Meet-the-Expert Lunch

The Meet-the-Expert Lunch focused on unique issues related to the career development of early career scientists. Career development information was provided in a setting that fostered attendee/expert interactions and provided networking opportunities with leaders in the field. Following an introductory presentation on transitioning into careers, well-recognized leaders in the field facilitated roundtable discussions on particular areas of interest. Experts answered questions and lead informal dialogue to help provide guidance and direction.

Intended Audience

The audience for this educational program included graduate, medical and post baccalaureate students; clinical fellows; postdoctoral fellows; tenured-track investigators and other early career professionals.

Educational Objectives

Upon completion of this meeting, participants are now able to:

• Summarize answers provided by experts in the field to specific questions related to the career development topic
• Implement improved processes of communication between early career scientists and established researchers and experts
• Evaluate strategies for postdoctoral fellowship proposals and to help interview for faculty appointments and non-academic positions

Table Experts & Topics

• Davide Bedognetti, MD, PhD – Sidra Medical and Research Center
  • Networking and Developing Successful Collaborations
• Elizabeth M. Jaffee, MD – Johns Hopkins University
  • Grant Writing
• Thomas F. Gajewski, MD, PhD – University of Chicago
  • Publishing Papers
• Silvia Formenti, MD – New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center
  • Clinical-Translational Research
• David Masopust, PhD – University of Minnesota
  • Career Path: How to Survive in Academia
• Tasha Sims, PhD – Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
  • Career Path: The Industry Perspective
• Laura Brockway-Lunardi, PhD – Melanoma Research Alliance
  • Career Path: Alternative Careers – Science Policy, Funding Advocacy and Project Management
• Pawel Kalinski, MD, PhD – University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute
  • Career Path: How to Kick-Start Your Career in the US – An International Perspective