“At any career stage, the GSA membership is an amazing investment for any genetics professional!”

Julio Molina Pineda is a PhD Candidate in Cell and Molecular Biology and a Research Assistant at the University of Arkansas, and a Doctoral Academy Fellow at the Lewis Lab. In 2023, Julio was awarded the DeLill Nasser Award for Professional Development in Genetics in recognition of his genetics research and work leveraging natural variation in yeast to understand why certain individuals are more susceptible to stress and disease, as well as his service and leadership in his community.

“GSA is one of the premier scientific organizations and being honored by receiving one of their most prestigious awards has not only helped me with starting to establish my record as a scientist, but it has also inspired me to keep working hard and reproducing more great science!” shares Julio, stressing how receiving this award marked an important event in his academic journey. This recognition is more than a financial award intended to support attending a conference or completing lab work—it signifies to Julio that he’s on the right path in his career. 

To apply for this award, you must be a GSA member. While many scientists may join for a discount on conference or abstract fees or to apply for a funding opportunity like the DeLill Nasser Award, Julio shares how maintaining a GSA membership has been essential for his professional growth. As a GSA member, he has enjoyed countless professional development opportunities, access to publish in the GSA Journals, GENETICS and G3, at a reduced fee, and one or two conference discounts. From being a member of the Early Career Leadership Program to participating in seminars, networking events, and GSA Conferences like The Allied Genetics Conference 2024, Julio says, “GSA has allowed me to broaden my horizons and learn much more about other careers and parts of the field I was not aware of.” 

At TAGC 2024, Julio had the opportunity to present his research, an impactful experience due to the feedback and encouragement he received from both senior scientists and fellow early career scientists. “When you are doing research, it can sometimes get lonely or obfuscating, but receiving clear feedback and learning that others appreciate your work and agree with your results and conclusions make all the hard work worth it!” He even met PIs and senior scientists who inspired him to keep working towards a career in academia. Julio also found that professional development activities at TAGC 2024 allowed him to grow his professional skills and create an amazing network of colleagues with similar goals. “Thanks to TAGC, I was able to learn and apply to a science policy fellowship as well as apply and get accepted to a scientific writing/preprint review program—so, I was able to broaden my horizons and take advantage of new opportunities that can transform into career options in the near future!” he shares. 

When it comes to his career trajectory and what the future holds, Julio recognizes that a GSA membership will always be a key piece. He emphasizes its value for all career stages, explaining that while it allows early career scientists to create amazing networks with great colleagues and grow professionally, you can continue to learn from others throughout your career and even teach or become a mentor. From receiving the DeLill Nasser Award, to participating at TAGC 2024, to being an ECLP member, who knows what the future holds for Julio? We’re certain of one thing: it looks bright! We might see him serve on a GSA committee or perhaps run in one of our elections and even join our Board! 

If you’re a graduate student or postdoc interested in applying for the DeLill Nasser Award for Professional Development in Genetics for $1,000 to support your attendance at a conference or laboratory courses, learn more online and apply by May 9, 2024.

If you’re interested in exploring all the benefits of a GSA membership, and joining, find additional details on our website. 

Poster presentations are not just about displaying your work—they allow you to foster meaningful interactions and discussions within the community. While you may find yourself interacting with attendees, there may also be times when you are in between discussions, waiting for the next person to approach your poster.

During these moments, we encourage you to make the most of your time. Whether it’s catching up on reading, checking your email, or planning your schedule for the next day, use these breaks efficiently. Remember, your poster is on display, not you. While it’s ideal that you stay near your poster during your presentation time, we also understand that an hour can be a long stretch. Don’t hesitate to take short breaks, stay hydrated, and explore the other posters around you.

Additionally, don’t underestimate the power of proactive engagement. If you feel comfortable, consider sending out a couple of emails inviting colleagues or individuals whose talks interest you to stop by your poster. This proactive approach can help enhance the visibility of your research and attract valuable interactions. There is a feature available in the abstract portal that you can use to personally invite fellow TAGC attendees to see your poster. You will be limited to three invitations; these are sent directly through the abstract portal, where you’ll find the TAGC 2024 attendee list. Your invitees will get an automated email telling them the date and time of your poster presentation.

Poster presentations offer a unique opportunity to not only present your findings but also participate in discussions about your science. Embrace these interactions as they arise and be open to questions and inquiries from attendees. If someone asks you a question you’re unsure about, don’t hesitate to acknowledge it and offer to follow up via email. This demonstrates your willingness to engage further and ensures that all inquiries are addressed comprehensively.

Finally, we want everyone to feel supported and included at TAGC 2024. The poster sessions at GSA Conferences are often rated as a favorite by attendees, due to their inclusivity and the support and encouragement that presenters receive from attendees. We encourage you to embrace this spirit of collaboration and reach out if you have any questions or need assistance leading up to the conference.

We are thrilled to have you as part of TAGC 2024 and look forward to seeing you showcase your research and engage with our vibrant community!

Are you joining us for The Allied Genetics Conference 2024 in March? Make the most of your #TAGC24 experience in National Harbor! We know the science will keep you busy, but you deserve to unwind and have some fun, so we’ve curated a list of activities and restaurants you can explore in your free time to help make your trip truly unforgettable.

Don’t forget to book your hotel room at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center by February 12, 2024 to stay at the heart of the conference. The location is unbeatable, plus you’ll get some complimentary perks as part of your stay. Make a reservation and find more details about the hotel here. 

Staying in National Harbor:

The waterfront oasis has everything from picturesque views and arts and culture to retail outlets, the MGM National Harbor, and more! It’s the perfect destination to wind down with friends and colleagues after the conference.  

Restaurants

Stop by the Potomac District Café & Market at the Gaylord Hotel to grab a quick bite while meeting up with colleagues in the Exhibit Hall. The Market has everything you might need for a quick bite: breakfast bagels, soups and sandwiches, pizza, salads, and desserts.

In addition to the restaurants available at the Gaylord, you can choose from more than 40 dining options, for all budgets, within walking distance of the venue. We hear the Maryland-style crab cakes are a must-try! 

Organizers’ pick: 

Nando’s at National Harbor for “meals under $20!”

Entertainment

TAGC 2024 coincides with the very beginning of Cherry Blossom season in the Washington, DC area. Take in the Instagram-worthy views while riding the Capitol Ferris Wheel, taking a water taxi tour, or walking or biking along the Potomac waterfront. 

Plan a trip to the Escapology escape rooms at National Harbor for a real-life adventure – find hidden clues, crack codes, and solve challenging puzzles to escape a themed room along with your friends and new acquaintances! 

Additionally, National Harbor has an impressive array of activities and nightlife for every person and every interest. Whether it’s a team outing to Top Golf, a drink with old friends at an Irish pub or paint bar, or a brunch or dinner with newfound colleagues at James Beard Award Winner, Succotash, you’ll find exactly what you need within walking distance or a short bus trip away. 

Organizers’ pick: 

The Harbor Social has great food & drinks, arcade games, shuffleboard, duckpin bowling & bocce ball. It’s the perfect place to wind down with old and new friends after the conference. 

If you have time to visit Washington, DC:

For those who don’t mind a short trip, Washington, DC is a treasure trove of culinary hotspots, iconic landmarks, and cultural attractions, steeped in rich history, all waiting to be explored. 

Restaurants

Below are a few places that the GSA staff enjoys for brunch, lunch, dinner, or drinks: 

• Un Je Ne Sais Quois (Dupont Circle)
• La Famosa (Navy Yard)
• Maydan (Columbia Heights)
• Tilt (Logan Circle)

And if you’d prefer to try something else, here are a few lists of DC’s best restaurants:

• The 100 best restaurants in DC from the Washingtonian
• 38 essential restaurants around DC from DC Eater 
• 20 best restaurants in Washington, DC from Condé Nast Traveler

Entertainment

Just a short trip into the city via taxi, rideshare, or public transit, will get you to more world-class museums, entertainment venues, and nightlife than you can experience in one week. To help guide your choices, we’ve included a list of some amazing experiences in Washington, DC.

• Eight best museums to visit if you’re a science nerd from the Washingtonian
• 18 essential bars in DC from DC Eater
• Plan your visit to the National Mall with this resource from the National Park Service
• Catch a soccer match, hockey game, or basketball game downtown or at the Navy Yard
• Hop aboard the Old Town Trolley Tours to see the best of DC at discounted rates
• Take a self-guided tour of Embassy Row or Cherry Blossom Trails

Don’t miss the opportunity to hear these outstanding scientists discuss their work. Access the full conference schedule online.

C. elegans 

Sydney Brenner Award

Sneha Ray 

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center  

The Sydney Brenner Dissertation Thesis Award is presented to a graduate student who has completed an outstanding PhD research project in the area of genetics and genomics of C. elegans.

Drosophila 

Larry Sandler Award

Sherzod Tokamov

University of California, Berkeley

The Larry Sandler Award is presented to outstanding recent graduates who have completed a PhD in an area of Drosophila research. The award serves to honor Dr. Sandler for his many contributions to Drosophila genetics and his exceptional dedication to the training of Drosophila biologists. 

Mammalian 

IMGS President’s Award

Jason Bubier

The Jackson Laboratory for Mammalian Genetics

This new award, the IMGS President’s Award, is presented to an early career scientist in recognition of their exceptional accomplishments in independent research in mammalian genetics. The award celebrates their contributions both to the IMGS and the field of genetics as a whole.

Population, Evolutionary and Quantitative Genetics (PEQG) 

James F. Crow Early Career Researcher Award

Olivia Harringmeyer

Harvard University

The James F. Crow Early Career Researcher Award is presented to students and recent PhDs conducting PEQG research. The award serves to honor Professor James F. Crow and his numerous, impactful contributions to the field of genetics. 

Yeast 

Angelika Amon Award

Xiaoxue Snow Zhou 

New York University

The Angelika Amon Award is presented to an outstanding recent PhD graduate. The award serves to honor Dr. Amon for her many discoveries through the use of yeast genetics, and her exceptional dedication to training and mentorship.

Zebrafish 

International Zebrafish Society Genetics Trainee Award

Mollie Sweeny 

Duke University 

The International Zebrafish Society Genetics Trainee Award recognizes excellence in research, in particular discoveries leading to significant scientific or technological advances through the use of zebrafish genetics.