Panelists:

• Anne Hosmalin, Inst. Cochin, Paris, France
• Christopher J. Paige, Princess Margaret Cancer Ctr., Toronto, Canada
• Bing Sun, Chinese Academy of Sci., Shanghai, China
• Winfried F. Pickl, Med. Univ. of Vienna, Austria

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 academe, how you present yourself on paper is critical. A well-prepared résumé can make all the difference in securing that interview. The focus of this session will be on the important elements of a résumé, the differences between a résumé 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 résumés. Small breakout sessions for individual consulting will follow. Bring your CV!

Panelists:

• Edith Porter, California State Univ., Los Angeles, Integrating caring and the human dimension in immunology to improve student learning
• Crystal C. Walline, Univ. of North Carolina, Pembroke, Teaching immunology essentials with clinical correlations
• Doreen E. Szollosi, Univ. of Saint Joseph Sch. of Pharmacy, Promoting critical thinking through writing in a first-year immunology course
• Kara R. Lukin and Katja Aviszus, Univ. of Colorado, Denver, How to create effective student-driven learning without becoming overwhelmed

Breakout Session Leaders:

• Anil K. Bamezai, Villanova Univ., Intro undergraduate/graduate immunology: Developing a teaching philosophy and a course syllabus
• Stephanie James, Regis Univ. Sch. of Pharmacy, Using team-based learning to teach immunology
• Paula Kavathas, Yale Univ., A network of universities collaborate to improve STEM education and literacy
• David W. Mullins, Dartmouth Col., Topics in immunology teaching for medical schools: Selecting course content and “teaching to the USMLE”

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 use of clinical correlations, writing, immediate feedback assessment, and more. The session will end with structured breakout discussion groups on Team-Based Learning, undergraduate/graduate education topics, and medical school teaching topics. 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: $30 (Includes lunch plus coffee during networking hour.)

Discussion topics and table leaders:

• Grad student: finding a mentor, setting sights on postdoc training
  • Table Leaders: Luis A. Sanchez-Perez, Duke Univ.; Tonya Webb, Univ. of Maryland; Adriana Larregina, Univ. of Pittsburgh
• 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
• Junior Faculty: preparing for promotion and tenure
  • Table Leaders: Robert J. Binder, Univ. of Pittsburgh; Floyd Wormley, Univ. of Texas, San Antonio; Jose R. Conejo-Garcia, Wistar Inst.
• —New!— Work-life balance, it’s real!
  • Table Leader: Claudia Jakubzick, Natl. Jewish Hlth.
• Academia or Industry: how to decide (or switch sides)
  • Table Leaders: Jonathan A. Deane, GNF/Novartis; Homero Sepulveda, Thermo Fisher Scientific; Cherié Butts, Biogen
• Government Agency Careers:
  • Table Leaders: Charles Egwuagu, NEI, NIH; Jennifer Martinez, NIEHS, NIH
• Non-Bench-Research Science Careers – e.g., entrepreneurship/research technology; intellectual property/patent law; non-profits/foundations
  • Table Leaders: Robert Balderas, BD Biosciences (research technology); Edwin Flores, Chalker Flores LLP (intellectual property law); Thandi Onami, Gates Fndn. (non-profits/foundations)

Panelists:

• Andrew C. Chan, Senior Vice President, Research Biology, Genentech, Inc.
• David J. DiLillo, Staff Scientist, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
• Stephen T. Haley, Vice President, North America, and Chief Commercial Officer, Immudex
• Catherine J. McMahan, Senior Director, Aptevo Therapeutics

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 be focused 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.

At this popular session, attendees will have the opportunity to meet with experienced scientists to explore specific career issues important to men and women in science today. Gain insights into issues you are confronting in your own careers. Topics include international opportunities in science, succeeding in graduate school, participating in NIH Study Sections, considerations for scientists in M.D.-Ph.D. careers, and exciting careers outside of the bench. There are also table discussions on navigating work-life issues, such as balancing careers with family and transitioning from specific career stages, that may be relevant to any work environment (academic research, biotech industry, governmental agencies, non-profit). Don’t miss this great networking opportunity! Registration Fee: $30 (Lunch included.)

Discussion topics and table leaders:

• Research Careers in Academia
  • Succeeding in Graduate School
    Table Leaders: Janice Blum, Indiana Univ. Sch. of Med.; Charlotte M. Vines, Border Biomedical Research Ctr.
  • Graduate Student to Postdoc: finding a postdoc, interviewing
    Table Leaders: Ann Griffith, Univ. of Texas Hlth. Sci. Ctr., Houston; Anthony Rongvaux, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Res. Ctr.; Olivera J. Finn, Univ. of Pittsburgh Sch. of Med.; Malini Raghavan, Univ. of Michigan Med. Sch.; Susan Kovats, Oklahoma Med. Res. Fndn.; Laura A. Solt, Scripps Res. Inst.
  • Postdoc to PI
    • Government Research Institutions
      Table Leaders: Charles E. Egwuagu, NEI, NIH; Crystal L. Loving, USDA
    • Medical Schools
      Table Leaders: Madeleine W. Cunningham, Univ. of Oklahoma Hlth. Sci. Ctr.; Lauren A. Zenewicz, Univ. of Oklahoma Hlth. Sci. Ctr.; Lyse A. Norian, Univ. of Alabama, Birmingham; Yina H. Huang, Geisel Sch. of Med. Dartmouth Col.
    • Undergraduate Institutions
      Table Leaders: Jennifer Manilay, Univ. of California, Merced; Crystal Walline, Univ. of North Carolina, Pembroke; Penny E. Shockett, Southeastern Louisiana Univ.; Jennifer A. Punt, Univ. of Pennsylvania
  • New PI:
    • Recruiting Students and Postdocs
      Table Leaders: Marlene Bouvier, Univ. of Illinois, Chicago; Dan J. Carr, Univ. of Oklahoma Hlth. Sci. Ctr.
    • Preparing for Promotion
      Table Leaders: Allan J. Zajac, Univ. of Alabama, Birmingham; Lisa K. Denzin, Child Health Inst. of New Jersey, Rutgers
  • Negotiating an Academic Position
    Table Leaders: William R. Green, Geisel Sch. of Med. Dartmouth; Marion Pepper, Univ. of Washington
  • Mentoring Effectively
    Table Leaders: Heth R. Turnquist, Univ. of Pittsburgh Sch. of Med.; Laura Santambrogio, Albert Einstein Col. of Med.; K. Scott Weber, Brigham Young Univ.
  • How to Build a Network for Postdocs
    Table Leaders: Gudrun Debes, Thomas Jefferson Univ.; Bao Vuong, City Univ. of New York
  • Networking Skills for PIs
    Table Leaders: Lawrence P. Kane, Univ. of Pittsburgh; Laurie E. Harrington, Univ. of Alabama, Birmingham
• Career and Family: balancing parenthood and career; the dual career couple
  Table Leaders: Gail A. Bishop, Univ. of Iowa; Michelle A. Swanson-Mungerson, Midwestern Univ. Chicago Col. of Osteopathic Med.; Paula M. Lutz, Univ. of Wyoming
• Careers in Biotech and Industry: moving from academia to industry and vice versa
  Table Leaders: Hilario Ramos, Molecular Templates; Mandy J. McGeachy, Univ. of Pittsburgh; Shannon J. Turley, Genentech; Robert Balderas, BD Biosciences; David J. DiLillo, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Jacqueline M. McBride, Genentech; Catherine J. McMahan, Aptevo Therapeutics; Stephen T. Haley, Immudex; Kerry A. Casey, MedImmune; Jane A. Gross, Aptevo Therapeutics; Steven F. Ziegler, Benaroya Res. Inst.; Karsten Sauer, Pfizer, Inc.
• Careers at Governmental Agencies
  Table Leaders: Niki M. Moutsopoulos, NIH; Stacy E. Ferguson, NIAID, NIH; Deborah L. Hodge, CSR, NIH; Tod Merkel, FDA
• NIH Study Section Insights
  • Grant Writing for Fellowships/Transition Awards
    Table Leaders: Tajie H. Harris, Univ. of Virginia; Amariliz Rivera-Medina, Rutgers New Jersey Med. Sch.; Mark L. Lang, Univ. of Oklahoma Hlth. Sci. Ctr.; Virginia Shapiro, Mayo Clinic
  • Grant Writing for PIs
    Table Leaders: Carol F. Webb, Univ. of Oklahoma Hlth. Sci. Ctr.; Andre Ballesteros-Tato, Univ. of Alabama, Birmingham; Sarah L. Gaffen, Univ. of Pittsburgh; Jose R. Conejo-Garcia, Moffitt Cancer Ctr.
• The Physician Scientist: balancing clinical and research duties
  Table Leaders: Michael Silverman, Univ. of Pennsylvania; Gerald P. Morris, Univ. of California, San Diego; Penelope A. Morel, Univ. of Pittsburgh
• Research from the M.D., Ph.D. Perspective
  Table Leaders: Robyn S. Klein, Washington Univ. Sch. of Med.; Celeste Morley, Washington Univ. Sch. of Med.
• Non-Research Careers for Scientists: careers enabling scientists to advance the field away from the bench
  • Scientific Publishing
    Table Leaders: Irina Tiper, The Journal of Immunology; Anand Balasubramani, Science Immunology
  • Opportunities for Scientists in Foundations/Non-profits
    Table Leaders: Courtney R. Pinard, Career Development and Awards, AAI
  • Careers in Science Policy
    Table Leaders: Lauren G. Gross, Public Policy and Government Affairs, AAI; Lauren L. Brodd, Public Policy and Government Affairs, AAI
• International Opportunities in Science
  Table Leaders: Anne Hosmalin, Institut Cochin, Université Paris-Descartes Sorbonne-Paris-Cité; Christopher J. Paige, Princess Margaret Cancer Ctr.; Hans-Martin Jäck, Univ. of Erlangen-Nürnberg

Panelists:

• Tina McIntyre, Scientific Review Officer, III Study Section, Immunology IRG, DPPS, CSR, NIH
• Alison Deckhut-Augustine, Chief, Basic Immunology Branch, Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Transplantation, NIAID, NIH
• Deborah Hodge, Scientific Review Officer, HAI Study Section, Immunology IRG, DPPS, CSR, 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.

Speakers:

• Brian D. Evavold, Univ. of Utah, Advice on writing a scientific manuscript
• Suzanne Ostrand-Rosenberg, Univ. of Maryland, Baltimore County, You just received the reviews of your manuscript – how do you respond?
• Pamela J. Fink, Univ. of Washington Sch. of Med., Ethics in Publishing: How to keep to the straight and narrow

In this session sponsored by the AAI Publications Committee, experienced editors will provide valuable insights to the processes of preparing a manuscript and responding to reviewers’ comments.

Panelists will address questions such as: When writing a manuscript, what steps can an author take to enhance its impact on editors, reviewers and, if accepted for publication, on readers? What are recommended practices for responding to reviewers’ comments? How can authors enhance the presentation of data in figures? In addition, the Editor-in-Chief of The Journal of Immunology will speak on how to avoid possible ethical missteps in scientific publishing.

Speaker:

• Deirdre Brekken, Assistant Dean for Postdoctoral Affairs, Univ. of Texas Southwestern Med. Ctr.

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