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null MeDiC Program Research Day returns in seventh annual event

Trainees’ oral and poster presentations and a keynote lecture by Mark Andermann, PhD, were high points in the successful 2022 research event

Source: RI-MUHC

The Metabolic Disorders and Complications (MeDiC) Program at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health (RI-MUHC) hosted the seventh annual MeDiC Research Day on November 16. The organizing committee of MeDiC trainees hosted a safe, in-person event for an enthusiastic audience of more than 100 attendees. Live presentations and poster sessions took place this year at the Glen site of the RI-MUHC, with an additional Zoom option used by about 10% of participants.

Dr. Ruth Sapir-Pichhadze, a scientist in the MeDiC Program, opened the event. Her words of welcome were followed by a series of oral and blitz presentations by MeDiC trainees, including students and postdoctoral fellows. Dr. Rhian Touyz, Executive Director and Chief Scientific Officer (RI-MUHC), also addressed participants with words of encouragement for the spectrum of projects under way in the MeDiC Program.

The keynote address by Mark Andermann, PhD, professor of medicine at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center at Harvard University, was a highlight of the afternoon session. Prof. Andermann shared his latest work on subcellular mechanisms of satiety and hunger signaling in the brain. Additionally, an in-person poster session allowed presenters, meeting attendees and sponsors to mingle and learn from each other’s work. In closing, Dr. José Morais highlighted the hard work of all participants and encouraged further collaborations and discussions among MeDiC Program members.

In-person poster sessions at the seventh annual MeDiC Program Research Day held November 24, 2022, at the Glen site of the RI-MUHC (left); keynote speaker Mark Andermann, PhD, from Harvard University (right)
In-person poster sessions at the seventh annual MeDiC Program Research Day held November 24, 2022, at the Glen site of the RI-MUHC (left); keynote speaker Mark Andermann, PhD, from Harvard University (right)

Awards for presentations

Congratulations to the fourteen research trainees who took home awards for their excellent science and presentations!

Oral presentations

  • Junior category: 1st place, Audrey Moyen; 2nd place, Guy Hajj-Boutros
  • Senior category: 1st place, Sarkis Hannaian; 2nd place, Melissa-Rosina Pasqua

Blitz presentations

  • 1st place, Stephanie Patterson; 2nd place, Tatsuya Kato

Poster presentations

  • Junior category: 1st place, Hannah Swick; 2nd place, Chloe Fleurent-Gregoire; 3rd place, a three-way tie by Rita Kalot, Claire Bokang and Laura Rendon
  • Senior category: 1st place, Jesse Islam; 2nd place, Zenith Rudich; 3rd place, Didier Brassard

“This was a really fun way to interact with MeDiC Program members in person and also to step out of my own research bubble and learn about others’ work,” said Hannah Swick, a doctoral student in neuroscience supervised by Maia Kokoeva, PhD. MeDiC Program Leader Dr. Simon Wing added, “It was great to meet so many students for the first time, even though some are in their third year. I enjoyed discussing their posters, projects and goals.”

Generous industry sponsors helped make the day a reality. “We really had a great time and it seemed like the event was quite a success,” said Michael Faludi, VWR sales representative. “I hope we can participate again in the future!”

November 29, 2022