Trainee Day Recap

Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s Trainee Day at the 7th Annual US DOHaD Meeting at Children’s Mercy Research Institute in Kansas City, MO!

We had 29 trainees participate in our program led by science communication experts, Dr.
Robert Lane and Dr. Kurt Albertine, and Career Coach, Sarah Uchytil. This year we had three
interactive sessions designed to engage trainees and facilitate networking. During our Grant
Writing & Scientific Pitch Workshop, Dr. Robert Lane and Dr. Kurt Albertine highlighted the
importance of clear and succinct communication of science to a broad audience and provided trainees with a detailed overview of the grant writing and submission process. During our second session, Supporting Trainees During Career Transitions, Sarah Uchytil engaged trainees in a thought-provoking exercise focused on self-branding and identifying our transferable skillsets. To conclude our afternoon, we opened the floor up for small group discussions and feedback on writing products, scientific pitches, career development, and mentoring.

Trainee Day concluded with an Opening Reception and Poster Session. NIH Representatives,
Dr. Thad Schug (NIEHS) and Dr. Emily Hooker (NIA) kicked off the evening with an overview of NIH initiatives and efforts to support DOHaD research. Trainees and faculty then presented their research while enjoying refreshments and overlooking the Kansas City landscape. Trainee presentations were judged on content and overall presentation. First-place awards were given in the undergraduate/post baccalaureate, graduate, and postdoc/post-graduate categories to the individuals with the highest-scoring poster presentations. Congratulations to our winners!!!