My main employer is SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University in Brooklyn New York, however, I am hosted at the University Medical Center in Groningen, Netherlands. As such, I am always working remotely from Groningen. However, in March, the annual SUNY Research Day was the perfect opportunity for me to meet my colleagues in person, in contrast to over a zoom-screen.
The SUNY Research Day showcased research from all departments at the Downstate Medical Center, including that of our own lab. It was great to get to know the center better, meet the PhD students and faculty that do their work on-campus every day.
But the true highlight of the trip was the fact that I was able to connect with my colleagues. I was able to talk to them about their work, and we exchanged feedback and new ideas!
The scientific program concluded with a lecture by Dr. Laufey Amundadottir, whose research on cancer genetics is truely ground breaking and fascinating. Her seminar was very informative and it was interesting to see that our research actually interfaces with hers, as it seems they are starting to incorporate the importance of polygenicity and the way that polygenic backgrounds might be influencing the rare genetic variants associated with a lot of cancers. A wonderful Q&A session after her lecture was really inspirational.
The day then closed off with a wonderful dinner, which provided a great opportunity to get to know everyone in a more casual setting and have some in-depth discussions on the lab and our future!
I am beyond grateful for Dr. Peterson for hosting my research and inviting me to attend the Research Day. Also my sincere gratitude to the organization of the Research Day for putting together such a fascinating program.
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