The inaugural Western New York Structural Biology Collaborative Symposium marked a significant milestone for the structural biology community in upstate New York. Held at the UB Hauptman-Woodward Research Institute, the event drew over 160 scientists from diverse disciplines, including participants from Toronto.
This gathering showcased the vibrant structural biology landscape in the region. The symposium, organized by the WNY Structural Biology Collaborative, sought to foster connections between structural biologists and colleagues from various scientific backgrounds. Monica Pillon, an assistant professor at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, and Makaía Papasergi-Scott from the University of Rochester Medical Center served as the scientific organizers, aiming to ignite collaborations that would extend beyond the symposium.
Building Bridges in Science
Pillon expressed a vision for the symposium as a foundation upon which to build partnerships. “We want this to be the beginning of something bigger,” she noted, emphasizing the importance of integrating structural biology with other fields. This approach aims to highlight the significance of structural insights in a wide range of scientific investigations.
A key participant, Rhonda Drewes, a doctoral student in the Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences, shared her enthusiasm for structural biology. Working in a lab focused on synthetic material hydrogels, she is eager to deepen her understanding of the proteins encoding specific genes. Drewes seeks to employ computational structural biology and molecular dynamics simulations to explore the three-dimensional structures of these proteins, particularly in the context of diseases like cardiovascular disorders.
Engaging the Next Generation
The symposium attracted a diverse audience, with a significant representation of trainees, including graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. This demographic alignment was intentional, as Pillon highlighted the importance of engaging early-career researchers. “So much participation from trainees is a huge win for us,” she remarked, recognizing their role in knitting the community together.
Networking opportunities were woven throughout the event, facilitating discussions and collaborations that are particularly beneficial for trainees. The organizers understood that these interactions could lead to fruitful collaborations and enhance the educational experience of emerging scientists.
Emphasizing Collaboration
Opening the symposium, Mike Malkowski, chair of the Department of Structural Biology, underscored the theme of collaboration. He noted that the event’s timing coincided with critical developments within the region, including the integration of HWI with UB and the hiring of new faculty at various institutions. “The timing has finally aligned to fully realize the structural biology potential of the region,” he stated.
Malkowski’s vision for the symposium was clear: to cultivate a vibrant community of structural biology researchers that would thrive through collaboration and shared knowledge. His remarks resonated with attendees, reflecting a collective enthusiasm for advancing the field.
Recognizing Excellence
The symposium also celebrated achievements within the community. Several awards recognized outstanding contributions, including the oral talk award, which went to Rahul Ribeiro, a doctoral student from Cornell University. His presentation focused on the crystal structure of the Hepatitis C virus E2 glycoprotein in complex with a broadly neutralizing antibody.
Additionally, awards were given for best posters, highlighting the work of UB doctoral students Emad Pihardi and Jitendra Singh, along with research technician Hannah Schneiderman. These accolades underscored the high level of research being conducted across the participating institutions.
A Diverse Representation
The symposium welcomed attendees from a wide array of institutions, including the University of Rochester, Rochester Institute of Technology, Syracuse University, Binghamton University, Cornell University, SUNY Upstate Medical, and the University of Toronto. Industry representatives also contributed to the event, enriching the dialogue with practical perspectives on structural biology applications.
Across UB, multiple departments were represented, including Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Biomedical Engineering, and various disciplines within the Jacobs School of Medicine. This cross-disciplinary participation highlighted the interconnected nature of modern scientific inquiry and the importance of diverse expertise in tackling complex biological questions.
Conclusion: A Step Towards a Collaborative Future
The inaugural WNY Structural Biology Collaborative Symposium set the stage for a collaborative future in structural biology. By fostering connections among diverse scientific disciplines, the event not only celebrated current achievements but also inspired new partnerships. As the community moves forward, the potential for innovation and discovery in structural biology will undoubtedly grow through shared knowledge and collaboration.
- The symposium attracted over 160 attendees from various scientific disciplines.
- Emphasis was placed on engaging early-career researchers and fostering networking opportunities.
- Awards were presented to recognize outstanding research contributions.
- The event showcased the potential for structural biology collaborations in the region.
- Cross-disciplinary representation highlighted the interconnected nature of modern science.
Read more → www.buffalo.edu