stranded nucleic acid structures that form co-transcriptionally and which are comprised of an RNA-DNA hybrid and a displaced strand of ssDNA. Although R-loops have important functions in cells, their aberrant formation can also lead to genome stability causing replication stress and double-strand break formation. We showed that a surprising consequence of unscheduled R-loop formation is the release of RNA-DNA hybrid fragments into the cell cytoplasm and sensing of these hybrids by innate immune receptors. I will describe our recent studies demonstrating how these pathological hybrids arise in different contexts and the features that cause them to threaten genome stability. Our findings reveal two distinct mechanisms by which cytoplasmic RNA-DNA hybrids accumulate and serve to link transcriptional dysregulation and innate immune activation.
Host: Dr. Daniel Foltz, Professor, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics
Refreshments will be served.
Nov
13
BMG Seminar: Christopher R. Vakoc, MD, PhD, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Chicago - 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
The Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics presents:
Christopher R. Vakoc, MD, PhD
Alan and Edith Seligson Professor of Cancer Research
Cancer Center Deputy Director of Research
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Presentation:
Cancer Dependency Identification and Mechanisms
Host: Dr. Lu Wang, Assistant Professor, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics
Refreshments will be served.
Dec
04
BMG Seminar: Karen H Miga, PhD, UCSC
Chicago - 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
The Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics presents:
Karen H Miga, PhD
Associate Professor, Biomolecular Engineering Department, UCSC
Director, UC Santa Cruz Sequencing Technology Center
Associate Director, UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute
University of California, Santa Cruz
Presentation:
Centromere Genomics in the Pangenome Era
Abstract:
Centromeric satellite arrays are essential for chromosome stability, yet their architecture and evolution have remained largely unresolved. With complete telomere-to-telomere assemblies now available, we analyzed 470 phased haplotypes from the Human Pangenome Reference Consortium, representing globally diverse, highly accurate genomes. A large fraction of newly resolved sequence lies in constitutive heterochromatin, where suppressed recombination creates megabase-scale linkage disequilibrium. These centromere-spanning haplotypes (cenhaps) encompass satellite arrays, segmental duplications, and genes linked to human traits. Cenhaps preserve deep evolutionary signals, with many lineages coalescing over a million years ago and showing Neanderthal and Denisovan introgression. We developed the first centromeric pangenome data structure to standardize variant calling and enable genetic and epigenetic analyses across these regions. This framework reveals rare recombination, local mutation rates, selection signals, and disease associations within archaic cenhaps. Together, these results establish cenhaps as a powerful system for exploring human genome evolution and diversity.
Host: Dr. Daniel Foltz, Professor, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics
Refreshments will be served.
Dec
11
BMG Seminar: Matthew G. Oser MD, PhD, Harvard Medical School
Chicago - 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
The Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics presents:
Matthew G. Oser MD, PhD
Department of Medical Oncology, Division of Molecular and Cellular Oncology
Assistant Professor, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute,
Harvard Medical School
Presentation:
New Therapeutic Strategies for Small Cell Lung Cancer
Host: Dr. Lu Wang, Assistant Professor, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics
Refreshments will be served.
Oct
06
Pharmacology Seminar Series: Yi-Tao Yu, PhD
Chicago - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Yi-Tao Yu, PhD, Distinguished Professor, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Rochester.
Title: Exploring Pre-mRNA Splicing and Translational Recoding via Targeted RNA Pseudouridylation.”
Abstract: “RNA-guided RNA pseudouridylation is a naturally occurring mechanism in eukaryotic cells. By designing artificial guide RNAs, we have developed systems to investigate the roles of pseudouridine in pre-mRNA splicing and translational recoding. This approach has revealed that snRNA pseudouridylation modulates splicing, while pseudouridylation of mRNA and tRNA contributes to nonsense suppression and codon-specific recoding.”
Oct
08
NSF GRFP and NDSEG – STEM Graduate School Tuition Support Info Session
Online - 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Join this info session to receive the most current information about tuition support fellowships for STEM graduate studies. NSF-GRFP, NDSEG, and Hertz will be discussed, but other sources of STEM funding will be described. This session is open to undergraduate seniors, first- and second-year graduate students. For questions, please email LaTanya V. Williams, Associate Director for STEM, Office of Fellowships at latanya.williams@northwestern.edu.
Oct
08
CDB Experts-in-the-field Seminar Series - Auinash Kalsotra, PhD
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
CDB Experts-in-the-field Seminar Series
"Posttranscriptional control of cell plasticity in tissue development, regeneration, and disease"
Dr. Auinash Kalsotra
Professor of Biochemistry
at University Of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign
William C. Rose Professorial Scholar
Assistant Director, MCB Junior Faculty Mentoring & Advising
https://kalsotralab.web.illinois.edu/people/
Wednesday, October 8th
12:00–1:00 PM
Simpson Querrey Auditorium,
303 E Superior St, Chicago, IL 60611
Host:
Yogesh Goyal, PhD.
Assistant Professor, Cell and Developmental Biology
Assistant Professor, McCormick School of Engineering
Cell & Developmental Biology Experts-in-the-field Seminar Series
The department hosts guest lectures every second Wednesday from 12-1 PM.
Calendar invites are disseminated in advance with event details. 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
Visit our department website to learn about how we are expanding the limits of scientific inquiry: https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/cdb/
Oct
08
DAAD RISE Information session
Evanston - 3:00 PM - 3:45 PM
DAAD RISE Germany offers summer research internships in German research institutes and universities to undergraduate students from the US, Ireland and the UK. This informational session will outline the program, eligibility and application timeline. If you are a sophomore or junior in a STEM field who is interested in pursuing an internship in Germany over the summer, please join us to learn more.
Questions? Latanya Williams, PhD Office of Fellowships; latanya.williams@northwestern.edu
Oct
08
New Faculty Mixer
Evanston - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Join us for a casual mixer where you’ll connect with peers and last year’s new faculty cohort in our welcoming gathering spaces.
Oct
09
NSF GRFP and NDSEG – STEM Graduate School Tuition Support Info Session
Online - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Join this info session to receive the most current information about tuition support fellowships for STEM graduate studies. NSF-GRFP, NDSEG, and Hertz will be discussed, but other sources of STEM funding will be described. This session is open to undergraduate seniors, first- and second-year graduate students. For questions, please email LaTanya V. Williams, Associate Director for STEM, Office of Fellowships at latanya.williams@northwestern.edu.
Oct
09
NSF GRFP and NDSEG Graduate Fellowship Writing Workshop
No Location - 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Join us for writing workshops to help you to prepare your applications for Fall 2025 graduate school funding opportunities. In this workshop you will learn strategies that will assist you as you write your Research and Personal Statements for STEM focused fellowships. Each session will address Research and Personal Statements found in external fellowships open to undergraduate seniors and early career graduate students with focus on NSF GRFP and NDSEG. Please use the links below to register. Questions? Contact LaTanya Williams PhD, Associate Director of STEM, Office of Fellowships at latanya.williams@northwestern.edu.
Oct
10
FCVRRI Research in Progress Seminar - Amanda Ceas
Chicago - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Talk title - Capillary Endothelial Dynamics: Insights into Lung Injury and Repair
Oct
10
NSF GRFP and NDSEG Graduate Fellowship Writing Workshop
Online - 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Join us for writing workshops to help you to prepare your applications for Fall 2025 graduate school funding opportunities. In this workshop you will learn strategies that will assist you as you write your Research and Personal Statements for STEM focused fellowships. Each session will address Research and Personal Statements found in external fellowships open to undergraduate seniors and early career graduate students with focus on NSF GRFP and NDSEG. Please use the links below to register. Questions? Contact LaTanya Williams PhD, Associate Director of STEM, Office of Fellowships at latanya.williams@northwestern.edu.
Oct
10
Bacterial Journal Club
Chicago - 1:45 PM - 3:00 PM
Student Speaker: Kathleen Nicholson
Description: Bacteriology Journal Club is a forum for the presentation of original research-in-progress and for scholarly discussion of recently published papers in bacteriology
Oct
13
Lurie Cancer Center Core Technologies & Applications Seminar Series
Chicago - 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Cancer Research with MRI: Deciphering the Alphabet Soup
Chad Haney, PhD
Managing Director, Center for Advanced Molecular Imaging
Northwestern University
*Lunch is provided
Oct
13
Pharmacolgoy Seminar Series: Eunyong Park, PhD
Chicago - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Eunyong Park is an associate professor in the Department of Molecular & Cell Biology at University of California, Berkeley.
Title: Mechanism of protein import into mitochondria.
Abstract: Mitochondria import nearly all of their proteins from the cytosol. My lab studies molecular mechanisms of two mitochondrial membrane-bound complexes, TOM and TIM23, which together mediate import of the majority of mitochondrial protein. In this seminar, I will discuss our recent findings on mechanisms underlying signal sequence recognition and protein translocation by TIM23.
Oct
14
Student Experiences in STEM
Online - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Student Experiences in STEM is an evidence-driven reading circle focusing on students’ experiences, development, and their perceptions of commonly used learning practices and the classroom environment.
Recommended for those pursuing the CIRTL Certificate.
Oct
14
NSF GRFP and NDSEG Graduate Fellowship Writing Workshop
Online - 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Join us for writing workshops to help you to prepare your applications for Fall 2025 graduate school funding opportunities. In this workshop you will learn strategies that will assist you as you write your Research and Personal Statements for STEM focused fellowships. Each session will address Research and Personal Statements found in external fellowships open to undergraduate seniors and early career graduate students with focus on NSF GRFP and NDSEG. Please use the links below to register. Questions? Contact LaTanya Williams PhD, Associate Director of STEM, Office of Fellowships at latanya.williams@northwestern.edu.
Oct
15
CDB Trainee Seminar Series - Talha Lone - Graduate Researcher
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Cell & Developmental Biology (CDB) Trainee Seminar Series
"Targeting Poison Exons in Zebrafish: From Splice Modulation to Isoform Discovery"
Talha Lone
PhD Candidate, Parvez Lab
Wednesday, October 15th, 2025
12:00-1:00pm
Gray Seminar Room, Lurie 1-165
Robert H Lurie Medical Research Center
303 E Superior St, Chicago, IL 60611
The department meets every first and third Wednesday from 12:00 to 1:00 PM to enjoy a presentation from a research trainee (postbacc, pre-, post-doctoral fellow, etc). Meetings usually take place at Simpson Querry Auditorium, with some exceptions.
Calendar invites with the meeting location are disseminated in advance. Please contact cdb@northwestern.edu for more information or sign-up to our event listserv at https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/cdb/about/listserv.html#listserv
Oct
16
Immunology Journal Club
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Discussion of impactful and high-quality papers that will foster meaningful learning and discussion for all participants.
Oct
16
NSF GRFP and NDSEG Graduate Fellowship Writing Workshop
No Location - 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Join us for writing workshops to help you to prepare your applications for Fall 2025 graduate school funding opportunities. In this workshop you will learn strategies that will assist you as you write your Research and Personal Statements for STEM focused fellowships. Each session will address Research and Personal Statements found in external fellowships open to undergraduate seniors and early career graduate students with focus on NSF GRFP and NDSEG. Please use the links below to register. Questions? Contact LaTanya Williams PhD, Associate Director of STEM, Office of Fellowships at latanya.williams@northwestern.edu.
Oct
16
NSF GRFP and NDSEG – STEM Graduate School Tuition Support Info Session
Online - 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Join this info session to receive the most current information about tuition support fellowships for STEM graduate studies. NSF-GRFP, NDSEG, and Hertz will be discussed, but other sources of STEM funding will be described. This session is open to undergraduate seniors, first- and second-year graduate students. For questions, please email LaTanya V. Williams, Associate Director for STEM, Office of Fellowships at latanya.williams@northwestern.edu.
Oct
17
DGP Student Thesis Seminar - Aishwarya Ramamurthy - Dr. Gemma Carvill Lab
Chicago - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Title of Presentation:
"The Impact of Structural Variants on Gene Regulation in Neurodevelopmental Disorders"
This is a hybrid event. For Zoom access or more information, email rachael.hill@northwestern.edu.
Oct
17
FCVRRI Research in Progress Seminar - Tanner Monroe, PhD
Chicago - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Talk title - Integrated Cardiogenomics for Arrhythmia Risk Stratification and Mechanistic Insight
Oct
17
Bacterial Journal Club
Chicago - 1:45 PM - 3:00 PM
Student Speaker: Szu-Yu Kuan & Iryna Boiko
Description: Bacteriology Journal Club is a forum for the presentation of original research-in-progress and for scholarly discussion of recently published papers in bacteriology
Oct
18
Foro Comunitario Sobre Cáncer de Seno
Online - 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Acompáñenos para escuchar presentaciones educativas acerca del cáncer de mama, seguidas de una discusión interactiva con un panel de expertos que contestarán sus preguntas acerca de tratamientos, cirugías, así como también las emociones y desafíos que enfrentan las sobrevivientes de cáncer. Infórmese acerca de los recursos y programas que existen en su comunidad.
Oct
20
NSF GRFP and NDSEG – STEM Graduate School Tuition Support Info Session
No Location - 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Join this info session to receive the most current information about tuition support fellowships for STEM graduate studies. NSF-GRFP, NDSEG, and Hertz will be discussed, but other sources of STEM funding will be described. This session is open to undergraduate seniors, first- and second-year graduate students. For questions, please email LaTanya V. Williams, Associate Director for STEM, Office of Fellowships at latanya.williams@northwestern.edu.
Oct
20
DAAD RISE Information session
Online - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
DAAD RISE Germany offers summer research internships in German research institutes and universities to undergraduate students from the US, Ireland and the UK. This informational session will outline the program, eligibility and application timeline. If you are a sophomore or junior in a STEM field who is interested in pursuing an internship in Germany over the summer, please join us to learn more.
Questions? Latanya Williams, PhD Office of Fellowships; latanya.williams@northwestern.edu
Oct
21
Microbiology-Immunology Seminar Series: Jueqi Chen, Ph.D
Chicago - 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM
Title: Organelle remodeling during bacterial and viral infections
Description: Our lab investigates how bacterial and viral infections remodel host cell organelles, influencing outcomes such as pathogen survival or host defense mechanisms including inflammasome activation. By elucidating the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying these processes, we aim to uncover new strategies for therapeutic intervention against infectious diseases.
Oct
23
2025 Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Symposium
Off-Campus - 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The 27th Annual Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Symposium will be held in person in Chicago, October 23-26, 2025.
Referred to as the most valuable breast cancer meeting worldwide for the practicing clinician, the Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Symposium will provide 3.5 days of presentations and interactive Q&A sessions in downtown Chicago this October.
For 27 years, 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.
This in-person symposium will offer:
3.5 days of in-person presentations and Q&A with over 30 international breast cancer experts
Exhibit hall with pharmaceutical companies
Online access to presentation slides in PDF format (through November 21)
Continuing education credits & MOC available
Catered breakfast, lunch, break refreshments, and a reception.
*Please note this year's symposium will take place fully in person in Chicago.
Oct
24
FCVRRI Series Seminar - Douglas Gould, PhD
Chicago - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Talk title - The COL4A1 Paradox: Is There a Mechanistic Link Between Monogenic and Idiopathic VCID?
Oct
24
Bacterial Journal Club
Chicago - 1:45 PM - 3:00 PM
Student Speaker: Jennifer Sheridan
Description: Description: Bacteriology Journal Club is a forum for the presentation of original research-in-progress and for scholarly discussion of recently published papers in bacteriology
Oct
27
Lurie Cancer Center Research-in-Progress Seminar
Chicago - 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
“Biomolecular Condensates as Protein Degradation Tools for Intracellular Targets”
Yi Li, PhD Candidate
Northwestern University McCormick School of Engineering
Department of Biomedical Engineering
“Reprogramming Lipogenic Metabolism and Inflammation for Breast Cancer Prevention and Interception”
Atieh Hajirahimkhan, PhD
Research Assistant Professor
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
* Lunch is provided
Oct
28
Microbiology-Immunology Seminar Series: Luisa Morales-Nebreda, MD
Chicago - 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM
Title: T Cell Responses During Severe Pneumonia
Describe key correlates of pathogen-specific protective and pathological immunity during severe pneumonia. Describe age-related changes and spatiotemporal dynamics during recovery from influenza pneumonia.
Oct
30
Immunology Journal Club
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Discussion of impactful and high-quality papers that will foster meaningful learning and discussion for all participants.
Oct
31
FCVRRI Research in Progress Seminar - Ellis Kim, MD
Chicago - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Talk title - Dissecting Metabolically-Driven Myeloid Activation in HFpEF
Oct
31
Bacterial Journal Club
Chicago - 1:45 PM - 3:00 PM
Student Speaker: Francisco Silva Hernandez
Description: Description: Bacteriology Journal Club is a forum for the presentation of original research-in-progress and for scholarly discussion of recently published papers in bacteriology
Nov
04
Nov
05
CDB Trainee Seminar Series
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Cell & Developmental Biology (CDB) Trainee Seminar Series
The department meets every first and third Wednesday from 12:00 to 1:00 PM to enjoy a presentation from a research trainee (postbacc, pre-, post-doctoral fellow, etc). Meetings usually take place at Simpson Querry Auditorium, with some exceptions.
Calendar invites with the meeting location are disseminated in advance. Please contact cdb@northwestern.edu for more information or sign-up to our event listserv at https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/cdb/about/listserv.html#listserv
Nov
06
Lung Cancer Awareness Townhall
Chicago - 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
During Lung Cancer Awareness Month, we invite patients, survivors, caregivers, advocates, and healthcare professionals to join us for a conversation about one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths. Attendees will hear from medical professionals regarding risk factors, disparities in lung cancer diagnoses, treatment and outcomes, ways to improve lung health, and patient resources will be provided.
Nov
06
DAAD RISE Information session
Online - 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
DAAD RISE Germany offers summer research internships in German research institutes and universities to undergraduate students from the US, Ireland and the UK. This informational session will outline the program, eligibility and application timeline. If you are a sophomore or junior in a STEM field who is interested in pursuing an internship in Germany over the summer, please join us to learn more.
Questions? Latanya Williams, PhD Office of Fellowships; latanya.williams@northwestern.edu
Nov
10
Pharmacology Dept Annual Toshio Narahashi Lecture: Lynne E. Maquat, PhD "Nonsense-mediated mRNA decay in human and disease: Reframing the role of FMRP in Fragile X Syndrome"
Chicago - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Speaker: Lynne E. Maquat, PhD; Professor, Departments of Biochemistry & Biophysics, Oncology, and Pediatrics; School of Medicine and Dentistry; Director, Center for RNA Biology: From Genome to; Therapeutics; University of Rochester.
LECTURE TITLE: Nonsense-mediated mRNA decay in human and disease: Reframing the role of FMRP in Fragile X Syndrome.
LECTURE ABSTRACT: Much progress has been made on how nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD), which we first described for humans in 1981, controls the quality of gene expression by detecting and rapidly degrading aberrant mRNAs that harbor a premature termination codon. NMD also degrades ~5−10% physiological mRNAs that are key to the maintenance of cellular homeostasis in a changing environmental milieu. And, NMD can be misregulated in diseases, as we have serendipitously found for Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) – a leading single-gene cause of intellectual disability and autism due to a deficiency in the RNA-binding protein Fragile X Protein (FMRP). NMD is hyperactivated in FXS patient-derived cells and a mouse model of FXS. Our foray into FXS and FMRP function has led us to examine the mechanism by which FMRP regulates its ~6000 mRNA targets, one-third of which are NMD targets. We have found that, as a rule, FMRP-binding to a target mRNA results in its translational repression and protection from decay.
While FMRP-mediated translational repression has been attributed primarily to ribosome stalling, we have found using immunoprecipitations and polysome profiling of nonpolar- and polar-cell lysates, and LC-MS/MS analyses, that FMRP largely represses translation initiation by associating with granule constituents to preclude 40S ribosomal subunit binding. We demonstrate that FMRP associates with its target mRNAs by binding directly to eIF4E at the 5'-cap in competition with eIF4G1, and that the granule constituent Ataxin-2-Like promotes FMRP binding to the transcribed body. The KH1+KH2 domains of FMRP are critical for its co-immunoprecipitation of eIF4E, mRNA targets, Ataxin-2-Like and the poly(A)-binding protein PABPC1.
Nov
12
CDB Experts-in-the-field Seminar Series - Aravind Iyer, PhD
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
CDB Experts-in-the-field Seminar Series
""
Aravind Iyer, PhD
Senior Investigator Protein and Genome Evolution Research Group
National Library of Medicine
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/research/staff/aravind/
Wednesday, November 12th
12:00–1:00 PM
Simpson Querrey Auditorium,
303 E Superior St, Chicago, IL 60611
Host:
Dr. Vipul Shukla
Cell & Developmental Biology Experts-in-the-field Seminar Series
The department hosts guest lectures every second Wednesday from 12-1 PM.
Calendar invites are disseminated in advance with event details. 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
Visit our department website to learn about how we are expanding the limits of scientific inquiry: https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/cdb/
Nov
13
Boren Awards Information Meeting Featuring Michael Saffle, Outreach and Recruitment Specialist
Evanston - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Come hear Project administrator Michael Saffle discuss Boren options!
The Boren Scholarship funds undergraduate students who pursue language-intensive study abroad in countries out of the mainstream. At its core, Boren is a language program, thus competitive applicants will be serious students of a language not commonly taught in the United States. In addition, Boren funding comes from the US Government, thus they prize government service. All applicants must be thoughtful about how their career contributes to national security. Finally, Boren rewards long-duration study abroad. Most recipients will stay abroad for six months or more.
The Boren Fellowship funds graduate students who pursue language-intensive study abroad or research in countries out of the mainstream At its core, Boren is a language program, thus competitive applicants will be serious students of a language not commonly taught in the United States. In addition, Boren funding comes from the US Government, thus they prize government service. All applicants must be thoughtful about how their career contributes to national security. Finally, Boren rewards long-duration study abroad. Most recipients will stay abroad for six months or more.
Campus Deadline for Boren Scholarship -- 1/16/26 @ 12:00 noon
National Deadline for Boren Fellowship -- 1/21/26
National Deadline for Boren Scholarship -- 1/28/26
Nov
19
CDB Trainee Seminar Series
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Cell & Developmental Biology (CDB) Trainee Seminar Series
The department meets every first and third Wednesday from 12:00 to 1:00 PM to enjoy a presentation from a research trainee (postbacc, pre-, post-doctoral fellow, etc). Meetings usually take place at Simpson Querry Auditorium, with some exceptions.
Calendar invites with the meeting location are disseminated in advance. Please contact cdb@northwestern.edu for more information or sign-up to our event listserv at https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/cdb/about/listserv.html#listserv
Nov
19
Pedagogical Innovations in STEM featuring Carine Nemr
Online - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Pedagogical Innovations in STEM is a scholarly exchange offered each quarter, showcasing leading-edge research that informs teaching and learning strategies.
This session will feature Dr. Carine Nemr, an Assistant Professor of Instruction in the Department of Chemistry. She will discuss how she utilizes iClickers to enhance classroom engagement in her chemistry courses.
Recommended for those pursuing the CIRTL Certificate.
Nov
20
Immunology Journal Club
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Discussion of impactful and high-quality papers that will foster meaningful learning and discussion for all participants.
Nov
21
Oncology Nursing Conference
Chicago - 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
On Friday, November 21, the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University will host the 28th Annual Oncology Nursing Conference – Emerging Therapies in Oncology Care. This year’s conference will be held in person. This highly visible and successful conference attracts more than 250 oncology nurses from the Chicagoland area and throughout the Midwest to discuss the latest topics of interest in oncology nursing.
Dec
01
Boren Awards Information Meeting
Online - 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
The Boren Scholarship funds undergraduate students who pursue language-intensive study abroad in countries out of the mainstream. At its core, Boren is a language program, thus competitive applicants will be serious students of a language not commonly taught in the United States. In addition, Boren funding comes from the US Government, thus they prize government service. All applicants must be thoughtful about how their career contributes to national security. Finally, Boren rewards long-duration study abroad. Most recipients will stay abroad for six months or more.
The Boren Fellowship funds graduate students who pursue language-intensive study abroad or research in countries out of the mainstream At its core, Boren is a language program, thus competitive applicants will be serious students of a language not commonly taught in the United States. In addition, Boren funding comes from the US Government, thus they prize government service. All applicants must be thoughtful about how their career contributes to national security. Finally, Boren rewards long-duration study abroad. Most recipients will stay abroad for six months or more.
Campus Deadline for Boren Scholarship -- 1/16/26 @ 12:00 noon
National Deadline for Boren Fellowship -- 1/21/26
National Deadline for Boren Scholarship -- 1/28/26
Dec
03
CDB Trainee Seminar Series
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Cell & Developmental Biology (CDB) Trainee Seminar Series
The department meets every first and third Wednesday from 12:00 to 1:00 PM to enjoy a presentation from a research trainee (postbacc, pre-, post-doctoral fellow, etc). Meetings usually take place at Simpson Querry Auditorium, with some exceptions.
Calendar invites with the meeting location are disseminated in advance. Please contact cdb@northwestern.edu for more information or sign-up to our event listserv at https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/cdb/about/listserv.html#listserv
Dec
11
Immunology Journal Club
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Discussion of impactful and high-quality papers that will foster meaningful learning and discussion for all participants.
Dec
17
CDB Trainee Seminar Series
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Cell & Developmental Biology (CDB) Trainee Seminar Series
The department meets every first and third Wednesday from 12:00 to 1:00 PM to enjoy a presentation from a research trainee (postbacc, pre-, post-doctoral fellow, etc). Meetings usually take place at Simpson Querry Auditorium, with some exceptions.
Calendar invites with the meeting location are disseminated in advance. Please contact cdb@northwestern.edu for more information or sign-up to our event listserv at https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/cdb/about/listserv.html#listserv
Dec
18
OKRA National Forum: Nano-AMPs: The future of UTI management?
Online - 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
The Northwestern O'Brien Kidney Resource Center invites you to participate in the upcoming O'Brien Kidney Resource Alliance (OKRA) webinar series, designed to foster networking and learning.
Join us on Thursday, December 18th, to hear from Laura Schwartz, PhD (Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Ohio State University) as she discusses “Nano-AMPs: The future of UTI management?”
Registration is required.
Jan
06
Boren Awards Information Meeting
Evanston - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
The Boren Scholarship funds undergraduate students who pursue language-intensive study abroad in countries out of the mainstream. At its core, Boren is a language program, thus competitive applicants will be serious students of a language not commonly taught in the United States. In addition, Boren funding comes from the US Government, thus they prize government service. All applicants must be thoughtful about how their career contributes to national security. Finally, Boren rewards long-duration study abroad. Most recipients will stay abroad for six months or more.
The Boren Fellowship funds graduate students who pursue language-intensive study abroad or research in countries out of the mainstream At its core, Boren is a language program, thus competitive applicants will be serious students of a language not commonly taught in the United States. In addition, Boren funding comes from the US Government, thus they prize government service. All applicants must be thoughtful about how their career contributes to national security. Finally, Boren rewards long-duration study abroad. Most recipients will stay abroad for six months or more.
Campus Deadline for Boren Scholarship -- 1/16/26 @ 12:00 noon
National Deadline for Boren Fellowship -- 1/21/26
National Deadline for Boren Scholarship -- 1/28/26
No events found. Please try again later.
Oct
06
Pharmacology Seminar Series: Yi-Tao Yu, PhD
Chicago - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Yi-Tao Yu, PhD, Distinguished Professor, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Rochester.
Title: Exploring Pre-mRNA Splicing and Translational Recoding via Targeted RNA Pseudouridylation.”
Abstract: “RNA-guided RNA pseudouridylation is a naturally occurring mechanism in eukaryotic cells. By designing artificial guide RNAs, we have developed systems to investigate the roles of pseudouridine in pre-mRNA splicing and translational recoding. This approach has revealed that snRNA pseudouridylation modulates splicing, while pseudouridylation of mRNA and tRNA contributes to nonsense suppression and codon-specific recoding.”
Oct
08
NSF GRFP and NDSEG – STEM Graduate School Tuition Support Info Session
Online - 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Join this info session to receive the most current information about tuition support fellowships for STEM graduate studies. NSF-GRFP, NDSEG, and Hertz will be discussed, but other sources of STEM funding will be described. This session is open to undergraduate seniors, first- and second-year graduate students. For questions, please email LaTanya V. Williams, Associate Director for STEM, Office of Fellowships at latanya.williams@northwestern.edu.
Oct
08
CDB Experts-in-the-field Seminar Series - Auinash Kalsotra, PhD
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
CDB Experts-in-the-field Seminar Series
"Posttranscriptional control of cell plasticity in tissue development, regeneration, and disease"
Dr. Auinash Kalsotra
Professor of Biochemistry
at University Of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign
William C. Rose Professorial Scholar
Assistant Director, MCB Junior Faculty Mentoring & Advising
https://kalsotralab.web.illinois.edu/people/
Wednesday, October 8th
12:00–1:00 PM
Simpson Querrey Auditorium,
303 E Superior St, Chicago, IL 60611
Host:
Yogesh Goyal, PhD.
Assistant Professor, Cell and Developmental Biology
Assistant Professor, McCormick School of Engineering
Cell & Developmental Biology Experts-in-the-field Seminar Series
The department hosts guest lectures every second Wednesday from 12-1 PM.
Calendar invites are disseminated in advance with event details. 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
Visit our department website to learn about how we are expanding the limits of scientific inquiry: https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/cdb/
Oct
08
DAAD RISE Information session
Evanston - 3:00 PM - 3:45 PM
DAAD RISE Germany offers summer research internships in German research institutes and universities to undergraduate students from the US, Ireland and the UK. This informational session will outline the program, eligibility and application timeline. If you are a sophomore or junior in a STEM field who is interested in pursuing an internship in Germany over the summer, please join us to learn more.
Questions? Latanya Williams, PhD Office of Fellowships; latanya.williams@northwestern.edu
Oct
08
New Faculty Mixer
Evanston - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Join us for a casual mixer where you’ll connect with peers and last year’s new faculty cohort in our welcoming gathering spaces.
Oct
09
BMG Seminar: Ronen Marmorstein, PhD, UPenn
Chicago - 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
The Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics presents:
Ronen Marmorstein, PhD
George W. Raiziss Professor and Vice-Chair
Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics
Investigator, Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute
Perelman School of Medicine
University of Pennsylvania
Presentation:
"Allosteric regulation of acetyl-CoA utilizing enzymes"
Abstract:
The metabolite acetyl-CoA is essential for life through participation in many biochemical reactions in protein, RNA carbohydrate, and lipid metabolism; and production of energy through the Krebs cycle. A major focus of the laboratory is to understand the molecular basis of acetyl-CoA utilization. Three enzymes of recent interest in the laboratory are ATP-citrate lyase (ACLY) and acetyl-CoA short-change synthetase 2 (ACSS2), which synthesizes nucleocytosolic acetyl-CoA; and fatty acid synthase (FASN), which uses acetyl-CoA for de novo lipogenesis. These enzymes are important for health and, in certain contexts, are also therapeutic targets for various metabolic disorders and cancer. We have used cryo-EM structural studies, in combination with biochemical, biophysical and cellular biology studies to understanding how these enzymes are allosterically regulated by cellular metabolites and small molecule inhibitors with implications for therapy.
Host: Dr. Daniel Foltz, Professor, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics
Oct
09
NSF GRFP and NDSEG – STEM Graduate School Tuition Support Info Session
Online - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Join this info session to receive the most current information about tuition support fellowships for STEM graduate studies. NSF-GRFP, NDSEG, and Hertz will be discussed, but other sources of STEM funding will be described. This session is open to undergraduate seniors, first- and second-year graduate students. For questions, please email LaTanya V. Williams, Associate Director for STEM, Office of Fellowships at latanya.williams@northwestern.edu.
Oct
09
NSF GRFP and NDSEG Graduate Fellowship Writing Workshop
No Location - 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Join us for writing workshops to help you to prepare your applications for Fall 2025 graduate school funding opportunities. In this workshop you will learn strategies that will assist you as you write your Research and Personal Statements for STEM focused fellowships. Each session will address Research and Personal Statements found in external fellowships open to undergraduate seniors and early career graduate students with focus on NSF GRFP and NDSEG. Please use the links below to register. Questions? Contact LaTanya Williams PhD, Associate Director of STEM, Office of Fellowships at latanya.williams@northwestern.edu.
Oct
10
FCVRRI Research in Progress Seminar - Amanda Ceas
Chicago - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Talk title - Capillary Endothelial Dynamics: Insights into Lung Injury and Repair
Oct
10
NSF GRFP and NDSEG Graduate Fellowship Writing Workshop
Online - 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Join us for writing workshops to help you to prepare your applications for Fall 2025 graduate school funding opportunities. In this workshop you will learn strategies that will assist you as you write your Research and Personal Statements for STEM focused fellowships. Each session will address Research and Personal Statements found in external fellowships open to undergraduate seniors and early career graduate students with focus on NSF GRFP and NDSEG. Please use the links below to register. Questions? Contact LaTanya Williams PhD, Associate Director of STEM, Office of Fellowships at latanya.williams@northwestern.edu.
Oct
10
Bacterial Journal Club
Chicago - 1:45 PM - 3:00 PM
Student Speaker: Kathleen Nicholson
Description: Bacteriology Journal Club is a forum for the presentation of original research-in-progress and for scholarly discussion of recently published papers in bacteriology
Oct
13
Lurie Cancer Center Core Technologies & Applications Seminar Series
Chicago - 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Cancer Research with MRI: Deciphering the Alphabet Soup
Chad Haney, PhD
Managing Director, Center for Advanced Molecular Imaging
Northwestern University
*Lunch is provided
Oct
13
Pharmacolgoy Seminar Series: Eunyong Park, PhD
Chicago - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Eunyong Park is an associate professor in the Department of Molecular & Cell Biology at University of California, Berkeley.
Title: Mechanism of protein import into mitochondria.
Abstract: Mitochondria import nearly all of their proteins from the cytosol. My lab studies molecular mechanisms of two mitochondrial membrane-bound complexes, TOM and TIM23, which together mediate import of the majority of mitochondrial protein. In this seminar, I will discuss our recent findings on mechanisms underlying signal sequence recognition and protein translocation by TIM23.
Oct
14
Student Experiences in STEM
Online - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Student Experiences in STEM is an evidence-driven reading circle focusing on students’ experiences, development, and their perceptions of commonly used learning practices and the classroom environment.
Recommended for those pursuing the CIRTL Certificate.
Oct
14
NSF GRFP and NDSEG Graduate Fellowship Writing Workshop
Online - 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Join us for writing workshops to help you to prepare your applications for Fall 2025 graduate school funding opportunities. In this workshop you will learn strategies that will assist you as you write your Research and Personal Statements for STEM focused fellowships. Each session will address Research and Personal Statements found in external fellowships open to undergraduate seniors and early career graduate students with focus on NSF GRFP and NDSEG. Please use the links below to register. Questions? Contact LaTanya Williams PhD, Associate Director of STEM, Office of Fellowships at latanya.williams@northwestern.edu.
Oct
15
CDB Trainee Seminar Series - Talha Lone - Graduate Researcher
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Cell & Developmental Biology (CDB) Trainee Seminar Series
"Targeting Poison Exons in Zebrafish: From Splice Modulation to Isoform Discovery"
Talha Lone
PhD Candidate, Parvez Lab
Wednesday, October 15th, 2025
12:00-1:00pm
Gray Seminar Room, Lurie 1-165
Robert H Lurie Medical Research Center
303 E Superior St, Chicago, IL 60611
The department meets every first and third Wednesday from 12:00 to 1:00 PM to enjoy a presentation from a research trainee (postbacc, pre-, post-doctoral fellow, etc). Meetings usually take place at Simpson Querry Auditorium, with some exceptions.
Calendar invites with the meeting location are disseminated in advance. Please contact cdb@northwestern.edu for more information or sign-up to our event listserv at https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/cdb/about/listserv.html#listserv
Oct
16
Immunology Journal Club
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Discussion of impactful and high-quality papers that will foster meaningful learning and discussion for all participants.
Oct
16
NSF GRFP and NDSEG Graduate Fellowship Writing Workshop
No Location - 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Join us for writing workshops to help you to prepare your applications for Fall 2025 graduate school funding opportunities. In this workshop you will learn strategies that will assist you as you write your Research and Personal Statements for STEM focused fellowships. Each session will address Research and Personal Statements found in external fellowships open to undergraduate seniors and early career graduate students with focus on NSF GRFP and NDSEG. Please use the links below to register. Questions? Contact LaTanya Williams PhD, Associate Director of STEM, Office of Fellowships at latanya.williams@northwestern.edu.
Oct
16
NSF GRFP and NDSEG – STEM Graduate School Tuition Support Info Session
Online - 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Join this info session to receive the most current information about tuition support fellowships for STEM graduate studies. NSF-GRFP, NDSEG, and Hertz will be discussed, but other sources of STEM funding will be described. This session is open to undergraduate seniors, first- and second-year graduate students. For questions, please email LaTanya V. Williams, Associate Director for STEM, Office of Fellowships at latanya.williams@northwestern.edu.
Oct
17
DGP Student Thesis Seminar - Aishwarya Ramamurthy - Dr. Gemma Carvill Lab
Chicago - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Title of Presentation:
"The Impact of Structural Variants on Gene Regulation in Neurodevelopmental Disorders"
This is a hybrid event. For Zoom access or more information, email rachael.hill@northwestern.edu.
Oct
17
FCVRRI Research in Progress Seminar - Tanner Monroe, PhD
Chicago - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Talk title - Integrated Cardiogenomics for Arrhythmia Risk Stratification and Mechanistic Insight
Oct
17
Bacterial Journal Club
Chicago - 1:45 PM - 3:00 PM
Student Speaker: Szu-Yu Kuan & Iryna Boiko
Description: Bacteriology Journal Club is a forum for the presentation of original research-in-progress and for scholarly discussion of recently published papers in bacteriology
Oct
18
Foro Comunitario Sobre Cáncer de Seno
Online - 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Acompáñenos para escuchar presentaciones educativas acerca del cáncer de mama, seguidas de una discusión interactiva con un panel de expertos que contestarán sus preguntas acerca de tratamientos, cirugías, así como también las emociones y desafíos que enfrentan las sobrevivientes de cáncer. Infórmese acerca de los recursos y programas que existen en su comunidad.
Oct
20
NSF GRFP and NDSEG – STEM Graduate School Tuition Support Info Session
No Location - 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Join this info session to receive the most current information about tuition support fellowships for STEM graduate studies. NSF-GRFP, NDSEG, and Hertz will be discussed, but other sources of STEM funding will be described. This session is open to undergraduate seniors, first- and second-year graduate students. For questions, please email LaTanya V. Williams, Associate Director for STEM, Office of Fellowships at latanya.williams@northwestern.edu.
Oct
20
DAAD RISE Information session
Online - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
DAAD RISE Germany offers summer research internships in German research institutes and universities to undergraduate students from the US, Ireland and the UK. This informational session will outline the program, eligibility and application timeline. If you are a sophomore or junior in a STEM field who is interested in pursuing an internship in Germany over the summer, please join us to learn more.
Questions? Latanya Williams, PhD Office of Fellowships; latanya.williams@northwestern.edu
Oct
21
Microbiology-Immunology Seminar Series: Jueqi Chen, Ph.D
Chicago - 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM
Title: Organelle remodeling during bacterial and viral infections
Description: Our lab investigates how bacterial and viral infections remodel host cell organelles, influencing outcomes such as pathogen survival or host defense mechanisms including inflammasome activation. By elucidating the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying these processes, we aim to uncover new strategies for therapeutic intervention against infectious diseases.
Oct
23
2025 Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Symposium
Off-Campus - 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The 27th Annual Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Symposium will be held in person in Chicago, October 23-26, 2025.
Referred to as the most valuable breast cancer meeting worldwide for the practicing clinician, the Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Symposium will provide 3.5 days of presentations and interactive Q&A sessions in downtown Chicago this October.
For 27 years, 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.
This in-person symposium will offer:
3.5 days of in-person presentations and Q&A with over 30 international breast cancer experts
Exhibit hall with pharmaceutical companies
Online access to presentation slides in PDF format (through November 21)
Continuing education credits & MOC available
Catered breakfast, lunch, break refreshments, and a reception.
*Please note this year's symposium will take place fully in person in Chicago.
Oct
23
BMG Seminar: Hagen Tilgner, PhD, Weill Cornell
Chicago - 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
The Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics presents:
Hagen Tilgner, PhD
Associate Professor
Brain and Mind Institute
Weill Cornell Medical College
Presentation:
A single-cell view of splicing (dys)regulation across in development and the diseases of the brain
Abstract:
Complex tissue includes diverse cell types employing distinct RNA isoforms. To untangle full-length cell-type specific brain isoforms, we developed single-cell long-read technology for many thousands of cells (from previous approaches for 10-100 cells) in fresh tissues and in frozen tissues. These approaches revealed the rules of combination of TSSs, alternative exons and poly(A) sites and their cell-type specificity. Autism-associated exons (as previously described) but also FTD-associated exons are highly variably-used across cell types. For spatial resolution, we developed spatially-barcoded isoform sequencing with 60um, 10um and 220nm spots, showing that often isoform switches correlate with precise boundaries of brain structures (e.g., choroid plexus to hippocampus). However, genes including Snap25, use a gradient of exon inclusion through the brain. Choroid plexus epithelial cells show a dramatically distinct isoform profile, which originates most strongly from TSS usage. During human puberty, layer4-excitatory splicing is more regulated than in other cortical layers – probably influenced by retroviral sequences. More generally, we can now detect isoform-expression variability that does not correspond to known brain structures.
For the NIH Brain Initiative, we have mapped single-cell isoforms across development, brain regions and species. Neurotransmitter release and reuptake as well as synapse turnover genes harbor variability in the same cell type across anatomical regions but the same cell type traced across development shows more isoform variability than across adult anatomical regions. Moreover, most cell-type-specific exons in adult mouse hippocampus behave similarly in human hippocampi. However, human brains have evolved additional cell-type specificity in splicing. Additionally, the concurrent measurement of chromatin and splicing patterns in post-mortem human brain shows broadly-speaking convergent dysregulation of both modalities in similar cell types in Alzheimer’s disease but more divergence between both modalities in evolution. Finally, we have advanced our understanding of error sources of PacBio and ONT and implemented highly accurate long-read software.
Host: Dr. Ruli Gao, Assistant Professor, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics
Oct
24
FCVRRI Series Seminar - Douglas Gould, PhD
Chicago - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Talk title - The COL4A1 Paradox: Is There a Mechanistic Link Between Monogenic and Idiopathic VCID?
Oct
24
Bacterial Journal Club
Chicago - 1:45 PM - 3:00 PM
Student Speaker: Jennifer Sheridan
Description: Description: Bacteriology Journal Club is a forum for the presentation of original research-in-progress and for scholarly discussion of recently published papers in bacteriology
Oct
27
Lurie Cancer Center Research-in-Progress Seminar
Chicago - 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
“Biomolecular Condensates as Protein Degradation Tools for Intracellular Targets”
Yi Li, PhD Candidate
Northwestern University McCormick School of Engineering
Department of Biomedical Engineering
“Reprogramming Lipogenic Metabolism and Inflammation for Breast Cancer Prevention and Interception”
Atieh Hajirahimkhan, PhD
Research Assistant Professor
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
* Lunch is provided
Oct
28
Microbiology-Immunology Seminar Series: Luisa Morales-Nebreda, MD
Chicago - 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM
Title: T Cell Responses During Severe Pneumonia
Describe key correlates of pathogen-specific protective and pathological immunity during severe pneumonia. Describe age-related changes and spatiotemporal dynamics during recovery from influenza pneumonia.
Oct
30
Immunology Journal Club
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Discussion of impactful and high-quality papers that will foster meaningful learning and discussion for all participants.
Oct
31
FCVRRI Research in Progress Seminar - Ellis Kim, MD
Chicago - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Talk title - Dissecting Metabolically-Driven Myeloid Activation in HFpEF
Oct
31
Bacterial Journal Club
Chicago - 1:45 PM - 3:00 PM
Student Speaker: Francisco Silva Hernandez
Description: Description: Bacteriology Journal Club is a forum for the presentation of original research-in-progress and for scholarly discussion of recently published papers in bacteriology
Nov
04
Nov
05
CDB Trainee Seminar Series
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Cell & Developmental Biology (CDB) Trainee Seminar Series
The department meets every first and third Wednesday from 12:00 to 1:00 PM to enjoy a presentation from a research trainee (postbacc, pre-, post-doctoral fellow, etc). Meetings usually take place at Simpson Querry Auditorium, with some exceptions.
Calendar invites with the meeting location are disseminated in advance. Please contact cdb@northwestern.edu for more information or sign-up to our event listserv at https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/cdb/about/listserv.html#listserv
Nov
06
BMG Seminar: Karlene A. Cimprich, PhD, Stanford Medicine
Chicago - 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
The Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics presents:
Karlene A. Cimprich, PhD
Professor and Vice-Chair of Chemical and Systems Biology and, by courtesy, of Biochemistry
Stanford Cancer Institute Leader, Genome Stability Research
Stanford University, School of Medicine
Presentation:
RNA Meets DNA: Dangerous Encounters in the Genome
Abstract:
R-loops are three-stranded nucleic acid structures that form co-transcriptionally and which are comprised of an RNA-DNA hybrid and a displaced strand of ssDNA. Although R-loops have important functions in cells, their aberrant formation can also lead to genome stability causing replication stress and double-strand break formation. We showed that a surprising consequence of unscheduled R-loop formation is the release of RNA-DNA hybrid fragments into the cell cytoplasm and sensing of these hybrids by innate immune receptors. I will describe our recent studies demonstrating how these pathological hybrids arise in different contexts and the features that cause them to threaten genome stability. Our findings reveal two distinct mechanisms by which cytoplasmic RNA-DNA hybrids accumulate and serve to link transcriptional dysregulation and innate immune activation.
Host: Dr. Daniel Foltz, Professor, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics
Refreshments will be served.
Nov
06
Lung Cancer Awareness Townhall
Chicago - 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
During Lung Cancer Awareness Month, we invite patients, survivors, caregivers, advocates, and healthcare professionals to join us for a conversation about one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths. Attendees will hear from medical professionals regarding risk factors, disparities in lung cancer diagnoses, treatment and outcomes, ways to improve lung health, and patient resources will be provided.
Nov
06
DAAD RISE Information session
Online - 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
DAAD RISE Germany offers summer research internships in German research institutes and universities to undergraduate students from the US, Ireland and the UK. This informational session will outline the program, eligibility and application timeline. If you are a sophomore or junior in a STEM field who is interested in pursuing an internship in Germany over the summer, please join us to learn more.
Questions? Latanya Williams, PhD Office of Fellowships; latanya.williams@northwestern.edu
Nov
10
Pharmacology Dept Annual Toshio Narahashi Lecture: Lynne E. Maquat, PhD "Nonsense-mediated mRNA decay in human and disease: Reframing the role of FMRP in Fragile X Syndrome"
Chicago - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Speaker: Lynne E. Maquat, PhD; Professor, Departments of Biochemistry & Biophysics, Oncology, and Pediatrics; School of Medicine and Dentistry; Director, Center for RNA Biology: From Genome to; Therapeutics; University of Rochester.
LECTURE TITLE: Nonsense-mediated mRNA decay in human and disease: Reframing the role of FMRP in Fragile X Syndrome.
LECTURE ABSTRACT: Much progress has been made on how nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD), which we first described for humans in 1981, controls the quality of gene expression by detecting and rapidly degrading aberrant mRNAs that harbor a premature termination codon. NMD also degrades ~5−10% physiological mRNAs that are key to the maintenance of cellular homeostasis in a changing environmental milieu. And, NMD can be misregulated in diseases, as we have serendipitously found for Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) – a leading single-gene cause of intellectual disability and autism due to a deficiency in the RNA-binding protein Fragile X Protein (FMRP). NMD is hyperactivated in FXS patient-derived cells and a mouse model of FXS. Our foray into FXS and FMRP function has led us to examine the mechanism by which FMRP regulates its ~6000 mRNA targets, one-third of which are NMD targets. We have found that, as a rule, FMRP-binding to a target mRNA results in its translational repression and protection from decay.
While FMRP-mediated translational repression has been attributed primarily to ribosome stalling, we have found using immunoprecipitations and polysome profiling of nonpolar- and polar-cell lysates, and LC-MS/MS analyses, that FMRP largely represses translation initiation by associating with granule constituents to preclude 40S ribosomal subunit binding. We demonstrate that FMRP associates with its target mRNAs by binding directly to eIF4E at the 5'-cap in competition with eIF4G1, and that the granule constituent Ataxin-2-Like promotes FMRP binding to the transcribed body. The KH1+KH2 domains of FMRP are critical for its co-immunoprecipitation of eIF4E, mRNA targets, Ataxin-2-Like and the poly(A)-binding protein PABPC1.
Nov
12
CDB Experts-in-the-field Seminar Series - Aravind Iyer, PhD
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
CDB Experts-in-the-field Seminar Series
""
Aravind Iyer, PhD
Senior Investigator Protein and Genome Evolution Research Group
National Library of Medicine
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/research/staff/aravind/
Wednesday, November 12th
12:00–1:00 PM
Simpson Querrey Auditorium,
303 E Superior St, Chicago, IL 60611
Host:
Dr. Vipul Shukla
Cell & Developmental Biology Experts-in-the-field Seminar Series
The department hosts guest lectures every second Wednesday from 12-1 PM.
Calendar invites are disseminated in advance with event details. 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
Visit our department website to learn about how we are expanding the limits of scientific inquiry: https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/cdb/
Nov
13
BMG Seminar: Christopher R. Vakoc, MD, PhD, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Chicago - 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
The Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics presents:
Christopher R. Vakoc, MD, PhD
Alan and Edith Seligson Professor of Cancer Research
Cancer Center Deputy Director of Research
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Presentation:
Cancer Dependency Identification and Mechanisms
Host: Dr. Lu Wang, Assistant Professor, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics
Refreshments will be served.
Nov
13
Boren Awards Information Meeting Featuring Michael Saffle, Outreach and Recruitment Specialist
Evanston - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Come hear Project administrator Michael Saffle discuss Boren options!
The Boren Scholarship funds undergraduate students who pursue language-intensive study abroad in countries out of the mainstream. At its core, Boren is a language program, thus competitive applicants will be serious students of a language not commonly taught in the United States. In addition, Boren funding comes from the US Government, thus they prize government service. All applicants must be thoughtful about how their career contributes to national security. Finally, Boren rewards long-duration study abroad. Most recipients will stay abroad for six months or more.
The Boren Fellowship funds graduate students who pursue language-intensive study abroad or research in countries out of the mainstream At its core, Boren is a language program, thus competitive applicants will be serious students of a language not commonly taught in the United States. In addition, Boren funding comes from the US Government, thus they prize government service. All applicants must be thoughtful about how their career contributes to national security. Finally, Boren rewards long-duration study abroad. Most recipients will stay abroad for six months or more.
Campus Deadline for Boren Scholarship -- 1/16/26 @ 12:00 noon
National Deadline for Boren Fellowship -- 1/21/26
National Deadline for Boren Scholarship -- 1/28/26
Nov
19
CDB Trainee Seminar Series
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Cell & Developmental Biology (CDB) Trainee Seminar Series
The department meets every first and third Wednesday from 12:00 to 1:00 PM to enjoy a presentation from a research trainee (postbacc, pre-, post-doctoral fellow, etc). Meetings usually take place at Simpson Querry Auditorium, with some exceptions.
Calendar invites with the meeting location are disseminated in advance. Please contact cdb@northwestern.edu for more information or sign-up to our event listserv at https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/cdb/about/listserv.html#listserv
Nov
19
Pedagogical Innovations in STEM featuring Carine Nemr
Online - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Pedagogical Innovations in STEM is a scholarly exchange offered each quarter, showcasing leading-edge research that informs teaching and learning strategies.
This session will feature Dr. Carine Nemr, an Assistant Professor of Instruction in the Department of Chemistry. She will discuss how she utilizes iClickers to enhance classroom engagement in her chemistry courses.
Recommended for those pursuing the CIRTL Certificate.
Nov
20
Immunology Journal Club
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Discussion of impactful and high-quality papers that will foster meaningful learning and discussion for all participants.
Nov
21
Oncology Nursing Conference
Chicago - 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
On Friday, November 21, the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University will host the 28th Annual Oncology Nursing Conference – Emerging Therapies in Oncology Care. This year’s conference will be held in person. This highly visible and successful conference attracts more than 250 oncology nurses from the Chicagoland area and throughout the Midwest to discuss the latest topics of interest in oncology nursing.
Dec
01
Boren Awards Information Meeting
Online - 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
The Boren Scholarship funds undergraduate students who pursue language-intensive study abroad in countries out of the mainstream. At its core, Boren is a language program, thus competitive applicants will be serious students of a language not commonly taught in the United States. In addition, Boren funding comes from the US Government, thus they prize government service. All applicants must be thoughtful about how their career contributes to national security. Finally, Boren rewards long-duration study abroad. Most recipients will stay abroad for six months or more.
The Boren Fellowship funds graduate students who pursue language-intensive study abroad or research in countries out of the mainstream At its core, Boren is a language program, thus competitive applicants will be serious students of a language not commonly taught in the United States. In addition, Boren funding comes from the US Government, thus they prize government service. All applicants must be thoughtful about how their career contributes to national security. Finally, Boren rewards long-duration study abroad. Most recipients will stay abroad for six months or more.
Campus Deadline for Boren Scholarship -- 1/16/26 @ 12:00 noon
National Deadline for Boren Fellowship -- 1/21/26
National Deadline for Boren Scholarship -- 1/28/26
Dec
03
CDB Trainee Seminar Series
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Cell & Developmental Biology (CDB) Trainee Seminar Series
The department meets every first and third Wednesday from 12:00 to 1:00 PM to enjoy a presentation from a research trainee (postbacc, pre-, post-doctoral fellow, etc). Meetings usually take place at Simpson Querry Auditorium, with some exceptions.
Calendar invites with the meeting location are disseminated in advance. Please contact cdb@northwestern.edu for more information or sign-up to our event listserv at https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/cdb/about/listserv.html#listserv
Dec
04
BMG Seminar: Karen H Miga, PhD, UCSC
Chicago - 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
The Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics presents:
Karen H Miga, PhD
Associate Professor, Biomolecular Engineering Department, UCSC
Director, UC Santa Cruz Sequencing Technology Center
Associate Director, UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute
University of California, Santa Cruz
Presentation:
Centromere Genomics in the Pangenome Era
Abstract:
Centromeric satellite arrays are essential for chromosome stability, yet their architecture and evolution have remained largely unresolved. With complete telomere-to-telomere assemblies now available, we analyzed 470 phased haplotypes from the Human Pangenome Reference Consortium, representing globally diverse, highly accurate genomes. A large fraction of newly resolved sequence lies in constitutive heterochromatin, where suppressed recombination creates megabase-scale linkage disequilibrium. These centromere-spanning haplotypes (cenhaps) encompass satellite arrays, segmental duplications, and genes linked to human traits. Cenhaps preserve deep evolutionary signals, with many lineages coalescing over a million years ago and showing Neanderthal and Denisovan introgression. We developed the first centromeric pangenome data structure to standardize variant calling and enable genetic and epigenetic analyses across these regions. This framework reveals rare recombination, local mutation rates, selection signals, and disease associations within archaic cenhaps. Together, these results establish cenhaps as a powerful system for exploring human genome evolution and diversity.
Host: Dr. Daniel Foltz, Professor, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics
Refreshments will be served.
Dec
11
BMG Seminar: Matthew G. Oser MD, PhD, Harvard Medical School
Chicago - 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
The Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics presents:
Matthew G. Oser MD, PhD
Department of Medical Oncology, Division of Molecular and Cellular Oncology
Assistant Professor, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute,
Harvard Medical School
Presentation:
New Therapeutic Strategies for Small Cell Lung Cancer
Host: Dr. Lu Wang, Assistant Professor, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics
Refreshments will be served.
Dec
11
Immunology Journal Club
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Discussion of impactful and high-quality papers that will foster meaningful learning and discussion for all participants.
Dec
17
CDB Trainee Seminar Series
Chicago - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Cell & Developmental Biology (CDB) Trainee Seminar Series
The department meets every first and third Wednesday from 12:00 to 1:00 PM to enjoy a presentation from a research trainee (postbacc, pre-, post-doctoral fellow, etc). Meetings usually take place at Simpson Querry Auditorium, with some exceptions.
Calendar invites with the meeting location are disseminated in advance. Please contact cdb@northwestern.edu for more information or sign-up to our event listserv at https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/cdb/about/listserv.html#listserv
Dec
18
OKRA National Forum: Nano-AMPs: The future of UTI management?
Online - 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
The Northwestern O'Brien Kidney Resource Center invites you to participate in the upcoming O'Brien Kidney Resource Alliance (OKRA) webinar series, designed to foster networking and learning.
Join us on Thursday, December 18th, to hear from Laura Schwartz, PhD (Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Ohio State University) as she discusses “Nano-AMPs: The future of UTI management?”
Registration is required.
Jan
06
Boren Awards Information Meeting
Evanston - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
The Boren Scholarship funds undergraduate students who pursue language-intensive study abroad in countries out of the mainstream. At its core, Boren is a language program, thus competitive applicants will be serious students of a language not commonly taught in the United States. In addition, Boren funding comes from the US Government, thus they prize government service. All applicants must be thoughtful about how their career contributes to national security. Finally, Boren rewards long-duration study abroad. Most recipients will stay abroad for six months or more.
The Boren Fellowship funds graduate students who pursue language-intensive study abroad or research in countries out of the mainstream At its core, Boren is a language program, thus competitive applicants will be serious students of a language not commonly taught in the United States. In addition, Boren funding comes from the US Government, thus they prize government service. All applicants must be thoughtful about how their career contributes to national security. Finally, Boren rewards long-duration study abroad. Most recipients will stay abroad for six months or more.
Campus Deadline for Boren Scholarship -- 1/16/26 @ 12:00 noon
National Deadline for Boren Fellowship -- 1/21/26
National Deadline for Boren Scholarship -- 1/28/26