GSBS students learn about research possibilities at poster presentation

First-year Graduate School of Biomedical Science students circulated among more than 60 posters presented on Thursday, Sept. 2, in the Faculty Conference Room and Medical School Building Lobby, on the lookout for interesting research or an intriguing laboratory where they could spend a two- or three-month rotation. In turn, researchers enthusiastically explained their life’s work as they looked to fill openings in their laboratories for researchers-in-training.

Part of the GSBS curriculum involves two to five rotations over the first year of study, which gives students a chance to learn the principles of scientific inquiry and the concepts and techniques of several different scientific fields. By the end of their first year, students must commit to a laboratory and begin focusing on a dissertation area.

“I worked with worms on my last rotation, which is something I’d never done before,” said student Sally Trabucco, who started her first rotation this summer. “This [event] really gives you a good idea what is going on in other areas.”

Anthony N. Imbalzano, PhD, professor of cell biology, said the type of research done in a lab is not always the deciding factor in whether a student will fit well in that setting. “Obviously you need to be somewhat interested in a project. But you need to find a working and learning environment that fits your needs,” he said.

GSBS Dean Anthony Carruthers, PhD, professor of biochemistry & molecular pharmacology and physiology, who was also recruiting students to his own lab, said that in addition to first-year GSBS students, the school invited undergraduates from Clark University and WPI who might want to complete senior research projects in conjunction with Medical School researchers. “They also can see what great work we do here,” which may entice them to apply upon graduation, he said.