NEI Intramural Events

Focus on Fellows

On September 6 and 7, 2007, the Division of Intramural Research (DIR) held the first annual "Focus on Fellows" at the NIH Twinbrook Campus. The event was designed for both scientific exchange and career development.

Both days included scientific oral presentations. Out of nearly sixty fellows and students in DIR, twelve were selected by their lab chiefs to give 15 minute talks about their research. The audience predominantly consisted of DIR researchers although all NEI personnel were invited to attend. Three "Best Oral Presentation" awards were given based on the quality of the research and clarity of the presentation. A panel of referees selected Jacob Brown, a graduate student in Dr. Brooks' group (Ophthalmic genetics and Visual Function Branch), and two postdoctoral fellows from the Laboratory of Sensorimotor Research, Rebecca Berman from Dr. Wurtz' group and Hendrikje Nienborg from Dr. Cumming's group.

Career development and education was an important aspect of the workshops that included mentoring relationships (Dr. Sharon Milgram, Office of Intramural Training and Education), immigrant visa issues (Amy Powers and Vivian Weaver, Division of Immigration Services), extramural grants (Dr. Lore Anne McNichol and staff of the NEI Division of Extramural Research, and Dr. Aron Primack, Fogarty International Center), and career training (Dr. Patricia Sokolove, Office of Intramural Training and Education).

Finally, Dr. Joram Piatigorsky gave a breathtaking key note lecture linking his theory on gene sharing with advice about conducting research, the role of a mentor, and integrating science into the wider scheme of life.