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Department Hosts Research Retreat to Foster Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing

group photo from the 2024 annual research retreat of audience members listening to Dr. Mahajan's presentation
Dr. Aman Mahajan presenting at the 2024 annual Research Retreat

Our department held its first annual Research Retreat on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, offering an opportunity for department members to explore diverse research projects, access valuable departmental resources, and foster interdisciplinary collaborations.

The event included opening remarks from our chair Dr. Aman Mahajan, followed by presentations on various administrative resources, including updates on research administration, grant writing services, Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Research Design, and clinical research operations.

The retreat also featured brief presentations from faculty members on their current research endeavors.

Highlights included Dr. Senthil Sadhasivam's research insights, Dr. Ajay Wasan's overview of the Center for Innovation in Pain Care, Dr. Ben Alter's work on the translational neuroscience of pain modulation, and Dr. Jacques Chelly’s focus on personalized recovery strategies to minimize pain and opioid use after surgery.

Dr. Xu delivering a presentation during the 2024 annual research retreat
Dr. Yan Xu delivering his presentation at the 2024 annual Research Retreat

Other notable presentations included Dr. Keith Vogt’s work in anesthesiology neuroscience, Dr. Kimberly Howard-Quijano's cardiac division research, Dr. Yan Xu’s and Dr. Pei Tang's lab projects, Dr. Sean Farris’ research on the neurobiology of addiction and emotion, Dr. Gregg Homanics' exploration of genetic engineering using marmosets for alcohol research, and Dr. Bradley Taylor’s overview of chronic pain neurobiology and pharmacology.

The retreat featured a complimentary lunch and reception, providing a chance for networking and informal discussions.