Community Building
Many opportunities exist for NGG students to get to know each other and the members of the faculty in a variety of contexts, both formal and informal. These initiatives include the annual student-led retreat, student chalk talks, and lunch series. GLIA also maintains a database of Current Students’ Information to facilitate conversation and promote mentorship opportunities within the NGG student body.
For more information, contact the Community Building Chair, Liz Siefert, at elizabeth.siefert@pennmedicine.upenn.edu.
Student Retreat
Welcome to our first years!
The annual NGG Student-Led Retreat took place on Monday, August 26, 2024 at the Adventure Aquarium.
The retreat featured student-led panels on life in each year of the PhD, presentation of the APICAL Award to Dr. Ilenna Jones, an ice breaker bingo game, and an aquarium-themed scavenger hunt! The day continued with an informal gathering across the Delaware River at Independence Beer Garden!
For information about next year's retreat, contact the organizers: Emily Meyer (emily.meyer@pennmedicine.upenn.edu), Lilly Ryll (lilly.ryll@pennmedicine.upenn.edu), and Jafar Bhatti (jafar.bhatti@Pennmedicine.upenn.edu).
Our retreat organizers, Emily and Lilly!
Chalk Talks
During Chalk Talks, a dissertation-level NGG student volunteers to give an informal half-hour talk in the evening with only a whiteboard, dried up markers, and illegible handwritten notes. The audience is only other NGG students who have come for the science and camaraderie (not to mention dinner and drinks), which keeps the atmosphere light and the questions on target (and might also include a bit of good-natured heckling). It’s a great way to catch up with fellow students and learn about the work they do. For more information, contact the organizer, Anna Leonard (anna.leonard@pennmedicine.upenn.edu).
Data Eclipse
Data Eclipse is a student-led seminar encouraging students to view mistakes as learning experiences, become more resilient to failure, and grow as people and scientists. Over dinner and beer, NGG students share their research failures and career challenges then discuss how we can interpret these experiences in a more positive way. Not only can it be cathartic for presenters, it can also grant solace and timely advice to audience members. For more information, contact the organizers, Anna Leonard (anna.leonard@pennmedicine.upenn.edu) and Isabelle Cullen (isabelle.cullen@pennmedicine.upenn.edu).
Social Nights
We have an exciting lineup of Social Nights! These events are meant to be casual gatherings to promote community and provide fun and excitement. If you have ideas or want more information, contact organizers Anna Voss (anna.voss@pennmedicine.upenn.edu) and Ian Diaz Nieves (ian.diaznieves@pennmedicine.upenn.edu)