GSEC NEWS 2017-18

GSEC NEWS

2017–2018

INSIDE THIS ISSUE President’s Message. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2 Taste of Science. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Why GSEC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 3MT Competition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Professional Development. . . . . . . . . . 4 Tax Reform Advocacy Efforts. . . . . . 4 Imhotep Society. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Excellence in Teaching Award . . . . . . 5 President-Elect’s Message. . . . . . . . . . 5 Graduate Research Day. . . . . . . . . . . 6

GRADUATE STUDENT EXECUTIVE COUNCIL 2017-2018

Photo courtesy of the UTHSC Communications & Marketing Department

A YEAR-IN-REVIEW Being President of the Graduate Student Executive Council (GSEC) has been one of the greatest honors of my life; an experience I will forever hold dear to my heart. I'm thankful to all current and past members of the Council for the trust they deposited in me, their support throughout my tenure, and their dedication to building a strong and active GSEC. The College of Graduate Health Sciences (CGHS) is very unique in its structure, in the sense that it is made up of many different programs and tracks of specialization. From a biomedical sciences program that includes tracks on cell biology, cancer, immunology, neuroscience, and others, to programs focused on speech and hearing, pharmacology, health outcomes and policy research, among several others. We were thrilled to have, for the first time in a long time, representatives from all areas of study in GSEC this year!

Conscious of the diversity of the student body we represent, we put special emphasis this year in highlighting and celebrating such diversity while, at Continued on next page

Daniel Bastardo Blanco President RJ Autry Vice-President

PROGRAM/TRACK REPRESENTATIVES Violeta Pellicer IBS-Cell Biology and Physiology

Kristen Mills Speech and Hearing Science (Knoxville)

Trish Bianchino and Elizabeth Garfinkle IBS-Cancer and Developmental Biology

Daniel Hoyer Biomedical Engineering

Jayce Weesner Treasurer

Winter Bruner IBS-Genetics, Genomics, and Informatics

Ryan Blue Nursing Science

Miranda Wallace Honor Council President

Aisha Souquette and Miranda Wallace IBS-Microbiology, Immunology, and Biochemistry

Rachael Wood Secretary

Leigh Fremuth and Jessica Baker IBS-Neuroscience The University of Tennessee is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/ Section 504/ADA/ADEA/V institution in the provision of its education and employment programs and services.

Carolina Torres IBS-Pharmacology 1

Sohul Shuvo and Bianca Jackson Health Outcomes and Policy Research Kinsie Arnst and Nicole Vita Pharmaceutical Sciences Gail Silveira Dental Science Nate Manely Epidemiology

DIVERSITY GSEC NEWSMATTERS

2017–2018

the same time, promoting integration and cooperation.

Our Graduate Research Day (GRD 2018, page 6) was a great example of this, during which over fifty students from nearly all tracks and programs presented their work through various talks and poster presentations.

Furthermore, we hosted a series of professional, social, and networking events to foster integration, cooperation, and scientific excellence among our peers (pages 2-4).

In addition to GRD 2018, we also hosted the Three-Minute Thesis Competition (3MT, page 3). We built on the success of the first 3MT Competition at UTHSC last year and created a stand-alone event for it through various partnerships.

Holding the competition in the Fall allowed us to send our local winner to the regional competition. Not only was it a great opportunity to learn about the work other students in the College are doing, but also to network and build new relationships. We thank the Memphis Bioworks Foundation and the UTHSC Office of Alumni Affairs for their sponsorship to this event.

Photo courtesy of St. Jude Biomedical Communications

we stepped up and led a coalition of graduate student associations in the state of Tennessee, representing over 16,000 graduate students, to advocate for higher education among elected officials and to protect and defend the tax breaks that make graduate education possible (page 4).

Staying true to our mission and our role as representatives of the student body, we worked tirelessly in defending the interests of graduate students both internally and externally.

We worked with the Student Academic Support Services and Inclusion (SASSI) office in developing resources targeted to graduate students; we are building a library of books and materials in SASSI to increase exposure to alternative careers and we are actively advocating for more career resources and support for our students (pages 4 and 6). We have also been strong advocates for the expansion of counseling services on our campus and we are pleased and excited by the firm steps the university has taken in normalizing mental hygiene and support services. As part of the Student Government Association Executive Council, we joined forces with the student leaders of the other UTHSC Colleges to ensure students needs and interests were put first in the decisions made by the university’s administration.

And when the country's political climate asked for it,

As part of the development of a strategic plan for GSEC with well-defined strategic issues and goals, we listed enthusiasm, cooperation, integration, innovation, and excellence as the core values of our organization. We are proud to have lived to these organizational values and we hope this newsletter is a reflection of just that. Whether you are a student, a faculty member, or an administrator, I hope you see through this newsletter the great value an active GSEC has for our College community and find reasons to get involved and support GSEC. As for me, I'm thankful for the honor of leading this organization this past year and excited to see the continued growth of GSEC. Daniel Bastardo Blanco President, GSEC 2017-2018

TASTE OF SCIENCE By Aisha Souquette, Professional Development Committee Chair A 2013 survey conducted by Research!America found approximately 70% of adult Americans cannot name a living scientist. Taste of science is an annual festival and project of Scientists, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, dedicated to promoting scientific research. Each year in cities across the United States, over 150 volunteers participate in “taste of science”, a week long festival during which scientists step away from the lab and engage the public in popular bars, cafes, museums, parks, etc. Presentations are intriguing, fun, and provided in such a way that everyone can appreciate and be excited about the ongoing research being conducted by their local, friendly neighborhood scientist. This year, the CGHS Graduate Student Executive Council partnered with taste of science to organize the second annual festival in Memphis. Topics included: cancer immunotherapy, sleep and relaxation, brews to booze, use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to study health in Memphis, a science themed comedy night, and more! You can find more information and/or sign up to volunteer for future events at tasteofscience.org.

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GSEC NEWS

2017–2018

WHY I CHOSE TO GET INVOLVED WITH GSEC

By Ryan Blue, Nursing Science Program Representative and Honor Council President-elect During my undergraduate studies, I did not have the opportunity to connect with the student affairs of my University.

I was very focused on my academic work, research, and other family obligations that did not allow me to be too involved. However, as a graduate student, my experience is much different. Most of my time is spent on or near the campus, and when I am not here physically, I am usually connected via research or through professional affiliations. Those affiliations range from other students, mentors, faculty, alumni as well as administrators. Having these constant and close affiliations and experiences has drawn my interest in becoming involved with the Graduate Student Executive Council at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. I realize that well-being is so much more than physical health, it also encompasses aspects of mental, social and spiritual health. Critical to this state of well-being is relating to the community around you. Being involved with GSEC as Honor Council President, will allow me to build stronger connections through networking, greater exposure to students from different backgrounds and cultures, stronger personal and interpersonal communication, and leadership skills. Additionally, I feel that it will allow me to give back to the community by sharing my knowledge, skills, and disposition.

Participants and judges of the 3MT Competition.

Photo courtesy of the UTHSC Communications & Marketing Department.

THREE-MINUTE THESIS COMPETITION

By Nicole Vita, 3MT Committee Chair This year, instead of having the 3 Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition during Graduate Research Day, we hold it instead on a separate day. The 3 Minute Thesis was held at Memphis Bioworks on November 17 in which 6 students from various programs defended their thesis in 3 minutes or less without using any technical jargon. This gave each student who competed a chance to not only present their work but to put to practice a multitude of skills such as public speaking and making a concise summary about their work in a manner that anyone could understand.

Our six competitors, Aisha Souquette (IBS), Viraj Ichihaporia (IBS), Kinsie Arnst (Pharm. Sci.), Praveen Kumar Potukuchi (IHOP), Xizhi “Johnny” Guo (IBS), and Robert Joseph “RJ” Autry (IBS) came ready and prepared to defend their thesis in 3 minutes. Most, if not all, of the competitors are coming into the final stretch of their PhD; the 3MT Competition was a great way for them to really focus in on the major aspects of their project and prepare for their real defense. The winners of the 3MT Competition were Viraj Ichhaporia (1st place), Aisha Souquette (2nd place), and Praveen Potukuchi (People’s Choice Award). All three winners won monetary prizes and the 1st place winner had the chance to participate in the regional competition. This year we had a great turnout in all aspects and I can only hope that the competition continues to grow and get better for UTHSC students.

Based on my personal experience of being involved in GSEC, it provided me with opportunities to get to know and build relationships with other disciplines at UTHSC and to volunteer my services to the Memphis community. This organization allowed me also to gain an understanding of how policies affect me as a student. Understanding what is going on, who the key leaders are on the campus, and how things work has been an invaluable experience. GSEC is an experience that I would highly recommend to any student who is likely to be connected with or interface with an institution of higher education upon graduation, or wants to understand its organizational structure and how policy changes affect other students. Plus, GSEC is a lot of fun, it allows students to expand their resumes and take a necessary break from their coursework by socializing and learning with other like-minded individuals as if it were coursework.

Left to right, Aisha Souquette, second place winner; Praveen Kumar Potukuchi, people’s choice award winner; and Viraj Ichihaporia, first place winner.

Photo courtesy of the UTHSC Communications & Marketing Department.

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GSEC NEWS

2017–2018

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

By Aisha Souquette, Professional Development Committee Chair “You cannot dream yourself into a character; you must hammer and forge yourself one.”

- Henry David Thoreau The Professional Development Committee aims to help students showcase their accomplishments, expertise, and talents through the development and growth of professional skills. Our goal is to hold two events each academic year, one in each semester. Last Fall, we held a “Presentation Workshop”, during which students received guidance on how to deliver an excellent elevator pitch (Dr. Lorraine Albritton), podium presentation (Dr. Kaity Allen), and poster presentation (Dr. Fernando Dinesh). We had a full house and a fantastic Question & Answer session! Our next event will focus on the written portion of a qualifying exam, with examples of a Specific Aims page and Research Strategy section. Additional topics to be discussed include where these documents fit in the scheme of a variety of grants, additional required documents, funding opportunities, and a brief overview of NIH Guidelines.

We have also been closely working with Student Academic Support Services and Inclusion (SASSI) to improve materials available for reference by GHS students. For example, the “Presentation Workshop” was available for virtual attendance via Zoom and the recording is available through the SASSI Learning Resources website for all students to access at their convenience. The “Qualifying Exam & Grant Workshop” will similarly be available, along with any related materials. We are always open and love to hear suggestions for workshops or presentation themes; examples of future topics include an alternative careers panel and how to prepare a curriculum vitae (CV).

We look forward to seeing you at our next workshop!

TAX REFORM ADVOCACY EFFORTS As part of our advocacy efforts in the promotion of graduate education, we formed and led a coalition of graduate student associations in the state of Tennessee, which together represent over 16,000 graduate students. Together, we reached out, contacted, and met with both Senators and Congressmen of our State and Districts to ask them for their support for the continued improvement of the American higher education system and to exhort them, in particular, to protect the tax breaks that make graduate education possible.

Left to right, Daniel Bastardo Blanco, UTHSC-GSEC President; Congressman Steve Cohen; and Mahbubul Hasan, UofM-SGA President.

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GSEC NEWS

2017–2018

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT-ELECT My name is RJ Autry. I am the current Vice-President for GSEC and President-elect for the upcoming school year. First, I want to convey my deepest gratitude to all of those who have served on GSEC this year and to thank all those who chose me to lead for the next school year. I look forward to carrying on the wonderful work we have been doing over the last few years leading up to this point and to express my excitement on expanding Photo courtesy of St. Jude Biomedical Communications the role of GSEC in helping advocate for our students both campus wide and within the college itself. I believe that this year if we work together we can lay the groundwork for a better student experience for years to come. It is my hope that we will increase participation and awareness of GSEC in hopes that more students have this wonderful opportunity to gain leadership skills and community service that will help them excel in their future careers in health science and as human beings. Once again, I am very excited to get this year started strong and if you have interest in serving on GSEC as a representative please contact me anytime.

Left to right, Miranda Jarrett Wallace, Daniel Bastardo Blanco, Jayson Weesner, and Aisha Souquette. Photo courtesy of the UTHSC Communications & Marketing Department.

IMHOTEP SOCIETY The Imhotep Society is an organization for the recognition of students, faculty, staff, and alumni who have significantly contributed to student life and student process at the UT Health Science Center through leadership and service. Student membership is determined by a system that awards points for leadership and service performed at UT. Each college has a unique set of criteria for awarding points. This year, GSEC updated the criteria for nomination and acceptance into the Imhotep Society of members of the College of Graduate Health Sciences. We are thrilled to congratulate this year’s inductees: RJ Autry, Kirsten Dickerson, Aisha Souquette, Miranda Jarrett Wallace, Nicole Vita, Jason Weesner, and Rachael Wood.

Photos courtesy of the UTHSC Communications & Marketing Department.

EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AWARDS Every year, two faculty members of the College of Graduate Health Sciences are recognized with the Excellence in Teaching Awards. This prestigious award is presented by the Student Government Association Executive Council (SGAEC) to "concerned, outstanding teachers known for their ability to communicate, to respond to each student needs, and to promote independent thought among the student body." This year’s awardees were Dr. Lorraine Albritton and Dr. Santosh Kumar.

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GSEC NEWS

MAY - JUNE 2018

Photos courtesy of the UTHSC Communications & Marketing Department

GRADUATE RESEARCH DAY 2018

By Kirsten Dickerson, Graduate Research Day Committee Chair On Friday, April 20th, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty, and staff gathered at the Student Alumni Center for CGHS’s annual Graduate Research Day. It was a science-filled day that highlighted and celebrated the diversity of research and accomplishments of CGHS’s students.

THIS YEAR'S WINNERS ARE: BEST 1ST YEAR John Snyder

The morning started with oral presentations given by eight outstanding graduate students on topics ranging from epidemiological analysis of gun violence to chemotherapy resistance in leukemia. Each presentation was followed by thought-provoking discussion with the audience.

“CD14 in a murine model of asthma and influenza comorbidity” BEST 2ND YEAR Ankur Dashputre

Kirk Hevener, PharmD, PhD, CGHS alumnus and Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, gave a keynote presentation filled with valuable advice for transitioning from PhD student to career in research.

He shared information about finding a postdoc position, receiving grants, and publishing with numerous practical tips scattered throughout his presentation. Graduate students who attended his talk found it helpful, inspiring, and encouraging.

“Characteristics of adult patients with obesity-associated chronic conditions” BEST 3RD YEAR Christian DeJarnette “Targeting fungal fatty acid synthase and desaturase to discover novel antifungal agents”

In the afternoon, 51 graduate students from nearly all the programs in CGHS presented posters to showcase the results of their studies. The poster session allowed students to explain their research, answer questions about their posters, and exchange ideas with their colleagues. Additionally, with the help of faculty and postdoc judges, participants with outstanding research and presentation skills were selected to receive awards.

BEST 4TH+ YEAR Kevin Hope ”Transcriptomic and proteomic profiling of an epilepsy fly model reveals downregulation of synaptic proteins”

Interested in alternative careers? Do you need some help coping with stress or time management issues?

Check out the new and growing library of resources available at SASSI for grad students and post-docs!

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