Research excellence was on full display during RFU’s 19th annual All School Research Consortium and accompanying Art from the Benchtop exhibit on March 20. The daylong event, organized by the Graduate Student Association, brought the RFU community together to celebrate the research efforts of approximately 100 students, postdoctoral trainees and resident clinicians representing programs throughout the university.

“ASRC is invaluable as a platform for students to present their research projects by providing a nurturing environment for professional development and presentation practice,” said Rachel Parker, SGPS ’27, a neuroscience graduate student and co-chair of the consortium organizing committee. “ASRC helps students from all six schools learn how to present their findings effectively and confidently, aiding them in becoming experts in their respective fields.”

Invited speaker Luis Barreiro, PhD, professor of medicine and chair of the Committee on Genetics, Genomics and Systems Biology at the University of Chicago, delivered the keynote address, “Exploring Evolutionary Immunogenomics: Lessons From Our Ancestors and Past Pandemics.” The keynote was followed by research symposia and the poster sessions. Volunteer judges evaluated the research talks and posters, and the top presenters received awards for best research talk and best poster.

The Art of Science

ASRC also featured the annual Art from the Benchtop exhibit, an illuminating selection of photography, video and other creative works produced during or inspired by research conducted by students, research associates and research staff at RFU. Some participants employed creative measures to illustrate their unique perspectives related to their work in their labs. A variety of research techniques were represented, including immunofluorescence, fluorescent microscopy and electrophysiology.

“The works on display showcase the technical and analytical skills of our biomedical researchers, the kinetic microworld of cells and neurons, and beauty in data,” said Kelly Reiss, director of university archives and the Feet First Exhibition. “The artwork and narratives open a window into the experience of the researcher and give insight into their journey, often revealing motivations and inner dialog as they work through meticulous processes.”