Panelists:

• John E. Connolly, Inst. of Molecular and Cell Biol., Singapore
• Maziar Divangahi, McGill Univ., Montréal, Canada
• Chen Dong, Tsinghua Univ., Beijing, China
• Adrian C. Hayday, King’s Col. London, U.K.
• Hans-Martin Jäck, Univ. of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
• Betty Wu-Hsieh, College of Medicine, Natl. Taiwan Univ., Taipei, Taiwan

Working as a scientist outside of the U.S. requires curiosity, adaptability, and open-mindedness, which are valuable qualities important for success in any career. Given the international reach of science, this new session will help immunologists learn about opportunities to gain professional experience beyond the U.S. This panel features scientists employed at academic or research institutions around the globe. Panelists will discuss the postdoctoral fellowship and grant application process; the benefits of international training and employment; the challenges in finding science-related jobs outside of the U.S.; and the process of moving your lab to another country. This session is open to anyone.

Speaker:

• Derek Haseltine, Director, Career Development Center, Baylor Col. of Med.

For anyone seeking a job outside of academia, how you present yourself on paper is critical. A well prepared resumé can make all the difference in securing that interview. The focus of this session will be on the important elements of a resumé, the differences between a resumé and the standard academic curriculum vitae, and the information needed to make a good impression. In this special career development session, attendees will be instructed in how to transform their CVs into professional resumés. Small breakout sessions for individual consulting will follow from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM in Room 302. Bring your CV!

Speakers:

• Bethany B. Moore, Univ. of Michigan, Ready, set, write…maintaining momentum in manuscript preparation
• Kristin A. Hogquist, Univ. of Minnesota, Responding to reviewers: what you want to say and what you should say
• Michael P. Cancro, Univ. of Pennsylvania Sch. of Med., How to review scientific manuscripts: the forest or the trees?
• Pamela J. Fink, Univ. of Washington Sch. of Med., Ethical Issues in scientific publishing: just because you CAN doesn’t mean you SHOULD

Your data are good and now it’s time to write the manuscript. What steps are essential to tell the story clearly and convincingly? What is the best way to present your data? Once the manuscript is reviewed, how should you respond to the reviewer comments? What ethical pitfalls should you be aware of in order to avoid possible problems? If you would like to become a reviewer, what do you need to know about how to review a manuscript? These and other questions will be addressed in this session sponsored by the AAI Publications Committee.

Panelists:

• Manoj K. Mishra, Alabama State Univ., Engaging undergraduate students in immunology through problem-based learning modules
• David W. Mullins, Dartmouth Col., Digital communication and social media to connect with the modern student
• Keith E. Garrison, St. Mary’s Col. of California, Undergraduate clinical lab simulation using ELISA
• Devavani Chatterjea, Macalester Col., Discerning, crafting and telling immunological stories: a semester-long scaffolded writing project for beginning immunologists
• Edith Porter, California State Univ., Los Angeles, Teaching students how to formulate research questions: adaptation of the question formulation technique to the upper division immunology curriculum

Are you looking for new ideas or strategies to enliven and improve your teaching? If so, please join us for this special interest group which will focus on strategies that instructors can use to successfully convey immunology concepts to students at the undergraduate and graduate level. Topics will include the applications of problem-based learning, the use of digital communication and social media in modern teaching, strategies for teaching laboratory methods, and more. The session will end with structured breakout discussion groups for undergraduate and graduate/medical school teaching. Undergraduate teaching topics for discussion will include: developing a teaching philosophy; use of take-home vs. in-class tests; developing a course syllabus; and selection of effective textbooks. Breakout discussions for medical school teaching will cover optimal use of handouts and notes; spaced learning and testing effect; preparing students for the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE); writing USMLE-style exams and assessments; question banks for test questions; and the flipped classroom in medical education. Current educators, new faculty, and trainees with an interest in teaching are welcome.

Networking skills have never been more crucial to ensure success for early/mid-career scientists, including those traditionally under-represented in biomedical research. At the roundtable, take advantage of the opportunity to meet in small-group format with accomplished, senior immunologists to hear how they have handled the career challenges you now face and learn what they believe will work for you today. Then practice networking in a relaxed environment offering a structured networking exercise and personalized feedback on communicating your scientific interests/objectives most effectively. Scientists and trainees of all backgrounds are encouraged to attend! Registration Fee: $25 (Includes lunch plus coffee during networking hour.)

Discussion topics and table leaders:

• Grad student: finding a mentor, setting sights on postdoc training
  • Table Leaders: Claudia Jakubzick, Natl. Jewish Hlth.; Luis A. Sanchez-Perez, Duke Univ.; Tonya Webb, Univ. of Maryland; Harlan Jones, Univ. of North Texas Hlth. Sci. Ctr.
• Postdoc: finding a mentor, setting sights on a faculty position
  • Table Leaders: Mireia Guerau-de-Arellano, Ohio State Univ.; Charlotte Vines, Univ. of Texas, El Paso; Eduardo Davila, Univ. of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Ctr.
• Junior Faculty: preparing for promotion and tenure
  • Table Leaders: Robert J. Binder, Univ. of Pittsburgh; Floyd Wormley, Univ. of Texas, San Antonio
• — NEW — Mid-Career Faculty: creative strategies for maintaining momentum in funding, research, people management
  • Table Leaders: Arturo Casadevall, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg Sch. of Publ. Hlth.; Avery August, Cornell Univ. Col. of Vet. Med.; Prosper N. Boyaka, Ohio State Univ.; Tyler J. Curiel, Univ. of Texas Hlth. Sci. Ctr., San Antonio
• Academia or Industry: how to decide (or switch sides)
  • Table Leaders: Jonathan A. Deane, GNF/Novartis; Robert Balderas, BD Biosciences; Margaret Bynoe, Cornell Univ. Col. of Vet. Med.
• Government Agency Careers: CDC, FDA, NIH
  • Table Leaders: Marta Catalfamo, Georgetown Univ.; Charles Egwuagu, NEI, NIH
• Non-Bench-Research Science Careers – e.g., scientific publishing; entrepreneurship; intellectual property/patent law
  • Table Leaders: James W. Lillard, Jr., Morehouse Sch. of Med. and JYANT Technologies, Inc.; Fabiola V. Rivas, Cell Press; Susan C. Wolski, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Panelists:

• Ann Field, Associate Director, Research Project and Portfolio Management, MedImmune
• Andrea Itano, Vice President, Head of Tempero Discovery Performance Unit, GlaxoSmithKline
• Ingrid L. Scully, Senior Principal Scientist, Pfizer
• Matthew Sleeman, Executive Director, Immunology & Inflammation, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Many opportunities exist in industry for scientists with advanced degrees. There are positions in laboratory research, program management, business development, regulatory affairs, clinical trials oversight, medical liaison, and more. This panel features scientists employed in a variety of positions in industry discussing their career paths and the skills required for success in each. Following the panel discussion, enjoy casual conversation with the speakers and other scientists from industry at a networking reception.

Speaker:

• Derek Haseltine, Director, Career Development Center, Baylor Col. of Med.

This session will focus on tips and techniques to help you successfully navigate the interview process. Emphasis will be on how you can present yourself in the best possible light. You will also learn how to respond to unexpected questions. This session is open to anyone but is especially intended for student and postdoctoral attendees.

Panelists:

• Tina McIntyre, Scientific Review Officer, III Study Section, Immunology IRG, DPPS, CSR, NIH
• Deborah Hodge, Scientific Review Officer, Immunology Fellowships and AREA Study Section, Immunology IRG, DPPS, CSR, NIH
• Alison Deckhut-Augustine, Chief, Basic Immunology Branch, Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Transplantation, NIAID, NIH
• Priti Mehrotra, Chief, Immunology Review Branch, Division of Extramural Activities, NIAID, NIH
• T. Kevin Howcroft, Chief, Cancer Immunology and Hematology Etiology Branch, Division of Cancer Biology, NCI, NIH

This workshop will provide participants with an overview of NIH grant submission, assignment, review, and funding opportunities. Emphasis will be given to identification of the most appropriate funding agencies and mechanisms available through NIH, how to make an application “reviewer friendly,” and other strategies that contribute to applications that succeed in obtaining research funding. The workshop will also provide information on how to understand the peer review system, which is essential to competing successfully for funding, with a focus on recent changes to the review process. NIH review and program staff will provide a broad array of expertise and encourage questions from seminar participants. This workshop is open to anyone interested in learning more about preparing an NIH grant application and obtaining NIH funding. Trainees and independent investigators are welcome.

At this popular session, you’ll have the opportunity to meet with scientists at your own career stage and with more experienced scientists to explore specific career issues important to men and women in science today. Learn what others are thinking and gain insights into issues you are confronting in your own situation. Recently added topics offer insights into international opportunities in science, NIH Study Sections, considerations for scientists in M.D.-Ph.D. careers, and a number of ways scientists contribute to the field in non-research careers. Choose from these and other vital topics related to the environment you work in (academic research, biotech industry, governmental agencies, non-profits), the transitions from specific career stages, or issues in balancing career and family in any career path. Don’t miss this great networking opportunity! Registration Fee: $25 (Lunch included.)

Discussion topics and table leaders:

• Research Careers in Academia
  • Graduate Student to Postdoc: finding a postdoc, interviewing
    Table Leaders: Steve M. Varga, Univ. of Iowa; Subbarao Bondada, Univ. of Kentucky; Ashok Kumar, Children’s Hosp. of East Ontario Res. Inst.; Arash Grakoui, Emory Univ.; Chander Raman, Univ. of Alabama, Birmingham; Michelle A. Kutzler, Drexel Univ. Col. of Med.; Klaus Ley, La Jolla Inst. for Allergy and Immunol.; Tonya J. Webb, Univ. of Maryland Sch. of Med.
  • Postdoc to PI: finding a position, interviewing, negotiating, lab start-up
    Table Leaders: Lauren A. Zenewicz, Univ. of Oklahoma Hlth. Sci. Ctr.; Bao Q. Vuong, City Col. of New York; Damian L. Turner, Williams Col.; Lisa K. Denzin, Rutgers Univ.; Heather R. Conti, Univ. of Toledo; Fotini Gounari, Univ. of Chicago; Khashayarsha Khazaie, Mayo Clin.; Jennifer A. Punt, Columbia Univ. Med. Ctr.; Pooja Jain, Drexel Univ. Col. of Med.; Lyse A. Norian, Univ. of Alabama, Birmingham
  • New PI:
    • Attracting students and postdocs
      Table Leaders: Laura A. Solt, Scripps Res. Inst.; Louise M. D’Cruz, Univ. of Pittsburgh
    • Preparing for promotion
      Table Leaders: Yina H. Huang, Dartmouth Geisel Sch. of Med.; Lisa H. Butterfield, Univ. of Pittsburgh
  • Negotiating an Academic Position
    Table Leaders: Malini Raghavan, Univ. of Michigan; Janice S. Blum, Indiana Univ. Sch. of Med.
  • Undergraduate Institutions: finding the balance in teaching, doing research
    Table Leaders: Charlotte M. Vines, Univ. of Texas, El Paso; Penny E. Shockett, Southeastern Louisiana Univ.; Julie M. Jameson, California State Univ., San Marcos
  • Mentoring Effectively
    Table Leaders: Partha Sarathi Biswas, Univ. of Pittsburgh; Lawrence P. Kane, Univ. of Pittsburgh
• Networking Skills
  • How to build a network for postdocs
    Table Leaders: Paula M. Oliver, Univ. of Pennsylvania; Elizabeth A. Repasky, Roswell Park Cancer Institute
  • Networking skills for PIs
    Table Leaders: Madeleine W. Cunningham, Univ. of Oklahoma Hlth. Sci. Ctr.; Suzanne Ostrand-Rosenberg, Univ. of Maryland, Baltimore County
• Career and Family: balancing parenthood and career; the dual career couple
  Table Leaders: Cathryn Nagler, Univ. of Chicago; Laura Santambrogio, Albert Einstein Col. of Med.
• Careers in Biotech and Industry: moving from academia to industry and vice versa
  Table Leaders: Andrew C. Chan, Genentech; Divya Sagar, MedImmune; Saifur Rahman, MedImmune; Laura L. Carter, Lycera Corp.; Catherine J. McMahan, Emergent BioSolutions; Mandy J. McGeachy, Univ. of Pittsburgh; Lisa I. Hoover, Precision for Medicine; Andrea Itano, GlaxoSmithKline; Matthew Sleeman, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Fang Shen, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Krit Ritthipichai, Lion Biotechnologies, Inc.; Gundula E. Min-Oo, Gilead Sciences
• Careers at Governmental Agencies
  Table Leaders: Pam L. Schwartzberg, NHGRI, NIH; Joan K. Lunney, USDA; Chao Jiang, NIAID, NIH; Jonathan W. Yewdell, NIAID, NIH
• NIH Study Section Insights
  • Grant Writing for Fellowships/Transition Awards
    Table Leaders: Maureen Ann McGargill, St. Jude’s Children’s Res. Hosp.; Michael A. Farrar, Univ. of Minnesota; Kristin A. Hogquist, Univ. of Minnesota
  • Grant Writing for PIs
    Table Leaders: Virginia Shapiro, Mayo Clin.; Mark L. Lang, Univ. of Oklahoma Hlth. Sci. Ctr.; Robert J. Binder, Univ. of Pittsburgh; Catherine C. “Lynn” Hedrick, La Jolla Inst. for Allergy and Immunol.
• The Physician Scientist: balancing clinical and research duties
  Table Leaders: Saad Kenderian, Mayo Clin.; Penelope A. Morel, Univ. of Pittsburgh
• Research from the M.D., Ph.D. Perspective
  Table Leader: Ifor R. Williams, Emory Univ.
• Non-Research Careers for Scientists: careers enabling scientists to advance the field away from the bench
  • Scientific Publishing
    Table Leaders: Ellen C. Fox, AAI, The Journal of Immunology, Angela Colmone, AAAS, Science Immunology
  • Opportunities for Scientists in Foundations/Non-profits
    Table Leaders: M. Michele Hogan, Executive Director, AAI; Susanna F. Greer, American Cancer Society
  • Careers in Technology Transfer
    Table Leaders: Wendy Martin, Univ. of Maryland, Baltimore County; Mark L. Rohrbaugh, Office of Intramural Research, NIH
  • Careers in Science Policy
    Table Leaders: Lauren G. Gross, Public Policy and Government Affairs, AAI; Carrie D. Wolinetz, Office of Science Policy, NIH
• International Opportunities in Science
  Table leaders: Susan John, Kings Col. London; John E. Connolly, Inst. of Molecular and Cell Biol., Singapore; Hans-Martin Jäck, Univ. of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany

Speaker:

• Lori Conlan, Director, Office of Postdoctoral Services, NIH

A postdoctoral fellowship is the time to develop research skills you will need to succeed as an independent scientist. It is, however, just as important to realize that you need to prepare for a career path at the same time. This session will highlight ways of getting the most out of your postdoctoral fellowship, relating successfully with your mentor, and understanding how to use the resources available to you to ensure that your training prepares you adequately for a seamless transition into the next phase of your career.