December 9-13, 2024 | Vol. 10, Issue 49
In this issue:
- International Perspectives: Pathways to Success
- December UR Dean’s Lecture features Eric Olson, Ph.D.
- Winter Holiday Philosophy Meeting
- IND 439 Leadership & Management for Scientists
- Winter Warm Up with The Office of Alumni Relations
- Wilmot Predoctoral Fellowship Program
- Rochester Medical Orchestra
- The Next Step: From Lab to Launch: Thriving at a Start-Up Post-Grad School
International Perspectives: Pathways to Success
In celebration of International Education Week in November, we hosted a special conversation with two alumni who began their journeys at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry as international students. Cindi Lewis, who now serves as executive management to the Director General at the World Health Organization, and Vivek Nanda, an Assistant Professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham leading groundbreaking cardiovascular research, joined us to share their stories. Click on the picture to listen to the discussion where they explore their unique career paths, the impact of their time in Rochester, and how their international experiences shaped their success.

December UR Dean’s Lecture features Eric Olson, Ph.D.
Monday, December 9 | 3:30 pm | Class of '62 Auditorium (G-9425)

The Pogue Distinguished Chair in Research on Cardiac Birth Defects at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas will present "Muscle Making and Muscle Breaking: From Developmental Mechanisms to New Therapies for Muscle and Heart Disease." A welcome and introduction will be given by David Linehan, URMC CEO and SMD dean, and Eric Small, professor in the Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute. 3:30 to 5:30 pm, Class of '62 Auditorium (G-9425) followed by a reception in the Flaum atrium.
Winter Holiday Philosophy Meeting
Thursday, December 12 | 4-6pm | Sarah Flaum Atrium
IND 439 Leadership & Management for Scientists
Spring 2025 - Thursdays | 2:00-3:40 pm
This spring 1 credit-hour course is directed by Eric Vaughn, myHub Career Services Director. IND439 is designed for graduate students and postdoctoral scientists who wish to enhance their leadership and management skills. Click the link for more information about the course.
Winter Warm Up with The Office of Alumni Relations
Tuesday, December 17 | 12-1pm | Flaum Atrium
The office of Alumni Relations invites you to take a break from the cold to grab a bite on Tuesday, December 17th from 12:00-1:00pm in the Flaum Atrium.
Wilmot Predoctoral Fellowship Program
The program provides support for cancer research training for emerging scientists, with the goal of enabling them to build an independent career in the investigation of the causes, diagnosis, treatment, prevention or management of cancer or its side effects. Wilmot predoctoral fellowships, open to PhD or MD/PhD students under the mentorship of a Wilmot Cancer Institute member, provide two years of support. Click on the picture below to apply.

Rochester Medical Orchestra
Calling all medical musicians! If you play—or once played—a classical instrument, join us for the reprise of the Rochester Medical Orchestra, launching Summer 2025! This group fosters joy, well-being, and community through music and welcomes all skill levels—whether you're a seasoned player or reconnecting with your instrument. Not sure about your schedule? No problem! Fill out the survey to stay in the loop. Reach out to Isabella Cantor with any questions.
LGBTQ Life Team
The LGBTQ Life Team is a resource for all things LGBTQ in all of our UR schools and their Fall 2024 Office Hours at the School of Medicine and Dentistry are every Monday, 12:00-1:00pm in G.7648.
Yoga Classes
Maintain your physical and spiritual health as the temperature drops by taking a moment to breathe and stretch on the mat with us. Yoga classes continue everyday throughout the fall semester in the Leibner-Cooper Room at the Goergen Athletic Center. Classes are hosted by Mindful University Project x Yoga Vibe’s experienced yoga teachers. Check our schedules and register for classes here, or just drop in – your inner zen awaits.
MyURHR & Student Employment
Are you a current student employee? The current human resources system, HRMS, will be retired and replaced by two systems: UKG and Workday. The most important action item to complete before December 15th is your training! System trainings are available via MyPath. Please contact your supervisor for more information on these trainings, and to coordinate time to complete the trainings on-shift. Check out the flyer for more information.
PASSPoRT to WashU - Opportunity for Prospective Postdocs
Tuesday, December 10 | 12:00-4:00pm | Virtual
The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs at Washington University in St. Louis is excited to host Pathways to Advanced Scientific Skills through Postdoctoral Research Training (PASSPoRT) on December 10, 2024. PASSPoRT to WashU is a virtual event that offers prospective postdocs an opportunity to learn about WashU and receive some professional development along the way. The event is open to advanced doctoral students (post-qualifying exams), recent doctoral graduates, and early-stage postdocs. There is no citizenship requirement to participate.
UCLA Bio-Launch Program
The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs in the UCLA Biosciences invites you to apply to UCLA Bio-Launch, a recruitment initiative for bioscience researchers. This program includes professional development workshops, networking opportunities, and a faculty matching service. You are eligible to apply if you are an advanced PhD student, a recent PhD graduate, or an early-career postdoc scholar. Prospective postdocs from groups traditionally marginalized in the biosciences and/or from disadvantage backgrounds are encouraged to apply. There is no citizenship requirement to apply. The application deadline is Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at 11:59 PST. Check out the website to learn more about the program. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out.
Considering Postdoctoral Opportunities in Pharma?
If you're looking to make a transition from academia to industry, now is a great time to explore postdoctoral roles within the pharmaceutical sector. Several leading companies offer tailored postdoctoral programs designed to bridge your academic experience with industry application. These roles provide invaluable hands-on experience and mentorship as you prepare for a career in pharma. Explore these programs:
• Pfizer Postdoctoral Program
• Novartis Graduate Opportunities
• Takeda Fellowship Programs
Take advantage of these opportunities to deepen your skills, expand your network, and work at the forefront of biomedical innovation.
SHIFT Program 2025
The application cycle for the Short Course in Transferable Skills Training (SHIFT) Program is now open. This program is available to PhD students in biomedical research programs across the US, with all costs covered by an NIGMS R25 grant. The application deadline is January 31st, 2025. The program flyer and FAQs are attached.
2025 Philadelphia Postdoc Preview
Tuesday, February 11 | 12:00-3:30pm | Virtual
The Philadelphia Postdoc Preview will take place virtually on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, will include introductions to the participating institutions and will provide information on what it is like to live and work in Philadelphia. In addition, current postdocs from across the institutions will share their experiences. If you have any questions, please reach out to PhiladelphiaPostdoc@gmail.com.
NSF I-Corps Regional Course Information |
MECCC
NSF I-Corps Regional Courses are for university-based STEM researchers and early-stage startup founders who are interested in exploring the market potential of their work and learning entrepreneurial skills. Participants learn to apply “customer discovery” methodology to evaluate the potential for translating their technology innovation from the lab into a successful product and/or service.
From Lab to Launch: Thriving at a Start-Up Post-Grad School
Savannah Moritzky, PhD is a 2022 graduate of our Translational Biomedical Science program, now working as a scientist at HDT Bio in Seattle. She joins The Next Step to talk about getting her first job at a start-up across the country where she had no established network, what it truly means to "wear many hats" at a young company, what qualities they look for in applicants now that she's part of the decision-making process, and much more.
The new episode is launching right here Dec. 11 at noon! Click to picture to listen!

Accommodations
The University of Rochester is committed to providing inclusive experiences and equal access to programs and services. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation, please contact Mary Beth Kitzel. In all situations, a good faith effort (up until the time of the event) will be made to provide accommodations.
OTE Submission Information
Submissions for the weekly Monday edition of OTE are due by Thursday at 5:00 pm. Please submit materials to myHub@urmc.rochester.edu.
Connect with SMD

Tag us or use #URochesterResearch!