March Announcements

Dr. Andy Baxevanis to Discuss 21^st-century Science

Dr. Andy Baxevanis, assistant director of Computational Biology for the NIH Intramural Research Program, will visit with NICHD fellows to discuss the role of bioinformatics in 21^st-century science on March 21, 3–4 p.m. in building 31, room 2A48.

Dr. Baxevanis’ talk, titled “The Genome of the Ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi: Insights into the Genetics of Innovation and the Evolution of Multicellularity,” will explore the integration of bioinformatics into biological research. He will provide training resources for fellows in the presentation, as well.

Before assuming his current position, Dr. Baxevanis served as NHGRI’s Deputy Scientific Director from 1998 to 2011. He has co-authored a bioinformatics textbook, served as Executive Editor for Nucleic Acids Research, and currently serves as Editor-in-Chief for Current Protocols in Bioinformatics—all while maintaining an active involvement in teaching at The Johns Hopkins University and Boston University.

In 2000, the Bodossaki Foundation awarded Dr. Baxevanis Greece’s highest honor for young academics and scientists of Greek heritage, the Academic Prize in Medicine and Biology. Dr. Baxevanis has also received the 2007 IEEE Computer Society’s Outstanding Achievement Award for his contributions to the field of bioinformatics.

Please mark your calendars and join us for this not-to-be-missed talk! For more information, please contact Brenda Hanning and hanningb@mail.nih.gov.

Save the Date! Poster Jam is Friday, April 19, 10–12 noon

Postbac Poster Day 2013 is scheduled for May 1^st and the deadline for submitting our poster titles is Friday, March 29^th. Save-the-date for Poster Jam on Friday, April 19^th, from 10 am to 12 noon. Come and learn how to give a crisp three to five minute presentation of your poster, with public speaking coach Scott Morgan. The judges of Postbac Poster Day will appreciate a concise description of your research!

Registration is open to NICHD postbacs first!

Genome Exhibit at the Smithsonian—Volunteers Needed

Are you looking for an informal teaching opportunity? Do you enjoy talking about science with nonscientists and children? You might consider volunteering at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History’s new genomics exhibit, “Genome: Unlocking Life’s Code,” scheduled to open in June 2013 (http://www.genome.gov/Smithsonian).

According to the NIH OITE website:
Public engagement will play an important role in extending the impact and reach of this groundbreaking exhibit. Senior scientists and staff, as well as graduate students and postdoctoral fellows* with their supervisor's recommendation, are invited to present in informal programs hosted by the museum: "The Scientist Is In" and "Genomic Nerds."

Science teaching programs in nonacademic environments are unlike standard scientific talks. Volunteers must attend a one-hour training session on the NIH campus that focuses on effectively communicating your science in an informal museum setting.

For details about “The Scientist Is In” and “Genomic Nerds” programs and contact information to volunteer, please visit https://www.training.nih.gov/sas/_20/499.

*Interested Postbac? Email NMNHVolunteer@si.edu for additional volunteer opportunities.

Don’t forget to check out OITE-hosted Events

The NIH’s Office of Intramural Training and Education hosts a number of workshops and seminars for fellows at all stages in their careers. Some of the topics in March include industry interviews, the transition from postdoc to faculty, and personal statements for professional school—among many others. For dates, times, and registration, please visit https://www.training.nih.gov/events/upcoming.