The Department of Computational and Systems Biology (CSB) hosted its annual retreat at the Carnegie Science Center on May 15. This event brought together 91 attendees from all levels of the department to celebrate collaboration and scientific discovery.
“The goal of the retreat was to give people a chance to step out of their routines, hear what their colleagues are working on, and reconnect. In a department like ours, it means a lot to slow down, learn something new, and spend real time together,” said Mandy Shaheen, assistant to the chair and organizer of the event.
Shaheen chose the Carnegie Science Center as the venue to refresh the retreat experience and encourage engagement in a unique setting. Throughout the day, attendees presented scientific research talks, engaged in poster sessions, and shared conversations over meals.
When they weren’t discussing research, attendees also had the opportunity to explore the exhibits of the Carnegie Science Center. Highlights included breaking down stigma through the immersive displays of “Mental Health Mind Over Matters” and embarking on a journey to mars in “Mars: The Next Giant Leap.”
Trey Ideker delivered the keynote address titled “Building a Mind for Cancer.” Ideker is Chief of Genetics at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine. He is a pioneer in the use of genome-scale measurements to construct network models of cellular processes and diseases.
Poster presentations were held in the Mars exhibit, which gave students the chance to showcase their work in a museum-inspired atmosphere. “They could practice presenting their science to the point where everyday people can understand it, which I think is extremely important to show the public the benefits of research,” said Shaheen.
Attendees left the event with a clearer understanding of their colleagues’ research and a reenergized focus for the school year ahead.
“It was fantastic to hear such engaging scientific talks and explore the impressive posters. The setting was perfect—stunning views of the Monongahela, Allegheny and Ohio Rivers, along with delicious food, tasty pastries and plenty of coffee to fuel our discussions,” said Associate Professor Mert Gur. “It was a great day with great company. I’m already looking forward to the next one!”