The 2024 CANCAS Fall Research and Medical Professions Workshop was a successful and enriching event held at Elon University’s Mosley Center. It brought together 19 students and 8 faculty members from universities across North Carolina.
The workshop began with a breakfast buffet and a welcome introduction by Ryan Brandt. This was followed by a panel discussion led by Dr. Erik Brady, Director of Biomedical Graduate Programs at Wake Forest University, and Dr. Melissa Scales, Associate Professor of Physical Therapy at Elon University. The panel covered key topics such as the graduate admissions process, getting involved in research, and engaging students in thoughtful discussion. Attendees posed questions and gained valuable perspectives during the hour-long session. A networking session with the panelists and workshop hosts followed, offering participants an opportunity to connect and exchange ideas.
Lunch was held at Elon University’s Founders Hall, where participants shared a meal in a relaxed setting. The afternoon session resumed with a workshop led by Kinsey Fisher, a fifth-year PhD candidate in genetics at Duke University. Kinsey’s presentation focused on effectively presenting scientific research, offering tips from her conference experiences, and guiding participants through exercises on assessing poster presentations.
The next session, presented by John Moses-Brownson, M.Ed., Associate Director of Career Advising for Pre-Professional Health at Elon University, centered on preparing applications for health-related programs. His session provided practical advice and a workbook to help students develop clear strategies for their future applications. John’s session was engaging, informative, and infused with humor.
The workshop concluded with presentations from Elon University lecturers Dr. Dave Parker and Ryan Brandt. They shared their experiences navigating graduate school and careers in the biological sciences. Dr. Parker’s presentation was particularly engaging, as he used a grading scale to reflect on key life decisions, blending humor with practical insights.
We extend our gratitude to the panelists, workshop leaders, and attendees for making the event a success. We look forward to organizing another impactful workshop in 2025.