(1132,8,'2016-01-27 15:20:52','2016-01-27 15:20:52','<b>Here are some thoughtful perspectives on how the BEST program is enhancing the career development opportunities at Virginia Tech:</b>\r\n\r\n<strong>VT BEST Travel Awards</strong>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"American Public Health Association Meeting- Yeonwoo Lebovitz\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/yeonwoo/\">American Public Health Association Annual Meeting- Yeonwoo Lebovitz</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Society of Women Engineers Annual Conference- Emily Ongstad\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/society/ \">Society of Women Engineers Annual Conference- Emily Ongstad </a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Society for Neuroscience Conference- Lauren Kennedy\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/neuroscience/\">Society for Neuroscience Conference- Lauren Kennedy</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>BESTimonials</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Iris Vilares, PhD (Postdoctoral Fellow, Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute)</strong>\r\n\r\n“The BEST program has been giving me valuable insights into the various different paths where my academic training can take me, both inside and outside of academia. The professional development classes range from serious (what purpose do you want to make for your life?) to fun and interactive (e.g. jump around making funny gestures and sounds to understand the importance of spontaneity when giving a lecture). Overall it has been a very useful and gratifying experience.”\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Gregorio Valdez, PhD (Assistant Professor, Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute and Dept of Biological Sciences)</strong>\r\n\r\n“I was pleasantly surprised one day to have my trainee initiate a frank discussion about career goals and mentorship following her attendance at a BEST workshop on IDPs. While I always try to keep good lines of communication with my trainees, it was clear the workshop encouraged her to give deeper thought regarding the best path towards achieving her long-term goals, and prompted a discussion that ultimately allowed us to more efficiently structure her project towards mutually beneficial goals and timelines.\"\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Kevin Pridham, PhD candidate (First Year Graduate Student, Translational Biology Medicine and Health program)</strong>\r\n\r\n“The BEST program has been helpful in showing me various career options outside of academia. It has also allowed me to appreciate and begin to understand the challenges of intellectual property in science.”\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Meghna Verma, PhD candidate (First Year Graduate Student, Translational Biology Medicine and Health program)</strong>\r\n\r\n“The BEST program is very different from the traditional graduate coursework, focusing on overall professional development that is not limited only to classroom teaching. The program covers a variety of domains that range from tips on grant writing, knowledge about intellectual property and patent filing and the use of <em>myIDP software - </em>a smart aid for smart planning of your career goals.”\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Yeonwoo Lebovitz, PhD candidate (First Year Graduate Student, Translational Biology Medicine and Health program)</strong>\r\n\r\nThe BEST program at Virginia Tech grants us direct access to individuals who work in a wide variety of biomedical research settings, including those in career paths we never knew existed. In addition to speaker seminars and developing new networking contacts, the BEST program is helping us assemble a professional toolkit with skills that are harder to come by, such as communication, entrepreneurship, and advocacy. I feel like we have been given a leg-up to pursue research careers in spite of future economic uncertainties.\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Cameron Varano, PhD candidate (First Year Graduate Student, Translational Biology Medicine and Health program)</strong>\r\n\r\n“I appreciate how the BEST program has helped to and continues to mold my complete development as a young researcher. The training I receive in the lab has built my technical skills, but it is the addition of the BEST program which has developed my communication skills. Furthermore, my perspective on my career path has been broadened to include those opportunities beyond academia.”\r\n\r\n**','CAREER BLOGS','','inherit','closed','open','','1047-revision-v1','','','2016-01-27 15:20:52','2016-01-27 15:20:52','',1047,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1047-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1133,8,'2016-01-27 15:33:19','2016-01-27 15:33:19','<div id=\"intro\"><span class=\"double-line\"> </span>\r\n<h1>Individual career planning, skill building, and connecting with professionals within and beyond academia</h1>\r\n<span class=\"double-line\"> </span>\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\">Professional Development Course (TBMH 5106, 2 credits)</h1>\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\"><span class=\"double-line\"> </span></h1>\r\nThis course will be offered each Spring semester, starting Spring 2015. Class time will include guest lectures from various biomedical professionals, who will present case studies and exercises designed to provide an understanding of various biomedical career paths, and how these professionals interact to promote biomedical research and the implementation of important discoveries.  Additional focus on career development planning (IDPs) and building scientific communication skills.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Location</span><em>:</em> Course instruction will take place at Virginia Tech facilities in Roanoke, and possibly Blacksburg.<a href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Career-Bridge.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-99\" src=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Career-Bridge-300x203.jpg\" alt=\"Career Bridge\" width=\"300\" height=\"203\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Student Commitment</span>: Trainees will attend class for 2 hours per week for one semester at Virginia Tech. Trainees must commit to attending all classes, and completing all reading and written assignments, including completion of an Individual Development Plan. At the end of the course, trainees will complete a course assessment questionnaire that should take 10 minutes to complete. Trainees must also complete a consent form that will allow the BEST program to issue them the annual BEST Survey, which should take less than 30 minutes to complete. This BEST survey will be issued annually for 10 years.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Eligibility</span>:   This course is required for all students in the PhD program in Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health (TBMH), and open to students in other biomedical graduate programs at Virginia Tech as part of the BEST program. Space is limited, and we encourage non-TBMH students to apply as early as possible to secure space in the course.\r\n\r\nPostdoctoral trainees who are <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">within three years</span> of earning their doctorate are eligible to audit this course as part of the BEST program (0 credits), but <strong>must attend all classes</strong>.\r\n\r\n<a class=\"button\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/tbmh-5106-course-request-form/\">COURSE REQUEST FORM</a>\r\n\r\n<em>Trainees who are not TBMH students will need to sign up here to receive instructor permission to register for the course for Spring 2016. Space is limited and trainees will be selected in the order in which they sign up. Trainees must sign an informed consent form and return it on the first day of class</em>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<em> Be sure to <a title=\"CONTACT\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/contact/\">subscribe</a> to our e-alerts to be notified of future BEST activities!  Additional opportunities for professional development at VT can be found on our <a title=\"RESOURCES\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/resources/\">Resources</a> page.</em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT','','inherit','closed','open','','138-revision-v1','','','2016-01-27 15:33:19','2016-01-27 15:33:19','',138,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/138-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1134,8,'2016-01-27 15:34:02','2016-01-27 15:34:02','<div id=\"intro\"><span class=\"double-line\"> </span>\r\n<h1></h1>\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\"></h1>\r\n<h4>Request a seat in TBMH 5106 for <strong>Spring 2016</strong>. Eligible trainees will be selected in the order they apply, and remaining requests will be added to a wait list.</h4>\r\n<h4>*This BEST opportunity is offered in conjunction with the PhD program in Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health.</h4>\r\n<h1></h1>\r\n</div>\r\n<span class=\"double-line\"> </span>\r\n\r\n[gravityform id=\"11\" name=\"Professional Development Course Request\" description=\"false\"]','TBMH 5106 Course Request Form','','inherit','closed','open','','461-revision-v1','','','2016-01-27 15:34:02','2016-01-27 15:34:02','',461,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/461-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1135,8,'2016-01-27 16:14:36','2016-01-27 16:14:36','<div id=\"intro\"><span class=\"double-line\"> </span>\r\n<h1></h1>\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\"></h1>\r\n<h4>Request a seat in TBMH 5106 for <strong>Spring 2016</strong>. Eligible trainees will be selected in the order they apply, and remaining requests will be added to a wait list.</h4>\r\n<h4>*This BEST opportunity is offered in conjunction with the PhD program in Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health.</h4>\r\n<h1></h1>\r\n</div>\r\n<span class=\"double-line\"> </span>\r\n\r\n[gravityform id=\"22\" name=\"Spring 2016 Professional Development Course Request \"]','TBMH 5106 Course Request Form','','inherit','closed','open','','461-revision-v1','','','2016-01-27 16:14:36','2016-01-27 16:14:36','',461,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/461-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1137,8,'2016-01-28 16:28:55','2016-01-28 16:28:55','Name: Aboozar Monavarfeshani\r\n\r\nRole: Doctoral Student\r\n\r\nProgram: Biological Sciences\r\n\r\nMeeting: 2015 National Institutes of Health Career Symposium (2015)\r\n\r\nThanks to the Virginia Tech BEST program travel award I was able to attend the NIH career symposium in May 2015. This was my first time attending a career symposium and it was extremely beneficial in that it gave me insight into various career opportunities I was previously unaware of. Upon arriving at the symposium I was shocked to see how many people I would need to compete with in order to reach my career goals. After attending several discussion panels and learning about all of the opportunities I had ahead of me, I felt more confident that I could achieve my aspirations. I believe BEST program helped me to develop a better plan for my future and I hope other students can benefit from it as well.','National Institutes of Health Career Symposium- Aboozar Monavarfeshani','','publish','closed','open','','monavarfeshani','','','2016-03-15 12:56:32','2016-03-15 12:56:32','',0,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/?page_id=1137',0,'page','',0),(1138,8,'2016-01-28 16:28:55','2016-01-28 16:28:55','Thanks to the Virginia Tech BEST program travel award I was able to attend the NIH career symposium in May 2015. This was my first time attending a career symposium and it was extremely beneficial in that it gave me insight into various career opportunities I was previously unaware of. Upon arriving at the symposium I was shocked to see how many people I would need to compete with in order to reach my career goals. After attending several discussion panels and learning about all of the opportunities I had ahead of me, I felt more confident that I could achieve my aspirations. I believe BEST program helped me to develop a better plan for my future and I hope other students can benefit from it as well.','National Institutes of Health Career Symposium- Aboozar Monavarfeshani','','inherit','closed','open','','1137-revision-v1','','','2016-01-28 16:28:55','2016-01-28 16:28:55','',1137,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1137-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1139,8,'2016-01-28 16:30:26','2016-01-28 16:30:26','<b>Here are some thoughtful perspectives on how the BEST program is enhancing the career development opportunities at Virginia Tech:</b>\r\n\r\n<strong>VT BEST Travel Awards</strong>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"American Public Health Association Meeting- Yeonwoo Lebovitz\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/yeonwoo/\">American Public Health Association Annual Meeting- Yeonwoo Lebovitz</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"National Institutes of Health Career Symposium- Aboozar Monavarfeshani\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/aboozar/\">National Institutes of Health Career Symposium- Aboozar Monavarfeshani</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Society of Women Engineers Annual Conference- Emily Ongstad\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/society/ \">Society of Women Engineers Annual Conference- Emily Ongstad </a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Society for Neuroscience Conference- Lauren Kennedy\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/neuroscience/\">Society for Neuroscience Conference- Lauren Kennedy</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>BESTimonials</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Iris Vilares, PhD (Postdoctoral Fellow, Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute)</strong>\r\n\r\n“The BEST program has been giving me valuable insights into the various different paths where my academic training can take me, both inside and outside of academia. The professional development classes range from serious (what purpose do you want to make for your life?) to fun and interactive (e.g. jump around making funny gestures and sounds to understand the importance of spontaneity when giving a lecture). Overall it has been a very useful and gratifying experience.”\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Gregorio Valdez, PhD (Assistant Professor, Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute and Dept of Biological Sciences)</strong>\r\n\r\n“I was pleasantly surprised one day to have my trainee initiate a frank discussion about career goals and mentorship following her attendance at a BEST workshop on IDPs. While I always try to keep good lines of communication with my trainees, it was clear the workshop encouraged her to give deeper thought regarding the best path towards achieving her long-term goals, and prompted a discussion that ultimately allowed us to more efficiently structure her project towards mutually beneficial goals and timelines.\"\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Kevin Pridham, PhD candidate (First Year Graduate Student, Translational Biology Medicine and Health program)</strong>\r\n\r\n“The BEST program has been helpful in showing me various career options outside of academia. It has also allowed me to appreciate and begin to understand the challenges of intellectual property in science.”\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Meghna Verma, PhD candidate (First Year Graduate Student, Translational Biology Medicine and Health program)</strong>\r\n\r\n“The BEST program is very different from the traditional graduate coursework, focusing on overall professional development that is not limited only to classroom teaching. The program covers a variety of domains that range from tips on grant writing, knowledge about intellectual property and patent filing and the use of <em>myIDP software - </em>a smart aid for smart planning of your career goals.”\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Yeonwoo Lebovitz, PhD candidate (First Year Graduate Student, Translational Biology Medicine and Health program)</strong>\r\n\r\nThe BEST program at Virginia Tech grants us direct access to individuals who work in a wide variety of biomedical research settings, including those in career paths we never knew existed. In addition to speaker seminars and developing new networking contacts, the BEST program is helping us assemble a professional toolkit with skills that are harder to come by, such as communication, entrepreneurship, and advocacy. I feel like we have been given a leg-up to pursue research careers in spite of future economic uncertainties.\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Cameron Varano, PhD candidate (First Year Graduate Student, Translational Biology Medicine and Health program)</strong>\r\n\r\n“I appreciate how the BEST program has helped to and continues to mold my complete development as a young researcher. The training I receive in the lab has built my technical skills, but it is the addition of the BEST program which has developed my communication skills. Furthermore, my perspective on my career path has been broadened to include those opportunities beyond academia.”\r\n\r\n**','CAREER BLOGS','','inherit','closed','open','','1047-revision-v1','','','2016-01-28 16:30:26','2016-01-28 16:30:26','',1047,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1047-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1140,8,'2016-01-28 16:31:56','2016-01-28 16:31:56','<b>Here are some thoughtful perspectives on how the BEST program is enhancing the career development opportunities at Virginia Tech:</b>\r\n\r\n<strong>VT BEST Travel Awards</strong>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"American Public Health Association Meeting- Yeonwoo Lebovitz\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/yeonwoo/\">American Public Health Association Annual Meeting- Yeonwoo Lebovitz</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"National Institutes of Health Career Symposium- Aboozar Monavarfeshani\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/monavarfeshani/\">National Institutes of Health Career Symposium- Aboozar Monavarfeshani</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Society of Women Engineers Annual Conference- Emily Ongstad\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/society/ \">Society of Women Engineers Annual Conference- Emily Ongstad </a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Society for Neuroscience Conference- Lauren Kennedy\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/neuroscience/\">Society for Neuroscience Conference- Lauren Kennedy</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>BESTimonials</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Iris Vilares, PhD (Postdoctoral Fellow, Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute)</strong>\r\n\r\n“The BEST program has been giving me valuable insights into the various different paths where my academic training can take me, both inside and outside of academia. The professional development classes range from serious (what purpose do you want to make for your life?) to fun and interactive (e.g. jump around making funny gestures and sounds to understand the importance of spontaneity when giving a lecture). Overall it has been a very useful and gratifying experience.”\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Gregorio Valdez, PhD (Assistant Professor, Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute and Dept of Biological Sciences)</strong>\r\n\r\n“I was pleasantly surprised one day to have my trainee initiate a frank discussion about career goals and mentorship following her attendance at a BEST workshop on IDPs. While I always try to keep good lines of communication with my trainees, it was clear the workshop encouraged her to give deeper thought regarding the best path towards achieving her long-term goals, and prompted a discussion that ultimately allowed us to more efficiently structure her project towards mutually beneficial goals and timelines.\"\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Kevin Pridham, PhD candidate (First Year Graduate Student, Translational Biology Medicine and Health program)</strong>\r\n\r\n“The BEST program has been helpful in showing me various career options outside of academia. It has also allowed me to appreciate and begin to understand the challenges of intellectual property in science.”\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Meghna Verma, PhD candidate (First Year Graduate Student, Translational Biology Medicine and Health program)</strong>\r\n\r\n“The BEST program is very different from the traditional graduate coursework, focusing on overall professional development that is not limited only to classroom teaching. The program covers a variety of domains that range from tips on grant writing, knowledge about intellectual property and patent filing and the use of <em>myIDP software - </em>a smart aid for smart planning of your career goals.”\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Yeonwoo Lebovitz, PhD candidate (First Year Graduate Student, Translational Biology Medicine and Health program)</strong>\r\n\r\nThe BEST program at Virginia Tech grants us direct access to individuals who work in a wide variety of biomedical research settings, including those in career paths we never knew existed. In addition to speaker seminars and developing new networking contacts, the BEST program is helping us assemble a professional toolkit with skills that are harder to come by, such as communication, entrepreneurship, and advocacy. I feel like we have been given a leg-up to pursue research careers in spite of future economic uncertainties.\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Cameron Varano, PhD candidate (First Year Graduate Student, Translational Biology Medicine and Health program)</strong>\r\n\r\n“I appreciate how the BEST program has helped to and continues to mold my complete development as a young researcher. The training I receive in the lab has built my technical skills, but it is the addition of the BEST program which has developed my communication skills. Furthermore, my perspective on my career path has been broadened to include those opportunities beyond academia.”\r\n\r\n**','CAREER BLOGS','','inherit','closed','open','','1047-revision-v1','','','2016-01-28 16:31:56','2016-01-28 16:31:56','',1047,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1047-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1141,8,'2016-01-28 16:33:25','2016-01-28 16:33:25','Name: Aboozar Monavarfeshani\r\n\r\nRole: Doctoral Student\r\n\r\nProgram:\r\n\r\nMeeting: National Institutes of Health Career Sympoisum\r\n\r\nThanks to the Virginia Tech BEST program travel award I was able to attend the NIH career symposium in May 2015. This was my first time attending a career symposium and it was extremely beneficial in that it gave me insight into various career opportunities I was previously unaware of. Upon arriving at the symposium I was shocked to see how many people I would need to compete with in order to reach my career goals. After attending several discussion panels and learning about all of the opportunities I had ahead of me, I felt more confident that I could achieve my aspirations. I believe BEST program helped me to develop a better plan for my future and I hope other students can benefit from it as well.','National Institutes of Health Career Symposium- Aboozar Monavarfeshani','','inherit','closed','open','','1137-revision-v1','','','2016-01-28 16:33:25','2016-01-28 16:33:25','',1137,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1137-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1142,8,'2016-01-28 16:34:16','2016-01-28 16:34:16','Name: Aboozar Monavarfeshani\r\n\r\nRole: Doctoral Student\r\n\r\nProgram: Biological Sciences\r\n\r\nMeeting: National Institutes of Health Career Sympoisum\r\n\r\nThanks to the Virginia Tech BEST program travel award I was able to attend the NIH career symposium in May 2015. This was my first time attending a career symposium and it was extremely beneficial in that it gave me insight into various career opportunities I was previously unaware of. Upon arriving at the symposium I was shocked to see how many people I would need to compete with in order to reach my career goals. After attending several discussion panels and learning about all of the opportunities I had ahead of me, I felt more confident that I could achieve my aspirations. I believe BEST program helped me to develop a better plan for my future and I hope other students can benefit from it as well.','National Institutes of Health Career Symposium- Aboozar Monavarfeshani','','inherit','closed','open','','1137-revision-v1','','','2016-01-28 16:34:16','2016-01-28 16:34:16','',1137,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1137-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1143,8,'2016-01-28 16:34:28','2016-01-28 16:34:28','Name: Aboozar Monavarfeshani\r\n\r\nRole: Doctoral Student\r\n\r\nProgram: Biological Sciences\r\n\r\nMeeting: National Institutes of Health Career Symposium\r\n\r\nThanks to the Virginia Tech BEST program travel award I was able to attend the NIH career symposium in May 2015. This was my first time attending a career symposium and it was extremely beneficial in that it gave me insight into various career opportunities I was previously unaware of. Upon arriving at the symposium I was shocked to see how many people I would need to compete with in order to reach my career goals. After attending several discussion panels and learning about all of the opportunities I had ahead of me, I felt more confident that I could achieve my aspirations. I believe BEST program helped me to develop a better plan for my future and I hope other students can benefit from it as well.','National Institutes of Health Career Symposium- Aboozar Monavarfeshani','','inherit','closed','open','','1137-revision-v1','','','2016-01-28 16:34:28','2016-01-28 16:34:28','',1137,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1137-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1144,8,'2016-01-28 16:37:52','2016-01-28 16:37:52','Name: Yeonwoo Lebovitz\r\n\r\nRole: Doctoral Student\r\n\r\nProgram: Translational Biology, Medicine and Health\r\n\r\nMeeting: American Public Health Association\r\n\r\nThanks to the VT-BEST travel award, I was able to attend the American Public Health Association (APHA) annual meeting for the first time during my three years as a member. The APHA was first established in 1872 and is one of the largest public health advocacy groups in the United States with over 25,000 members. It is a non-profit organized by primary member sections (e.g., Epidemiology, Food and Nutrition, Maternal and Child Health), caucuses (e.g., Black Caucus of Health Workers, Caucus on Refugee and Immigrant Health), special interest groups (e.g., Pharmacy, Veterinary Public Health), forums (e.g., Cancer Forum, Genomics Forum), and a large student assembly. APHA publishes the <em>American Journal of Public Health</em> and it members are very active in promoting public health practices and policies at the local, national, and international levels.\r\n\r\nI serve as the Student Assembly Liaison on the Leadership Committee of the Ethics Section, so my goals for attending the annual meeting were to finally meet with the rest of the Leadership Committee in person after years of phone meetings, to gather student feedback on how best to improve their experiences with the Ethics Section, and, of course, try to network with senior researchers in my interest areas (host-microbiota relationship and health effects) and future potential employers.\r\n\r\nThis year the annual meeting took place at the McCormick Place in Chicago, IL, which is purported to be the largest convention center in North America. An estimated 13,000 attendees were present at this meeting and I was never more pleased to be surrounded by health professionals with proper sneezing etiquette. The meeting itself was organized by topical sessions, paneled discussions, poster presentations, and keynote speeches throughout. Although several sessions of interest were ongoing simultaneously at any given time, I divided my time across Ethics Section duties, chatting with students during the poster presentations, and attending special talks on one health and zoonotic diseases, autism research, and the opening general assembly—featuring U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy.\r\n\r\nThe sheer size of the APHA annual meeting was intimidating at times, but I was able to prepare ahead of time with business cards and a quick elevator speech. I had great conversations with representatives at the FDA and Alzheimer’s Association tables, and collected additional potential mentors from senior APHA members. I even sent a copy of my final presentation from TBMH 5054 Fundamentals of Immunity and Infectious Diseases class on “Personalizing Regulatory Science” to the FDA representative at her request! While it was useful to form a schedule of talks to attend each day, simply wandering around can also be fruitful as random conversations start in the coffee line and then you realize you’re talking to the president of a major patient advocacy group/funding organization with grant application pointers!','American Public Health Association Annual Meeting- Yeonwoo Lebovitz','','inherit','closed','open','','1071-revision-v1','','','2016-01-28 16:37:52','2016-01-28 16:37:52','',1071,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1071-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1145,8,'2016-01-28 16:41:05','2016-01-28 16:41:05','Name: Aboozar Monavarfeshani\r\n\r\nRole: Doctoral Student\r\n\r\nProgram: Biological Sciences\r\n\r\nMeeting: National Institutes of Health Career Symposium (2015)\r\n\r\nThanks to the Virginia Tech BEST program travel award I was able to attend the NIH career symposium in May 2015. This was my first time attending a career symposium and it was extremely beneficial in that it gave me insight into various career opportunities I was previously unaware of. Upon arriving at the symposium I was shocked to see how many people I would need to compete with in order to reach my career goals. After attending several discussion panels and learning about all of the opportunities I had ahead of me, I felt more confident that I could achieve my aspirations. I believe BEST program helped me to develop a better plan for my future and I hope other students can benefit from it as well.','National Institutes of Health Career Symposium- Aboozar Monavarfeshani','','inherit','closed','open','','1137-revision-v1','','','2016-01-28 16:41:05','2016-01-28 16:41:05','',1137,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1137-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1146,8,'2016-01-28 16:41:52','2016-01-28 16:41:52','Name: Yeonwoo Lebovitz\r\n\r\nRole: Doctoral Student\r\n\r\nProgram: Translational Biology, Medicine and Health\r\n\r\nMeeting: American Public Health Association (2015)\r\n\r\nThanks to the VT-BEST travel award, I was able to attend the American Public Health Association (APHA) annual meeting for the first time during my three years as a member. The APHA was first established in 1872 and is one of the largest public health advocacy groups in the United States with over 25,000 members. It is a non-profit organized by primary member sections (e.g., Epidemiology, Food and Nutrition, Maternal and Child Health), caucuses (e.g., Black Caucus of Health Workers, Caucus on Refugee and Immigrant Health), special interest groups (e.g., Pharmacy, Veterinary Public Health), forums (e.g., Cancer Forum, Genomics Forum), and a large student assembly. APHA publishes the <em>American Journal of Public Health</em> and it members are very active in promoting public health practices and policies at the local, national, and international levels.\r\n\r\nI serve as the Student Assembly Liaison on the Leadership Committee of the Ethics Section, so my goals for attending the annual meeting were to finally meet with the rest of the Leadership Committee in person after years of phone meetings, to gather student feedback on how best to improve their experiences with the Ethics Section, and, of course, try to network with senior researchers in my interest areas (host-microbiota relationship and health effects) and future potential employers.\r\n\r\nThis year the annual meeting took place at the McCormick Place in Chicago, IL, which is purported to be the largest convention center in North America. An estimated 13,000 attendees were present at this meeting and I was never more pleased to be surrounded by health professionals with proper sneezing etiquette. The meeting itself was organized by topical sessions, paneled discussions, poster presentations, and keynote speeches throughout. Although several sessions of interest were ongoing simultaneously at any given time, I divided my time across Ethics Section duties, chatting with students during the poster presentations, and attending special talks on one health and zoonotic diseases, autism research, and the opening general assembly—featuring U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy.\r\n\r\nThe sheer size of the APHA annual meeting was intimidating at times, but I was able to prepare ahead of time with business cards and a quick elevator speech. I had great conversations with representatives at the FDA and Alzheimer’s Association tables, and collected additional potential mentors from senior APHA members. I even sent a copy of my final presentation from TBMH 5054 Fundamentals of Immunity and Infectious Diseases class on “Personalizing Regulatory Science” to the FDA representative at her request! While it was useful to form a schedule of talks to attend each day, simply wandering around can also be fruitful as random conversations start in the coffee line and then you realize you’re talking to the president of a major patient advocacy group/funding organization with grant application pointers!','American Public Health Association Annual Meeting- Yeonwoo Lebovitz','','inherit','closed','open','','1071-revision-v1','','','2016-01-28 16:41:52','2016-01-28 16:41:52','',1071,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1071-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1147,8,'2016-01-28 16:46:08','2016-01-28 16:46:08','Name: Rebecca Elias\r\n\r\nRole: Doctoral Student\r\n\r\nProgram: Psychology\r\n\r\nMeeting: Columbia University Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders Externship (2015)\r\n\r\nI received a VT BEST Travel Award to attend a summer long clinical externship at Columbia University Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders in New York, NY.  As part of this clinical externship, I gained expertise in treating emerging adults with anxiety disorders by maintaining a heavy clinical caseload and contributing to a novel research protocol.  As part of my clinical caseload, I attended weekly supervision with medical professionals, saw individual patients, and lead group intervention.  As part of my research duties, I helped with the creation of a new evidence-based intervention for transitioning young adults with an anxiety disorder.\r\n\r\nI worked with a collaborative team of Clinical Psychologists, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists, and medical center administrators who served patients in the broad New York City area.  I was fortunate to gain intimate experience about the inner workings of a major medical center, Columbia University Medical Center/NY Presbyterian Hospital, by attending Child Psychiatry resident lectures, clinical grand rounds, and weekly didactic training from respected and accomplished mentors in the field.\r\n\r\nI learned a great deal professionally and personally.  Professionally, I was mentored by a wonderful team who taught me invaluable skills about being a skilled clinician, medical professional, and researcher.  I also attended specialized training sessions by renowned faculty which was invaluable to my professional goals.  Personally, I got to treat diverse patients in a region much different than Blacksburg/Roanoke.  I also got to experience a different professional setting, helping me understand the many professional options available post-graduate school.\r\n\r\nI am extremely grateful for the VT BEST Travel Award, as it granted me the opportunity to attend a truly wonderful summer-long training opportunity.','Columbia University Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders Externship- Rebecca Elias','','publish','closed','open','','elias','','','2016-01-28 16:46:21','2016-01-28 16:46:21','',0,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/?page_id=1147',0,'page','',0),(1148,8,'2016-01-28 16:46:08','2016-01-28 16:46:08','Name: Rebecca Elias\r\n\r\nRole: Doctoral Student\r\n\r\nProgram: Psychology\r\n\r\nMeeting: Columbia University Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders Externship (2015)\r\n\r\nI received a VT BEST Travel Award to attend a summer long clinical externship at Columbia University Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders in New York, NY.  As part of this clinical externship, I gained expertise in treating emerging adults with anxiety disorders by maintaining a heavy clinical caseload and contributing to a novel research protocol.  As part of my clinical caseload, I attended weekly supervision with medical professionals, saw individual patients, and lead group intervention.  As part of my research duties, I helped with the creation of a new evidence-based intervention for transitioning young adults with an anxiety disorder.\r\n\r\nI worked with a collaborative team of Clinical Psychologists, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists, and medical center administrators who served patients in the broad New York City area.  I was fortunate to gain intimate experience about the inner workings of a major medical center, Columbia University Medical Center/NY Presbyterian Hospital, by attending Child Psychiatry resident lectures, clinical grand rounds, and weekly didactic training from respected and accomplished mentors in the field.\r\n\r\nI learned a great deal professionally and personally.  Professionally, I was mentored by a wonderful team who taught me invaluable skills about being a skilled clinician, medical professional, and researcher.  I also attended specialized training sessions by renowned faculty which was invaluable to my professional goals.  Personally, I got to treat diverse patients in a region much different than Blacksburg/Roanoke.  I also got to experience a different professional setting, helping me understand the many professional options available post-graduate school.\r\n\r\nI am extremely grateful for the VT BEST Travel Award, as it granted me the opportunity to attend a truly wonderful summer-long training opportunity.','Columbia University Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders Externship- Rebecca Elias','','inherit','closed','open','','1147-revision-v1','','','2016-01-28 16:46:08','2016-01-28 16:46:08','',1147,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1147-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1149,8,'2016-01-28 16:47:35','2016-01-28 16:47:35','<b>Here are some thoughtful perspectives on how the BEST program is enhancing the career development opportunities at Virginia Tech:</b>\r\n\r\n<strong>VT BEST Travel Awards</strong>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"American Public Health Association Meeting- Yeonwoo Lebovitz\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/yeonwoo/\">American Public Health Association Annual Meeting- Yeonwoo Lebovitz</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Columbia University Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders Externship\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/elias/\">Columbia University Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders Externship </a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"National Institutes of Health Career Symposium- Aboozar Monavarfeshani\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/monavarfeshani/\">National Institutes of Health Career Symposium- Aboozar Monavarfeshani</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Society of Women Engineers Annual Conference- Emily Ongstad\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/society/ \">Society of Women Engineers Annual Conference- Emily Ongstad </a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Society for Neuroscience Conference- Lauren Kennedy\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/neuroscience/\">Society for Neuroscience Conference- Lauren Kennedy</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>BESTimonials</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Iris Vilares, PhD (Postdoctoral Fellow, Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute)</strong>\r\n\r\n“The BEST program has been giving me valuable insights into the various different paths where my academic training can take me, both inside and outside of academia. The professional development classes range from serious (what purpose do you want to make for your life?) to fun and interactive (e.g. jump around making funny gestures and sounds to understand the importance of spontaneity when giving a lecture). Overall it has been a very useful and gratifying experience.”\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Gregorio Valdez, PhD (Assistant Professor, Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute and Dept of Biological Sciences)</strong>\r\n\r\n“I was pleasantly surprised one day to have my trainee initiate a frank discussion about career goals and mentorship following her attendance at a BEST workshop on IDPs. While I always try to keep good lines of communication with my trainees, it was clear the workshop encouraged her to give deeper thought regarding the best path towards achieving her long-term goals, and prompted a discussion that ultimately allowed us to more efficiently structure her project towards mutually beneficial goals and timelines.\"\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Kevin Pridham, PhD candidate (First Year Graduate Student, Translational Biology Medicine and Health program)</strong>\r\n\r\n“The BEST program has been helpful in showing me various career options outside of academia. It has also allowed me to appreciate and begin to understand the challenges of intellectual property in science.”\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Meghna Verma, PhD candidate (First Year Graduate Student, Translational Biology Medicine and Health program)</strong>\r\n\r\n“The BEST program is very different from the traditional graduate coursework, focusing on overall professional development that is not limited only to classroom teaching. The program covers a variety of domains that range from tips on grant writing, knowledge about intellectual property and patent filing and the use of <em>myIDP software - </em>a smart aid for smart planning of your career goals.”\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Yeonwoo Lebovitz, PhD candidate (First Year Graduate Student, Translational Biology Medicine and Health program)</strong>\r\n\r\nThe BEST program at Virginia Tech grants us direct access to individuals who work in a wide variety of biomedical research settings, including those in career paths we never knew existed. In addition to speaker seminars and developing new networking contacts, the BEST program is helping us assemble a professional toolkit with skills that are harder to come by, such as communication, entrepreneurship, and advocacy. I feel like we have been given a leg-up to pursue research careers in spite of future economic uncertainties.\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Cameron Varano, PhD candidate (First Year Graduate Student, Translational Biology Medicine and Health program)</strong>\r\n\r\n“I appreciate how the BEST program has helped to and continues to mold my complete development as a young researcher. The training I receive in the lab has built my technical skills, but it is the addition of the BEST program which has developed my communication skills. Furthermore, my perspective on my career path has been broadened to include those opportunities beyond academia.”\r\n\r\n**','CAREER BLOGS','','inherit','closed','open','','1047-revision-v1','','','2016-01-28 16:47:35','2016-01-28 16:47:35','',1047,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1047-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1150,8,'2016-02-01 16:25:31','2016-02-01 16:25:31','This event is for all VT students.','VT Event: Resume 101','','publish','closed','open','','vt-event-resume-101','','','2016-02-01 16:25:31','2016-02-01 16:25:31','',0,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/?post_type=tribe_events&#038;p=1150',0,'tribe_events','',0),(1151,8,'2016-02-01 16:28:43','2016-02-01 16:28:43','For information about VT\'s additional federal events, please click <a title=\"here\" href=\"http://www.career.vt.edu/Events/FederalJobSearchWorkshopsSpring2016.html\">here</a>.','VT Event: Federal Employment and Internships Workshop','','publish','closed','open','','vt-event-federal-employment-and-internships-workshop','','','2016-02-01 16:29:04','2016-02-01 16:29:04','',0,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/?post_type=tribe_events&#038;p=1151',0,'tribe_events','',0),(1152,8,'2016-02-01 16:30:53','2016-02-01 16:30:53','This event is for all Virginia Tech students.','VT Event: LinkedIn Lab','','publish','closed','open','','vt-event-linkedin-lab','','','2016-02-01 16:30:53','2016-02-01 16:30:53','',0,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/?post_type=tribe_events&#038;p=1152',0,'tribe_events','',0),(1153,8,'2016-02-01 16:37:30','2016-02-01 16:37:30','Over 130 employers will be on campus recruiting for internships, co-ops, &amp; full-time positions.\r\n\r\nStudents from all colleges, both undergraduate and graduate, and alumni are invited to attend.\r\n\r\nFor more information, please click <a title=\"here\" href=\"http://www.career.vt.edu/Events/Spring2016-100days-flyer.png\">here</a>.','VT Event: 2016 Spring Connection Job Fair','','publish','closed','open','','vt-event-2016-spring-connection-job-fair','','','2016-02-01 16:38:16','2016-02-01 16:38:16','',0,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/?post_type=tribe_events&#038;p=1153',0,'tribe_events','',0),(1154,8,'2016-02-01 16:40:22','2016-02-01 16:40:22','Not sure your interviewing skills are the best? Learn key steps to succeed in your next interview.\r\n\r\nWe will share tips to ensure you enter an interview with your best foot forward. For more information, please click <a title=\"here\" href=\"http://www.career.vt.edu/Events/Spring2016-100days-flyer.png\">here</a>.','VT Event: Tune up Your Interviewing Skills','','publish','closed','open','','vt-event-tune-up-your-interviewing-skills','','','2016-02-01 16:40:41','2016-02-01 16:40:41','',0,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/?post_type=tribe_events&#038;p=1154',0,'tribe_events','',0),(1155,8,'2016-02-01 16:42:39','2016-02-01 16:42:39','Do you know your worth? Discover how to compare offers, and how to boldly negotiate your starting salary. For more information, please click <a title=\"here\" href=\"http://www.career.vt.edu/Events/Spring2016-100days-flyer.png\">here</a>.','VT Event- The Final Piece: Evaluating and Negotiating Offers','','publish','closed','open','','vt-event-the-final-piece-evaluating-and-negotiating-offers','','','2016-02-01 16:42:39','2016-02-01 16:42:39','',0,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/?post_type=tribe_events&#038;p=1155',0,'tribe_events','',0),(1156,8,'2016-02-01 16:52:58','2016-02-01 16:52:58','For more information, please click <a title=\"here\" href=\"http://www.career.vt.edu/Events/Events.html#April\">here</a>.','VT Event: Jobs and Internships Search','','publish','closed','open','','vt-event-jobs-and-internships-search','','','2016-02-01 16:52:58','2016-02-01 16:52:58','',0,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/?post_type=tribe_events&#038;p=1156',0,'tribe_events','',0),(1157,8,'2016-02-05 14:31:55','2016-02-05 14:31:55','<div id=\"intro\"><span class=\"double-line\"> </span>\r\n<h1>The BEST Program supports two types of internship opportunities: \"Mini-internships\" and \"Internships\"</h1>\r\n<span class=\"double-line\"> </span>\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\"><strong>\"Mini-internships\"</strong></h1>\r\n<span class=\"double-line\"> </span>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/iStock_000006387364Small1.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-101\" src=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/iStock_000006387364Small1-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"Bureau\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" /></a>Mini-internships are a time-efficient way to experience and learn about careers beyond academic research, such as science policy, biotechnology, intellectual property, science communications, and health care. These often involve a visit to the “mini-internship” host site, and activities, tours, or projects designed to inform trainees on the nature of the profession, important challenges in the field, and required skills. Trainees may participate in one or more mini-internships, the majority of which will require a commitment of between 1 and 7 days.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\"><strong>“Internships”</strong></h1>\r\n<span class=\"double-line\"> </span>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/iStock_15923980Medium.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-15\" src=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/iStock_15923980Medium-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"iStock_15923980Medium\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a>The BEST program will also facilitate matching students to internships of longer durations as they come available, and will provide a limited number of travel stipends to attend internships outside the Roanoke-Blacksburg region. If you have already identified an internship and would like to apply for a travel stipend, please fill out our <a title=\"BEST Travel Awards\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/best-travel-awards/\">BEST Travel Award application</a>. A programming committee will determine if the internship meets the program goals.\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\"></h1>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\"></h1>\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\">Program Details</h1>\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\"><span class=\"double-line\"> </span></h1>\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Location:</span> Mini-internships and internships will be offered at companies or organizations with a biomedical or health focus. Some of these internships will be located at Virginia Tech facilities in Blacksburg and Roanoke, VA, the Corporate Research Center in Blacksburg, VA, or Virginia Tech facilities in the National Capital Region in Washington, D.C.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Trainee Commitment</span>:  Upon completion of the mini-internship or internship, trainees will complete a short questionnaire to evaluate the quality and appropriateness of the particular experience; this survey should take 10 minutes to complete. Trainees will also take the annual BEST Survey at the end of their experiences that should take less than 30 minutes to complete. This BEST survey will be issued annually for 10 years.\r\n\r\n<strong><a class=\"button\" style=\"background-color: b07e19;\">SIGN UP</a></strong>\r\n\r\n<em>We are currently building our internship database. A sign-up sheet will be posted once these internship activities are available.  Individuals and organizations interested in hosting internships may sign up <a title=\"Partner Sign Up\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/partner/\">here</a>.</em>','INTERNSHIPS','','inherit','closed','open','','34-revision-v1','','','2016-02-05 14:31:55','2016-02-05 14:31:55','',34,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/34-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1159,8,'2016-02-08 20:19:34','2016-02-08 20:19:34','Name: Katharina Sewart\r\n\r\nRole: Doctoral Student\r\n\r\nProgram: Biological Sciences\r\n\r\nMeeting: American Society for Cell Biology Mini Course\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe course took place the day before the Annual Meeting of the ASCB in San Diego in December 2015. The aim of the course was to inform advanced graduate students as well as postdocs how to basically plan a transition into industry. The first half of the day was used to discuss two case studies of bioscience start-up companies and how and why they made their decisions the way they did it. This helped to get an idea of the bioscience business, industry dynamics and commercialization processes.\r\n\r\nFor me, the maybe most informative part of the course was the networking lunch. They invited several scientists from regional biotech companies (small and large) and we had time to connect with them and ask them questions. They told us about their own career paths, how one should approach job applications and what to expect from working in an industry setting.\r\n\r\nThe last part was about the “Business of Science”, where we learned how to evaluate ourselves and match our skills to the requirements stated in job descriptions. We generally got many tools in hand how to prepare and present ourselves during the application process.\r\n\r\nAll in all, this course is very valuable for everyone coming out of the academic setting to get a better understanding of how the biotech industry works, what the companies expect from the applicants and how to present yourself to be competitive.','American Society for Cell Biology Mini Course- Katharina Sewart','','publish','closed','open','','sewart','','','2016-02-08 20:22:54','2016-02-08 20:22:54','',0,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/?page_id=1159',0,'page','',0),(1160,8,'2016-02-08 20:19:34','2016-02-08 20:19:34','The course took place the day before the Annual Meeting of the ASCB in San Diego in December 2015. The aim of the course was to inform advanced graduate students as well as postdocs how to basically plan a transition into industry. The first half of the day was used to discuss two case studies of bioscience start-up companies and how and why they made their decisions the way they did it. This helped to get an idea of the bioscience business, industry dynamics and commercialization processes.\r\n\r\nFor me, the maybe most informative part of the course was the networking lunch. They invited several scientists from regional biotech companies (small and large) and we had time to connect with them and ask them questions. They told us about their own career paths, how one should approach job applications and what to expect from working in an industry setting.\r\n\r\nThe last part was about the “Business of Science”, where we learned how to evaluate ourselves and match our skills to the requirements stated in job descriptions. We generally got many tools in hand how to prepare and present ourselves during the application process.\r\n\r\nAll in all, this course is very valuable for everyone coming out of the academic setting to get a better understanding of how the biotech industry works, what the companies expect from the applicants and how to present yourself to be competitive.','American Society for Cell Biology- Katharina Sewart','','inherit','closed','open','','1159-revision-v1','','','2016-02-08 20:19:34','2016-02-08 20:19:34','',1159,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1159-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1161,8,'2016-02-08 20:21:34','2016-02-08 20:21:34','<b>Here are some thoughtful perspectives on how the BEST program is enhancing the career development opportunities at Virginia Tech:</b>\r\n\r\n<strong>VT BEST Travel Awards</strong>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"American Public Health Association Meeting- Yeonwoo Lebovitz\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/yeonwoo/\">American Public Health Association Annual Meeting- Yeonwoo Lebovitz</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"American Society for Cell Biology Mini Course- Katharina Sewart\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/sewart/\">American Society for Cell Biology Mini Course- Katharina Sewart</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Columbia University Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders Externship\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/elias/\">Columbia University Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders Externship </a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"National Institutes of Health Career Symposium- Aboozar Monavarfeshani\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/monavarfeshani/\">National Institutes of Health Career Symposium- Aboozar Monavarfeshani</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Society of Women Engineers Annual Conference- Emily Ongstad\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/society/ \">Society of Women Engineers Annual Conference- Emily Ongstad </a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Society for Neuroscience Conference- Lauren Kennedy\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/neuroscience/\">Society for Neuroscience Conference- Lauren Kennedy</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>BESTimonials</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Iris Vilares, PhD (Postdoctoral Fellow, Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute)</strong>\r\n\r\n“The BEST program has been giving me valuable insights into the various different paths where my academic training can take me, both inside and outside of academia. The professional development classes range from serious (what purpose do you want to make for your life?) to fun and interactive (e.g. jump around making funny gestures and sounds to understand the importance of spontaneity when giving a lecture). Overall it has been a very useful and gratifying experience.”\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Gregorio Valdez, PhD (Assistant Professor, Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute and Dept of Biological Sciences)</strong>\r\n\r\n“I was pleasantly surprised one day to have my trainee initiate a frank discussion about career goals and mentorship following her attendance at a BEST workshop on IDPs. While I always try to keep good lines of communication with my trainees, it was clear the workshop encouraged her to give deeper thought regarding the best path towards achieving her long-term goals, and prompted a discussion that ultimately allowed us to more efficiently structure her project towards mutually beneficial goals and timelines.\"\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Kevin Pridham, PhD candidate (First Year Graduate Student, Translational Biology Medicine and Health program)</strong>\r\n\r\n“The BEST program has been helpful in showing me various career options outside of academia. It has also allowed me to appreciate and begin to understand the challenges of intellectual property in science.”\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Meghna Verma, PhD candidate (First Year Graduate Student, Translational Biology Medicine and Health program)</strong>\r\n\r\n“The BEST program is very different from the traditional graduate coursework, focusing on overall professional development that is not limited only to classroom teaching. The program covers a variety of domains that range from tips on grant writing, knowledge about intellectual property and patent filing and the use of <em>myIDP software - </em>a smart aid for smart planning of your career goals.”\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Yeonwoo Lebovitz, PhD candidate (First Year Graduate Student, Translational Biology Medicine and Health program)</strong>\r\n\r\nThe BEST program at Virginia Tech grants us direct access to individuals who work in a wide variety of biomedical research settings, including those in career paths we never knew existed. In addition to speaker seminars and developing new networking contacts, the BEST program is helping us assemble a professional toolkit with skills that are harder to come by, such as communication, entrepreneurship, and advocacy. I feel like we have been given a leg-up to pursue research careers in spite of future economic uncertainties.\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Cameron Varano, PhD candidate (First Year Graduate Student, Translational Biology Medicine and Health program)</strong>\r\n\r\n“I appreciate how the BEST program has helped to and continues to mold my complete development as a young researcher. The training I receive in the lab has built my technical skills, but it is the addition of the BEST program which has developed my communication skills. Furthermore, my perspective on my career path has been broadened to include those opportunities beyond academia.”\r\n\r\n**','CAREER BLOGS','','inherit','closed','open','','1047-revision-v1','','','2016-02-08 20:21:34','2016-02-08 20:21:34','',1047,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1047-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1162,8,'2016-02-08 20:22:54','2016-02-08 20:22:54','Name: Katharina Sewart\r\n\r\nRole: Doctoral Student\r\n\r\nProgram: Biological Sciences\r\n\r\nMeeting: American Society for Cell Biology Mini Course\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe course took place the day before the Annual Meeting of the ASCB in San Diego in December 2015. The aim of the course was to inform advanced graduate students as well as postdocs how to basically plan a transition into industry. The first half of the day was used to discuss two case studies of bioscience start-up companies and how and why they made their decisions the way they did it. This helped to get an idea of the bioscience business, industry dynamics and commercialization processes.\r\n\r\nFor me, the maybe most informative part of the course was the networking lunch. They invited several scientists from regional biotech companies (small and large) and we had time to connect with them and ask them questions. They told us about their own career paths, how one should approach job applications and what to expect from working in an industry setting.\r\n\r\nThe last part was about the “Business of Science”, where we learned how to evaluate ourselves and match our skills to the requirements stated in job descriptions. We generally got many tools in hand how to prepare and present ourselves during the application process.\r\n\r\nAll in all, this course is very valuable for everyone coming out of the academic setting to get a better understanding of how the biotech industry works, what the companies expect from the applicants and how to present yourself to be competitive.','American Society for Cell Biology Mini Course- Katharina Sewart','','inherit','closed','open','','1159-revision-v1','','','2016-02-08 20:22:54','2016-02-08 20:22:54','',1159,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1159-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1163,8,'2016-02-08 20:28:13','2016-02-08 20:28:13','<b>Here are some thoughtful perspectives on how the BEST program is enhancing the career development opportunities at Virginia Tech:</b>\r\n\r\n<strong>VT BEST Travel Awards</strong>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"American Public Health Association Meeting- Yeonwoo Lebovitz\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/yeonwoo/\">American Public Health Association Annual Meeting- Yeonwoo Lebovitz</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"American Society for Cell Biology Mini Course- Katharina Sewart\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/sewart/\">American Society for Cell Biology Mini Course- Katharina Sewart</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Columbia University Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders Externship- Rebecca Elias\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/elias/\">Columbia University Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders Externship </a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"National Institutes of Health Career Symposium- Aboozar Monavarfeshani\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/monavarfeshani/\">National Institutes of Health Career Symposium- Aboozar Monavarfeshani</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Society of Women Engineers Annual Conference- Emily Ongstad\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/society/ \">Society of Women Engineers Annual Conference- Emily Ongstad </a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Society for Neuroscience Conference- Lauren Kennedy\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/neuroscience/\">Society for Neuroscience Conference- Lauren Kennedy</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>BESTimonials</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Iris Vilares, PhD (Postdoctoral Fellow, Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute)</strong>\r\n\r\n“The BEST program has been giving me valuable insights into the various different paths where my academic training can take me, both inside and outside of academia. The professional development classes range from serious (what purpose do you want to make for your life?) to fun and interactive (e.g. jump around making funny gestures and sounds to understand the importance of spontaneity when giving a lecture). Overall it has been a very useful and gratifying experience.”\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Gregorio Valdez, PhD (Assistant Professor, Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute and Dept of Biological Sciences)</strong>\r\n\r\n“I was pleasantly surprised one day to have my trainee initiate a frank discussion about career goals and mentorship following her attendance at a BEST workshop on IDPs. While I always try to keep good lines of communication with my trainees, it was clear the workshop encouraged her to give deeper thought regarding the best path towards achieving her long-term goals, and prompted a discussion that ultimately allowed us to more efficiently structure her project towards mutually beneficial goals and timelines.\"\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Kevin Pridham, PhD candidate (First Year Graduate Student, Translational Biology Medicine and Health program)</strong>\r\n\r\n“The BEST program has been helpful in showing me various career options outside of academia. It has also allowed me to appreciate and begin to understand the challenges of intellectual property in science.”\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Meghna Verma, PhD candidate (First Year Graduate Student, Translational Biology Medicine and Health program)</strong>\r\n\r\n“The BEST program is very different from the traditional graduate coursework, focusing on overall professional development that is not limited only to classroom teaching. The program covers a variety of domains that range from tips on grant writing, knowledge about intellectual property and patent filing and the use of <em>myIDP software - </em>a smart aid for smart planning of your career goals.”\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Yeonwoo Lebovitz, PhD candidate (First Year Graduate Student, Translational Biology Medicine and Health program)</strong>\r\n\r\nThe BEST program at Virginia Tech grants us direct access to individuals who work in a wide variety of biomedical research settings, including those in career paths we never knew existed. In addition to speaker seminars and developing new networking contacts, the BEST program is helping us assemble a professional toolkit with skills that are harder to come by, such as communication, entrepreneurship, and advocacy. I feel like we have been given a leg-up to pursue research careers in spite of future economic uncertainties.\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Cameron Varano, PhD candidate (First Year Graduate Student, Translational Biology Medicine and Health program)</strong>\r\n\r\n“I appreciate how the BEST program has helped to and continues to mold my complete development as a young researcher. The training I receive in the lab has built my technical skills, but it is the addition of the BEST program which has developed my communication skills. Furthermore, my perspective on my career path has been broadened to include those opportunities beyond academia.”\r\n\r\n**','CAREER BLOGS','','inherit','closed','open','','1047-revision-v1','','','2016-02-08 20:28:13','2016-02-08 20:28:13','',1047,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1047-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1164,8,'2016-02-08 20:30:56','2016-02-08 20:30:56','<b>Here are some thoughtful perspectives on how the BEST program is enhancing the career development opportunities at Virginia Tech:</b>\r\n\r\n<strong>VT BEST Travel Awards</strong>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"American Public Health Association Meeting- Yeonwoo Lebovitz\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/yeonwoo/\">American Public Health Association Annual Meeting- Yeonwoo Lebovitz</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"American Society for Cell Biology Mini Course- Katharina Sewart\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/sewart/\">American Society for Cell Biology Mini Course- Katharina Sewart</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Columbia Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders Externship- Rebecca Elias\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/elias/\">Columbia University Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders Externship- Rebecca Elias</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"National Institutes of Health Career Symposium- Aboozar Monavarfeshani\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/monavarfeshani/\">National Institutes of Health Career Symposium- Aboozar Monavarfeshani</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Society of Women Engineers Annual Conference- Emily Ongstad\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/society/ \">Society of Women Engineers Annual Conference- Emily Ongstad </a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Society for Neuroscience Conference- Lauren Kennedy\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/neuroscience/\">Society for Neuroscience Conference- Lauren Kennedy</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>BESTimonials</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Iris Vilares, PhD (Postdoctoral Fellow, Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute)</strong>\r\n\r\n“The BEST program has been giving me valuable insights into the various different paths where my academic training can take me, both inside and outside of academia. The professional development classes range from serious (what purpose do you want to make for your life?) to fun and interactive (e.g. jump around making funny gestures and sounds to understand the importance of spontaneity when giving a lecture). Overall it has been a very useful and gratifying experience.”\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Gregorio Valdez, PhD (Assistant Professor, Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute and Dept of Biological Sciences)</strong>\r\n\r\n“I was pleasantly surprised one day to have my trainee initiate a frank discussion about career goals and mentorship following her attendance at a BEST workshop on IDPs. While I always try to keep good lines of communication with my trainees, it was clear the workshop encouraged her to give deeper thought regarding the best path towards achieving her long-term goals, and prompted a discussion that ultimately allowed us to more efficiently structure her project towards mutually beneficial goals and timelines.\"\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Kevin Pridham, PhD candidate (First Year Graduate Student, Translational Biology Medicine and Health program)</strong>\r\n\r\n“The BEST program has been helpful in showing me various career options outside of academia. It has also allowed me to appreciate and begin to understand the challenges of intellectual property in science.”\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Meghna Verma, PhD candidate (First Year Graduate Student, Translational Biology Medicine and Health program)</strong>\r\n\r\n“The BEST program is very different from the traditional graduate coursework, focusing on overall professional development that is not limited only to classroom teaching. The program covers a variety of domains that range from tips on grant writing, knowledge about intellectual property and patent filing and the use of <em>myIDP software - </em>a smart aid for smart planning of your career goals.”\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Yeonwoo Lebovitz, PhD candidate (First Year Graduate Student, Translational Biology Medicine and Health program)</strong>\r\n\r\nThe BEST program at Virginia Tech grants us direct access to individuals who work in a wide variety of biomedical research settings, including those in career paths we never knew existed. In addition to speaker seminars and developing new networking contacts, the BEST program is helping us assemble a professional toolkit with skills that are harder to come by, such as communication, entrepreneurship, and advocacy. I feel like we have been given a leg-up to pursue research careers in spite of future economic uncertainties.\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Cameron Varano, PhD candidate (First Year Graduate Student, Translational Biology Medicine and Health program)</strong>\r\n\r\n“I appreciate how the BEST program has helped to and continues to mold my complete development as a young researcher. The training I receive in the lab has built my technical skills, but it is the addition of the BEST program which has developed my communication skills. Furthermore, my perspective on my career path has been broadened to include those opportunities beyond academia.”\r\n\r\n**','CAREER BLOGS','','inherit','closed','open','','1047-revision-v1','','','2016-02-08 20:30:56','2016-02-08 20:30:56','',1047,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1047-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1165,8,'2016-02-08 20:55:26','2016-02-08 20:55:26','This event will be held in the Graduate Life Center Multipurpose Room. Registration is required. For more information, please click <a title=\"here\" href=\"https://blogs.lt.vt.edu/graduateschoolnews/2016/02/03/professional-development-series-at-the-glc/\">here</a>.','VT Event: Speed Interviewing','','publish','closed','open','','vt-event-interviewing-skills','','','2016-02-08 21:04:39','2016-02-08 21:04:39','',0,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/?post_type=tribe_events&#038;p=1165',0,'tribe_events','',0),(1166,8,'2016-02-08 21:00:03','2016-02-08 21:00:03','','VT Graduate Life Center- Multipurpose Room','','publish','closed','open','','vt-graduate-life-center-multipurpose-room','','','2016-02-08 21:00:03','2016-02-08 21:00:03','',0,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/venue/vt-graduate-life-center-multipurpose-room/',0,'tribe_venue','',0),(1167,8,'2016-02-08 21:02:53','2016-02-08 21:02:53','This event will be held at the Graduate Life Center Multipurpose Room. Registration is required. For more information, please click <a title=\"here\" href=\"https://blogs.lt.vt.edu/graduateschoolnews/2016/02/03/professional-development-series-at-the-glc/\">here</a>.','VT Event: Dining Etiquette','','publish','closed','open','','vt-event-dining-etiquette','','','2016-02-08 21:05:21','2016-02-08 21:05:21','',0,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/?post_type=tribe_events&#038;p=1167',0,'tribe_events','',0),(1168,8,'2016-02-08 21:09:41','2016-02-08 21:09:41','This event will be held at the Graduate Life Center, Room B. Registration is required. For more information, please click <a title=\"here\" href=\"https://blogs.lt.vt.edu/graduateschoolnews/2016/02/03/professional-development-series-at-the-glc/\">here</a>.','VT Event: Mingle Like You Mean It','','publish','closed','open','','vt-event-mingle-like-you-mean-it','','','2016-02-08 21:09:55','2016-02-08 21:09:55','',0,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/?post_type=tribe_events&#038;p=1168',0,'tribe_events','',0),(1169,8,'2016-02-08 21:09:41','2016-02-08 21:09:41','','VT Graduate Life Center- Room B','','publish','closed','open','','vt-graduate-life-center-room-b','','','2016-02-08 21:09:41','2016-02-08 21:09:41','',0,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/venue/vt-graduate-life-center-room-b/',0,'tribe_venue','',0),(1170,8,'2016-02-08 21:13:31','2016-02-08 21:13:31','This event will be held at the Graduate Life Center, Room C. Registration is required. For more information, please click <a title=\"here\" href=\"https://blogs.lt.vt.edu/graduateschoolnews/2016/02/03/professional-development-series-at-the-glc/\">here</a>.','VT Event: The Art of Effective Communication','','publish','closed','open','','vt-event-the-art-of-effective-communication','','','2016-02-08 21:13:31','2016-02-08 21:13:31','',0,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/?post_type=tribe_events&#038;p=1170',0,'tribe_events','',0),(1171,8,'2016-02-08 21:13:31','2016-02-08 21:13:31','','VT Graduate Life Center- Room C','','publish','closed','open','','vt-graduate-life-center-room-c','','','2016-02-08 21:13:31','2016-02-08 21:13:31','',0,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/venue/vt-graduate-life-center-room-c/',0,'tribe_venue','',0),(1173,8,'2016-02-08 21:15:13','2016-02-08 21:15:13','This event will be held at the Graduate Life Center, Room B. Registration is required. For more information, please click <a title=\"here\" href=\"https://blogs.lt.vt.edu/graduateschoolnews/2016/02/03/professional-development-series-at-the-glc/\">here</a>.','VT Event: Distilling Your Message','','publish','closed','open','','vt-event-distilling-your-message','','','2016-02-08 21:28:14','2016-02-08 21:28:14','',0,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/?post_type=tribe_events&#038;p=1173',0,'tribe_events','',0),(1175,8,'2016-02-17 19:48:12','2016-02-17 19:48:12','The 9th annual <a href=\"https://www.vabio.org/events/register.aspx?id=773119&amp;itemid=88d9a882-50e0-4441-966c-155971e2c7e0\" target=\"_blank\">Life Science Forum</a> <em>of Southwest Virginia</em> is being held Thursday, April 7, 2016 (5:30 – 8:30 p.m.) at the <a href=\"http://research.vtc.vt.edu/\" target=\"_blank\">Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute</a>. Presented by the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council and the Virginia Biotechnology Association, this event is a prime opportunity to meet other innovators from the region, get some new cutting-edge ideas and maybe even come up with a collaboration or two. There will be appetizers and refreshments along with a poster session featuring representatives of academic, industry and nonprofit  technology organizations.\r\n\r\nTopics will include:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Bio/life sciences</li>\r\n	<li>Chemistry/materials sciences</li>\r\n	<li>Nanotechnology and engineering</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nInterested in presenting a poster? Space is limited, register by April 1st.\r\nQuestions? Contact: Caron Trumbo at 804-643-6360\r\n\r\n<strong>This event is free but registration is required.</strong>\r\n\r\nFor more information, please click <a title=\"here\" href=\"https://rbtc.tech/2016/02/life-science-forum-april-7/\">here</a>.','VT Event: 9th Annual Life Science Forum of Southwest Virginia','','publish','closed','open','','9th-annual-life-science-forum-of-southwest-virginia','','','2016-06-06 19:21:32','2016-06-06 19:21:32','',0,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/?post_type=tribe_events&#038;p=1175',0,'tribe_events','',0),(1176,8,'2016-02-17 19:49:06','2016-02-17 19:49:06','','Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute','','publish','closed','open','','virginia-tech-carilion-research-institute-3','','','2016-02-17 19:49:06','2016-02-17 19:49:06','',0,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/venue/virginia-tech-carilion-research-institute-3/',0,'tribe_venue','',0),(1178,8,'2016-02-23 15:41:57','2016-02-23 15:41:57','<span class=\"OrangeAlert\">For students interested in federal jobs and internships</span>\r\n<strong>Go Government: How to Stand Out in the Application Process </strong>\r\nA strong resume is essential to land a job with the government. Learn tips you can use to market yourself and stand out from other applicants.\r\nFor more information, please click <a title=\"here\" href=\"http://www.career.vt.edu/Events/FederalJobSearchWorkshopsSpring2016.html\">here</a>.','VT  Event for Students Interested in Federal Jobs and Internships- Go Government: How to Stand Out in the Application Process','','publish','closed','open','','vt-event-for-students-interested-in-federal-jobs-and-internships-go-government-how-to-stand-out-in-the-application-process','','','2016-02-23 15:44:00','2016-02-23 15:44:00','',0,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/?post_type=tribe_events&#038;p=1178',0,'tribe_events','',0),(1181,8,'2016-03-15 12:49:40','2016-03-15 12:49:40','Name: Amara Greer-Short\r\n\r\nRole: Doctoral Student\r\n\r\nProgram: Biomedical Engineering\r\n\r\nMeeting: 2015 National Institutes of Health Career Symposium\r\n\r\nI was able to attend the 2015 NIH Career Symposium this past May thanks to the BEST program.  The symposium provided a number of presentations on a variety of science-related careers that were available to graduate students and post-docs, and the audience was able to engage with a panel of experts from these specific career paths.  It was interesting to learn the diverse ways the individuals in the panel for  Careers in Industry and R&amp;D had transitioned from post-docs to a scientist within industry.  A couple of individuals took a post-doc position within industry and then transitioned to a full scientist within that company.  Others had made contacts at scientific conferences and heard of the openings through their network.  And one other actually applied to an online ad without any contacts within that company, but made a great initial impression in her cover letter. Interestingly, some career paths allowed graduate students to directly transition instead of requiring a post-doc position first.  The Industry Operations, Quality Control, and Regulatory Affairs Jobs was one career path that allowed graduate students to directly transition.  Attendees were also given the opportunity to network with key individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds. I also learned tips for interviewing, how to use LinkedIn to engage my career network, and ways to approach USAjobs.gov.  I was able to interact with many graduate students and post-docs during the symposium, and we discussed the different career paths that we were considering as well as the benefits and disadvantages associated with those careers .  Overall, this was an excellent experience that I highly recommend to students and post-docs.','National Institutes of Health Career Symposium- Amara Greer-Short','','publish','closed','open','','nih-symposium','','','2016-03-15 12:56:47','2016-03-15 12:56:47','',0,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/?page_id=1181',0,'page','',0),(1182,8,'2016-03-15 12:49:40','2016-03-15 12:49:40','Name: Amara Greer-Short\r\n\r\nRole: Doctoral Student\r\n\r\nProgram: Biomedical Engineering\r\n\r\nMeeting: 2015 NIH Career Symposium\r\n\r\nI was able to attend the 2015 NIH Career Symposium this past May thanks to the BEST program.  The symposium provided a number of presentations on a variety of science-related careers that were available to graduate students and post-docs, and the audience was able to engage with a panel of experts from these specific career paths.  It was interesting to learn the diverse ways the individuals in the panel for  Careers in Industry and R&amp;D had transitioned from post-docs to a scientist within industry.  A couple of individuals took a post-doc position within industry and then transitioned to a full scientist within that company.  Others had made contacts at scientific conferences and heard of the openings through their network.  And one other actually applied to an online ad without any contacts within that company, but made a great initial impression in her cover letter. Interestingly, some career paths allowed graduate students to directly transition instead of requiring a post-doc position first.  The Industry Operations, Quality Control, and Regulatory Affairs Jobs was one career path that allowed graduate students to directly transition.  Attendees were also given the opportunity to network with key individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds. I also learned tips for interviewing, how to use LinkedIn to engage my career network, and ways to approach USAjobs.gov.  I was able to interact with many graduate students and post-docs during the symposium, and we discussed the different career paths that we were considering as well as the benefits and disadvantages associated with those careers .  Overall, this was an excellent experience that I highly recommend to students and post-docs.','2015 NIH Career Symposium- Amara Greer-Short','','inherit','closed','open','','1181-revision-v1','','','2016-03-15 12:49:40','2016-03-15 12:49:40','',1181,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1181-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1183,8,'2016-03-15 12:51:08','2016-03-15 12:51:08','<b>Here are some thoughtful perspectives on how the BEST program is enhancing the career development opportunities at Virginia Tech:</b>\r\n\r\n<strong>VT BEST Travel Awards</strong>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"2015 National Institutes of Health Career Symposium- Amara Greer-Short\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/nih-symposium/\">2015 National Institutes of Health Career Symposium- Amara Greer-Short</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"American Public Health Association Meeting- Yeonwoo Lebovitz\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/yeonwoo/\">American Public Health Association Annual Meeting- Yeonwoo Lebovitz</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"American Society for Cell Biology Mini Course- Katharina Sewart\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/sewart/\">American Society for Cell Biology Mini Course- Katharina Sewart</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Columbia Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders Externship- Rebecca Elias\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/elias/\">Columbia University Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders Externship- Rebecca Elias</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"National Institutes of Health Career Symposium- Aboozar Monavarfeshani\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/monavarfeshani/\">National Institutes of Health Career Symposium- Aboozar Monavarfeshani</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Society of Women Engineers Annual Conference- Emily Ongstad\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/society/ \">Society of Women Engineers Annual Conference- Emily Ongstad </a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Society for Neuroscience Conference- Lauren Kennedy\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/neuroscience/\">Society for Neuroscience Conference- Lauren Kennedy</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>BESTimonials</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Iris Vilares, PhD (Postdoctoral Fellow, Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute)</strong>\r\n\r\n“The BEST program has been giving me valuable insights into the various different paths where my academic training can take me, both inside and outside of academia. The professional development classes range from serious (what purpose do you want to make for your life?) to fun and interactive (e.g. jump around making funny gestures and sounds to understand the importance of spontaneity when giving a lecture). Overall it has been a very useful and gratifying experience.”\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Gregorio Valdez, PhD (Assistant Professor, Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute and Dept of Biological Sciences)</strong>\r\n\r\n“I was pleasantly surprised one day to have my trainee initiate a frank discussion about career goals and mentorship following her attendance at a BEST workshop on IDPs. While I always try to keep good lines of communication with my trainees, it was clear the workshop encouraged her to give deeper thought regarding the best path towards achieving her long-term goals, and prompted a discussion that ultimately allowed us to more efficiently structure her project towards mutually beneficial goals and timelines.\"\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Kevin Pridham, PhD candidate (First Year Graduate Student, Translational Biology Medicine and Health program)</strong>\r\n\r\n“The BEST program has been helpful in showing me various career options outside of academia. It has also allowed me to appreciate and begin to understand the challenges of intellectual property in science.”\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Meghna Verma, PhD candidate (First Year Graduate Student, Translational Biology Medicine and Health program)</strong>\r\n\r\n“The BEST program is very different from the traditional graduate coursework, focusing on overall professional development that is not limited only to classroom teaching. The program covers a variety of domains that range from tips on grant writing, knowledge about intellectual property and patent filing and the use of <em>myIDP software - </em>a smart aid for smart planning of your career goals.”\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Yeonwoo Lebovitz, PhD candidate (First Year Graduate Student, Translational Biology Medicine and Health program)</strong>\r\n\r\nThe BEST program at Virginia Tech grants us direct access to individuals who work in a wide variety of biomedical research settings, including those in career paths we never knew existed. In addition to speaker seminars and developing new networking contacts, the BEST program is helping us assemble a professional toolkit with skills that are harder to come by, such as communication, entrepreneurship, and advocacy. I feel like we have been given a leg-up to pursue research careers in spite of future economic uncertainties.\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Cameron Varano, PhD candidate (First Year Graduate Student, Translational Biology Medicine and Health program)</strong>\r\n\r\n“I appreciate how the BEST program has helped to and continues to mold my complete development as a young researcher. The training I receive in the lab has built my technical skills, but it is the addition of the BEST program which has developed my communication skills. Furthermore, my perspective on my career path has been broadened to include those opportunities beyond academia.”\r\n\r\n**','CAREER BLOGS','','inherit','closed','open','','1047-revision-v1','','','2016-03-15 12:51:08','2016-03-15 12:51:08','',1047,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1047-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1184,8,'2016-03-15 12:52:03','2016-03-15 12:52:03','Name: Amara Greer-Short\r\n\r\nRole: Doctoral Student\r\n\r\nProgram: Biomedical Engineering\r\n\r\nMeeting: 2015 National Institutes of Health Career Symposium\r\n\r\nI was able to attend the 2015 NIH Career Symposium this past May thanks to the BEST program.  The symposium provided a number of presentations on a variety of science-related careers that were available to graduate students and post-docs, and the audience was able to engage with a panel of experts from these specific career paths.  It was interesting to learn the diverse ways the individuals in the panel for  Careers in Industry and R&amp;D had transitioned from post-docs to a scientist within industry.  A couple of individuals took a post-doc position within industry and then transitioned to a full scientist within that company.  Others had made contacts at scientific conferences and heard of the openings through their network.  And one other actually applied to an online ad without any contacts within that company, but made a great initial impression in her cover letter. Interestingly, some career paths allowed graduate students to directly transition instead of requiring a post-doc position first.  The Industry Operations, Quality Control, and Regulatory Affairs Jobs was one career path that allowed graduate students to directly transition.  Attendees were also given the opportunity to network with key individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds. I also learned tips for interviewing, how to use LinkedIn to engage my career network, and ways to approach USAjobs.gov.  I was able to interact with many graduate students and post-docs during the symposium, and we discussed the different career paths that we were considering as well as the benefits and disadvantages associated with those careers .  Overall, this was an excellent experience that I highly recommend to students and post-docs.','2015 National Institutes of Health Career Symposium- Amara Greer-Short','','inherit','closed','open','','1181-revision-v1','','','2016-03-15 12:52:03','2016-03-15 12:52:03','',1181,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1181-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1185,8,'2016-03-15 12:53:39','2016-03-15 12:53:39','Name: Aboozar Monavarfeshani\r\n\r\nRole: Doctoral Student\r\n\r\nProgram: Biological Sciences\r\n\r\nMeeting: 2015 National Institutes of Health Career Symposium (2015)\r\n\r\nThanks to the Virginia Tech BEST program travel award I was able to attend the NIH career symposium in May 2015. This was my first time attending a career symposium and it was extremely beneficial in that it gave me insight into various career opportunities I was previously unaware of. Upon arriving at the symposium I was shocked to see how many people I would need to compete with in order to reach my career goals. After attending several discussion panels and learning about all of the opportunities I had ahead of me, I felt more confident that I could achieve my aspirations. I believe BEST program helped me to develop a better plan for my future and I hope other students can benefit from it as well.','2015 National Institutes of Health Career Symposium- Aboozar Monavarfeshani','','inherit','closed','open','','1137-revision-v1','','','2016-03-15 12:53:39','2016-03-15 12:53:39','',1137,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1137-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1186,8,'2016-03-15 12:54:55','2016-03-15 12:54:55','<b>Here are some thoughtful perspectives on how the BEST program is enhancing the career development opportunities at Virginia Tech:</b>\r\n\r\n<strong>VT BEST Travel Awards</strong>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"2015 National Institutes of Health Career Symposium- Amara Greer-Short\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/nih-symposium/\">2015 National Institutes of Health Career Symposium- Amara Greer-Short</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"American Public Health Association Meeting- Yeonwoo Lebovitz\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/yeonwoo/\">American Public Health Association Annual Meeting- Yeonwoo Lebovitz</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"American Society for Cell Biology Mini Course- Katharina Sewart\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/sewart/\">American Society for Cell Biology Mini Course- Katharina Sewart</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Columbia Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders Externship- Rebecca Elias\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/elias/\">Columbia University Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders Externship- Rebecca Elias</a>\r\n\r\n2015 <a title=\"2015 National Institutes of Health Career Symposium- Aboozar Monavarfeshani\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/monavarfeshani/\">National Institutes of Health Career Symposium- Aboozar Monavarfeshani</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Society of Women Engineers Annual Conference- Emily Ongstad\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/society/ \">Society of Women Engineers Annual Conference- Emily Ongstad </a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Society for Neuroscience Conference- Lauren Kennedy\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/neuroscience/\">Society for Neuroscience Conference- Lauren Kennedy</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>BESTimonials</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Iris Vilares, PhD (Postdoctoral Fellow, Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute)</strong>\r\n\r\n“The BEST program has been giving me valuable insights into the various different paths where my academic training can take me, both inside and outside of academia. The professional development classes range from serious (what purpose do you want to make for your life?) to fun and interactive (e.g. jump around making funny gestures and sounds to understand the importance of spontaneity when giving a lecture). Overall it has been a very useful and gratifying experience.”\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Gregorio Valdez, PhD (Assistant Professor, Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute and Dept of Biological Sciences)</strong>\r\n\r\n“I was pleasantly surprised one day to have my trainee initiate a frank discussion about career goals and mentorship following her attendance at a BEST workshop on IDPs. While I always try to keep good lines of communication with my trainees, it was clear the workshop encouraged her to give deeper thought regarding the best path towards achieving her long-term goals, and prompted a discussion that ultimately allowed us to more efficiently structure her project towards mutually beneficial goals and timelines.\"\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Kevin Pridham, PhD candidate (First Year Graduate Student, Translational Biology Medicine and Health program)</strong>\r\n\r\n“The BEST program has been helpful in showing me various career options outside of academia. It has also allowed me to appreciate and begin to understand the challenges of intellectual property in science.”\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Meghna Verma, PhD candidate (First Year Graduate Student, Translational Biology Medicine and Health program)</strong>\r\n\r\n“The BEST program is very different from the traditional graduate coursework, focusing on overall professional development that is not limited only to classroom teaching. The program covers a variety of domains that range from tips on grant writing, knowledge about intellectual property and patent filing and the use of <em>myIDP software - </em>a smart aid for smart planning of your career goals.”\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Yeonwoo Lebovitz, PhD candidate (First Year Graduate Student, Translational Biology Medicine and Health program)</strong>\r\n\r\nThe BEST program at Virginia Tech grants us direct access to individuals who work in a wide variety of biomedical research settings, including those in career paths we never knew existed. In addition to speaker seminars and developing new networking contacts, the BEST program is helping us assemble a professional toolkit with skills that are harder to come by, such as communication, entrepreneurship, and advocacy. I feel like we have been given a leg-up to pursue research careers in spite of future economic uncertainties.\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Cameron Varano, PhD candidate (First Year Graduate Student, Translational Biology Medicine and Health program)</strong>\r\n\r\n“I appreciate how the BEST program has helped to and continues to mold my complete development as a young researcher. The training I receive in the lab has built my technical skills, but it is the addition of the BEST program which has developed my communication skills. Furthermore, my perspective on my career path has been broadened to include those opportunities beyond academia.”\r\n\r\n**','CAREER BLOGS','','inherit','closed','open','','1047-revision-v1','','','2016-03-15 12:54:55','2016-03-15 12:54:55','',1047,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1047-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1187,8,'2016-03-15 12:55:14','2016-03-15 12:55:14','<b>Here are some thoughtful perspectives on how the BEST program is enhancing the career development opportunities at Virginia Tech:</b>\r\n\r\n<strong>VT BEST Travel Awards</strong>\r\n\r\n2015 <a title=\"2015 National Institutes of Health Career Symposium- Aboozar Monavarfeshani\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/monavarfeshani/\">National Institutes of Health Career Symposium- Aboozar Monavarfeshani</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"2015 National Institutes of Health Career Symposium- Amara Greer-Short\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/nih-symposium/\">2015 National Institutes of Health Career Symposium- Amara Greer-Short</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"American Public Health Association Meeting- Yeonwoo Lebovitz\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/yeonwoo/\">American Public Health Association Annual Meeting- Yeonwoo Lebovitz</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"American Society for Cell Biology Mini Course- Katharina Sewart\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/sewart/\">American Society for Cell Biology Mini Course- Katharina Sewart</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Columbia Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders Externship- Rebecca Elias\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/elias/\">Columbia University Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders Externship- Rebecca Elias</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Society of Women Engineers Annual Conference- Emily Ongstad\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/society/ \">Society of Women Engineers Annual Conference- Emily Ongstad </a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Society for Neuroscience Conference- Lauren Kennedy\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/neuroscience/\">Society for Neuroscience Conference- Lauren Kennedy</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>BESTimonials</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Iris Vilares, PhD (Postdoctoral Fellow, Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute)</strong>\r\n\r\n“The BEST program has been giving me valuable insights into the various different paths where my academic training can take me, both inside and outside of academia. The professional development classes range from serious (what purpose do you want to make for your life?) to fun and interactive (e.g. jump around making funny gestures and sounds to understand the importance of spontaneity when giving a lecture). Overall it has been a very useful and gratifying experience.”\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Gregorio Valdez, PhD (Assistant Professor, Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute and Dept of Biological Sciences)</strong>\r\n\r\n“I was pleasantly surprised one day to have my trainee initiate a frank discussion about career goals and mentorship following her attendance at a BEST workshop on IDPs. While I always try to keep good lines of communication with my trainees, it was clear the workshop encouraged her to give deeper thought regarding the best path towards achieving her long-term goals, and prompted a discussion that ultimately allowed us to more efficiently structure her project towards mutually beneficial goals and timelines.\"\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Kevin Pridham, PhD candidate (First Year Graduate Student, Translational Biology Medicine and Health program)</strong>\r\n\r\n“The BEST program has been helpful in showing me various career options outside of academia. It has also allowed me to appreciate and begin to understand the challenges of intellectual property in science.”\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Meghna Verma, PhD candidate (First Year Graduate Student, Translational Biology Medicine and Health program)</strong>\r\n\r\n“The BEST program is very different from the traditional graduate coursework, focusing on overall professional development that is not limited only to classroom teaching. The program covers a variety of domains that range from tips on grant writing, knowledge about intellectual property and patent filing and the use of <em>myIDP software - </em>a smart aid for smart planning of your career goals.”\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Yeonwoo Lebovitz, PhD candidate (First Year Graduate Student, Translational Biology Medicine and Health program)</strong>\r\n\r\nThe BEST program at Virginia Tech grants us direct access to individuals who work in a wide variety of biomedical research settings, including those in career paths we never knew existed. In addition to speaker seminars and developing new networking contacts, the BEST program is helping us assemble a professional toolkit with skills that are harder to come by, such as communication, entrepreneurship, and advocacy. I feel like we have been given a leg-up to pursue research careers in spite of future economic uncertainties.\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Cameron Varano, PhD candidate (First Year Graduate Student, Translational Biology Medicine and Health program)</strong>\r\n\r\n“I appreciate how the BEST program has helped to and continues to mold my complete development as a young researcher. The training I receive in the lab has built my technical skills, but it is the addition of the BEST program which has developed my communication skills. Furthermore, my perspective on my career path has been broadened to include those opportunities beyond academia.”\r\n\r\n**','CAREER BLOGS','','inherit','closed','open','','1047-revision-v1','','','2016-03-15 12:55:14','2016-03-15 12:55:14','',1047,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1047-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1188,8,'2016-03-15 12:55:42','2016-03-15 12:55:42','<b>Here are some thoughtful perspectives on how the BEST program is enhancing the career development opportunities at Virginia Tech:</b>\r\n\r\n<strong>VT BEST Travel Awards</strong>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"American Public Health Association Meeting- Yeonwoo Lebovitz\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/yeonwoo/\">American Public Health Association Annual Meeting- Yeonwoo Lebovitz</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"American Society for Cell Biology Mini Course- Katharina Sewart\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/sewart/\">American Society for Cell Biology Mini Course- Katharina Sewart</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Columbia Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders Externship- Rebecca Elias\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/elias/\">Columbia University Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders Externship- Rebecca Elias</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"2015 National Institutes of Health Career Symposium- Aboozar Monavarfeshani\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/monavarfeshani/\">National Institutes of Health Career Symposium- Aboozar Monavarfeshani</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"2015 National Institutes of Health Career Symposium- Amara Greer-Short\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/nih-symposium/\">National Institutes of Health Career Symposium- Amara Greer-Short</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Society of Women Engineers Annual Conference- Emily Ongstad\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/society/ \">Society of Women Engineers Annual Conference- Emily Ongstad </a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Society for Neuroscience Conference- Lauren Kennedy\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/neuroscience/\">Society for Neuroscience Conference- Lauren Kennedy</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>BESTimonials</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Iris Vilares, PhD (Postdoctoral Fellow, Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute)</strong>\r\n\r\n“The BEST program has been giving me valuable insights into the various different paths where my academic training can take me, both inside and outside of academia. The professional development classes range from serious (what purpose do you want to make for your life?) to fun and interactive (e.g. jump around making funny gestures and sounds to understand the importance of spontaneity when giving a lecture). Overall it has been a very useful and gratifying experience.”\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Gregorio Valdez, PhD (Assistant Professor, Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute and Dept of Biological Sciences)</strong>\r\n\r\n“I was pleasantly surprised one day to have my trainee initiate a frank discussion about career goals and mentorship following her attendance at a BEST workshop on IDPs. While I always try to keep good lines of communication with my trainees, it was clear the workshop encouraged her to give deeper thought regarding the best path towards achieving her long-term goals, and prompted a discussion that ultimately allowed us to more efficiently structure her project towards mutually beneficial goals and timelines.\"\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Kevin Pridham, PhD candidate (First Year Graduate Student, Translational Biology Medicine and Health program)</strong>\r\n\r\n“The BEST program has been helpful in showing me various career options outside of academia. It has also allowed me to appreciate and begin to understand the challenges of intellectual property in science.”\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Meghna Verma, PhD candidate (First Year Graduate Student, Translational Biology Medicine and Health program)</strong>\r\n\r\n“The BEST program is very different from the traditional graduate coursework, focusing on overall professional development that is not limited only to classroom teaching. The program covers a variety of domains that range from tips on grant writing, knowledge about intellectual property and patent filing and the use of <em>myIDP software - </em>a smart aid for smart planning of your career goals.”\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Yeonwoo Lebovitz, PhD candidate (First Year Graduate Student, Translational Biology Medicine and Health program)</strong>\r\n\r\nThe BEST program at Virginia Tech grants us direct access to individuals who work in a wide variety of biomedical research settings, including those in career paths we never knew existed. In addition to speaker seminars and developing new networking contacts, the BEST program is helping us assemble a professional toolkit with skills that are harder to come by, such as communication, entrepreneurship, and advocacy. I feel like we have been given a leg-up to pursue research careers in spite of future economic uncertainties.\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Cameron Varano, PhD candidate (First Year Graduate Student, Translational Biology Medicine and Health program)</strong>\r\n\r\n“I appreciate how the BEST program has helped to and continues to mold my complete development as a young researcher. The training I receive in the lab has built my technical skills, but it is the addition of the BEST program which has developed my communication skills. Furthermore, my perspective on my career path has been broadened to include those opportunities beyond academia.”\r\n\r\n**','CAREER BLOGS','','inherit','closed','open','','1047-revision-v1','','','2016-03-15 12:55:42','2016-03-15 12:55:42','',1047,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1047-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1189,8,'2016-03-15 12:56:32','2016-03-15 12:56:32','Name: Aboozar Monavarfeshani\r\n\r\nRole: Doctoral Student\r\n\r\nProgram: Biological Sciences\r\n\r\nMeeting: 2015 National Institutes of Health Career Symposium (2015)\r\n\r\nThanks to the Virginia Tech BEST program travel award I was able to attend the NIH career symposium in May 2015. This was my first time attending a career symposium and it was extremely beneficial in that it gave me insight into various career opportunities I was previously unaware of. Upon arriving at the symposium I was shocked to see how many people I would need to compete with in order to reach my career goals. After attending several discussion panels and learning about all of the opportunities I had ahead of me, I felt more confident that I could achieve my aspirations. I believe BEST program helped me to develop a better plan for my future and I hope other students can benefit from it as well.','National Institutes of Health Career Symposium- Aboozar Monavarfeshani','','inherit','closed','open','','1137-revision-v1','','','2016-03-15 12:56:32','2016-03-15 12:56:32','',1137,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1137-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1190,8,'2016-03-15 12:56:47','2016-03-15 12:56:47','Name: Amara Greer-Short\r\n\r\nRole: Doctoral Student\r\n\r\nProgram: Biomedical Engineering\r\n\r\nMeeting: 2015 National Institutes of Health Career Symposium\r\n\r\nI was able to attend the 2015 NIH Career Symposium this past May thanks to the BEST program.  The symposium provided a number of presentations on a variety of science-related careers that were available to graduate students and post-docs, and the audience was able to engage with a panel of experts from these specific career paths.  It was interesting to learn the diverse ways the individuals in the panel for  Careers in Industry and R&amp;D had transitioned from post-docs to a scientist within industry.  A couple of individuals took a post-doc position within industry and then transitioned to a full scientist within that company.  Others had made contacts at scientific conferences and heard of the openings through their network.  And one other actually applied to an online ad without any contacts within that company, but made a great initial impression in her cover letter. Interestingly, some career paths allowed graduate students to directly transition instead of requiring a post-doc position first.  The Industry Operations, Quality Control, and Regulatory Affairs Jobs was one career path that allowed graduate students to directly transition.  Attendees were also given the opportunity to network with key individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds. I also learned tips for interviewing, how to use LinkedIn to engage my career network, and ways to approach USAjobs.gov.  I was able to interact with many graduate students and post-docs during the symposium, and we discussed the different career paths that we were considering as well as the benefits and disadvantages associated with those careers .  Overall, this was an excellent experience that I highly recommend to students and post-docs.','National Institutes of Health Career Symposium- Amara Greer-Short','','inherit','closed','open','','1181-revision-v1','','','2016-03-15 12:56:47','2016-03-15 12:56:47','',1181,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1181-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1191,8,'2016-03-15 12:58:04','2016-03-15 12:58:04','<b>Here are some thoughtful perspectives on how the BEST program is enhancing the career development opportunities at Virginia Tech:</b>\r\n\r\n<strong>VT BEST Travel Awards</strong>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"American Public Health Association Meeting- Yeonwoo Lebovitz\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/yeonwoo/\">American Public Health Association Annual Meeting- Yeonwoo Lebovitz</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"American Society for Cell Biology Mini Course- Katharina Sewart\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/sewart/\">American Society for Cell Biology Mini Course- Katharina Sewart</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Columbia Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders Externship- Rebecca Elias\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/elias/\">Columbia University Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders Externship- Rebecca Elias</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"National Institutes of Health Career Symposium- Aboozar Monavarfeshani\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/monavarfeshani/\">National Institutes of Health Career Symposium- Aboozar Monavarfeshani</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"National Institutes of Health Career Symposium- Amara Greer-Short\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/nih-symposium/\">National Institutes of Health Career Symposium- Amara Greer-Short</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Society of Women Engineers Annual Conference- Emily Ongstad\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/society/ \">Society of Women Engineers Annual Conference- Emily Ongstad </a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Society for Neuroscience Conference- Lauren Kennedy\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/neuroscience/\">Society for Neuroscience Conference- Lauren Kennedy</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>BESTimonials</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Iris Vilares, PhD (Postdoctoral Fellow, Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute)</strong>\r\n\r\n“The BEST program has been giving me valuable insights into the various different paths where my academic training can take me, both inside and outside of academia. The professional development classes range from serious (what purpose do you want to make for your life?) to fun and interactive (e.g. jump around making funny gestures and sounds to understand the importance of spontaneity when giving a lecture). Overall it has been a very useful and gratifying experience.”\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Gregorio Valdez, PhD (Assistant Professor, Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute and Dept of Biological Sciences)</strong>\r\n\r\n“I was pleasantly surprised one day to have my trainee initiate a frank discussion about career goals and mentorship following her attendance at a BEST workshop on IDPs. While I always try to keep good lines of communication with my trainees, it was clear the workshop encouraged her to give deeper thought regarding the best path towards achieving her long-term goals, and prompted a discussion that ultimately allowed us to more efficiently structure her project towards mutually beneficial goals and timelines.\"\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Kevin Pridham, PhD candidate (First Year Graduate Student, Translational Biology Medicine and Health program)</strong>\r\n\r\n“The BEST program has been helpful in showing me various career options outside of academia. It has also allowed me to appreciate and begin to understand the challenges of intellectual property in science.”\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Meghna Verma, PhD candidate (First Year Graduate Student, Translational Biology Medicine and Health program)</strong>\r\n\r\n“The BEST program is very different from the traditional graduate coursework, focusing on overall professional development that is not limited only to classroom teaching. The program covers a variety of domains that range from tips on grant writing, knowledge about intellectual property and patent filing and the use of <em>myIDP software - </em>a smart aid for smart planning of your career goals.”\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Yeonwoo Lebovitz, PhD candidate (First Year Graduate Student, Translational Biology Medicine and Health program)</strong>\r\n\r\nThe BEST program at Virginia Tech grants us direct access to individuals who work in a wide variety of biomedical research settings, including those in career paths we never knew existed. In addition to speaker seminars and developing new networking contacts, the BEST program is helping us assemble a professional toolkit with skills that are harder to come by, such as communication, entrepreneurship, and advocacy. I feel like we have been given a leg-up to pursue research careers in spite of future economic uncertainties.\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Cameron Varano, PhD candidate (First Year Graduate Student, Translational Biology Medicine and Health program)</strong>\r\n\r\n“I appreciate how the BEST program has helped to and continues to mold my complete development as a young researcher. The training I receive in the lab has built my technical skills, but it is the addition of the BEST program which has developed my communication skills. Furthermore, my perspective on my career path has been broadened to include those opportunities beyond academia.”\r\n\r\n**','CAREER BLOGS','','inherit','closed','open','','1047-revision-v1','','','2016-03-15 12:58:04','2016-03-15 12:58:04','',1047,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1047-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1194,8,'2016-03-15 19:55:12','2016-03-15 19:55:12','<em>Speaker(s): Brad Fackler, OITE Industry Advisor</em>\r\n<span class=\"site-event-audience\"><em>This event is recommended for: Postbacs; Graduate Students; Postdocs/Fellows; NIH Staff Scientist/Staff Clinician.</em></span>\r\n\r\nAre you thinking about a career in industry but do not know how businesses operate? This workshop examines the critical functions common to all companies and how those companies are organized to optimize the performance of these functions. We will cover the various positions and roles, specifically within R&amp;D organizations, to illustrate where the job titles that you see in job advertisements fit into the overall organizations of the companies. In addition, you will be introduced to common terminology used within each of the organizational functions (such as defining a matrix team). This workshop will help you be more prepared and savvy during your interviews for industry positions by having a better comprehension of the terms and organizational structures used in business environments.\r\n\r\nFor more information, please click <a title=\"here\" href=\"https://www.training.nih.gov/events/view/_2/1701/Industry_The_Organization_of_Business\">here</a>.\r\n<div class=\"clearfix\">\r\n<ul class=\"actions\">\r\n	<li><a class=\"event-action-register\" title=\"Register\" href=\"https://www.training.nih.gov/events/view/_2/1701/Industry_The_Organization_of_Business?m=register\">Register</a></li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;','Non-VT Event: Industry- the Organization of Business','','publish','closed','open','','non-vt-event-industry-the-organization-of-business','','','2016-03-15 19:56:01','2016-03-15 19:56:01','',0,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/?post_type=tribe_events&#038;p=1194',0,'tribe_events','',0),(1195,8,'2016-03-15 19:55:12','2016-03-15 19:55:12','','NIH Building 35, room 620','','publish','closed','open','','nih-building-35-room-620','','','2016-03-15 19:55:12','2016-03-15 19:55:12','',0,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/venue/nih-building-35-room-620/',0,'tribe_venue','',0),(1196,8,'2016-03-15 19:55:16','2016-03-15 19:55:16','<p><em>Speaker(s): Brad Fackler, OITE Industry Advisor</em><br />\n<span class=\"site-event-audience\"><em>This event is recommended for: Postbacs; Graduate Students; Postdocs/Fellows; NIH Staff Scientist/Staff Clinician.</em></span></p>\n<p>Are you thinking about a career in industry but do not know how businesses operate? This workshop examines the critical functions common to all companies and how those companies are organized to optimize the performance of these functions. We will cover the various positions and roles, specifically within R&amp;D organizations, to illustrate where the job titles that you see in job advertisements fit into the overall organizations of the companies. In addition, you will be introduced to common terminology used within each of the organizational functions (such as defining a matrix team). This workshop will help you be more prepared and savvy during your interviews for industry positions by having a better comprehension of the terms and organizational structures used in business environments.</p>\n<div class=\"clearfix\">\n<ul class=\"actions\">\n<li><a class=\"event-action-register\" title=\"Register\" href=\"https://www.training.nih.gov/events/view/_2/1701/Industry_The_Organization_of_Business?m=register\">Register</a></li>\n</ul>\n</div>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n','Non-VT Event: Industry- the Organization of Business','','inherit','closed','open','','1194-autosave-v1','','','2016-03-15 19:55:16','2016-03-15 19:55:16','',1194,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1194-autosave-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1197,8,'2016-03-15 20:06:54','2016-03-15 20:06:54','<span class=\"site-event-audience\"><em>This event is recommended for: Graduate Students; Postdocs/Fellows.</em></span>\r\n\r\nThe NIH Career Symposium highlights the diversity of career choices available to <em>your</em>generation of biomedical researchers.  Whether you are a new graduate student, postdoc, or clinical fellow just beginning to consider career options or a senior student/fellow ready to look for a job, the NIH Career Symposium is for you.\r\n\r\nWe invite any postdoc, clinical fellow or PhD-level graduate student to join us, regardless if you are part of the NIH intramural program or not.\r\n\r\nWondering what the Career Symposium is all about?  Check out past events <a href=\"https://www.training.nih.gov/nih_career_symposium\">here</a>.\r\n\r\nFor more information, please click <a title=\"here\" href=\"https://www.training.nih.gov/events/view/_2/1792/9th_Annual_NIH_Career_Symposium\">here</a>.\r\n\r\n<a class=\"event-action-register\" title=\"Register\" href=\"https://www.training.nih.gov/events/view/_2/1792/9th_Annual_NIH_Career_Symposium?m=register\">Register</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Non-VT Event: 9th Annual NIH Career Symposium','','publish','closed','open','','non-vt-event-9th-annual-nih-career-symposium','','','2016-03-15 20:06:54','2016-03-15 20:06:54','',0,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/?post_type=tribe_events&#038;p=1197',0,'tribe_events','',0),(1199,8,'2016-03-24 14:49:24','2016-03-24 14:49:24','<strong>Building 1, Wilson Hall\r\nJun 27, 2016 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm</strong>\r\n\r\n<em>Speaker(s): Sharon Milgram, PhD, Director, OITE</em>\r\n<span class=\"site-event-audience\"><em>This event is recommended for: Summer Interns; Postbacs; Graduate Students.</em></span>\r\n\r\nUnderstand how your personal interests, skills, and values contribute to your future career success. Topics to be covered include the importance of career decision making, learning styles, self-assessment, transferrable skills, defining success, personal needs, work/life balance, and articulating short-term and long-term goals.\r\n<div class=\"clearfix\">\r\n<ul class=\"actions\">\r\n	<li>Event registration is limited to Graduate Students, Postbacs and Summer Interns. Please <a class=\"event-action-register\" title=\"Register\" href=\"https://www.training.nih.gov/events/view/_2/1809/Planning_for_Career_Satisfaction_and_Success?m=register\">Log in</a> to register.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</div>','Non-VT Event: Planning for Career Satisfaction and Success','','publish','closed','open','','planning-for-career-satisfaction-and-success-2','','','2016-06-06 19:35:06','2016-06-06 19:35:06','',0,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/?post_type=tribe_events&#038;p=1199',0,'tribe_events','',0),(1200,8,'2016-03-24 15:25:22','0000-00-00 00:00:00','<h1 class=\"event-title sIFR-replaced\">WORKSHOP/SEMINAR: LEADERSHIP - PERSONAL/GROUP INTERACTIONS</h1>\n<strong>May 26, 2016 8:00 am - 5:00 pm May 27 8 am to 5 pm</strong>\n\n<span class=\"site-event-audience\"><em>This event is recommended for: Graduate Students; Postdocs/Fellows.</em></span>\n\nApplications now accepted:<a href=\"https://www.training.nih.gov//sas/_20/938/management_bootcamp_May_2016?\" target=\"_blank\">https://www.training.nih.gov//sas/_20/938/management_bootcamp_May_2016?</a>\n\nManagement of people and resources is a key component to being successful as you move forward in your career.  The OITE has developed an intense course to give advanced postdocs and fellows an overview of common management concepts that are not often taught in a lab environment.  The topics covered will be applicable to all sectors (academics, industry, non-profits, government, etc.).\n\nThis course requires a commitment of two full days.  Enrollment will be limited to 30 people.  Directions for applying to the course are below.  Travel awards are available for non-Bethesda locations if the candidate is selected.\n\nDate: May 26 <strong>and</strong> May 27 Time:  8:00 am to 5:00 pm each day\n<p class=\"h2\">COURSE SCHEDULE:</p>\n<p class=\"h2\"></p>\n<p class=\"h3\">Introduction to management</p>\nThis unit will introduce common management topics such as planning, organizing, and leading.\n<p class=\"h3\">Unit 1: Managing you</p>\n\n<ul type=\"disc\">\n	<li>Transitioning to a management role</li>\n	<li>Introduction to emotional intelligence</li>\n	<li>Time management</li>\n</ul>\nLearning concepts: This session will encourage participants to assess how they interact with people, the environment, and projects to effectively manage workflows.\n\n<em class=\"h3\">Unit 2: Managing staffing</em>\n<ul type=\"disc\">\n	<li>Hiring and interviewing</li>\n	<li>Embracing diversity</li>\n</ul>\nLearning concepts: This session will explore staffing your unit and how diversity enhances the workplace.\n<p class=\"h3\"><em>Unit 3: Managing Interpersonal Interactions</em></p>\n\n<ul type=\"disc\">\n	<li>Giving and receiving feedback</li>\n	<li>Conflict management and resolution</li>\n	<li>Difficult conversations</li>\n</ul>\nLearning concepts: Effectively managing your interactions with others will help you build stronger relationships in the workplace and prevent the conflict that can undermine them.  Among the most critical skills are the ability to give feedback clearly and tactfully; listen and respond to feedback from others; analyze and address conflict in the workplace; and prepare for and engage in difficult conversations. Thoughtful development and application of these skills will serve you whether you are talking to an employee on your team, a peer, or a member of leadership.\n<p class=\"h3\"> <em>Unit 4: Managing the team</em></p>\n\n<ul type=\"disc\">\n	<li>Motivating your staff</li>\n	<li>Planning ahead</li>\n	<li>Dealing with setbacks</li>\n</ul>\nLearning concepts<em>:</em> Motivating a staff means knowing how to communicate project goals and expectations.  This session will define strategies to motivate staff and what to do when setbacks occur.\n<p class=\"h2\">COURSE APPLICATIONS</p>\nApplications are required, and applications will open in December.\n\nApplications are due by 5 pm on May 4.\n\nWe will accept only 40 people into the course.  You must have attended Workplace Dynamics 1 through IV.  Candidate selection will favor those fellows leaving the NIH within a year and those who exhibit an enthusiasm for becoming a better manager. We recommend that you spend time on your applications to answer the questions completely and to also double check the quality of your answers.\n\nCandidates will be notified about course acceptance by May 9, 2016.\n\nApplications should include:\n<ul type=\"disc\">\n	<li>Name and Institute/Center</li>\n	<li>Your intended next job (assistant professor, R&amp;D scientist, non-profit program manager, etc) and when you are expecting to leave the NIH.</li>\n	<li>A 100 word statement of why you are interested in the course.</li>\n	<li>A 100 word description of an article you have read or workshop you attended that covered a management topic.  Why was it (or was it not) interesting?</li>\n</ul>','Management Boot Camp May 2016','','draft','closed','open','','','','','2016-03-24 15:25:22','2016-03-24 15:25:22','',0,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/?post_type=tribe_events&#038;p=1200',0,'tribe_events','',0),(1201,8,'2016-03-24 15:37:59','2016-03-24 15:37:59','For more information, please click <a title=\"here\" href=\"http://www.career.vt.edu/Events/Events.html\">here</a>.','VT  Event: For All Students: Job & Internship Search','','publish','closed','open','','vt-event-for-all-students-job-internship-search','','','2016-03-24 15:37:59','2016-03-24 15:37:59','',0,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/?post_type=tribe_events&#038;p=1201',0,'tribe_events','',0),(1202,8,'2016-03-28 14:13:00','2016-03-28 14:13:00','Some not-so-obvious tips and advice on being a professional. For more information, please click <a title=\"here\" href=\"http://www.career.vt.edu/Events/April2016-surviving-first-job-internship.png\">here</a>.','VT Event for All Students: Surviving Your First Job or Internship','','publish','closed','open','','vt-event-for-all-students-surviving-your-first-job-or-internship','','','2016-03-28 14:14:40','2016-03-28 14:14:40','',0,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/?post_type=tribe_events&#038;p=1202',0,'tribe_events','',0),(1204,8,'2016-03-28 14:40:58','2016-03-28 14:40:58','<h2 class=\"blog-single-title\">UNION INNOVATION CHALLENGE</h2>\r\n<div class=\"single-social-section\">\r\n<div class=\"mk-love-holder\">The Apex Systems Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, in partnership with Union Bank &amp; Trust and Carilion Clinic, invites submissions to the second annual Union Innovation Challenge on April 14, 2016. Union created this competition to inspire enterprising minds to submit innovative venture proposals for a chance to win cash funding, as well as significant start-up services from Union.</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div class=\"mk-single-content\">\r\n\r\nPotential proposals may span the spectrum of healthcare and wellness industries, including:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>BIOTECHNOLOGY</li>\r\n	<li>LIFE SCIENCES TOOLS &amp; SERVICES</li>\r\n	<li>WEARABLES</li>\r\n	<li>HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT, PROVIDERS, SERVICES &amp; TECHNOLOGIES</li>\r\n	<li>PHARMACEUTICALS</li>\r\n	<li>WELLNESS APPS OR TECHNOLOGIES</li>\r\n	<li>VETERINARY MEDICINE</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nThe top five proposals will pitch their proposals before a panel of judges on April 14, 2016 in Roanoke. The winning teams will be named during an evening ceremony featuring university faculty and alumni, Union and community leadership. This event will celebrate student innovation and the growing culture of entrepreneurship at Virginia Tech.\r\n\r\n<strong>Proposal Guidelines:</strong>\r\n\r\n• Only one submission allowed per team. Teams may contain current undergraduate students, graduate students, and/or faculty of Virginia Tech. Team size is 2 to 4 members.\r\n\r\n• To submit a proposal, each team must register by <span class=\"aBn\" tabindex=\"0\" data-term=\"goog_1609001115\"><span class=\"aQJ\">March 1, 2016</span></span>.  Finalists will be asked to present a slide pitch deck and conduct a brief Q&amp;A session.  Questions about this challenge may be addressed to Holly McClung at the Apex Systems Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE), email address:  <a href=\"mailto:hmcclung@vt.edu\" target=\"_blank\">hmcclung@vt.edu</a>.\r\n\r\nFor more information, please click <a title=\"here\" href=\"http://www.apexcie.vt.edu/unionchallenge/\">here</a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n</div>','VT Event: Union Innovation Challenge','','publish','closed','open','','union-innovation-challenge','','','2016-06-06 19:21:58','2016-06-06 19:21:58','',0,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/?post_type=tribe_events&#038;p=1204',0,'tribe_events','',0),(1206,8,'2016-04-05 18:14:32','2016-04-05 18:14:32','<div id=\"intro\"><span class=\"double-line\"> </span>\r\n<h1>Individual career planning, skill building, and connecting with professionals within and beyond academia</h1>\r\n<span class=\"double-line\"> </span>\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\">Professional Development Course (TBMH 5106, 2 credits)</h1>\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\"><span class=\"double-line\"> </span></h1>\r\nThis course will be offered each Spring semester, starting Spring 2015. Class time will include guest lectures from various biomedical professionals, who will present case studies and exercises designed to provide an understanding of various biomedical career paths, and how these professionals interact to promote biomedical research and the implementation of important discoveries.  Additional focus on career development planning (IDPs) and building scientific communication skills.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Location</span><em>:</em> Course instruction will take place at Virginia Tech facilities in Roanoke, and possibly Blacksburg.<a href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Career-Bridge.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-99\" src=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Career-Bridge-300x203.jpg\" alt=\"Career Bridge\" width=\"300\" height=\"203\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Student Commitment</span>: Trainees will attend class for 2 hours per week for one semester at Virginia Tech. Trainees must commit to attending all classes, and completing all reading and written assignments, including completion of an Individual Development Plan. At the end of the course, trainees will complete a course assessment questionnaire that should take 10 minutes to complete. Trainees must also complete a consent form that will allow the BEST program to issue them the annual BEST Survey, which should take less than 30 minutes to complete. This BEST survey will be issued annually for 10 years.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Eligibility</span>:   This course is required for all students in the PhD program in Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health (TBMH), and open to students in other biomedical graduate programs at Virginia Tech as part of the BEST program. Space is limited, and we encourage non-TBMH students to apply as early as possible to secure space in the course.\r\n\r\nPostdoctoral trainees who are <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">within three years</span> of earning their doctorate are eligible to audit this course as part of the BEST program (0 credits), but <strong>must attend all classes</strong>.\r\n\r\nRegistration for the Spring 2016 class is now closed.\r\n\r\n<em>Trainees who are not TBMH students will need to sign up here to receive instructor permission to register for the course for Spring 2016. Space is limited and trainees will be selected in the order in which they sign up. Trainees must sign an informed consent form and return it on the first day of class</em>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<em> Be sure to <a title=\"CONTACT\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/contact/\">subscribe</a> to our e-alerts to be notified of future BEST activities!  Additional opportunities for professional development at VT can be found on our <a title=\"RESOURCES\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/resources/\">Resources</a> page.</em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT','','inherit','closed','open','','138-revision-v1','','','2016-04-05 18:14:32','2016-04-05 18:14:32','',138,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/138-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1207,8,'2016-04-11 14:56:17','0000-00-00 00:00:00','','Non-VT Event: Management Boot Camp May 2016','','draft','closed','open','','','','','2016-04-11 14:56:17','2016-04-11 14:56:17','',0,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/?post_type=tribe_events&#038;p=1207',0,'tribe_events','',0),(1214,8,'2016-04-18 18:13:52','2016-04-18 18:13:52','<div id=\"intro\"><span class=\"double-line\"> </span>\r\n<h1>Individual career planning, skill building, and connecting with professionals within and beyond academia</h1>\r\n<span class=\"double-line\"> </span>\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\"><strong>Gautam Ghatnekar, DVM, PhD - </strong><strong>An entrepreneur’s story:  Case study of translation of a drug through clinical trials</strong></h1>\r\nDr. Ghatnekar is the President &amp; CEO of FirstString Research, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company located in Charleston, South Carolina.  Dr. Ghatnekar studied veterinary medicine and developed his own veterinary practice specializing in small animal medicine and surgery. In 2000, he enrolled in a graduate program at North Carolina State University and in 2004 graduated with a PhD in Comparative Biomedical Science . During his doctoral studies, he was President of the Graduate Student Association and won various awards, including the Teratology Society Marie W. Taubeneck award for excellence in research and leadership and an American Heart Association Pre-Doctoral Fellowship. Following his PhD, Dr Ghatnekar did a post-doc with Dr Gourdie at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). During these studies, Dr. Ghatnekar established ACT1 as a technology platform, with applications in regenerative medicine and he and Gourdie formed FirstString Research, Inc. in 2005. Under his leadership, FirstString Research has advanced the clinical development of its lead product Granexin Gel – a topical formulation containing the ACT1 peptide – through human clinical trials. The gel was tested on 48 subjects in a Phase 1 study and has been evaluated in three Phase 2 human clinical trials for acute surgical wounds and chronic wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers and venous leg ulcers. The results from clinical trials were published in 2015 in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology (Nature) and Wound Repair and Regeneration. Phase III clinical trials on diabetic foot ulcers are now underway. Dr. Ghatnekar’s experience and expertise in preparing regulatory documentation, developing both GLP preclinical studies and clinical trial protocols; and working knowledge of both the device (CDRH) and drug (CDER) regulatory routes and requirements, has led FirstString Research to successfully navigate the FDA and obtain IND approvals. Dr. Ghatnekar is a member of various prestigious national and international scientific societies including the Wound Healing Society and the Association for Advancement of Wound Care. He has been awarded multiple Phase I and Phase SBIR/STTR small business grants by the NIH, is PI on a prestigious NIH BRiDG award and serves on NIH study sections as a reviewer. In 2006, he accepted the ‘Innovators 2006’ award, sponsored by the Charleston Regional Business Journal.  Dr. Ghatnekar was also recognized recently by the Charleston Regional Business Journal as one of Charleston’s ‘Forty Under 40’.\r\n\r\n<strong>Harald Sontheimer, PhD - </strong><strong>A scientist\'s story:  Case study of translating a glioblastoma drug.</strong>\r\n\r\nDr. Harald Sontheimer researches the biology of glial cells, the brain\'s most abundant cell type. He is credited with making foundational discoveries on the functional properties of glial cells in the brain, including the localization and mechanisms of a range of receptors and ion channels that were previously thought to exist only on nerve cells.\r\n\r\nCurrently, Dr. Sontheimer studies the molecular structure and activity of glial cells in health, cancer, and other diseases. He and his research team work to understand the mechanisms underpinning the functions of glial cells, and how these functions may fault.\r\n\r\nDr. Sontheimer also currently serves on several councils and committees, including the Scientific Advisory Board \"Cure Epilepsy\", the Scientific Advisory Board for the MIT Press, the Society for Neurochemistry Program Committee, the American Brain Tumor Association Scientific Advisory Council, and the College of CSR Reviewers. He previously served on the Scientific Advisory Board for The Max Plank Society. He also served as an editorial board member, in various capacities, for the <em>Journal of Neuroscience Letters</em>, <em>Glial</em>,<em>Jounal of Neuroscience Research</em>, <em>Glial-Neuronal Biology</em>, <em>NeuroReport</em>.\r\n\r\n<strong>Kurtis Moyer, MD - </strong><strong>A clinician’s story: Surgical breast reconstruction for breast cancer survivors.</strong>\r\n<h2>Associate Professor, Surgery, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine</h2>\r\n<h2>Associate Residency Program Director, Plastic Surgery, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center</h2>\r\n<h2>Medical Director, Hershey Cosmetic Surgery Center, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center</h2>\r\n<h2>Medical Director, Doctor in the House Program, The Spa at the Hotel Hershey</h2>\r\n<h2>Assistant Professor of Surgery, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center</h2>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Brian Giles, PhD, JD -</strong><strong> A lawyers story: Intellectual property and commercialization</strong>\r\n\r\nDr Gile’s practice focuses primarily on patent prosecution, due diligence, and portfolio management in the areas of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and medical devices. He did his PhD degree at the Medical University of South Carolina on vasculogenesis He has spent the last decade working with dozens of universities, and numerous early and growth stage biotechnology and medical device companies, to develop patent portfolios individualized for his client\'s unique needs and intended markets. Prior to this, Dr Giles spent another decade conducting research in the areas of immunogenetics, endocrinology, infectious disease, cardiology, developmental biology, cell biology, and molecular biology. He has used his extensive technical and legal experience to protect a wide variety of technologies, including stem cells, recombinant proteins, synthetic peptides, oligonucleotides, viral vectors, antibodies, biomarkers, biomaterials, nanoparticles and microparticles, tissue engineering techniques and reagents, diagnostics, medical devices, and therapeutic methods. His experience includes drafting patent applications; preparing invalidity, freedom to operate, and non-infringement opinions; prosecuting U.S. and foreign patent applications; and advising companies and investors during I.P. due diligence. Dr Gile\'s is an active member of Georgia Bio, and currently serves as an Advisor for its Emerging Leader\'s Network (ELN). Brian is also involved in the Southeastern Medical Device Association (SEMDA), the Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM) and is Associate Editor of the Georgia State Law Review.\r\n\r\n<strong>Mark Van Dyke, PhD</strong><strong> - A bioengineer\'s story: Case study of translating a device - Regulatory considerations</strong>\r\n\r\nBiomaterials are an essential tool that provides the basis for bioengineered devices, growing and delivering cells, developing functional tissues, and engineering whole organs. Natural biopolymers that self-assemble on the nano scale have the potential to provide native cellular environments that facilitate the directed behavior of cells. Research conducted in the Nanostructured Biopolymer Engineering Lab makes use of naturally derived keratin nanomaterials for biomaterials development. Dr. Van Dyke’s research group studies the fundamental characteristics of keratin nanomaterials such as their solution behavior, self-assembly into network structures, and structure-function relationships. Keratin nanomaterials can be purified from natural fibers and when properly isolated, demonstrate several remarkable characteristics. First, keratin nanomaterials are highly biocompatible and can be used for tissue regeneration, drug delivery, and as carriers for cells; purified keratin nanomaterials contain no cellular elements so they do not elicit an immune response. Second, keratin nanomaterials have a unique capacity for molecular self-assembly that results in the spontaneous formation of network structures. Self-assembly occurs on the nanometer scale and builds to the micron scale, resulting in homogenous, porous architectures that are conducive to cell attachment and growth. Third, keratin nanomaterials contain cellular binding motifs that mimic the sites of cell attachment found in native extracellular matrix. By leveraging these unique characteristics, we are creating inexpensive biomaterials with the potential for use in a host of biomedical applications. Commercializing the results of our research is also a focus of the lab. Our current research programs are directed toward developing greater understanding of the molecular self-assembly process and keratin’s ligand-like function. We have projects that are aimed toward clinical applications such as heart regeneration, inflammation, and bone repair.\r\n\r\n<strong>Cole Dudley BS, MBA -</strong><strong> An investors Story: Venture Capital and Investment in Biomedical Innovations</strong>\r\n\r\nMr Dudley has extensive experience in technology commercialization, venture capital, and leading startup and small companies. His 10 years as a venture capitalist included 2 years as founding CEO of a biotech startup thatwas later listed on the NASDAQ. He was Managing Director of a consulting firm and personally provided due diligence services to private equity firms. Most recently, he led a successful corporate turnaround as an owner and COO for 9 years and then was Managing Director of a private investment group.\r\n\r\n[gravityform id=\"16\" name=\"April 2016 TBMH Lectures Registration\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\"><span class=\"double-line\"> </span></h1>\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\">Professional Development Course (TBMH 5106, 2 credits)</h1>\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\"><span class=\"double-line\"> </span></h1>\r\nThis course will be offered each Spring semester, starting Spring 2015. Class time will include guest lectures from various biomedical professionals, who will present case studies and exercises designed to provide an understanding of various biomedical career paths, and how these professionals interact to promote biomedical research and the implementation of important discoveries.  Additional focus on career development planning (IDPs) and building scientific communication skills.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Location</span><em>:</em> Course instruction will take place at Virginia Tech facilities in Roanoke, and possibly Blacksburg.<a href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Career-Bridge.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-99\" src=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Career-Bridge-300x203.jpg\" alt=\"Career Bridge\" width=\"300\" height=\"203\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Student Commitment</span>: Trainees will attend class for 2 hours per week for one semester at Virginia Tech. Trainees must commit to attending all classes, and completing all reading and written assignments, including completion of an Individual Development Plan. At the end of the course, trainees will complete a course assessment questionnaire that should take 10 minutes to complete. Trainees must also complete a consent form that will allow the BEST program to issue them the annual BEST Survey, which should take less than 30 minutes to complete. This BEST survey will be issued annually for 10 years.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Eligibility</span>:   This course is required for all students in the PhD program in Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health (TBMH), and open to students in other biomedical graduate programs at Virginia Tech as part of the BEST program. Space is limited, and we encourage non-TBMH students to apply as early as possible to secure space in the course.\r\n\r\nPostdoctoral trainees who are <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">within three years</span> of earning their doctorate are eligible to audit this course as part of the BEST program (0 credits), but <strong>must attend all classes</strong>.\r\n\r\nRegistration for the Spring 2016 class is now closed.\r\n\r\n<em>Trainees who are not TBMH students will need to sign up here to receive instructor permission to register for the course for Spring 2016. Space is limited and trainees will be selected in the order in which they sign up. Trainees must sign an informed consent form and return it on the first day of class</em>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<em> Be sure to <a title=\"CONTACT\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/contact/\">subscribe</a> to our e-alerts to be notified of future BEST activities!  Additional opportunities for professional development at VT can be found on our <a title=\"RESOURCES\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/resources/\">Resources</a> page.</em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT','','inherit','closed','open','','138-revision-v1','','','2016-04-18 18:13:52','2016-04-18 18:13:52','',138,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/138-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1215,8,'2016-04-18 18:21:08','2016-04-18 18:21:08','<div id=\"intro\"><span class=\"double-line\"> </span>\r\n<h1>Individual career planning, skill building, and connecting with professionals within and beyond academia</h1>\r\n<span class=\"double-line\">C </span>\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\"><strong>Clinical Trial/ Translation Module</strong></h1>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\"><strong>Gautam Ghatnekar, DVM, PhD - </strong><strong>An entrepreneur’s story:  Case study of translation of a drug through clinical trials</strong></h1>\r\nDr. Ghatnekar is the President &amp; CEO of FirstString Research, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company located in Charleston, South Carolina.  Dr. Ghatnekar studied veterinary medicine and developed his own veterinary practice specializing in small animal medicine and surgery. In 2000, he enrolled in a graduate program at North Carolina State University and in 2004 graduated with a PhD in Comparative Biomedical Science . During his doctoral studies, he was President of the Graduate Student Association and won various awards, including the Teratology Society Marie W. Taubeneck award for excellence in research and leadership and an American Heart Association Pre-Doctoral Fellowship. Following his PhD, Dr Ghatnekar did a post-doc with Dr Gourdie at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). During these studies, Dr. Ghatnekar established ACT1 as a technology platform, with applications in regenerative medicine and he and Gourdie formed FirstString Research, Inc. in 2005. Under his leadership, FirstString Research has advanced the clinical development of its lead product Granexin Gel – a topical formulation containing the ACT1 peptide – through human clinical trials. The gel was tested on 48 subjects in a Phase 1 study and has been evaluated in three Phase 2 human clinical trials for acute surgical wounds and chronic wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers and venous leg ulcers. The results from clinical trials were published in 2015 in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology (Nature) and Wound Repair and Regeneration. Phase III clinical trials on diabetic foot ulcers are now underway. Dr. Ghatnekar’s experience and expertise in preparing regulatory documentation, developing both GLP preclinical studies and clinical trial protocols; and working knowledge of both the device (CDRH) and drug (CDER) regulatory routes and requirements, has led FirstString Research to successfully navigate the FDA and obtain IND approvals. Dr. Ghatnekar is a member of various prestigious national and international scientific societies including the Wound Healing Society and the Association for Advancement of Wound Care. He has been awarded multiple Phase I and Phase SBIR/STTR small business grants by the NIH, is PI on a prestigious NIH BRiDG award and serves on NIH study sections as a reviewer. In 2006, he accepted the ‘Innovators 2006’ award, sponsored by the Charleston Regional Business Journal.  Dr. Ghatnekar was also recognized recently by the Charleston Regional Business Journal as one of Charleston’s ‘Forty Under 40’.\r\n\r\n<strong>Harald Sontheimer, PhD - </strong><strong>A scientist\'s story:  Case study of translating a glioblastoma drug.</strong>\r\n\r\nDr. Harald Sontheimer researches the biology of glial cells, the brain\'s most abundant cell type. He is credited with making foundational discoveries on the functional properties of glial cells in the brain, including the localization and mechanisms of a range of receptors and ion channels that were previously thought to exist only on nerve cells.\r\n\r\nCurrently, Dr. Sontheimer studies the molecular structure and activity of glial cells in health, cancer, and other diseases. He and his research team work to understand the mechanisms underpinning the functions of glial cells, and how these functions may fault.\r\n\r\nDr. Sontheimer also currently serves on several councils and committees, including the Scientific Advisory Board \"Cure Epilepsy\", the Scientific Advisory Board for the MIT Press, the Society for Neurochemistry Program Committee, the American Brain Tumor Association Scientific Advisory Council, and the College of CSR Reviewers. He previously served on the Scientific Advisory Board for The Max Plank Society. He also served as an editorial board member, in various capacities, for the <em>Journal of Neuroscience Letters</em>, <em>Glial</em>,<em>Jounal of Neuroscience Research</em>, <em>Glial-Neuronal Biology</em>, <em>NeuroReport</em>.\r\n\r\n<strong>Kurtis Moyer, MD - </strong><strong>A clinician’s story: Surgical breast reconstruction for breast cancer survivors.</strong>\r\n<h2>Associate Professor, Surgery, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine</h2>\r\n<h2>Associate Residency Program Director, Plastic Surgery, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center</h2>\r\n<h2>Medical Director, Hershey Cosmetic Surgery Center, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center</h2>\r\n<h2>Medical Director, Doctor in the House Program, The Spa at the Hotel Hershey</h2>\r\n<h2>Assistant Professor of Surgery, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center</h2>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Brian Giles, PhD, JD -</strong><strong> A lawyers story: Intellectual property and commercialization</strong>\r\n\r\nDr Gile’s practice focuses primarily on patent prosecution, due diligence, and portfolio management in the areas of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and medical devices. He did his PhD degree at the Medical University of South Carolina on vasculogenesis He has spent the last decade working with dozens of universities, and numerous early and growth stage biotechnology and medical device companies, to develop patent portfolios individualized for his client\'s unique needs and intended markets. Prior to this, Dr Giles spent another decade conducting research in the areas of immunogenetics, endocrinology, infectious disease, cardiology, developmental biology, cell biology, and molecular biology. He has used his extensive technical and legal experience to protect a wide variety of technologies, including stem cells, recombinant proteins, synthetic peptides, oligonucleotides, viral vectors, antibodies, biomarkers, biomaterials, nanoparticles and microparticles, tissue engineering techniques and reagents, diagnostics, medical devices, and therapeutic methods. His experience includes drafting patent applications; preparing invalidity, freedom to operate, and non-infringement opinions; prosecuting U.S. and foreign patent applications; and advising companies and investors during I.P. due diligence. Dr Gile\'s is an active member of Georgia Bio, and currently serves as an Advisor for its Emerging Leader\'s Network (ELN). Brian is also involved in the Southeastern Medical Device Association (SEMDA), the Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM) and is Associate Editor of the Georgia State Law Review.\r\n\r\n<strong>Mark Van Dyke, PhD</strong><strong> - A bioengineer\'s story: Case study of translating a device - Regulatory considerations</strong>\r\n\r\nBiomaterials are an essential tool that provides the basis for bioengineered devices, growing and delivering cells, developing functional tissues, and engineering whole organs. Natural biopolymers that self-assemble on the nano scale have the potential to provide native cellular environments that facilitate the directed behavior of cells. Research conducted in the Nanostructured Biopolymer Engineering Lab makes use of naturally derived keratin nanomaterials for biomaterials development. Dr. Van Dyke’s research group studies the fundamental characteristics of keratin nanomaterials such as their solution behavior, self-assembly into network structures, and structure-function relationships. Keratin nanomaterials can be purified from natural fibers and when properly isolated, demonstrate several remarkable characteristics. First, keratin nanomaterials are highly biocompatible and can be used for tissue regeneration, drug delivery, and as carriers for cells; purified keratin nanomaterials contain no cellular elements so they do not elicit an immune response. Second, keratin nanomaterials have a unique capacity for molecular self-assembly that results in the spontaneous formation of network structures. Self-assembly occurs on the nanometer scale and builds to the micron scale, resulting in homogenous, porous architectures that are conducive to cell attachment and growth. Third, keratin nanomaterials contain cellular binding motifs that mimic the sites of cell attachment found in native extracellular matrix. By leveraging these unique characteristics, we are creating inexpensive biomaterials with the potential for use in a host of biomedical applications. Commercializing the results of our research is also a focus of the lab. Our current research programs are directed toward developing greater understanding of the molecular self-assembly process and keratin’s ligand-like function. We have projects that are aimed toward clinical applications such as heart regeneration, inflammation, and bone repair.\r\n\r\n<strong>Cole Dudley BS, MBA -</strong><strong> An investors Story: Venture Capital and Investment in Biomedical Innovations</strong>\r\n\r\nMr Dudley has extensive experience in technology commercialization, venture capital, and leading startup and small companies. His 10 years as a venture capitalist included 2 years as founding CEO of a biotech startup thatwas later listed on the NASDAQ. He was Managing Director of a consulting firm and personally provided due diligence services to private equity firms. Most recently, he led a successful corporate turnaround as an owner and COO for 9 years and then was Managing Director of a private investment group.\r\n\r\n[gravityform id=\"16\" name=\"April 2016 TBMH Lectures Registration\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\"><span class=\"double-line\"> </span></h1>\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\">Professional Development Course (TBMH 5106, 2 credits)</h1>\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\"><span class=\"double-line\"> </span></h1>\r\nThis course will be offered each Spring semester, starting Spring 2015. Class time will include guest lectures from various biomedical professionals, who will present case studies and exercises designed to provide an understanding of various biomedical career paths, and how these professionals interact to promote biomedical research and the implementation of important discoveries.  Additional focus on career development planning (IDPs) and building scientific communication skills.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Location</span><em>:</em> Course instruction will take place at Virginia Tech facilities in Roanoke, and possibly Blacksburg.<a href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Career-Bridge.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-99\" src=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Career-Bridge-300x203.jpg\" alt=\"Career Bridge\" width=\"300\" height=\"203\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Student Commitment</span>: Trainees will attend class for 2 hours per week for one semester at Virginia Tech. Trainees must commit to attending all classes, and completing all reading and written assignments, including completion of an Individual Development Plan. At the end of the course, trainees will complete a course assessment questionnaire that should take 10 minutes to complete. Trainees must also complete a consent form that will allow the BEST program to issue them the annual BEST Survey, which should take less than 30 minutes to complete. This BEST survey will be issued annually for 10 years.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Eligibility</span>:   This course is required for all students in the PhD program in Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health (TBMH), and open to students in other biomedical graduate programs at Virginia Tech as part of the BEST program. Space is limited, and we encourage non-TBMH students to apply as early as possible to secure space in the course.\r\n\r\nPostdoctoral trainees who are <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">within three years</span> of earning their doctorate are eligible to audit this course as part of the BEST program (0 credits), but <strong>must attend all classes</strong>.\r\n\r\nRegistration for the Spring 2016 class is now closed.\r\n\r\n<em>Trainees who are not TBMH students will need to sign up here to receive instructor permission to register for the course for Spring 2016. Space is limited and trainees will be selected in the order in which they sign up. Trainees must sign an informed consent form and return it on the first day of class</em>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<em> Be sure to <a title=\"CONTACT\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/contact/\">subscribe</a> to our e-alerts to be notified of future BEST activities!  Additional opportunities for professional development at VT can be found on our <a title=\"RESOURCES\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/resources/\">Resources</a> page.</em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT','','inherit','closed','open','','138-revision-v1','','','2016-04-18 18:21:08','2016-04-18 18:21:08','',138,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/138-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1217,8,'2016-04-18 18:28:03','2016-04-18 18:28:03','<div id=\"intro\"><span class=\"double-line\"> </span>\r\n<h1>Individual career planning, skill building, and connecting with professionals within and beyond academia</h1>\r\n<span class=\"double-line\">C </span>\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\"><strong>Harald Clinical Trial/ Translation Module</strong></h1>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\"><strong>Gautam Ghatnekar, DVM, PhD - </strong><strong>An entrepreneur’s story:  Case study of translation of a drug through clinical trials</strong></h1>\r\nDr. Ghatnekar is the President &amp; CEO of FirstString Research, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company located in Charleston, South Carolina.  Dr. Ghatnekar studied veterinary medicine and developed his own veterinary practice specializing in small animal medicine and surgery. In 2000, he enrolled in a graduate program at North Carolina State University and in 2004 graduated with a PhD in Comparative Biomedical Science . During his doctoral studies, he was President of the Graduate Student Association and won various awards, including the Teratology Society Marie W. Taubeneck award for excellence in research and leadership and an American Heart Association Pre-Doctoral Fellowship. Following his PhD, Dr Ghatnekar did a post-doc with Dr Gourdie at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). During these studies, Dr. Ghatnekar established ACT1 as a technology platform, with applications in regenerative medicine and he and Gourdie formed FirstString Research, Inc. in 2005. Under his leadership, FirstString Research has advanced the clinical development of its lead product Granexin Gel – a topical formulation containing the ACT1 peptide – through human clinical trials. The gel was tested on 48 subjects in a Phase 1 study and has been evaluated in three Phase 2 human clinical trials for acute surgical wounds and chronic wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers and venous leg ulcers. The results from clinical trials were published in 2015 in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology (Nature) and Wound Repair and Regeneration. Phase III clinical trials on diabetic foot ulcers are now underway. Dr. Ghatnekar’s experience and expertise in preparing regulatory documentation, developing both GLP preclinical studies and clinical trial protocols; and working knowledge of both the device (CDRH) and drug (CDER) regulatory routes and requirements, has led FirstString Research to successfully navigate the FDA and obtain IND approvals. Dr. Ghatnekar is a member of various prestigious national and international scientific societies including the Wound Healing Society and the Association for Advancement of Wound Care. He has been awarded multiple Phase I and Phase SBIR/STTR small business grants by the NIH, is PI on a prestigious NIH BRiDG award and serves on NIH study sections as a reviewer. In 2006, he accepted the ‘Innovators 2006’ award, sponsored by the Charleston Regional Business Journal.  Dr. Ghatnekar was also recognized recently by the Charleston Regional Business Journal as one of Charleston’s ‘Forty Under 40’.\r\n\r\n<strong>Harald Sontheimer, PhD - </strong><strong>A scientist\'s story:  Case study of translating a glioblastoma drug.</strong>\r\n\r\nDr. Harald Sontheimer researches the biology of glial cells, the brain\'s most abundant cell type. He is credited with making foundational discoveries on the functional properties of glial cells in the brain, including the localization and mechanisms of a range of receptors and ion channels that were previously thought to exist only on nerve cells.\r\n\r\nCurrently, Dr. Sontheimer studies the molecular structure and activity of glial cells in health, cancer, and other diseases. He and his research team work to understand the mechanisms underpinning the functions of glial cells, and how these functions may fault.\r\n\r\nDr. Sontheimer also currently serves on several councils and committees, including the Scientific Advisory Board \"Cure Epilepsy\", the Scientific Advisory Board for the MIT Press, the Society for Neurochemistry Program Committee, the American Brain Tumor Association Scientific Advisory Council, and the College of CSR Reviewers. He previously served on the Scientific Advisory Board for The Max Plank Society. He also served as an editorial board member, in various capacities, for the <em>Journal of Neuroscience Letters</em>, <em>Glial</em>,<em>Jounal of Neuroscience Research</em>, <em>Glial-Neuronal Biology</em>, <em>NeuroReport</em>.\r\n\r\n<strong>Kurtis Moyer, MD - </strong><strong>A clinician’s story: Surgical breast reconstruction for breast cancer survivors.</strong>\r\n<h2>Associate Professor, Surgery, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine</h2>\r\n<h2>Associate Residency Program Director, Plastic Surgery, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center</h2>\r\n<h2>Medical Director, Hershey Cosmetic Surgery Center, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center</h2>\r\n<h2>Medical Director, Doctor in the House Program, The Spa at the Hotel Hershey</h2>\r\n<h2>Assistant Professor of Surgery, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center</h2>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Brian Giles, PhD, JD -</strong><strong> A lawyers story: Intellectual property and commercialization</strong>\r\n\r\nDr Gile’s practice focuses primarily on patent prosecution, due diligence, and portfolio management in the areas of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and medical devices. He did his PhD degree at the Medical University of South Carolina on vasculogenesis He has spent the last decade working with dozens of universities, and numerous early and growth stage biotechnology and medical device companies, to develop patent portfolios individualized for his client\'s unique needs and intended markets. Prior to this, Dr Giles spent another decade conducting research in the areas of immunogenetics, endocrinology, infectious disease, cardiology, developmental biology, cell biology, and molecular biology. He has used his extensive technical and legal experience to protect a wide variety of technologies, including stem cells, recombinant proteins, synthetic peptides, oligonucleotides, viral vectors, antibodies, biomarkers, biomaterials, nanoparticles and microparticles, tissue engineering techniques and reagents, diagnostics, medical devices, and therapeutic methods. His experience includes drafting patent applications; preparing invalidity, freedom to operate, and non-infringement opinions; prosecuting U.S. and foreign patent applications; and advising companies and investors during I.P. due diligence. Dr Gile\'s is an active member of Georgia Bio, and currently serves as an Advisor for its Emerging Leader\'s Network (ELN). Brian is also involved in the Southeastern Medical Device Association (SEMDA), the Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM) and is Associate Editor of the Georgia State Law Review.\r\n\r\n<strong>Mark Van Dyke, PhD</strong><strong> - A bioengineer\'s story: Case study of translating a device - Regulatory considerations</strong>\r\n\r\nBiomaterials are an essential tool that provides the basis for bioengineered devices, growing and delivering cells, developing functional tissues, and engineering whole organs. Natural biopolymers that self-assemble on the nano scale have the potential to provide native cellular environments that facilitate the directed behavior of cells. Research conducted in the Nanostructured Biopolymer Engineering Lab makes use of naturally derived keratin nanomaterials for biomaterials development. Dr. Van Dyke’s research group studies the fundamental characteristics of keratin nanomaterials such as their solution behavior, self-assembly into network structures, and structure-function relationships. Keratin nanomaterials can be purified from natural fibers and when properly isolated, demonstrate several remarkable characteristics. First, keratin nanomaterials are highly biocompatible and can be used for tissue regeneration, drug delivery, and as carriers for cells; purified keratin nanomaterials contain no cellular elements so they do not elicit an immune response. Second, keratin nanomaterials have a unique capacity for molecular self-assembly that results in the spontaneous formation of network structures. Self-assembly occurs on the nanometer scale and builds to the micron scale, resulting in homogenous, porous architectures that are conducive to cell attachment and growth. Third, keratin nanomaterials contain cellular binding motifs that mimic the sites of cell attachment found in native extracellular matrix. By leveraging these unique characteristics, we are creating inexpensive biomaterials with the potential for use in a host of biomedical applications. Commercializing the results of our research is also a focus of the lab. Our current research programs are directed toward developing greater understanding of the molecular self-assembly process and keratin’s ligand-like function. We have projects that are aimed toward clinical applications such as heart regeneration, inflammation, and bone repair.\r\n\r\n<strong>Cole Dudley BS, MBA -</strong><strong> An investors Story: Venture Capital and Investment in Biomedical Innovations</strong>\r\n\r\nMr Dudley has extensive experience in technology commercialization, venture capital, and leading startup and small companies. His 10 years as a venture capitalist included 2 years as founding CEO of a biotech startup thatwas later listed on the NASDAQ. He was Managing Director of a consulting firm and personally provided due diligence services to private equity firms. Most recently, he led a successful corporate turnaround as an owner and COO for 9 years and then was Managing Director of a private investment group.\r\n\r\n[gravityform id=\"16\" name=\"April 2016 TBMH Lectures Registration\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\"><span class=\"double-line\"> </span></h1>\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\">Professional Development Course (TBMH 5106, 2 credits)</h1>\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\"><span class=\"double-line\"> </span></h1>\r\nThis course will be offered each Spring semester, starting Spring 2015. Class time will include guest lectures from various biomedical professionals, who will present case studies and exercises designed to provide an understanding of various biomedical career paths, and how these professionals interact to promote biomedical research and the implementation of important discoveries.  Additional focus on career development planning (IDPs) and building scientific communication skills.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Location</span><em>:</em> Course instruction will take place at Virginia Tech facilities in Roanoke, and possibly Blacksburg.<a href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Career-Bridge.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-99\" src=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Career-Bridge-300x203.jpg\" alt=\"Career Bridge\" width=\"300\" height=\"203\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Student Commitment</span>: Trainees will attend class for 2 hours per week for one semester at Virginia Tech. Trainees must commit to attending all classes, and completing all reading and written assignments, including completion of an Individual Development Plan. At the end of the course, trainees will complete a course assessment questionnaire that should take 10 minutes to complete. Trainees must also complete a consent form that will allow the BEST program to issue them the annual BEST Survey, which should take less than 30 minutes to complete. This BEST survey will be issued annually for 10 years.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Eligibility</span>:   This course is required for all students in the PhD program in Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health (TBMH), and open to students in other biomedical graduate programs at Virginia Tech as part of the BEST program. Space is limited, and we encourage non-TBMH students to apply as early as possible to secure space in the course.\r\n\r\nPostdoctoral trainees who are <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">within three years</span> of earning their doctorate are eligible to audit this course as part of the BEST program (0 credits), but <strong>must attend all classes</strong>.\r\n\r\nRegistration for the Spring 2016 class is now closed.\r\n\r\n<em>Trainees who are not TBMH students will need to sign up here to receive instructor permission to register for the course for Spring 2016. Space is limited and trainees will be selected in the order in which they sign up. Trainees must sign an informed consent form and return it on the first day of class</em>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<em> Be sure to <a title=\"CONTACT\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/contact/\">subscribe</a> to our e-alerts to be notified of future BEST activities!  Additional opportunities for professional development at VT can be found on our <a title=\"RESOURCES\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/resources/\">Resources</a> page.</em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT','','inherit','closed','open','','138-revision-v1','','','2016-04-18 18:28:03','2016-04-18 18:28:03','',138,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/138-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1218,8,'2016-04-18 18:28:27','2016-04-18 18:28:27','<div id=\"intro\"><span class=\"double-line\"> </span>\r\n<h1>Individual career planning, skill building, and connecting with professionals within and beyond academia</h1>\r\n<span class=\"double-line\">C </span>\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Harald Clinical Trial/ Translation Module</strong></span></h1>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\"><strong>Gautam Ghatnekar, DVM, PhD - </strong><strong>An entrepreneur’s story:  Case study of translation of a drug through clinical trials</strong></h1>\r\nDr. Ghatnekar is the President &amp; CEO of FirstString Research, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company located in Charleston, South Carolina.  Dr. Ghatnekar studied veterinary medicine and developed his own veterinary practice specializing in small animal medicine and surgery. In 2000, he enrolled in a graduate program at North Carolina State University and in 2004 graduated with a PhD in Comparative Biomedical Science . During his doctoral studies, he was President of the Graduate Student Association and won various awards, including the Teratology Society Marie W. Taubeneck award for excellence in research and leadership and an American Heart Association Pre-Doctoral Fellowship. Following his PhD, Dr Ghatnekar did a post-doc with Dr Gourdie at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). During these studies, Dr. Ghatnekar established ACT1 as a technology platform, with applications in regenerative medicine and he and Gourdie formed FirstString Research, Inc. in 2005. Under his leadership, FirstString Research has advanced the clinical development of its lead product Granexin Gel – a topical formulation containing the ACT1 peptide – through human clinical trials. The gel was tested on 48 subjects in a Phase 1 study and has been evaluated in three Phase 2 human clinical trials for acute surgical wounds and chronic wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers and venous leg ulcers. The results from clinical trials were published in 2015 in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology (Nature) and Wound Repair and Regeneration. Phase III clinical trials on diabetic foot ulcers are now underway. Dr. Ghatnekar’s experience and expertise in preparing regulatory documentation, developing both GLP preclinical studies and clinical trial protocols; and working knowledge of both the device (CDRH) and drug (CDER) regulatory routes and requirements, has led FirstString Research to successfully navigate the FDA and obtain IND approvals. Dr. Ghatnekar is a member of various prestigious national and international scientific societies including the Wound Healing Society and the Association for Advancement of Wound Care. He has been awarded multiple Phase I and Phase SBIR/STTR small business grants by the NIH, is PI on a prestigious NIH BRiDG award and serves on NIH study sections as a reviewer. In 2006, he accepted the ‘Innovators 2006’ award, sponsored by the Charleston Regional Business Journal.  Dr. Ghatnekar was also recognized recently by the Charleston Regional Business Journal as one of Charleston’s ‘Forty Under 40’.\r\n\r\n<strong>Harald Sontheimer, PhD - </strong><strong>A scientist\'s story:  Case study of translating a glioblastoma drug.</strong>\r\n\r\nDr. Harald Sontheimer researches the biology of glial cells, the brain\'s most abundant cell type. He is credited with making foundational discoveries on the functional properties of glial cells in the brain, including the localization and mechanisms of a range of receptors and ion channels that were previously thought to exist only on nerve cells.\r\n\r\nCurrently, Dr. Sontheimer studies the molecular structure and activity of glial cells in health, cancer, and other diseases. He and his research team work to understand the mechanisms underpinning the functions of glial cells, and how these functions may fault.\r\n\r\nDr. Sontheimer also currently serves on several councils and committees, including the Scientific Advisory Board \"Cure Epilepsy\", the Scientific Advisory Board for the MIT Press, the Society for Neurochemistry Program Committee, the American Brain Tumor Association Scientific Advisory Council, and the College of CSR Reviewers. He previously served on the Scientific Advisory Board for The Max Plank Society. He also served as an editorial board member, in various capacities, for the <em>Journal of Neuroscience Letters</em>, <em>Glial</em>,<em>Jounal of Neuroscience Research</em>, <em>Glial-Neuronal Biology</em>, <em>NeuroReport</em>.\r\n\r\n<strong>Kurtis Moyer, MD - </strong><strong>A clinician’s story: Surgical breast reconstruction for breast cancer survivors.</strong>\r\n<h2>Associate Professor, Surgery, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine</h2>\r\n<h2>Associate Residency Program Director, Plastic Surgery, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center</h2>\r\n<h2>Medical Director, Hershey Cosmetic Surgery Center, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center</h2>\r\n<h2>Medical Director, Doctor in the House Program, The Spa at the Hotel Hershey</h2>\r\n<h2>Assistant Professor of Surgery, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center</h2>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Brian Giles, PhD, JD -</strong><strong> A lawyers story: Intellectual property and commercialization</strong>\r\n\r\nDr Gile’s practice focuses primarily on patent prosecution, due diligence, and portfolio management in the areas of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and medical devices. He did his PhD degree at the Medical University of South Carolina on vasculogenesis He has spent the last decade working with dozens of universities, and numerous early and growth stage biotechnology and medical device companies, to develop patent portfolios individualized for his client\'s unique needs and intended markets. Prior to this, Dr Giles spent another decade conducting research in the areas of immunogenetics, endocrinology, infectious disease, cardiology, developmental biology, cell biology, and molecular biology. He has used his extensive technical and legal experience to protect a wide variety of technologies, including stem cells, recombinant proteins, synthetic peptides, oligonucleotides, viral vectors, antibodies, biomarkers, biomaterials, nanoparticles and microparticles, tissue engineering techniques and reagents, diagnostics, medical devices, and therapeutic methods. His experience includes drafting patent applications; preparing invalidity, freedom to operate, and non-infringement opinions; prosecuting U.S. and foreign patent applications; and advising companies and investors during I.P. due diligence. Dr Gile\'s is an active member of Georgia Bio, and currently serves as an Advisor for its Emerging Leader\'s Network (ELN). Brian is also involved in the Southeastern Medical Device Association (SEMDA), the Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM) and is Associate Editor of the Georgia State Law Review.\r\n\r\n<strong>Mark Van Dyke, PhD</strong><strong> - A bioengineer\'s story: Case study of translating a device - Regulatory considerations</strong>\r\n\r\nBiomaterials are an essential tool that provides the basis for bioengineered devices, growing and delivering cells, developing functional tissues, and engineering whole organs. Natural biopolymers that self-assemble on the nano scale have the potential to provide native cellular environments that facilitate the directed behavior of cells. Research conducted in the Nanostructured Biopolymer Engineering Lab makes use of naturally derived keratin nanomaterials for biomaterials development. Dr. Van Dyke’s research group studies the fundamental characteristics of keratin nanomaterials such as their solution behavior, self-assembly into network structures, and structure-function relationships. Keratin nanomaterials can be purified from natural fibers and when properly isolated, demonstrate several remarkable characteristics. First, keratin nanomaterials are highly biocompatible and can be used for tissue regeneration, drug delivery, and as carriers for cells; purified keratin nanomaterials contain no cellular elements so they do not elicit an immune response. Second, keratin nanomaterials have a unique capacity for molecular self-assembly that results in the spontaneous formation of network structures. Self-assembly occurs on the nanometer scale and builds to the micron scale, resulting in homogenous, porous architectures that are conducive to cell attachment and growth. Third, keratin nanomaterials contain cellular binding motifs that mimic the sites of cell attachment found in native extracellular matrix. By leveraging these unique characteristics, we are creating inexpensive biomaterials with the potential for use in a host of biomedical applications. Commercializing the results of our research is also a focus of the lab. Our current research programs are directed toward developing greater understanding of the molecular self-assembly process and keratin’s ligand-like function. We have projects that are aimed toward clinical applications such as heart regeneration, inflammation, and bone repair.\r\n\r\n<strong>Cole Dudley BS, MBA -</strong><strong> An investors Story: Venture Capital and Investment in Biomedical Innovations</strong>\r\n\r\nMr Dudley has extensive experience in technology commercialization, venture capital, and leading startup and small companies. His 10 years as a venture capitalist included 2 years as founding CEO of a biotech startup thatwas later listed on the NASDAQ. He was Managing Director of a consulting firm and personally provided due diligence services to private equity firms. Most recently, he led a successful corporate turnaround as an owner and COO for 9 years and then was Managing Director of a private investment group.\r\n\r\n[gravityform id=\"16\" name=\"April 2016 TBMH Lectures Registration\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\"><span class=\"double-line\"> </span></h1>\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\">Professional Development Course (TBMH 5106, 2 credits)</h1>\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\"><span class=\"double-line\"> </span></h1>\r\nThis course will be offered each Spring semester, starting Spring 2015. Class time will include guest lectures from various biomedical professionals, who will present case studies and exercises designed to provide an understanding of various biomedical career paths, and how these professionals interact to promote biomedical research and the implementation of important discoveries.  Additional focus on career development planning (IDPs) and building scientific communication skills.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Location</span><em>:</em> Course instruction will take place at Virginia Tech facilities in Roanoke, and possibly Blacksburg.<a href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Career-Bridge.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-99\" src=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Career-Bridge-300x203.jpg\" alt=\"Career Bridge\" width=\"300\" height=\"203\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Student Commitment</span>: Trainees will attend class for 2 hours per week for one semester at Virginia Tech. Trainees must commit to attending all classes, and completing all reading and written assignments, including completion of an Individual Development Plan. At the end of the course, trainees will complete a course assessment questionnaire that should take 10 minutes to complete. Trainees must also complete a consent form that will allow the BEST program to issue them the annual BEST Survey, which should take less than 30 minutes to complete. This BEST survey will be issued annually for 10 years.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Eligibility</span>:   This course is required for all students in the PhD program in Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health (TBMH), and open to students in other biomedical graduate programs at Virginia Tech as part of the BEST program. Space is limited, and we encourage non-TBMH students to apply as early as possible to secure space in the course.\r\n\r\nPostdoctoral trainees who are <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">within three years</span> of earning their doctorate are eligible to audit this course as part of the BEST program (0 credits), but <strong>must attend all classes</strong>.\r\n\r\nRegistration for the Spring 2016 class is now closed.\r\n\r\n<em>Trainees who are not TBMH students will need to sign up here to receive instructor permission to register for the course for Spring 2016. Space is limited and trainees will be selected in the order in which they sign up. Trainees must sign an informed consent form and return it on the first day of class</em>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<em> Be sure to <a title=\"CONTACT\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/contact/\">subscribe</a> to our e-alerts to be notified of future BEST activities!  Additional opportunities for professional development at VT can be found on our <a title=\"RESOURCES\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/resources/\">Resources</a> page.</em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT','','inherit','closed','open','','138-revision-v1','','','2016-04-18 18:28:27','2016-04-18 18:28:27','',138,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/138-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1219,8,'2016-04-18 18:28:52','2016-04-18 18:28:52','<div id=\"intro\"><span class=\"double-line\"> </span>\r\n<h1>Individual career planning, skill building, and connecting with professionals within and beyond academia</h1>\r\n<span class=\"double-line\">C </span>\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Harald Clinical Trial/ Translation Module</strong></span></h1>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Gautam Ghatnekar, DVM, PhD - </strong><strong>An entrepreneur’s story:  Case study of translation of a drug through clinical trials</strong></span></h1>\r\nDr. Ghatnekar is the President &amp; CEO of FirstString Research, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company located in Charleston, South Carolina.  Dr. Ghatnekar studied veterinary medicine and developed his own veterinary practice specializing in small animal medicine and surgery. In 2000, he enrolled in a graduate program at North Carolina State University and in 2004 graduated with a PhD in Comparative Biomedical Science . During his doctoral studies, he was President of the Graduate Student Association and won various awards, including the Teratology Society Marie W. Taubeneck award for excellence in research and leadership and an American Heart Association Pre-Doctoral Fellowship. Following his PhD, Dr Ghatnekar did a post-doc with Dr Gourdie at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). During these studies, Dr. Ghatnekar established ACT1 as a technology platform, with applications in regenerative medicine and he and Gourdie formed FirstString Research, Inc. in 2005. Under his leadership, FirstString Research has advanced the clinical development of its lead product Granexin Gel – a topical formulation containing the ACT1 peptide – through human clinical trials. The gel was tested on 48 subjects in a Phase 1 study and has been evaluated in three Phase 2 human clinical trials for acute surgical wounds and chronic wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers and venous leg ulcers. The results from clinical trials were published in 2015 in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology (Nature) and Wound Repair and Regeneration. Phase III clinical trials on diabetic foot ulcers are now underway. Dr. Ghatnekar’s experience and expertise in preparing regulatory documentation, developing both GLP preclinical studies and clinical trial protocols; and working knowledge of both the device (CDRH) and drug (CDER) regulatory routes and requirements, has led FirstString Research to successfully navigate the FDA and obtain IND approvals. Dr. Ghatnekar is a member of various prestigious national and international scientific societies including the Wound Healing Society and the Association for Advancement of Wound Care. He has been awarded multiple Phase I and Phase SBIR/STTR small business grants by the NIH, is PI on a prestigious NIH BRiDG award and serves on NIH study sections as a reviewer. In 2006, he accepted the ‘Innovators 2006’ award, sponsored by the Charleston Regional Business Journal.  Dr. Ghatnekar was also recognized recently by the Charleston Regional Business Journal as one of Charleston’s ‘Forty Under 40’.\r\n\r\n<strong>Harald Sontheimer, PhD - </strong><strong>A scientist\'s story:  Case study of translating a glioblastoma drug.</strong>\r\n\r\nDr. Harald Sontheimer researches the biology of glial cells, the brain\'s most abundant cell type. He is credited with making foundational discoveries on the functional properties of glial cells in the brain, including the localization and mechanisms of a range of receptors and ion channels that were previously thought to exist only on nerve cells.\r\n\r\nCurrently, Dr. Sontheimer studies the molecular structure and activity of glial cells in health, cancer, and other diseases. He and his research team work to understand the mechanisms underpinning the functions of glial cells, and how these functions may fault.\r\n\r\nDr. Sontheimer also currently serves on several councils and committees, including the Scientific Advisory Board \"Cure Epilepsy\", the Scientific Advisory Board for the MIT Press, the Society for Neurochemistry Program Committee, the American Brain Tumor Association Scientific Advisory Council, and the College of CSR Reviewers. He previously served on the Scientific Advisory Board for The Max Plank Society. He also served as an editorial board member, in various capacities, for the <em>Journal of Neuroscience Letters</em>, <em>Glial</em>,<em>Jounal of Neuroscience Research</em>, <em>Glial-Neuronal Biology</em>, <em>NeuroReport</em>.\r\n\r\n<strong>Kurtis Moyer, MD - </strong><strong>A clinician’s story: Surgical breast reconstruction for breast cancer survivors.</strong>\r\n<h2>Associate Professor, Surgery, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine</h2>\r\n<h2>Associate Residency Program Director, Plastic Surgery, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center</h2>\r\n<h2>Medical Director, Hershey Cosmetic Surgery Center, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center</h2>\r\n<h2>Medical Director, Doctor in the House Program, The Spa at the Hotel Hershey</h2>\r\n<h2>Assistant Professor of Surgery, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center</h2>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Brian Giles, PhD, JD -</strong><strong> A lawyers story: Intellectual property and commercialization</strong>\r\n\r\nDr Gile’s practice focuses primarily on patent prosecution, due diligence, and portfolio management in the areas of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and medical devices. He did his PhD degree at the Medical University of South Carolina on vasculogenesis He has spent the last decade working with dozens of universities, and numerous early and growth stage biotechnology and medical device companies, to develop patent portfolios individualized for his client\'s unique needs and intended markets. Prior to this, Dr Giles spent another decade conducting research in the areas of immunogenetics, endocrinology, infectious disease, cardiology, developmental biology, cell biology, and molecular biology. He has used his extensive technical and legal experience to protect a wide variety of technologies, including stem cells, recombinant proteins, synthetic peptides, oligonucleotides, viral vectors, antibodies, biomarkers, biomaterials, nanoparticles and microparticles, tissue engineering techniques and reagents, diagnostics, medical devices, and therapeutic methods. His experience includes drafting patent applications; preparing invalidity, freedom to operate, and non-infringement opinions; prosecuting U.S. and foreign patent applications; and advising companies and investors during I.P. due diligence. Dr Gile\'s is an active member of Georgia Bio, and currently serves as an Advisor for its Emerging Leader\'s Network (ELN). Brian is also involved in the Southeastern Medical Device Association (SEMDA), the Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM) and is Associate Editor of the Georgia State Law Review.\r\n\r\n<strong>Mark Van Dyke, PhD</strong><strong> - A bioengineer\'s story: Case study of translating a device - Regulatory considerations</strong>\r\n\r\nBiomaterials are an essential tool that provides the basis for bioengineered devices, growing and delivering cells, developing functional tissues, and engineering whole organs. Natural biopolymers that self-assemble on the nano scale have the potential to provide native cellular environments that facilitate the directed behavior of cells. Research conducted in the Nanostructured Biopolymer Engineering Lab makes use of naturally derived keratin nanomaterials for biomaterials development. Dr. Van Dyke’s research group studies the fundamental characteristics of keratin nanomaterials such as their solution behavior, self-assembly into network structures, and structure-function relationships. Keratin nanomaterials can be purified from natural fibers and when properly isolated, demonstrate several remarkable characteristics. First, keratin nanomaterials are highly biocompatible and can be used for tissue regeneration, drug delivery, and as carriers for cells; purified keratin nanomaterials contain no cellular elements so they do not elicit an immune response. Second, keratin nanomaterials have a unique capacity for molecular self-assembly that results in the spontaneous formation of network structures. Self-assembly occurs on the nanometer scale and builds to the micron scale, resulting in homogenous, porous architectures that are conducive to cell attachment and growth. Third, keratin nanomaterials contain cellular binding motifs that mimic the sites of cell attachment found in native extracellular matrix. By leveraging these unique characteristics, we are creating inexpensive biomaterials with the potential for use in a host of biomedical applications. Commercializing the results of our research is also a focus of the lab. Our current research programs are directed toward developing greater understanding of the molecular self-assembly process and keratin’s ligand-like function. We have projects that are aimed toward clinical applications such as heart regeneration, inflammation, and bone repair.\r\n\r\n<strong>Cole Dudley BS, MBA -</strong><strong> An investors Story: Venture Capital and Investment in Biomedical Innovations</strong>\r\n\r\nMr Dudley has extensive experience in technology commercialization, venture capital, and leading startup and small companies. His 10 years as a venture capitalist included 2 years as founding CEO of a biotech startup thatwas later listed on the NASDAQ. He was Managing Director of a consulting firm and personally provided due diligence services to private equity firms. Most recently, he led a successful corporate turnaround as an owner and COO for 9 years and then was Managing Director of a private investment group.\r\n\r\n[gravityform id=\"16\" name=\"April 2016 TBMH Lectures Registration\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\"><span class=\"double-line\"> </span></h1>\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\">Professional Development Course (TBMH 5106, 2 credits)</h1>\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\"><span class=\"double-line\"> </span></h1>\r\nThis course will be offered each Spring semester, starting Spring 2015. Class time will include guest lectures from various biomedical professionals, who will present case studies and exercises designed to provide an understanding of various biomedical career paths, and how these professionals interact to promote biomedical research and the implementation of important discoveries.  Additional focus on career development planning (IDPs) and building scientific communication skills.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Location</span><em>:</em> Course instruction will take place at Virginia Tech facilities in Roanoke, and possibly Blacksburg.<a href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Career-Bridge.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-99\" src=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Career-Bridge-300x203.jpg\" alt=\"Career Bridge\" width=\"300\" height=\"203\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Student Commitment</span>: Trainees will attend class for 2 hours per week for one semester at Virginia Tech. Trainees must commit to attending all classes, and completing all reading and written assignments, including completion of an Individual Development Plan. At the end of the course, trainees will complete a course assessment questionnaire that should take 10 minutes to complete. Trainees must also complete a consent form that will allow the BEST program to issue them the annual BEST Survey, which should take less than 30 minutes to complete. This BEST survey will be issued annually for 10 years.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Eligibility</span>:   This course is required for all students in the PhD program in Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health (TBMH), and open to students in other biomedical graduate programs at Virginia Tech as part of the BEST program. Space is limited, and we encourage non-TBMH students to apply as early as possible to secure space in the course.\r\n\r\nPostdoctoral trainees who are <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">within three years</span> of earning their doctorate are eligible to audit this course as part of the BEST program (0 credits), but <strong>must attend all classes</strong>.\r\n\r\nRegistration for the Spring 2016 class is now closed.\r\n\r\n<em>Trainees who are not TBMH students will need to sign up here to receive instructor permission to register for the course for Spring 2016. Space is limited and trainees will be selected in the order in which they sign up. Trainees must sign an informed consent form and return it on the first day of class</em>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<em> Be sure to <a title=\"CONTACT\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/contact/\">subscribe</a> to our e-alerts to be notified of future BEST activities!  Additional opportunities for professional development at VT can be found on our <a title=\"RESOURCES\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/resources/\">Resources</a> page.</em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT','','inherit','closed','open','','138-revision-v1','','','2016-04-18 18:28:52','2016-04-18 18:28:52','',138,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/138-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1220,8,'2016-04-18 18:29:22','2016-04-18 18:29:22','<div id=\"intro\"><span class=\"double-line\"> </span>\r\n<h1>Individual career planning, skill building, and connecting with professionals within and beyond academia</h1>\r\n<span class=\"double-line\">C </span>\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Harald Clinical Trial/ Translation Module</strong></span></h1>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Gautam Ghatnekar, DVM, PhD - </strong><strong>An entrepreneur’s story:  Case study of translation of a drug through clinical trials</strong></span></h1>\r\nDr. Ghatnekar is the President &amp; CEO of FirstString Research, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company located in Charleston, South Carolina.  Dr. Ghatnekar studied veterinary medicine and developed his own veterinary practice specializing in small animal medicine and surgery. In 2000, he enrolled in a graduate program at North Carolina State University and in 2004 graduated with a PhD in Comparative Biomedical Science . During his doctoral studies, he was President of the Graduate Student Association and won various awards, including the Teratology Society Marie W. Taubeneck award for excellence in research and leadership and an American Heart Association Pre-Doctoral Fellowship. Following his PhD, Dr Ghatnekar did a post-doc with Dr Gourdie at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). During these studies, Dr. Ghatnekar established ACT1 as a technology platform, with applications in regenerative medicine and he and Gourdie formed FirstString Research, Inc. in 2005. Under his leadership, FirstString Research has advanced the clinical development of its lead product Granexin Gel – a topical formulation containing the ACT1 peptide – through human clinical trials. The gel was tested on 48 subjects in a Phase 1 study and has been evaluated in three Phase 2 human clinical trials for acute surgical wounds and chronic wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers and venous leg ulcers. The results from clinical trials were published in 2015 in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology (Nature) and Wound Repair and Regeneration. Phase III clinical trials on diabetic foot ulcers are now underway. Dr. Ghatnekar’s experience and expertise in preparing regulatory documentation, developing both GLP preclinical studies and clinical trial protocols; and working knowledge of both the device (CDRH) and drug (CDER) regulatory routes and requirements, has led FirstString Research to successfully navigate the FDA and obtain IND approvals. Dr. Ghatnekar is a member of various prestigious national and international scientific societies including the Wound Healing Society and the Association for Advancement of Wound Care. He has been awarded multiple Phase I and Phase SBIR/STTR small business grants by the NIH, is PI on a prestigious NIH BRiDG award and serves on NIH study sections as a reviewer. In 2006, he accepted the ‘Innovators 2006’ award, sponsored by the Charleston Regional Business Journal.  Dr. Ghatnekar was also recognized recently by the Charleston Regional Business Journal as one of Charleston’s ‘Forty Under 40’.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Harald Sontheimer, PhD - </strong><strong>A scientist\'s story:  Case study of translating a glioblastoma drug.</strong></span>\r\n\r\nDr. Harald Sontheimer researches the biology of glial cells, the brain\'s most abundant cell type. He is credited with making foundational discoveries on the functional properties of glial cells in the brain, including the localization and mechanisms of a range of receptors and ion channels that were previously thought to exist only on nerve cells.\r\n\r\nCurrently, Dr. Sontheimer studies the molecular structure and activity of glial cells in health, cancer, and other diseases. He and his research team work to understand the mechanisms underpinning the functions of glial cells, and how these functions may fault.\r\n\r\nDr. Sontheimer also currently serves on several councils and committees, including the Scientific Advisory Board \"Cure Epilepsy\", the Scientific Advisory Board for the MIT Press, the Society for Neurochemistry Program Committee, the American Brain Tumor Association Scientific Advisory Council, and the College of CSR Reviewers. He previously served on the Scientific Advisory Board for The Max Plank Society. He also served as an editorial board member, in various capacities, for the <em>Journal of Neuroscience Letters</em>, <em>Glial</em>,<em>Jounal of Neuroscience Research</em>, <em>Glial-Neuronal Biology</em>, <em>NeuroReport</em>.\r\n\r\n<strong>Kurtis Moyer, MD - </strong><strong>A clinician’s story: Surgical breast reconstruction for breast cancer survivors.</strong>\r\n<h2>Associate Professor, Surgery, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine</h2>\r\n<h2>Associate Residency Program Director, Plastic Surgery, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center</h2>\r\n<h2>Medical Director, Hershey Cosmetic Surgery Center, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center</h2>\r\n<h2>Medical Director, Doctor in the House Program, The Spa at the Hotel Hershey</h2>\r\n<h2>Assistant Professor of Surgery, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center</h2>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Brian Giles, PhD, JD -</strong><strong> A lawyers story: Intellectual property and commercialization</strong>\r\n\r\nDr Gile’s practice focuses primarily on patent prosecution, due diligence, and portfolio management in the areas of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and medical devices. He did his PhD degree at the Medical University of South Carolina on vasculogenesis He has spent the last decade working with dozens of universities, and numerous early and growth stage biotechnology and medical device companies, to develop patent portfolios individualized for his client\'s unique needs and intended markets. Prior to this, Dr Giles spent another decade conducting research in the areas of immunogenetics, endocrinology, infectious disease, cardiology, developmental biology, cell biology, and molecular biology. He has used his extensive technical and legal experience to protect a wide variety of technologies, including stem cells, recombinant proteins, synthetic peptides, oligonucleotides, viral vectors, antibodies, biomarkers, biomaterials, nanoparticles and microparticles, tissue engineering techniques and reagents, diagnostics, medical devices, and therapeutic methods. His experience includes drafting patent applications; preparing invalidity, freedom to operate, and non-infringement opinions; prosecuting U.S. and foreign patent applications; and advising companies and investors during I.P. due diligence. Dr Gile\'s is an active member of Georgia Bio, and currently serves as an Advisor for its Emerging Leader\'s Network (ELN). Brian is also involved in the Southeastern Medical Device Association (SEMDA), the Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM) and is Associate Editor of the Georgia State Law Review.\r\n\r\n<strong>Mark Van Dyke, PhD</strong><strong> - A bioengineer\'s story: Case study of translating a device - Regulatory considerations</strong>\r\n\r\nBiomaterials are an essential tool that provides the basis for bioengineered devices, growing and delivering cells, developing functional tissues, and engineering whole organs. Natural biopolymers that self-assemble on the nano scale have the potential to provide native cellular environments that facilitate the directed behavior of cells. Research conducted in the Nanostructured Biopolymer Engineering Lab makes use of naturally derived keratin nanomaterials for biomaterials development. Dr. Van Dyke’s research group studies the fundamental characteristics of keratin nanomaterials such as their solution behavior, self-assembly into network structures, and structure-function relationships. Keratin nanomaterials can be purified from natural fibers and when properly isolated, demonstrate several remarkable characteristics. First, keratin nanomaterials are highly biocompatible and can be used for tissue regeneration, drug delivery, and as carriers for cells; purified keratin nanomaterials contain no cellular elements so they do not elicit an immune response. Second, keratin nanomaterials have a unique capacity for molecular self-assembly that results in the spontaneous formation of network structures. Self-assembly occurs on the nanometer scale and builds to the micron scale, resulting in homogenous, porous architectures that are conducive to cell attachment and growth. Third, keratin nanomaterials contain cellular binding motifs that mimic the sites of cell attachment found in native extracellular matrix. By leveraging these unique characteristics, we are creating inexpensive biomaterials with the potential for use in a host of biomedical applications. Commercializing the results of our research is also a focus of the lab. Our current research programs are directed toward developing greater understanding of the molecular self-assembly process and keratin’s ligand-like function. We have projects that are aimed toward clinical applications such as heart regeneration, inflammation, and bone repair.\r\n\r\n<strong>Cole Dudley BS, MBA -</strong><strong> An investors Story: Venture Capital and Investment in Biomedical Innovations</strong>\r\n\r\nMr Dudley has extensive experience in technology commercialization, venture capital, and leading startup and small companies. His 10 years as a venture capitalist included 2 years as founding CEO of a biotech startup thatwas later listed on the NASDAQ. He was Managing Director of a consulting firm and personally provided due diligence services to private equity firms. Most recently, he led a successful corporate turnaround as an owner and COO for 9 years and then was Managing Director of a private investment group.\r\n\r\n[gravityform id=\"16\" name=\"April 2016 TBMH Lectures Registration\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\"><span class=\"double-line\"> </span></h1>\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\">Professional Development Course (TBMH 5106, 2 credits)</h1>\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\"><span class=\"double-line\"> </span></h1>\r\nThis course will be offered each Spring semester, starting Spring 2015. Class time will include guest lectures from various biomedical professionals, who will present case studies and exercises designed to provide an understanding of various biomedical career paths, and how these professionals interact to promote biomedical research and the implementation of important discoveries.  Additional focus on career development planning (IDPs) and building scientific communication skills.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Location</span><em>:</em> Course instruction will take place at Virginia Tech facilities in Roanoke, and possibly Blacksburg.<a href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Career-Bridge.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-99\" src=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Career-Bridge-300x203.jpg\" alt=\"Career Bridge\" width=\"300\" height=\"203\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Student Commitment</span>: Trainees will attend class for 2 hours per week for one semester at Virginia Tech. Trainees must commit to attending all classes, and completing all reading and written assignments, including completion of an Individual Development Plan. At the end of the course, trainees will complete a course assessment questionnaire that should take 10 minutes to complete. Trainees must also complete a consent form that will allow the BEST program to issue them the annual BEST Survey, which should take less than 30 minutes to complete. This BEST survey will be issued annually for 10 years.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Eligibility</span>:   This course is required for all students in the PhD program in Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health (TBMH), and open to students in other biomedical graduate programs at Virginia Tech as part of the BEST program. Space is limited, and we encourage non-TBMH students to apply as early as possible to secure space in the course.\r\n\r\nPostdoctoral trainees who are <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">within three years</span> of earning their doctorate are eligible to audit this course as part of the BEST program (0 credits), but <strong>must attend all classes</strong>.\r\n\r\nRegistration for the Spring 2016 class is now closed.\r\n\r\n<em>Trainees who are not TBMH students will need to sign up here to receive instructor permission to register for the course for Spring 2016. Space is limited and trainees will be selected in the order in which they sign up. Trainees must sign an informed consent form and return it on the first day of class</em>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<em> Be sure to <a title=\"CONTACT\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/contact/\">subscribe</a> to our e-alerts to be notified of future BEST activities!  Additional opportunities for professional development at VT can be found on our <a title=\"RESOURCES\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/resources/\">Resources</a> page.</em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT','','inherit','closed','open','','138-revision-v1','','','2016-04-18 18:29:22','2016-04-18 18:29:22','',138,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/138-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1221,8,'2016-04-18 18:29:47','2016-04-18 18:29:47','<div id=\"intro\"><span class=\"double-line\"> </span>\r\n<h1>Individual career planning, skill building, and connecting with professionals within and beyond academia</h1>\r\n<span class=\"double-line\">C </span>\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Harald Clinical Trial/ Translation Module</strong></span></h1>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Gautam Ghatnekar, DVM, PhD - </strong><strong>An entrepreneur’s story:  Case study of translation of a drug through clinical trials</strong></span></h1>\r\nDr. Ghatnekar is the President &amp; CEO of FirstString Research, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company located in Charleston, South Carolina.  Dr. Ghatnekar studied veterinary medicine and developed his own veterinary practice specializing in small animal medicine and surgery. In 2000, he enrolled in a graduate program at North Carolina State University and in 2004 graduated with a PhD in Comparative Biomedical Science . During his doctoral studies, he was President of the Graduate Student Association and won various awards, including the Teratology Society Marie W. Taubeneck award for excellence in research and leadership and an American Heart Association Pre-Doctoral Fellowship. Following his PhD, Dr Ghatnekar did a post-doc with Dr Gourdie at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). During these studies, Dr. Ghatnekar established ACT1 as a technology platform, with applications in regenerative medicine and he and Gourdie formed FirstString Research, Inc. in 2005. Under his leadership, FirstString Research has advanced the clinical development of its lead product Granexin Gel – a topical formulation containing the ACT1 peptide – through human clinical trials. The gel was tested on 48 subjects in a Phase 1 study and has been evaluated in three Phase 2 human clinical trials for acute surgical wounds and chronic wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers and venous leg ulcers. The results from clinical trials were published in 2015 in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology (Nature) and Wound Repair and Regeneration. Phase III clinical trials on diabetic foot ulcers are now underway. Dr. Ghatnekar’s experience and expertise in preparing regulatory documentation, developing both GLP preclinical studies and clinical trial protocols; and working knowledge of both the device (CDRH) and drug (CDER) regulatory routes and requirements, has led FirstString Research to successfully navigate the FDA and obtain IND approvals. Dr. Ghatnekar is a member of various prestigious national and international scientific societies including the Wound Healing Society and the Association for Advancement of Wound Care. He has been awarded multiple Phase I and Phase SBIR/STTR small business grants by the NIH, is PI on a prestigious NIH BRiDG award and serves on NIH study sections as a reviewer. In 2006, he accepted the ‘Innovators 2006’ award, sponsored by the Charleston Regional Business Journal.  Dr. Ghatnekar was also recognized recently by the Charleston Regional Business Journal as one of Charleston’s ‘Forty Under 40’.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Harald Sontheimer, PhD - </strong><strong>A scientist\'s story:  Case study of translating a glioblastoma drug.</strong></span>\r\n\r\nDr. Harald Sontheimer researches the biology of glial cells, the brain\'s most abundant cell type. He is credited with making foundational discoveries on the functional properties of glial cells in the brain, including the localization and mechanisms of a range of receptors and ion channels that were previously thought to exist only on nerve cells.\r\n\r\nCurrently, Dr. Sontheimer studies the molecular structure and activity of glial cells in health, cancer, and other diseases. He and his research team work to understand the mechanisms underpinning the functions of glial cells, and how these functions may fault.\r\n\r\nDr. Sontheimer also currently serves on several councils and committees, including the Scientific Advisory Board \"Cure Epilepsy\", the Scientific Advisory Board for the MIT Press, the Society for Neurochemistry Program Committee, the American Brain Tumor Association Scientific Advisory Council, and the College of CSR Reviewers. He previously served on the Scientific Advisory Board for The Max Plank Society. He also served as an editorial board member, in various capacities, for the <em>Journal of Neuroscience Letters</em>, <em>Glial</em>,<em>Jounal of Neuroscience Research</em>, <em>Glial-Neuronal Biology</em>, <em>NeuroReport</em>.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Kurtis Moyer, MD - </strong><strong>A clinician’s story: Surgical breast reconstruction for breast cancer survivors.</strong></span>\r\n<h2>Associate Professor, Surgery, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine</h2>\r\n<h2>Associate Residency Program Director, Plastic Surgery, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center</h2>\r\n<h2>Medical Director, Hershey Cosmetic Surgery Center, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center</h2>\r\n<h2>Medical Director, Doctor in the House Program, The Spa at the Hotel Hershey</h2>\r\n<h2>Assistant Professor of Surgery, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center</h2>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Brian Giles, PhD, JD -</strong><strong> A lawyers story: Intellectual property and commercialization</strong>\r\n\r\nDr Gile’s practice focuses primarily on patent prosecution, due diligence, and portfolio management in the areas of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and medical devices. He did his PhD degree at the Medical University of South Carolina on vasculogenesis He has spent the last decade working with dozens of universities, and numerous early and growth stage biotechnology and medical device companies, to develop patent portfolios individualized for his client\'s unique needs and intended markets. Prior to this, Dr Giles spent another decade conducting research in the areas of immunogenetics, endocrinology, infectious disease, cardiology, developmental biology, cell biology, and molecular biology. He has used his extensive technical and legal experience to protect a wide variety of technologies, including stem cells, recombinant proteins, synthetic peptides, oligonucleotides, viral vectors, antibodies, biomarkers, biomaterials, nanoparticles and microparticles, tissue engineering techniques and reagents, diagnostics, medical devices, and therapeutic methods. His experience includes drafting patent applications; preparing invalidity, freedom to operate, and non-infringement opinions; prosecuting U.S. and foreign patent applications; and advising companies and investors during I.P. due diligence. Dr Gile\'s is an active member of Georgia Bio, and currently serves as an Advisor for its Emerging Leader\'s Network (ELN). Brian is also involved in the Southeastern Medical Device Association (SEMDA), the Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM) and is Associate Editor of the Georgia State Law Review.\r\n\r\n<strong>Mark Van Dyke, PhD</strong><strong> - A bioengineer\'s story: Case study of translating a device - Regulatory considerations</strong>\r\n\r\nBiomaterials are an essential tool that provides the basis for bioengineered devices, growing and delivering cells, developing functional tissues, and engineering whole organs. Natural biopolymers that self-assemble on the nano scale have the potential to provide native cellular environments that facilitate the directed behavior of cells. Research conducted in the Nanostructured Biopolymer Engineering Lab makes use of naturally derived keratin nanomaterials for biomaterials development. Dr. Van Dyke’s research group studies the fundamental characteristics of keratin nanomaterials such as their solution behavior, self-assembly into network structures, and structure-function relationships. Keratin nanomaterials can be purified from natural fibers and when properly isolated, demonstrate several remarkable characteristics. First, keratin nanomaterials are highly biocompatible and can be used for tissue regeneration, drug delivery, and as carriers for cells; purified keratin nanomaterials contain no cellular elements so they do not elicit an immune response. Second, keratin nanomaterials have a unique capacity for molecular self-assembly that results in the spontaneous formation of network structures. Self-assembly occurs on the nanometer scale and builds to the micron scale, resulting in homogenous, porous architectures that are conducive to cell attachment and growth. Third, keratin nanomaterials contain cellular binding motifs that mimic the sites of cell attachment found in native extracellular matrix. By leveraging these unique characteristics, we are creating inexpensive biomaterials with the potential for use in a host of biomedical applications. Commercializing the results of our research is also a focus of the lab. Our current research programs are directed toward developing greater understanding of the molecular self-assembly process and keratin’s ligand-like function. We have projects that are aimed toward clinical applications such as heart regeneration, inflammation, and bone repair.\r\n\r\n<strong>Cole Dudley BS, MBA -</strong><strong> An investors Story: Venture Capital and Investment in Biomedical Innovations</strong>\r\n\r\nMr Dudley has extensive experience in technology commercialization, venture capital, and leading startup and small companies. His 10 years as a venture capitalist included 2 years as founding CEO of a biotech startup thatwas later listed on the NASDAQ. He was Managing Director of a consulting firm and personally provided due diligence services to private equity firms. Most recently, he led a successful corporate turnaround as an owner and COO for 9 years and then was Managing Director of a private investment group.\r\n\r\n[gravityform id=\"16\" name=\"April 2016 TBMH Lectures Registration\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\"><span class=\"double-line\"> </span></h1>\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\">Professional Development Course (TBMH 5106, 2 credits)</h1>\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\"><span class=\"double-line\"> </span></h1>\r\nThis course will be offered each Spring semester, starting Spring 2015. Class time will include guest lectures from various biomedical professionals, who will present case studies and exercises designed to provide an understanding of various biomedical career paths, and how these professionals interact to promote biomedical research and the implementation of important discoveries.  Additional focus on career development planning (IDPs) and building scientific communication skills.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Location</span><em>:</em> Course instruction will take place at Virginia Tech facilities in Roanoke, and possibly Blacksburg.<a href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Career-Bridge.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-99\" src=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Career-Bridge-300x203.jpg\" alt=\"Career Bridge\" width=\"300\" height=\"203\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Student Commitment</span>: Trainees will attend class for 2 hours per week for one semester at Virginia Tech. Trainees must commit to attending all classes, and completing all reading and written assignments, including completion of an Individual Development Plan. At the end of the course, trainees will complete a course assessment questionnaire that should take 10 minutes to complete. Trainees must also complete a consent form that will allow the BEST program to issue them the annual BEST Survey, which should take less than 30 minutes to complete. This BEST survey will be issued annually for 10 years.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Eligibility</span>:   This course is required for all students in the PhD program in Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health (TBMH), and open to students in other biomedical graduate programs at Virginia Tech as part of the BEST program. Space is limited, and we encourage non-TBMH students to apply as early as possible to secure space in the course.\r\n\r\nPostdoctoral trainees who are <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">within three years</span> of earning their doctorate are eligible to audit this course as part of the BEST program (0 credits), but <strong>must attend all classes</strong>.\r\n\r\nRegistration for the Spring 2016 class is now closed.\r\n\r\n<em>Trainees who are not TBMH students will need to sign up here to receive instructor permission to register for the course for Spring 2016. Space is limited and trainees will be selected in the order in which they sign up. Trainees must sign an informed consent form and return it on the first day of class</em>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<em> Be sure to <a title=\"CONTACT\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/contact/\">subscribe</a> to our e-alerts to be notified of future BEST activities!  Additional opportunities for professional development at VT can be found on our <a title=\"RESOURCES\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/resources/\">Resources</a> page.</em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT','','inherit','closed','open','','138-revision-v1','','','2016-04-18 18:29:47','2016-04-18 18:29:47','',138,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/138-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1222,8,'2016-04-18 18:30:36','2016-04-18 18:30:36','<div id=\"intro\"><span class=\"double-line\"> </span>\r\n<h1>Individual career planning, skill building, and connecting with professionals within and beyond academia</h1>\r\n<span class=\"double-line\">C </span>\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Harald Clinical Trial/ Translation Module</strong></span></h1>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Gautam Ghatnekar, DVM, PhD - </strong><strong>An entrepreneur’s story:  Case study of translation of a drug through clinical trials</strong></span></h1>\r\nDr. Ghatnekar is the President &amp; CEO of FirstString Research, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company located in Charleston, South Carolina.  Dr. Ghatnekar studied veterinary medicine and developed his own veterinary practice specializing in small animal medicine and surgery. In 2000, he enrolled in a graduate program at North Carolina State University and in 2004 graduated with a PhD in Comparative Biomedical Science . During his doctoral studies, he was President of the Graduate Student Association and won various awards, including the Teratology Society Marie W. Taubeneck award for excellence in research and leadership and an American Heart Association Pre-Doctoral Fellowship. Following his PhD, Dr Ghatnekar did a post-doc with Dr Gourdie at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). During these studies, Dr. Ghatnekar established ACT1 as a technology platform, with applications in regenerative medicine and he and Gourdie formed FirstString Research, Inc. in 2005. Under his leadership, FirstString Research has advanced the clinical development of its lead product Granexin Gel – a topical formulation containing the ACT1 peptide – through human clinical trials. The gel was tested on 48 subjects in a Phase 1 study and has been evaluated in three Phase 2 human clinical trials for acute surgical wounds and chronic wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers and venous leg ulcers. The results from clinical trials were published in 2015 in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology (Nature) and Wound Repair and Regeneration. Phase III clinical trials on diabetic foot ulcers are now underway. Dr. Ghatnekar’s experience and expertise in preparing regulatory documentation, developing both GLP preclinical studies and clinical trial protocols; and working knowledge of both the device (CDRH) and drug (CDER) regulatory routes and requirements, has led FirstString Research to successfully navigate the FDA and obtain IND approvals. Dr. Ghatnekar is a member of various prestigious national and international scientific societies including the Wound Healing Society and the Association for Advancement of Wound Care. He has been awarded multiple Phase I and Phase SBIR/STTR small business grants by the NIH, is PI on a prestigious NIH BRiDG award and serves on NIH study sections as a reviewer. In 2006, he accepted the ‘Innovators 2006’ award, sponsored by the Charleston Regional Business Journal.  Dr. Ghatnekar was also recognized recently by the Charleston Regional Business Journal as one of Charleston’s ‘Forty Under 40’.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Harald Sontheimer, PhD - </strong><strong>A scientist\'s story:  Case study of translating a glioblastoma drug.</strong></span>\r\n\r\nDr. Harald Sontheimer researches the biology of glial cells, the brain\'s most abundant cell type. He is credited with making foundational discoveries on the functional properties of glial cells in the brain, including the localization and mechanisms of a range of receptors and ion channels that were previously thought to exist only on nerve cells.\r\n\r\nCurrently, Dr. Sontheimer studies the molecular structure and activity of glial cells in health, cancer, and other diseases. He and his research team work to understand the mechanisms underpinning the functions of glial cells, and how these functions may fault.\r\n\r\nDr. Sontheimer also currently serves on several councils and committees, including the Scientific Advisory Board \"Cure Epilepsy\", the Scientific Advisory Board for the MIT Press, the Society for Neurochemistry Program Committee, the American Brain Tumor Association Scientific Advisory Council, and the College of CSR Reviewers. He previously served on the Scientific Advisory Board for The Max Plank Society. He also served as an editorial board member, in various capacities, for the <em>Journal of Neuroscience Letters</em>, <em>Glial</em>,<em>Jounal of Neuroscience Research</em>, <em>Glial-Neuronal Biology</em>, <em>NeuroReport</em>.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Kurtis Moyer, MD - </strong><strong>A clinician’s story: Surgical breast reconstruction for breast cancer survivors.</strong></span>\r\n<h2>Associate Professor, Surgery, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine</h2>\r\n<h2>Associate Residency Program Director, Plastic Surgery, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center</h2>\r\n<h2>Medical Director, Hershey Cosmetic Surgery Center, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center</h2>\r\n<h2>Medical Director, Doctor in the House Program, The Spa at the Hotel Hershey</h2>\r\n<h2>Assistant Professor of Surgery, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center</h2>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Brian Giles, PhD, JD -</strong><strong> A lawyers story: Intellectual property and commercialization</strong></span>\r\n\r\nDr Gile’s practice focuses primarily on patent prosecution, due diligence, and portfolio management in the areas of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and medical devices. He did his PhD degree at the Medical University of South Carolina on vasculogenesis He has spent the last decade working with dozens of universities, and numerous early and growth stage biotechnology and medical device companies, to develop patent portfolios individualized for his client\'s unique needs and intended markets. Prior to this, Dr Giles spent another decade conducting research in the areas of immunogenetics, endocrinology, infectious disease, cardiology, developmental biology, cell biology, and molecular biology. He has used his extensive technical and legal experience to protect a wide variety of technologies, including stem cells, recombinant proteins, synthetic peptides, oligonucleotides, viral vectors, antibodies, biomarkers, biomaterials, nanoparticles and microparticles, tissue engineering techniques and reagents, diagnostics, medical devices, and therapeutic methods. His experience includes drafting patent applications; preparing invalidity, freedom to operate, and non-infringement opinions; prosecuting U.S. and foreign patent applications; and advising companies and investors during I.P. due diligence. Dr Gile\'s is an active member of Georgia Bio, and currently serves as an Advisor for its Emerging Leader\'s Network (ELN). Brian is also involved in the Southeastern Medical Device Association (SEMDA), the Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM) and is Associate Editor of the Georgia State Law Review.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Mark Van Dyke, PhD</strong><strong> - A bioengineer\'s story: Case study of translating a device - Regulatory considerations</strong></span>\r\n\r\nBiomaterials are an essential tool that provides the basis for bioengineered devices, growing and delivering cells, developing functional tissues, and engineering whole organs. Natural biopolymers that self-assemble on the nano scale have the potential to provide native cellular environments that facilitate the directed behavior of cells. Research conducted in the Nanostructured Biopolymer Engineering Lab makes use of naturally derived keratin nanomaterials for biomaterials development. Dr. Van Dyke’s research group studies the fundamental characteristics of keratin nanomaterials such as their solution behavior, self-assembly into network structures, and structure-function relationships. Keratin nanomaterials can be purified from natural fibers and when properly isolated, demonstrate several remarkable characteristics. First, keratin nanomaterials are highly biocompatible and can be used for tissue regeneration, drug delivery, and as carriers for cells; purified keratin nanomaterials contain no cellular elements so they do not elicit an immune response. Second, keratin nanomaterials have a unique capacity for molecular self-assembly that results in the spontaneous formation of network structures. Self-assembly occurs on the nanometer scale and builds to the micron scale, resulting in homogenous, porous architectures that are conducive to cell attachment and growth. Third, keratin nanomaterials contain cellular binding motifs that mimic the sites of cell attachment found in native extracellular matrix. By leveraging these unique characteristics, we are creating inexpensive biomaterials with the potential for use in a host of biomedical applications. Commercializing the results of our research is also a focus of the lab. Our current research programs are directed toward developing greater understanding of the molecular self-assembly process and keratin’s ligand-like function. We have projects that are aimed toward clinical applications such as heart regeneration, inflammation, and bone repair.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Cole Dudley BS, MBA -</strong><strong> An investors Story: Venture Capital and Investment in Biomedical Innovations</strong></span>\r\n\r\nMr Dudley has extensive experience in technology commercialization, venture capital, and leading startup and small companies. His 10 years as a venture capitalist included 2 years as founding CEO of a biotech startup thatwas later listed on the NASDAQ. He was Managing Director of a consulting firm and personally provided due diligence services to private equity firms. Most recently, he led a successful corporate turnaround as an owner and COO for 9 years and then was Managing Director of a private investment group.\r\n\r\n[gravityform id=\"16\" name=\"April 2016 TBMH Lectures Registration\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\"><span class=\"double-line\"> </span></h1>\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\">Professional Development Course (TBMH 5106, 2 credits)</h1>\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\"><span class=\"double-line\"> </span></h1>\r\nThis course will be offered each Spring semester, starting Spring 2015. Class time will include guest lectures from various biomedical professionals, who will present case studies and exercises designed to provide an understanding of various biomedical career paths, and how these professionals interact to promote biomedical research and the implementation of important discoveries.  Additional focus on career development planning (IDPs) and building scientific communication skills.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Location</span><em>:</em> Course instruction will take place at Virginia Tech facilities in Roanoke, and possibly Blacksburg.<a href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Career-Bridge.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-99\" src=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Career-Bridge-300x203.jpg\" alt=\"Career Bridge\" width=\"300\" height=\"203\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Student Commitment</span>: Trainees will attend class for 2 hours per week for one semester at Virginia Tech. Trainees must commit to attending all classes, and completing all reading and written assignments, including completion of an Individual Development Plan. At the end of the course, trainees will complete a course assessment questionnaire that should take 10 minutes to complete. Trainees must also complete a consent form that will allow the BEST program to issue them the annual BEST Survey, which should take less than 30 minutes to complete. This BEST survey will be issued annually for 10 years.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Eligibility</span>:   This course is required for all students in the PhD program in Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health (TBMH), and open to students in other biomedical graduate programs at Virginia Tech as part of the BEST program. Space is limited, and we encourage non-TBMH students to apply as early as possible to secure space in the course.\r\n\r\nPostdoctoral trainees who are <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">within three years</span> of earning their doctorate are eligible to audit this course as part of the BEST program (0 credits), but <strong>must attend all classes</strong>.\r\n\r\nRegistration for the Spring 2016 class is now closed.\r\n\r\n<em>Trainees who are not TBMH students will need to sign up here to receive instructor permission to register for the course for Spring 2016. Space is limited and trainees will be selected in the order in which they sign up. Trainees must sign an informed consent form and return it on the first day of class</em>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<em> Be sure to <a title=\"CONTACT\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/contact/\">subscribe</a> to our e-alerts to be notified of future BEST activities!  Additional opportunities for professional development at VT can be found on our <a title=\"RESOURCES\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/resources/\">Resources</a> page.</em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT','','inherit','closed','open','','138-revision-v1','','','2016-04-18 18:30:36','2016-04-18 18:30:36','',138,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/138-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1223,8,'2016-04-18 18:30:58','2016-04-18 18:30:58','<div id=\"intro\"><span class=\"double-line\"> </span>\r\n<h1>Individual career planning, skill building, and connecting with professionals within and beyond academia</h1>\r\n<span class=\"double-line\">C </span>\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Harald Clinical Trial/ Translation Module</strong></span></h1>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Gautam Ghatnekar, DVM, PhD - </strong><strong>An entrepreneur’s story:  Case study of translation of a drug through clinical trials</strong></span></h1>\r\nDr. Ghatnekar is the President &amp; CEO of FirstString Research, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company located in Charleston, South Carolina.  Dr. Ghatnekar studied veterinary medicine and developed his own veterinary practice specializing in small animal medicine and surgery. In 2000, he enrolled in a graduate program at North Carolina State University and in 2004 graduated with a PhD in Comparative Biomedical Science . During his doctoral studies, he was President of the Graduate Student Association and won various awards, including the Teratology Society Marie W. Taubeneck award for excellence in research and leadership and an American Heart Association Pre-Doctoral Fellowship. Following his PhD, Dr Ghatnekar did a post-doc with Dr Gourdie at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). During these studies, Dr. Ghatnekar established ACT1 as a technology platform, with applications in regenerative medicine and he and Gourdie formed FirstString Research, Inc. in 2005. Under his leadership, FirstString Research has advanced the clinical development of its lead product Granexin Gel – a topical formulation containing the ACT1 peptide – through human clinical trials. The gel was tested on 48 subjects in a Phase 1 study and has been evaluated in three Phase 2 human clinical trials for acute surgical wounds and chronic wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers and venous leg ulcers. The results from clinical trials were published in 2015 in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology (Nature) and Wound Repair and Regeneration. Phase III clinical trials on diabetic foot ulcers are now underway. Dr. Ghatnekar’s experience and expertise in preparing regulatory documentation, developing both GLP preclinical studies and clinical trial protocols; and working knowledge of both the device (CDRH) and drug (CDER) regulatory routes and requirements, has led FirstString Research to successfully navigate the FDA and obtain IND approvals. Dr. Ghatnekar is a member of various prestigious national and international scientific societies including the Wound Healing Society and the Association for Advancement of Wound Care. He has been awarded multiple Phase I and Phase SBIR/STTR small business grants by the NIH, is PI on a prestigious NIH BRiDG award and serves on NIH study sections as a reviewer. In 2006, he accepted the ‘Innovators 2006’ award, sponsored by the Charleston Regional Business Journal.  Dr. Ghatnekar was also recognized recently by the Charleston Regional Business Journal as one of Charleston’s ‘Forty Under 40’.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Harald Sontheimer, PhD - </strong><strong>A scientist\'s story:  Case study of translating a glioblastoma drug.</strong></span>\r\n\r\nDr. Harald Sontheimer researches the biology of glial cells, the brain\'s most abundant cell type. He is credited with making foundational discoveries on the functional properties of glial cells in the brain, including the localization and mechanisms of a range of receptors and ion channels that were previously thought to exist only on nerve cells.\r\n\r\nCurrently, Dr. Sontheimer studies the molecular structure and activity of glial cells in health, cancer, and other diseases. He and his research team work to understand the mechanisms underpinning the functions of glial cells, and how these functions may fault.\r\n\r\nDr. Sontheimer also currently serves on several councils and committees, including the Scientific Advisory Board \"Cure Epilepsy\", the Scientific Advisory Board for the MIT Press, the Society for Neurochemistry Program Committee, the American Brain Tumor Association Scientific Advisory Council, and the College of CSR Reviewers. He previously served on the Scientific Advisory Board for The Max Plank Society. He also served as an editorial board member, in various capacities, for the <em>Journal of Neuroscience Letters</em>, <em>Glial</em>,<em>Jounal of Neuroscience Research</em>, <em>Glial-Neuronal Biology</em>, <em>NeuroReport</em>.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Kurtis Moyer, MD - </strong><strong>A clinician’s story: Surgical breast reconstruction for breast cancer survivors.</strong></span>\r\n<h2>Associate Professor, Surgery, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine</h2>\r\n<h2>Associate Residency Program Director, Plastic Surgery, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center</h2>\r\n<h2>Medical Director, Hershey Cosmetic Surgery Center, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center</h2>\r\n<h2>Medical Director, Doctor in the House Program, The Spa at the Hotel Hershey</h2>\r\n<h2>Assistant Professor of Surgery, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center</h2>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Brian Giles, PhD, JD -</strong><strong> A lawyers story: Intellectual property and commercialization</strong></span>\r\n\r\nDr Gile’s practice focuses primarily on patent prosecution, due diligence, and portfolio management in the areas of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and medical devices. He did his PhD degree at the Medical University of South Carolina on vasculogenesis He has spent the last decade working with dozens of universities, and numerous early and growth stage biotechnology and medical device companies, to develop patent portfolios individualized for his client\'s unique needs and intended markets. Prior to this, Dr Giles spent another decade conducting research in the areas of immunogenetics, endocrinology, infectious disease, cardiology, developmental biology, cell biology, and molecular biology. He has used his extensive technical and legal experience to protect a wide variety of technologies, including stem cells, recombinant proteins, synthetic peptides, oligonucleotides, viral vectors, antibodies, biomarkers, biomaterials, nanoparticles and microparticles, tissue engineering techniques and reagents, diagnostics, medical devices, and therapeutic methods. His experience includes drafting patent applications; preparing invalidity, freedom to operate, and non-infringement opinions; prosecuting U.S. and foreign patent applications; and advising companies and investors during I.P. due diligence. Dr Gile\'s is an active member of Georgia Bio, and currently serves as an Advisor for its Emerging Leader\'s Network (ELN). Brian is also involved in the Southeastern Medical Device Association (SEMDA), the Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM) and is Associate Editor of the Georgia State Law Review.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Mark Van Dyke, PhD</strong><strong> - A bioengineer\'s story: Case study of translating a device - Regulatory considerations</strong></span>\r\n\r\nBiomaterials are an essential tool that provides the basis for bioengineered devices, growing and delivering cells, developing functional tissues, and engineering whole organs. Natural biopolymers that self-assemble on the nano scale have the potential to provide native cellular environments that facilitate the directed behavior of cells. Research conducted in the Nanostructured Biopolymer Engineering Lab makes use of naturally derived keratin nanomaterials for biomaterials development. Dr. Van Dyke’s research group studies the fundamental characteristics of keratin nanomaterials such as their solution behavior, self-assembly into network structures, and structure-function relationships. Keratin nanomaterials can be purified from natural fibers and when properly isolated, demonstrate several remarkable characteristics. First, keratin nanomaterials are highly biocompatible and can be used for tissue regeneration, drug delivery, and as carriers for cells; purified keratin nanomaterials contain no cellular elements so they do not elicit an immune response. Second, keratin nanomaterials have a unique capacity for molecular self-assembly that results in the spontaneous formation of network structures. Self-assembly occurs on the nanometer scale and builds to the micron scale, resulting in homogenous, porous architectures that are conducive to cell attachment and growth. Third, keratin nanomaterials contain cellular binding motifs that mimic the sites of cell attachment found in native extracellular matrix. By leveraging these unique characteristics, we are creating inexpensive biomaterials with the potential for use in a host of biomedical applications. Commercializing the results of our research is also a focus of the lab. Our current research programs are directed toward developing greater understanding of the molecular self-assembly process and keratin’s ligand-like function. We have projects that are aimed toward clinical applications such as heart regeneration, inflammation, and bone repair.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Cole Dudley BS, MBA -</strong><strong> An investors Story: Venture Capital and Investment in Biomedical Innovations</strong></span>\r\n\r\nMr Dudley has extensive experience in technology commercialization, venture capital, and leading startup and small companies. His 10 years as a venture capitalist included 2 years as founding CEO of a biotech startup thatwas later listed on the NASDAQ. He was Managing Director of a consulting firm and personally provided due diligence services to private equity firms. Most recently, he led a successful corporate turnaround as an owner and COO for 9 years and then was Managing Director of a private investment group.\r\n\r\n[gravityform id=\"16\" name=\"<span style=\"color: #000000;\">April 2016 TBMH Lectures Registration</span>\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\"><span class=\"double-line\"> </span></h1>\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\">Professional Development Course (TBMH 5106, 2 credits)</h1>\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\"><span class=\"double-line\"> </span></h1>\r\nThis course will be offered each Spring semester, starting Spring 2015. Class time will include guest lectures from various biomedical professionals, who will present case studies and exercises designed to provide an understanding of various biomedical career paths, and how these professionals interact to promote biomedical research and the implementation of important discoveries.  Additional focus on career development planning (IDPs) and building scientific communication skills.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Location</span><em>:</em> Course instruction will take place at Virginia Tech facilities in Roanoke, and possibly Blacksburg.<a href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Career-Bridge.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-99\" src=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Career-Bridge-300x203.jpg\" alt=\"Career Bridge\" width=\"300\" height=\"203\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Student Commitment</span>: Trainees will attend class for 2 hours per week for one semester at Virginia Tech. Trainees must commit to attending all classes, and completing all reading and written assignments, including completion of an Individual Development Plan. At the end of the course, trainees will complete a course assessment questionnaire that should take 10 minutes to complete. Trainees must also complete a consent form that will allow the BEST program to issue them the annual BEST Survey, which should take less than 30 minutes to complete. This BEST survey will be issued annually for 10 years.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Eligibility</span>:   This course is required for all students in the PhD program in Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health (TBMH), and open to students in other biomedical graduate programs at Virginia Tech as part of the BEST program. Space is limited, and we encourage non-TBMH students to apply as early as possible to secure space in the course.\r\n\r\nPostdoctoral trainees who are <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">within three years</span> of earning their doctorate are eligible to audit this course as part of the BEST program (0 credits), but <strong>must attend all classes</strong>.\r\n\r\nRegistration for the Spring 2016 class is now closed.\r\n\r\n<em>Trainees who are not TBMH students will need to sign up here to receive instructor permission to register for the course for Spring 2016. Space is limited and trainees will be selected in the order in which they sign up. Trainees must sign an informed consent form and return it on the first day of class</em>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<em> Be sure to <a title=\"CONTACT\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/contact/\">subscribe</a> to our e-alerts to be notified of future BEST activities!  Additional opportunities for professional development at VT can be found on our <a title=\"RESOURCES\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/resources/\">Resources</a> page.</em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT','','inherit','closed','open','','138-revision-v1','','','2016-04-18 18:30:58','2016-04-18 18:30:58','',138,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/138-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1224,8,'2016-04-18 18:33:29','2016-04-18 18:33:29','<div id=\"intro\"><span class=\"double-line\"> </span>\r\n<h1>Individual career planning, skill building, and connecting with professionals within and beyond academia</h1>\r\n<span class=\"double-line\">C </span>\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Harald Clinical Trial/ Translation Module</strong></span></h1>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Gautam Ghatnekar, DVM, PhD - </strong><strong>An entrepreneur’s story:  Case study of translation of a drug through clinical trials</strong></span></h1>\r\nDr. Ghatnekar is the President &amp; CEO of FirstString Research, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company located in Charleston, South Carolina.  Dr. Ghatnekar studied veterinary medicine and developed his own veterinary practice specializing in small animal medicine and surgery. In 2000, he enrolled in a graduate program at North Carolina State University and in 2004 graduated with a PhD in Comparative Biomedical Science . During his doctoral studies, he was President of the Graduate Student Association and won various awards, including the Teratology Society Marie W. Taubeneck award for excellence in research and leadership and an American Heart Association Pre-Doctoral Fellowship. Following his PhD, Dr Ghatnekar did a post-doc with Dr Gourdie at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). During these studies, Dr. Ghatnekar established ACT1 as a technology platform, with applications in regenerative medicine and he and Gourdie formed FirstString Research, Inc. in 2005. Under his leadership, FirstString Research has advanced the clinical development of its lead product Granexin Gel – a topical formulation containing the ACT1 peptide – through human clinical trials. The gel was tested on 48 subjects in a Phase 1 study and has been evaluated in three Phase 2 human clinical trials for acute surgical wounds and chronic wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers and venous leg ulcers. The results from clinical trials were published in 2015 in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology (Nature) and Wound Repair and Regeneration. Phase III clinical trials on diabetic foot ulcers are now underway. Dr. Ghatnekar’s experience and expertise in preparing regulatory documentation, developing both GLP preclinical studies and clinical trial protocols; and working knowledge of both the device (CDRH) and drug (CDER) regulatory routes and requirements, has led FirstString Research to successfully navigate the FDA and obtain IND approvals. Dr. Ghatnekar is a member of various prestigious national and international scientific societies including the Wound Healing Society and the Association for Advancement of Wound Care. He has been awarded multiple Phase I and Phase SBIR/STTR small business grants by the NIH, is PI on a prestigious NIH BRiDG award and serves on NIH study sections as a reviewer. In 2006, he accepted the ‘Innovators 2006’ award, sponsored by the Charleston Regional Business Journal.  Dr. Ghatnekar was also recognized recently by the Charleston Regional Business Journal as one of Charleston’s ‘Forty Under 40’.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Harald Sontheimer, PhD - </strong><strong>A scientist\'s story:  Case study of translating a glioblastoma drug.</strong></span>\r\n\r\nDr. Harald Sontheimer researches the biology of glial cells, the brain\'s most abundant cell type. He is credited with making foundational discoveries on the functional properties of glial cells in the brain, including the localization and mechanisms of a range of receptors and ion channels that were previously thought to exist only on nerve cells.\r\n\r\nCurrently, Dr. Sontheimer studies the molecular structure and activity of glial cells in health, cancer, and other diseases. He and his research team work to understand the mechanisms underpinning the functions of glial cells, and how these functions may fault.\r\n\r\nDr. Sontheimer also currently serves on several councils and committees, including the Scientific Advisory Board \"Cure Epilepsy\", the Scientific Advisory Board for the MIT Press, the Society for Neurochemistry Program Committee, the American Brain Tumor Association Scientific Advisory Council, and the College of CSR Reviewers. He previously served on the Scientific Advisory Board for The Max Plank Society. He also served as an editorial board member, in various capacities, for the <em>Journal of Neuroscience Letters</em>, <em>Glial</em>,<em>Jounal of Neuroscience Research</em>, <em>Glial-Neuronal Biology</em>, <em>NeuroReport</em>.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Kurtis Moyer, MD - </strong><strong>A clinician’s story: Surgical breast reconstruction for breast cancer survivors.</strong></span>\r\n\r\nAssociate Professor, Surgery, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine\r\n\r\nAssociate Residency Program Director, Pastic Surgery, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center\r\n\r\nMedical Director, Hershey Cosmetic Surgery Center, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center\r\n\r\nMedical Director, Doctor in the House Program, The Spa at the Hotel Hershey\r\n\r\nAssistant Professor of Surgery, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Brian Giles, PhD, JD -</strong><strong> A lawyers story: Intellectual property and commercialization</strong></span>\r\n\r\nDr Gile’s practice focuses primarily on patent prosecution, due diligence, and portfolio management in the areas of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and medical devices. He did his PhD degree at the Medical University of South Carolina on vasculogenesis He has spent the last decade working with dozens of universities, and numerous early and growth stage biotechnology and medical device companies, to develop patent portfolios individualized for his client\'s unique needs and intended markets. Prior to this, Dr Giles spent another decade conducting research in the areas of immunogenetics, endocrinology, infectious disease, cardiology, developmental biology, cell biology, and molecular biology. He has used his extensive technical and legal experience to protect a wide variety of technologies, including stem cells, recombinant proteins, synthetic peptides, oligonucleotides, viral vectors, antibodies, biomarkers, biomaterials, nanoparticles and microparticles, tissue engineering techniques and reagents, diagnostics, medical devices, and therapeutic methods. His experience includes drafting patent applications; preparing invalidity, freedom to operate, and non-infringement opinions; prosecuting U.S. and foreign patent applications; and advising companies and investors during I.P. due diligence. Dr Gile\'s is an active member of Georgia Bio, and currently serves as an Advisor for its Emerging Leader\'s Network (ELN). Brian is also involved in the Southeastern Medical Device Association (SEMDA), the Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM) and is Associate Editor of the Georgia State Law Review.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Mark Van Dyke, PhD</strong><strong> - A bioengineer\'s story: Case study of translating a device - Regulatory considerations</strong></span>\r\n\r\nBiomaterials are an essential tool that provides the basis for bioengineered devices, growing and delivering cells, developing functional tissues, and engineering whole organs. Natural biopolymers that self-assemble on the nano scale have the potential to provide native cellular environments that facilitate the directed behavior of cells. Research conducted in the Nanostructured Biopolymer Engineering Lab makes use of naturally derived keratin nanomaterials for biomaterials development. Dr. Van Dyke’s research group studies the fundamental characteristics of keratin nanomaterials such as their solution behavior, self-assembly into network structures, and structure-function relationships. Keratin nanomaterials can be purified from natural fibers and when properly isolated, demonstrate several remarkable characteristics. First, keratin nanomaterials are highly biocompatible and can be used for tissue regeneration, drug delivery, and as carriers for cells; purified keratin nanomaterials contain no cellular elements so they do not elicit an immune response. Second, keratin nanomaterials have a unique capacity for molecular self-assembly that results in the spontaneous formation of network structures. Self-assembly occurs on the nanometer scale and builds to the micron scale, resulting in homogenous, porous architectures that are conducive to cell attachment and growth. Third, keratin nanomaterials contain cellular binding motifs that mimic the sites of cell attachment found in native extracellular matrix. By leveraging these unique characteristics, we are creating inexpensive biomaterials with the potential for use in a host of biomedical applications. Commercializing the results of our research is also a focus of the lab. Our current research programs are directed toward developing greater understanding of the molecular self-assembly process and keratin’s ligand-like function. We have projects that are aimed toward clinical applications such as heart regeneration, inflammation, and bone repair.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Cole Dudley BS, MBA -</strong><strong> An investors Story: Venture Capital and Investment in Biomedical Innovations</strong></span>\r\n\r\nMr Dudley has extensive experience in technology commercialization, venture capital, and leading startup and small companies. His 10 years as a venture capitalist included 2 years as founding CEO of a biotech startup thatwas later listed on the NASDAQ. He was Managing Director of a consulting firm and personally provided due diligence services to private equity firms. Most recently, he led a successful corporate turnaround as an owner and COO for 9 years and then was Managing Director of a private investment group.\r\n\r\n[gravityform id=\"16\" name=\"<span style=\"color: #000000;\">April 2016 TBMH Lectures Registration</span>\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\"><span class=\"double-line\"> </span></h1>\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\">Professional Development Course (TBMH 5106, 2 credits)</h1>\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\"><span class=\"double-line\"> </span></h1>\r\nThis course will be offered each Spring semester, starting Spring 2015. Class time will include guest lectures from various biomedical professionals, who will present case studies and exercises designed to provide an understanding of various biomedical career paths, and how these professionals interact to promote biomedical research and the implementation of important discoveries.  Additional focus on career development planning (IDPs) and building scientific communication skills.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Location</span><em>:</em> Course instruction will take place at Virginia Tech facilities in Roanoke, and possibly Blacksburg.<a href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Career-Bridge.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-99\" src=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Career-Bridge-300x203.jpg\" alt=\"Career Bridge\" width=\"300\" height=\"203\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Student Commitment</span>: Trainees will attend class for 2 hours per week for one semester at Virginia Tech. Trainees must commit to attending all classes, and completing all reading and written assignments, including completion of an Individual Development Plan. At the end of the course, trainees will complete a course assessment questionnaire that should take 10 minutes to complete. Trainees must also complete a consent form that will allow the BEST program to issue them the annual BEST Survey, which should take less than 30 minutes to complete. This BEST survey will be issued annually for 10 years.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Eligibility</span>:   This course is required for all students in the PhD program in Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health (TBMH), and open to students in other biomedical graduate programs at Virginia Tech as part of the BEST program. Space is limited, and we encourage non-TBMH students to apply as early as possible to secure space in the course.\r\n\r\nPostdoctoral trainees who are <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">within three years</span> of earning their doctorate are eligible to audit this course as part of the BEST program (0 credits), but <strong>must attend all classes</strong>.\r\n\r\nRegistration for the Spring 2016 class is now closed.\r\n\r\n<em>Trainees who are not TBMH students will need to sign up here to receive instructor permission to register for the course for Spring 2016. Space is limited and trainees will be selected in the order in which they sign up. Trainees must sign an informed consent form and return it on the first day of class</em>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<em> Be sure to <a title=\"CONTACT\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/contact/\">subscribe</a> to our e-alerts to be notified of future BEST activities!  Additional opportunities for professional development at VT can be found on our <a title=\"RESOURCES\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/resources/\">Resources</a> page.</em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT','','inherit','closed','open','','138-revision-v1','','','2016-04-18 18:33:29','2016-04-18 18:33:29','',138,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/138-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1225,8,'2016-04-18 18:38:19','2016-04-18 18:38:19','<div id=\"intro\"><span class=\"double-line\"> </span>\r\n<h1>Individual career planning, skill building, and connecting with professionals within and beyond academia</h1>\r\n<span class=\"double-line\">C </span>\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Clinical Trial/ Translation Module</strong></span></h1>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Gautam Ghatnekar, DVM, PhD - </strong><strong>An entrepreneur’s story:  Case study of translation of a drug through clinical trials</strong></span></h1>\r\nDr. Ghatnekar is the President &amp; CEO of FirstString Research, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company located in Charleston, South Carolina.  Dr. Ghatnekar studied veterinary medicine and developed his own veterinary practice specializing in small animal medicine and surgery. In 2000, he enrolled in a graduate program at North Carolina State University and in 2004 graduated with a PhD in Comparative Biomedical Science . During his doctoral studies, he was President of the Graduate Student Association and won various awards, including the Teratology Society Marie W. Taubeneck award for excellence in research and leadership and an American Heart Association Pre-Doctoral Fellowship. Following his PhD, Dr Ghatnekar did a post-doc with Dr Gourdie at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). During these studies, Dr. Ghatnekar established ACT1 as a technology platform, with applications in regenerative medicine and he and Gourdie formed FirstString Research, Inc. in 2005. Under his leadership, FirstString Research has advanced the clinical development of its lead product Granexin Gel – a topical formulation containing the ACT1 peptide – through human clinical trials. The gel was tested on 48 subjects in a Phase 1 study and has been evaluated in three Phase 2 human clinical trials for acute surgical wounds and chronic wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers and venous leg ulcers. The results from clinical trials were published in 2015 in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology (Nature) and Wound Repair and Regeneration. Phase III clinical trials on diabetic foot ulcers are now underway. Dr. Ghatnekar’s experience and expertise in preparing regulatory documentation, developing both GLP preclinical studies and clinical trial protocols; and working knowledge of both the device (CDRH) and drug (CDER) regulatory routes and requirements, has led FirstString Research to successfully navigate the FDA and obtain IND approvals. Dr. Ghatnekar is a member of various prestigious national and international scientific societies including the Wound Healing Society and the Association for Advancement of Wound Care. He has been awarded multiple Phase I and Phase SBIR/STTR small business grants by the NIH, is PI on a prestigious NIH BRiDG award and serves on NIH study sections as a reviewer. In 2006, he accepted the ‘Innovators 2006’ award, sponsored by the Charleston Regional Business Journal.  Dr. Ghatnekar was also recognized recently by the Charleston Regional Business Journal as one of Charleston’s ‘Forty Under 40’.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Harald Sontheimer, PhD - </strong><strong>A scientist\'s story:  Case study of translating a glioblastoma drug.</strong></span>\r\n\r\nDr. Harald Sontheimer researches the biology of glial cells, the brain\'s most abundant cell type. He is credited with making foundational discoveries on the functional properties of glial cells in the brain, including the localization and mechanisms of a range of receptors and ion channels that were previously thought to exist only on nerve cells.\r\n\r\nCurrently, Dr. Sontheimer studies the molecular structure and activity of glial cells in health, cancer, and other diseases. He and his research team work to understand the mechanisms underpinning the functions of glial cells, and how these functions may fault.\r\n\r\nDr. Sontheimer also currently serves on several councils and committees, including the Scientific Advisory Board \"Cure Epilepsy\", the Scientific Advisory Board for the MIT Press, the Society for Neurochemistry Program Committee, the American Brain Tumor Association Scientific Advisory Council, and the College of CSR Reviewers. He previously served on the Scientific Advisory Board for The Max Plank Society. He also served as an editorial board member, in various capacities, for the <em>Journal of Neuroscience Letters</em>, <em>Glial</em>,<em>Jounal of Neuroscience Research</em>, <em>Glial-Neuronal Biology</em>, <em>NeuroReport</em>.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Kurtis Moyer, MD - </strong><strong>A clinician’s story: Surgical breast reconstruction for breast cancer survivors.</strong></span>\r\n\r\nAssociate Professor, Surgery, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine\r\n\r\nAssociate Residency Program Director, Pastic Surgery, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center\r\n\r\nMedical Director, Hershey Cosmetic Surgery Center, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center\r\n\r\nMedical Director, Doctor in the House Program, The Spa at the Hotel Hershey\r\n\r\nAssistant Professor of Surgery, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Brian Giles, PhD, JD -</strong><strong> A lawyers story: Intellectual property and commercialization</strong></span>\r\n\r\nDr Gile’s practice focuses primarily on patent prosecution, due diligence, and portfolio management in the areas of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and medical devices. He did his PhD degree at the Medical University of South Carolina on vasculogenesis He has spent the last decade working with dozens of universities, and numerous early and growth stage biotechnology and medical device companies, to develop patent portfolios individualized for his client\'s unique needs and intended markets. Prior to this, Dr Giles spent another decade conducting research in the areas of immunogenetics, endocrinology, infectious disease, cardiology, developmental biology, cell biology, and molecular biology. He has used his extensive technical and legal experience to protect a wide variety of technologies, including stem cells, recombinant proteins, synthetic peptides, oligonucleotides, viral vectors, antibodies, biomarkers, biomaterials, nanoparticles and microparticles, tissue engineering techniques and reagents, diagnostics, medical devices, and therapeutic methods. His experience includes drafting patent applications; preparing invalidity, freedom to operate, and non-infringement opinions; prosecuting U.S. and foreign patent applications; and advising companies and investors during I.P. due diligence. Dr Gile\'s is an active member of Georgia Bio, and currently serves as an Advisor for its Emerging Leader\'s Network (ELN). Brian is also involved in the Southeastern Medical Device Association (SEMDA), the Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM) and is Associate Editor of the Georgia State Law Review.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Mark Van Dyke, PhD</strong><strong> - A bioengineer\'s story: Case study of translating a device - Regulatory considerations</strong></span>\r\n\r\nBiomaterials are an essential tool that provides the basis for bioengineered devices, growing and delivering cells, developing functional tissues, and engineering whole organs. Natural biopolymers that self-assemble on the nano scale have the potential to provide native cellular environments that facilitate the directed behavior of cells. Research conducted in the Nanostructured Biopolymer Engineering Lab makes use of naturally derived keratin nanomaterials for biomaterials development. Dr. Van Dyke’s research group studies the fundamental characteristics of keratin nanomaterials such as their solution behavior, self-assembly into network structures, and structure-function relationships. Keratin nanomaterials can be purified from natural fibers and when properly isolated, demonstrate several remarkable characteristics. First, keratin nanomaterials are highly biocompatible and can be used for tissue regeneration, drug delivery, and as carriers for cells; purified keratin nanomaterials contain no cellular elements so they do not elicit an immune response. Second, keratin nanomaterials have a unique capacity for molecular self-assembly that results in the spontaneous formation of network structures. Self-assembly occurs on the nanometer scale and builds to the micron scale, resulting in homogenous, porous architectures that are conducive to cell attachment and growth. Third, keratin nanomaterials contain cellular binding motifs that mimic the sites of cell attachment found in native extracellular matrix. By leveraging these unique characteristics, we are creating inexpensive biomaterials with the potential for use in a host of biomedical applications. Commercializing the results of our research is also a focus of the lab. Our current research programs are directed toward developing greater understanding of the molecular self-assembly process and keratin’s ligand-like function. We have projects that are aimed toward clinical applications such as heart regeneration, inflammation, and bone repair.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Cole Dudley BS, MBA -</strong><strong> An investors Story: Venture Capital and Investment in Biomedical Innovations</strong></span>\r\n\r\nMr Dudley has extensive experience in technology commercialization, venture capital, and leading startup and small companies. His 10 years as a venture capitalist included 2 years as founding CEO of a biotech startup thatwas later listed on the NASDAQ. He was Managing Director of a consulting firm and personally provided due diligence services to private equity firms. Most recently, he led a successful corporate turnaround as an owner and COO for 9 years and then was Managing Director of a private investment group.\r\n\r\n[gravityform id=\"16\" name=\"<span style=\"color: #000000;\">April 2016 TBMH Lectures Registration</span>\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\"><span class=\"double-line\"> </span></h1>\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\">Professional Development Course (TBMH 5106, 2 credits)</h1>\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\"><span class=\"double-line\"> </span></h1>\r\nThis course will be offered each Spring semester, starting Spring 2015. Class time will include guest lectures from various biomedical professionals, who will present case studies and exercises designed to provide an understanding of various biomedical career paths, and how these professionals interact to promote biomedical research and the implementation of important discoveries.  Additional focus on career development planning (IDPs) and building scientific communication skills.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Location</span><em>:</em> Course instruction will take place at Virginia Tech facilities in Roanoke, and possibly Blacksburg.<a href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Career-Bridge.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-99\" src=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Career-Bridge-300x203.jpg\" alt=\"Career Bridge\" width=\"300\" height=\"203\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Student Commitment</span>: Trainees will attend class for 2 hours per week for one semester at Virginia Tech. Trainees must commit to attending all classes, and completing all reading and written assignments, including completion of an Individual Development Plan. At the end of the course, trainees will complete a course assessment questionnaire that should take 10 minutes to complete. Trainees must also complete a consent form that will allow the BEST program to issue them the annual BEST Survey, which should take less than 30 minutes to complete. This BEST survey will be issued annually for 10 years.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Eligibility</span>:   This course is required for all students in the PhD program in Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health (TBMH), and open to students in other biomedical graduate programs at Virginia Tech as part of the BEST program. Space is limited, and we encourage non-TBMH students to apply as early as possible to secure space in the course.\r\n\r\nPostdoctoral trainees who are <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">within three years</span> of earning their doctorate are eligible to audit this course as part of the BEST program (0 credits), but <strong>must attend all classes</strong>.\r\n\r\nRegistration for the Spring 2016 class is now closed.\r\n\r\n<em>Trainees who are not TBMH students will need to sign up here to receive instructor permission to register for the course for Spring 2016. Space is limited and trainees will be selected in the order in which they sign up. Trainees must sign an informed consent form and return it on the first day of class</em>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<em> Be sure to <a title=\"CONTACT\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/contact/\">subscribe</a> to our e-alerts to be notified of future BEST activities!  Additional opportunities for professional development at VT can be found on our <a title=\"RESOURCES\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/resources/\">Resources</a> page.</em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT','','inherit','closed','open','','138-revision-v1','','','2016-04-18 18:38:19','2016-04-18 18:38:19','',138,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/138-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1226,8,'2016-04-18 18:47:15','2016-04-18 18:47:15','<div id=\"intro\"><span class=\"double-line\"> </span>\r\n<h1>Individual career planning, skill building, and connecting with professionals within and beyond academia</h1>\r\n<span class=\"double-line\">C </span>\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Clinical Trial/ Translation Module</strong></span></h1>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Gautam Ghatnekar, DVM, PhD - </strong><strong>An entrepreneur’s story:  Case study of translation of a drug through clinical trials</strong></span></h1>\r\nDr. Ghatnekar is the President &amp; CEO of FirstString Research, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company located in Charleston, South Carolina.  Dr. Ghatnekar studied veterinary medicine and developed his own veterinary practice specializing in small animal medicine and surgery. In 2000, he enrolled in a graduate program at North Carolina State University and in 2004 graduated with a PhD in Comparative Biomedical Science . During his doctoral studies, he was President of the Graduate Student Association and won various awards, including the Teratology Society Marie W. Taubeneck award for excellence in research and leadership and an American Heart Association Pre-Doctoral Fellowship. Following his PhD, Dr Ghatnekar did a post-doc with Dr Gourdie at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). During these studies, Dr. Ghatnekar established ACT1 as a technology platform, with applications in regenerative medicine and he and Gourdie formed FirstString Research, Inc. in 2005. Under his leadership, FirstString Research has advanced the clinical development of its lead product Granexin Gel – a topical formulation containing the ACT1 peptide – through human clinical trials. The gel was tested on 48 subjects in a Phase 1 study and has been evaluated in three Phase 2 human clinical trials for acute surgical wounds and chronic wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers and venous leg ulcers. The results from clinical trials were published in 2015 in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology (Nature) and Wound Repair and Regeneration. Phase III clinical trials on diabetic foot ulcers are now underway. Dr. Ghatnekar’s experience and expertise in preparing regulatory documentation, developing both GLP preclinical studies and clinical trial protocols; and working knowledge of both the device (CDRH) and drug (CDER) regulatory routes and requirements, has led FirstString Research to successfully navigate the FDA and obtain IND approvals. Dr. Ghatnekar is a member of various prestigious national and international scientific societies including the Wound Healing Society and the Association for Advancement of Wound Care. He has been awarded multiple Phase I and Phase SBIR/STTR small business grants by the NIH, is PI on a prestigious NIH BRiDG award and serves on NIH study sections as a reviewer. In 2006, he accepted the ‘Innovators 2006’ award, sponsored by the Charleston Regional Business Journal.  Dr. Ghatnekar was also recognized recently by the Charleston Regional Business Journal as one of Charleston’s ‘Forty Under 40’.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Harald Sontheimer, PhD - </strong><strong>A scientist\'s story:  Case study of translating a glioblastoma drug.</strong></span>\r\n\r\nDr. Harald Sontheimer researches the biology of glial cells, the brain\'s most abundant cell type. He is credited with making foundational discoveries on the functional properties of glial cells in the brain, including the localization and mechanisms of a range of receptors and ion channels that were previously thought to exist only on nerve cells.\r\n\r\nCurrently, Dr. Sontheimer studies the molecular structure and activity of glial cells in health, cancer, and other diseases. He and his research team work to understand the mechanisms underpinning the functions of glial cells, and how these functions may fault.\r\n\r\nDr. Sontheimer also currently serves on several councils and committees, including the Scientific Advisory Board \"Cure Epilepsy\", the Scientific Advisory Board for the MIT Press, the Society for Neurochemistry Program Committee, the American Brain Tumor Association Scientific Advisory Council, and the College of CSR Reviewers. He previously served on the Scientific Advisory Board for The Max Plank Society. He also served as an editorial board member, in various capacities, for the <em>Journal of Neuroscience Letters</em>, <em>Glial</em>,<em>Jounal of Neuroscience Research</em>, <em>Glial-Neuronal Biology</em>, <em>NeuroReport</em>.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Kurtis Moyer, MD - </strong><strong>A clinician’s story: Surgical breast reconstruction for breast cancer survivors.</strong></span>\r\n\r\nAssociate Professor, Surgery, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine\r\n\r\nAssociate Residency Program Director, Pastic Surgery, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center\r\n\r\nMedical Director, Hershey Cosmetic Surgery Center, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center\r\n\r\nMedical Director, Doctor in the House Program, The Spa at the Hotel Hershey\r\n\r\nAssistant Professor of Surgery, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Brian Giles, PhD, JD -</strong><strong> A lawyers story: Intellectual property and commercialization</strong></span>\r\n\r\nDr Gile’s practice focuses primarily on patent prosecution, due diligence, and portfolio management in the areas of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and medical devices. He did his PhD degree at the Medical University of South Carolina on vasculogenesis He has spent the last decade working with dozens of universities, and numerous early and growth stage biotechnology and medical device companies, to develop patent portfolios individualized for his client\'s unique needs and intended markets. Prior to this, Dr Giles spent another decade conducting research in the areas of immunogenetics, endocrinology, infectious disease, cardiology, developmental biology, cell biology, and molecular biology. He has used his extensive technical and legal experience to protect a wide variety of technologies, including stem cells, recombinant proteins, synthetic peptides, oligonucleotides, viral vectors, antibodies, biomarkers, biomaterials, nanoparticles and microparticles, tissue engineering techniques and reagents, diagnostics, medical devices, and therapeutic methods. His experience includes drafting patent applications; preparing invalidity, freedom to operate, and non-infringement opinions; prosecuting U.S. and foreign patent applications; and advising companies and investors during I.P. due diligence. Dr Gile\'s is an active member of Georgia Bio, and currently serves as an Advisor for its Emerging Leader\'s Network (ELN). Brian is also involved in the Southeastern Medical Device Association (SEMDA), the Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM) and is Associate Editor of the Georgia State Law Review.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Mark Van Dyke, PhD</strong><strong> - A bioengineer\'s story: Case study of translating a device - Regulatory considerations</strong></span>\r\n\r\nBiomaterials are an essential tool that provides the basis for bioengineered devices, growing and delivering cells, developing functional tissues, and engineering whole organs. Natural biopolymers that self-assemble on the nano scale have the potential to provide native cellular environments that facilitate the directed behavior of cells. Research conducted in the Nanostructured Biopolymer Engineering Lab makes use of naturally derived keratin nanomaterials for biomaterials development. Dr. Van Dyke’s research group studies the fundamental characteristics of keratin nanomaterials such as their solution behavior, self-assembly into network structures, and structure-function relationships. Keratin nanomaterials can be purified from natural fibers and when properly isolated, demonstrate several remarkable characteristics. First, keratin nanomaterials are highly biocompatible and can be used for tissue regeneration, drug delivery, and as carriers for cells; purified keratin nanomaterials contain no cellular elements so they do not elicit an immune response. Second, keratin nanomaterials have a unique capacity for molecular self-assembly that results in the spontaneous formation of network structures. Self-assembly occurs on the nanometer scale and builds to the micron scale, resulting in homogenous, porous architectures that are conducive to cell attachment and growth. Third, keratin nanomaterials contain cellular binding motifs that mimic the sites of cell attachment found in native extracellular matrix. By leveraging these unique characteristics, we are creating inexpensive biomaterials with the potential for use in a host of biomedical applications. Commercializing the results of our research is also a focus of the lab. Our current research programs are directed toward developing greater understanding of the molecular self-assembly process and keratin’s ligand-like function. We have projects that are aimed toward clinical applications such as heart regeneration, inflammation, and bone repair.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Cole Dudley BS, MBA -</strong><strong> An investors Story: Venture Capital and Investment in Biomedical Innovations</strong></span>\r\n\r\nMr Dudley has extensive experience in technology commercialization, venture capital, and leading startup and small companies. His 10 years as a venture capitalist included 2 years as founding CEO of a biotech startup thatwas later listed on the NASDAQ. He was Managing Director of a consulting firm and personally provided due diligence services to private equity firms. Most recently, he led a successful corporate turnaround as an owner and COO for 9 years and then was Managing Director of a private investment group.\r\n\r\n[gravityform id=\"23\" name=\"Clinical Trial/ Translation Module\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\"><span class=\"double-line\"> </span></h1>\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\">Professional Development Course (TBMH 5106, 2 credits)</h1>\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\"><span class=\"double-line\"> </span></h1>\r\nThis course will be offered each Spring semester, starting Spring 2015. Class time will include guest lectures from various biomedical professionals, who will present case studies and exercises designed to provide an understanding of various biomedical career paths, and how these professionals interact to promote biomedical research and the implementation of important discoveries.  Additional focus on career development planning (IDPs) and building scientific communication skills.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Location</span><em>:</em> Course instruction will take place at Virginia Tech facilities in Roanoke, and possibly Blacksburg.<a href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Career-Bridge.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-99\" src=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Career-Bridge-300x203.jpg\" alt=\"Career Bridge\" width=\"300\" height=\"203\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Student Commitment</span>: Trainees will attend class for 2 hours per week for one semester at Virginia Tech. Trainees must commit to attending all classes, and completing all reading and written assignments, including completion of an Individual Development Plan. At the end of the course, trainees will complete a course assessment questionnaire that should take 10 minutes to complete. Trainees must also complete a consent form that will allow the BEST program to issue them the annual BEST Survey, which should take less than 30 minutes to complete. This BEST survey will be issued annually for 10 years.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Eligibility</span>:   This course is required for all students in the PhD program in Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health (TBMH), and open to students in other biomedical graduate programs at Virginia Tech as part of the BEST program. Space is limited, and we encourage non-TBMH students to apply as early as possible to secure space in the course.\r\n\r\nPostdoctoral trainees who are <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">within three years</span> of earning their doctorate are eligible to audit this course as part of the BEST program (0 credits), but <strong>must attend all classes</strong>.\r\n\r\nRegistration for the Spring 2016 class is now closed.\r\n\r\n<em>Trainees who are not TBMH students will need to sign up here to receive instructor permission to register for the course for Spring 2016. Space is limited and trainees will be selected in the order in which they sign up. Trainees must sign an informed consent form and return it on the first day of class</em>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<em> Be sure to <a title=\"CONTACT\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/contact/\">subscribe</a> to our e-alerts to be notified of future BEST activities!  Additional opportunities for professional development at VT can be found on our <a title=\"RESOURCES\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/resources/\">Resources</a> page.</em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT','','inherit','closed','open','','138-revision-v1','','','2016-04-18 18:47:15','2016-04-18 18:47:15','',138,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/138-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1227,8,'2016-04-18 18:57:03','2016-04-18 18:57:03','<div id=\"intro\"><span class=\"double-line\"> </span>\r\n<h1>Individual career planning, skill building, and connecting with professionals within and beyond academia</h1>\r\n<span class=\"double-line\">C </span>\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Clinical Trial/ Translation Module</strong></span></h1>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Gautam Ghatnekar, DVM, PhD - </strong><strong>An entrepreneur’s story:  Case study of translation of a drug through clinical trials</strong></span></h1>\r\nDr. Ghatnekar is the President &amp; CEO of FirstString Research, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company located in Charleston, South Carolina.  Dr. Ghatnekar studied veterinary medicine and developed his own veterinary practice specializing in small animal medicine and surgery. In 2000, he enrolled in a graduate program at North Carolina State University and in 2004 graduated with a PhD in Comparative Biomedical Science . During his doctoral studies, he was President of the Graduate Student Association and won various awards, including the Teratology Society Marie W. Taubeneck award for excellence in research and leadership and an American Heart Association Pre-Doctoral Fellowship. Following his PhD, Dr Ghatnekar did a post-doc with Dr Gourdie at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). During these studies, Dr. Ghatnekar established ACT1 as a technology platform, with applications in regenerative medicine and he and Gourdie formed FirstString Research, Inc. in 2005. Under his leadership, FirstString Research has advanced the clinical development of its lead product Granexin Gel – a topical formulation containing the ACT1 peptide – through human clinical trials. The gel was tested on 48 subjects in a Phase 1 study and has been evaluated in three Phase 2 human clinical trials for acute surgical wounds and chronic wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers and venous leg ulcers. The results from clinical trials were published in 2015 in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology (Nature) and Wound Repair and Regeneration. Phase III clinical trials on diabetic foot ulcers are now underway. Dr. Ghatnekar’s experience and expertise in preparing regulatory documentation, developing both GLP preclinical studies and clinical trial protocols; and working knowledge of both the device (CDRH) and drug (CDER) regulatory routes and requirements, has led FirstString Research to successfully navigate the FDA and obtain IND approvals. Dr. Ghatnekar is a member of various prestigious national and international scientific societies including the Wound Healing Society and the Association for Advancement of Wound Care. He has been awarded multiple Phase I and Phase SBIR/STTR small business grants by the NIH, is PI on a prestigious NIH BRiDG award and serves on NIH study sections as a reviewer. In 2006, he accepted the ‘Innovators 2006’ award, sponsored by the Charleston Regional Business Journal.  Dr. Ghatnekar was also recognized recently by the Charleston Regional Business Journal as one of Charleston’s ‘Forty Under 40’.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Harald Sontheimer, PhD - </strong><strong>A scientist\'s story:  Case study of translating a glioblastoma drug.</strong></span>\r\n\r\nDr. Harald Sontheimer researches the biology of glial cells, the brain\'s most abundant cell type. He is credited with making foundational discoveries on the functional properties of glial cells in the brain, including the localization and mechanisms of a range of receptors and ion channels that were previously thought to exist only on nerve cells.\r\n\r\nCurrently, Dr. Sontheimer studies the molecular structure and activity of glial cells in health, cancer, and other diseases. He and his research team work to understand the mechanisms underpinning the functions of glial cells, and how these functions may fault.\r\n\r\nDr. Sontheimer also currently serves on several councils and committees, including the Scientific Advisory Board \"Cure Epilepsy\", the Scientific Advisory Board for the MIT Press, the Society for Neurochemistry Program Committee, the American Brain Tumor Association Scientific Advisory Council, and the College of CSR Reviewers. He previously served on the Scientific Advisory Board for The Max Plank Society. He also served as an editorial board member, in various capacities, for the <em>Journal of Neuroscience Letters</em>, <em>Glial</em>,<em>Jounal of Neuroscience Research</em>, <em>Glial-Neuronal Biology</em>, <em>NeuroReport</em>.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Kurtis Moyer, MD - </strong><strong>A clinician’s story: Surgical breast reconstruction for breast cancer survivors.</strong></span>\r\n\r\nAssociate Professor, Surgery, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine\r\n\r\nAssociate Residency Program Director, Pastic Surgery, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center\r\n\r\nMedical Director, Hershey Cosmetic Surgery Center, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center\r\n\r\nMedical Director, Doctor in the House Program, The Spa at the Hotel Hershey\r\n\r\nAssistant Professor of Surgery, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Brian Giles, PhD, JD -</strong><strong> A lawyers story: Intellectual property and commercialization</strong></span>\r\n\r\nDr Gile’s practice focuses primarily on patent prosecution, due diligence, and portfolio management in the areas of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and medical devices. He did his PhD degree at the Medical University of South Carolina on vasculogenesis He has spent the last decade working with dozens of universities, and numerous early and growth stage biotechnology and medical device companies, to develop patent portfolios individualized for his client\'s unique needs and intended markets. Prior to this, Dr Giles spent another decade conducting research in the areas of immunogenetics, endocrinology, infectious disease, cardiology, developmental biology, cell biology, and molecular biology. He has used his extensive technical and legal experience to protect a wide variety of technologies, including stem cells, recombinant proteins, synthetic peptides, oligonucleotides, viral vectors, antibodies, biomarkers, biomaterials, nanoparticles and microparticles, tissue engineering techniques and reagents, diagnostics, medical devices, and therapeutic methods. His experience includes drafting patent applications; preparing invalidity, freedom to operate, and non-infringement opinions; prosecuting U.S. and foreign patent applications; and advising companies and investors during I.P. due diligence. Dr Gile\'s is an active member of Georgia Bio, and currently serves as an Advisor for its Emerging Leader\'s Network (ELN). Brian is also involved in the Southeastern Medical Device Association (SEMDA), the Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM) and is Associate Editor of the Georgia State Law Review.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Mark Van Dyke, PhD</strong><strong> - A bioengineer\'s story: Case study of translating a device - Regulatory considerations</strong></span>\r\n\r\nBiomaterials are an essential tool that provides the basis for bioengineered devices, growing and delivering cells, developing functional tissues, and engineering whole organs. Natural biopolymers that self-assemble on the nano scale have the potential to provide native cellular environments that facilitate the directed behavior of cells. Research conducted in the Nanostructured Biopolymer Engineering Lab makes use of naturally derived keratin nanomaterials for biomaterials development. Dr. Van Dyke’s research group studies the fundamental characteristics of keratin nanomaterials such as their solution behavior, self-assembly into network structures, and structure-function relationships. Keratin nanomaterials can be purified from natural fibers and when properly isolated, demonstrate several remarkable characteristics. First, keratin nanomaterials are highly biocompatible and can be used for tissue regeneration, drug delivery, and as carriers for cells; purified keratin nanomaterials contain no cellular elements so they do not elicit an immune response. Second, keratin nanomaterials have a unique capacity for molecular self-assembly that results in the spontaneous formation of network structures. Self-assembly occurs on the nanometer scale and builds to the micron scale, resulting in homogenous, porous architectures that are conducive to cell attachment and growth. Third, keratin nanomaterials contain cellular binding motifs that mimic the sites of cell attachment found in native extracellular matrix. By leveraging these unique characteristics, we are creating inexpensive biomaterials with the potential for use in a host of biomedical applications. Commercializing the results of our research is also a focus of the lab. Our current research programs are directed toward developing greater understanding of the molecular self-assembly process and keratin’s ligand-like function. We have projects that are aimed toward clinical applications such as heart regeneration, inflammation, and bone repair.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Cole Dudley BS, MBA -</strong><strong> An investors Story: Venture Capital and Investment in Biomedical Innovations</strong></span>\r\n\r\nMr Dudley has extensive experience in technology commercialization, venture capital, and leading startup and small companies. His 10 years as a venture capitalist included 2 years as founding CEO of a biotech startup thatwas later listed on the NASDAQ. He was Managing Director of a consulting firm and personally provided due diligence services to private equity firms. Most recently, he led a successful corporate turnaround as an owner and COO for 9 years and then was Managing Director of a private investment group.\r\n\r\n[gravityform id=\"23\" name=\"<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Clinical Trial/ Translation Module</span>\"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\"><span class=\"double-line\"> </span></h1>\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\">Professional Development Course (TBMH 5106, 2 credits)</h1>\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\"><span class=\"double-line\"> </span></h1>\r\nThis course will be offered each Spring semester, starting Spring 2015. Class time will include guest lectures from various biomedical professionals, who will present case studies and exercises designed to provide an understanding of various biomedical career paths, and how these professionals interact to promote biomedical research and the implementation of important discoveries.  Additional focus on career development planning (IDPs) and building scientific communication skills.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Location</span><em>:</em> Course instruction will take place at Virginia Tech facilities in Roanoke, and possibly Blacksburg.<a href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Career-Bridge.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-99\" src=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Career-Bridge-300x203.jpg\" alt=\"Career Bridge\" width=\"300\" height=\"203\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Student Commitment</span>: Trainees will attend class for 2 hours per week for one semester at Virginia Tech. Trainees must commit to attending all classes, and completing all reading and written assignments, including completion of an Individual Development Plan. At the end of the course, trainees will complete a course assessment questionnaire that should take 10 minutes to complete. Trainees must also complete a consent form that will allow the BEST program to issue them the annual BEST Survey, which should take less than 30 minutes to complete. This BEST survey will be issued annually for 10 years.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Eligibility</span>:   This course is required for all students in the PhD program in Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health (TBMH), and open to students in other biomedical graduate programs at Virginia Tech as part of the BEST program. Space is limited, and we encourage non-TBMH students to apply as early as possible to secure space in the course.\r\n\r\nPostdoctoral trainees who are <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">within three years</span> of earning their doctorate are eligible to audit this course as part of the BEST program (0 credits), but <strong>must attend all classes</strong>.\r\n\r\nRegistration for the Spring 2016 class is now closed.\r\n\r\n<em>Trainees who are not TBMH students will need to sign up here to receive instructor permission to register for the course for Spring 2016. Space is limited and trainees will be selected in the order in which they sign up. Trainees must sign an informed consent form and return it on the first day of class</em>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<em> Be sure to <a title=\"CONTACT\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/contact/\">subscribe</a> to our e-alerts to be notified of future BEST activities!  Additional opportunities for professional development at VT can be found on our <a title=\"RESOURCES\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/resources/\">Resources</a> page.</em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT','','inherit','closed','open','','138-revision-v1','','','2016-04-18 18:57:03','2016-04-18 18:57:03','',138,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/138-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1228,8,'2016-04-18 19:48:25','2016-04-18 19:48:25','[gravityform id=\"23\" name=\"Clinical Trial/ Translation Module\"]','Clinical Trial/ Translation Module','','publish','closed','open','','clinical-trial','','','2016-04-18 20:17:31','2016-04-18 20:17:31','',0,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/?page_id=1228',0,'page','',0),(1229,8,'2016-04-18 19:48:25','2016-04-18 19:48:25','[gravityform id=\"23\" name=\"Clinical Trial/ Translation Module\"]','Clinical Trial/ Translation Module','','inherit','closed','open','','1228-revision-v1','','','2016-04-18 19:48:25','2016-04-18 19:48:25','',1228,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1228-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1230,8,'2016-04-18 19:56:19','2016-04-18 19:56:19','<h1 class=\"page-heading\"><strong>Gautam Ghatnekar, DVM, PhD – </strong><strong>An entrepreneur’s story:  Case study of translation of a drug through clinical trials</strong></h1>\r\nApril 19, 2016\r\n\r\nTBMH Suite 201\r\n\r\n1 Riverside Circle\r\n\r\nRoanoke, Virginia 24016\r\n\r\nDr. Ghatnekar is the President &amp; CEO of FirstString Research, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company located in Charleston, South Carolina.  Dr. Ghatnekar studied veterinary medicine and developed his own veterinary practice specializing in small animal medicine and surgery. In 2000, he enrolled in a graduate program at North Carolina State University and in 2004 graduated with a PhD in Comparative Biomedical Science . During his doctoral studies, he was President of the Graduate Student Association and won various awards, including the Teratology Society Marie W. Taubeneck award for excellence in research and leadership and an American Heart Association Pre-Doctoral Fellowship. Following his PhD, Dr Ghatnekar did a post-doc with Dr Gourdie at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). During these studies, Dr. Ghatnekar established ACT1 as a technology platform, with applications in regenerative medicine and he and Gourdie formed FirstString Research, Inc. in 2005. Under his leadership, FirstString Research has advanced the clinical development of its lead product Granexin Gel – a topical formulation containing the ACT1 peptide – through human clinical trials. The gel was tested on 48 subjects in a Phase 1 study and has been evaluated in three Phase 2 human clinical trials for acute surgical wounds and chronic wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers and venous leg ulcers. The results from clinical trials were published in 2015 in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology (Nature) and Wound Repair and Regeneration. Phase III clinical trials on diabetic foot ulcers are now underway. Dr. Ghatnekar’s experience and expertise in preparing regulatory documentation, developing both GLP preclinical studies and clinical trial protocols; and working knowledge of both the device (CDRH) and drug (CDER) regulatory routes and requirements, has led FirstString Research to successfully navigate the FDA and obtain IND approvals. Dr. Ghatnekar is a member of various prestigious national and international scientific societies including the Wound Healing Society and the Association for Advancement of Wound Care. He has been awarded multiple Phase I and Phase SBIR/STTR small business grants by the NIH, is PI on a prestigious NIH BRiDG award and serves on NIH study sections as a reviewer. In 2006, he accepted the ‘Innovators 2006’ award, sponsored by the Charleston Regional Business Journal.  Dr. Ghatnekar was also recognized recently by the Charleston Regional Business Journal as one of Charleston’s ‘Forty Under 40’.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','VT Event: Dr. Gautam Ghatnekar- An Entrepreneur\'s Story: a Case Study of Translation of a Drug through Clinical Trials','','publish','closed','open','','dr-gautam-ghatnekar-an-entrepreneurs-story-case-study-of-translation-of-a-drug-through-clinical-trials','','','2016-04-20 14:04:35','2016-04-20 14:04:35','',0,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/?post_type=tribe_events&#038;p=1230',0,'tribe_events','',0),(1231,8,'2016-04-18 19:57:19','2016-04-18 19:57:19','','TBMH','','publish','closed','open','','tbmh','','','2016-04-18 19:57:19','2016-04-18 19:57:19','',0,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/venue/tbmh/',0,'tribe_venue','',0),(1232,8,'2016-04-18 19:58:09','2016-04-18 19:58:09','','TBMH Suite 201','','publish','closed','open','','tbmh-suite-201','','','2016-04-18 19:58:09','2016-04-18 19:58:09','',0,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/venue/tbmh-suite-201/',0,'tribe_venue','',0),(1233,8,'2016-04-18 20:01:14','2016-04-18 20:01:14','<strong>Harald Sontheimer, PhD – </strong><strong>A Scientist’s Story:  Case Study of Translating a Glioblastoma Drug.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">April 20, 2016</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">TBMH Suite 201</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">1 Riverside Circle</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">Roanoke, Virginia 24016</span></p>\r\nDr. Harald Sontheimer researches the biology of glial cells, the brain’s most abundant cell type. He is credited with making foundational discoveries on the functional properties of glial cells in the brain, including the localization and mechanisms of a range of receptors and ion channels that were previously thought to exist only on nerve cells.\r\n\r\nCurrently, Dr. Sontheimer studies the molecular structure and activity of glial cells in health, cancer, and other diseases. He and his research team work to understand the mechanisms underpinning the functions of glial cells, and how these functions may fault.\r\n\r\nDr. Sontheimer also currently serves on several councils and committees, including the Scientific Advisory Board “Cure Epilepsy”, the Scientific Advisory Board for the MIT Press, the Society for Neurochemistry Program Committee, the American Brain Tumor Association Scientific Advisory Council, and the College of CSR Reviewers. He previously served on the Scientific Advisory Board for The Max Plank Society. He also served as an editorial board member, in various capacities, for the <em>Journal of Neuroscience Letters</em>, <em>Glial</em>,<em>Jounal of Neuroscience Research</em>, <em>Glial-Neuronal Biology</em>, <em>NeuroReport</em>.','VT Event: Harald Sontheimer, PhD – A Scientist’s Story:  Case Study of Translating a Glioblastoma Drug','','publish','closed','open','','harald-sontheimer-phd-a-scientists-story-case-study-of-translating-a-glioblastoma-drug','','','2016-04-20 14:06:33','2016-04-20 14:06:33','',0,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/?post_type=tribe_events&#038;p=1233',0,'tribe_events','',0),(1234,8,'2016-04-18 20:01:18','2016-04-18 20:01:18','<p><strong>Harald Sontheimer, PhD – </strong><strong>A Scientist’s Story:  Case Study of Translating a Glioblastoma Drug.</strong></p>\n<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">April 19, 2016</span></p>\n<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">TBMH Suite 201</span></p>\n<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">1 Riverside Circle</span></p>\n<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">Roanoke, Virginia 24016</span></p>\n<p>Dr. Harald Sontheimer researches the biology of glial cells, the brain’s most abundant cell type. He is credited with making foundational discoveries on the functional properties of glial cells in the brain, including the localization and mechanisms of a range of receptors and ion channels that were previously thought to exist only on nerve cells.</p>\n<p>Currently, Dr. Sontheimer studies the molecular structure and activity of glial cells in health, cancer, and other diseases. He and his research team work to understand the mechanisms underpinning the functions of glial cells, and how these functions may fault.</p>\n<p>Dr. Sontheimer also currently serves on several councils and committees, including the Scientific Advisory Board “Cure Epilepsy”, the Scientific Advisory Board for the MIT Press, the Society for Neurochemistry Program Committee, the American Brain Tumor Association Scientific Advisory Council, and the College of CSR Reviewers. He previously served on the Scientific Advisory Board for The Max Plank Society. He also served as an editorial board member, in various capacities, for the <em>Journal of Neuroscience Letters</em>, <em>Glial</em>,<em>Jounal of Neuroscience Research</em>, <em>Glial-Neuronal Biology</em>, <em>NeuroReport</em>.</p>\n','Harald Sontheimer, PhD – A Scientist’s Story:  Case Study of Translating a Glioblastoma Drug','','inherit','closed','open','','1233-autosave-v1','','','2016-04-18 20:01:18','2016-04-18 20:01:18','',1233,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1233-autosave-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1235,8,'2016-04-18 20:02:55','2016-04-18 20:02:55','<strong>Kurtis Moyer, MD – </strong><strong>A Clinician’s Story: Surgical Breast Reconstruction for Breast Cancer Survivors</strong>\r\n<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">April 21, 2016</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">TBMH Suite 201</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">1 Riverside Circle</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">Roanoke, Virginia 24016</span></p>\r\nAssociate Professor, Surgery, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine\r\n\r\nAssociate Residency Program Director, Pastic Surgery, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center\r\n\r\nMedical Director, Hershey Cosmetic Surgery Center, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center\r\n\r\nMedical Director, Doctor in the House Program, The Spa at the Hotel Hershey\r\n\r\nAssistant Professor of Surgery, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center','VT Event: Kurtis Moyer, MD – A Clinician’s Story: Surgical Breast Reconstruction for Breast Cancer Survivors.','','publish','closed','open','','kurtis-moyer-md-a-clinicians-story-surgical-breast-reconstruction-for-breast-cancer-survivors','','','2016-04-20 14:49:49','2016-04-20 14:49:49','',0,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/?post_type=tribe_events&#038;p=1235',0,'tribe_events','',0),(1236,8,'2016-04-18 20:05:49','2016-04-18 20:05:49','<strong>Brian Giles, PhD, JD -</strong><strong> A Lawyers Story: Intellectual Property and Commercialization</strong>\r\n<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">April 25, 2016</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">TBMH Suite 201</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">1 Riverside Circle</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">Roanoke, Virginia 24016</span></p>\r\nDr Gile’s practice focuses primarily on patent prosecution, due diligence, and portfolio management in the areas of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and medical devices. He did his PhD degree at the Medical University of South Carolina on vasculogenesis He has spent the last decade working with dozens of universities, and numerous early and growth stage biotechnology and medical device companies, to develop patent portfolios individualized for his client’s unique needs and intended markets. Prior to this, Dr Giles spent another decade conducting research in the areas of immunogenetics, endocrinology, infectious disease, cardiology, developmental biology, cell biology, and molecular biology. He has used his extensive technical and legal experience to protect a wide variety of technologies, including stem cells, recombinant proteins, synthetic peptides, oligonucleotides, viral vectors, antibodies, biomarkers, biomaterials, nanoparticles and microparticles, tissue engineering techniques and reagents, diagnostics, medical devices, and therapeutic methods. His experience includes drafting patent applications; preparing invalidity, freedom to operate, and non-infringement opinions; prosecuting U.S. and foreign patent applications; and advising companies and investors during I.P. due diligence. Dr Gile’s is an active member of Georgia Bio, and currently serves as an Advisor for its Emerging Leader’s Network (ELN). Brian is also involved in the Southeastern Medical Device Association (SEMDA), the Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM) and is Associate Editor of the Georgia State Law Review.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','VT Event: Brian Giles, PhD, JD - A Lawyers Story: Intellectual Property and Commercialization','','publish','closed','open','','brian-giles-phd-jd-a-lawyers-story-intellectual-property-and-commercialization','','','2016-04-20 14:05:43','2016-04-20 14:05:43','',0,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/?post_type=tribe_events&#038;p=1236',0,'tribe_events','',0),(1237,8,'2016-04-18 20:07:04','2016-04-18 20:07:04','<strong>Mark Van Dyke, PhD</strong><strong> – A Bioengineer’s Story: Case Study of Translating a Device – Regulatory Considerations</strong>\r\n<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">April 26, 2016</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">TBMH Suite 201</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">1 Riverside Circle</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">Roanoke, Virginia 24016</span></p>\r\nBiomaterials are an essential tool that provides the basis for bioengineered devices, growing and delivering cells, developing functional tissues, and engineering whole organs. Natural biopolymers that self-assemble on the nano scale have the potential to provide native cellular environments that facilitate the directed behavior of cells. Research conducted in the Nanostructured Biopolymer Engineering Lab makes use of naturally derived keratin nanomaterials for biomaterials development. Dr. Van Dyke’s research group studies the fundamental characteristics of keratin nanomaterials such as their solution behavior, self-assembly into network structures, and structure-function relationships. Keratin nanomaterials can be purified from natural fibers and when properly isolated, demonstrate several remarkable characteristics. First, keratin nanomaterials are highly biocompatible and can be used for tissue regeneration, drug delivery, and as carriers for cells; purified keratin nanomaterials contain no cellular elements so they do not elicit an immune response. Second, keratin nanomaterials have a unique capacity for molecular self-assembly that results in the spontaneous formation of network structures. Self-assembly occurs on the nanometer scale and builds to the micron scale, resulting in homogenous, porous architectures that are conducive to cell attachment and growth. Third, keratin nanomaterials contain cellular binding motifs that mimic the sites of cell attachment found in native extracellular matrix. By leveraging these unique characteristics, we are creating inexpensive biomaterials with the potential for use in a host of biomedical applications. Commercializing the results of our research is also a focus of the lab. Our current research programs are directed toward developing greater understanding of the molecular self-assembly process and keratin’s ligand-like function. We have projects that are aimed toward clinical applications such as heart regeneration, inflammation, and bone repair.','VT Event: Mark Van Dyke, PhD – A Bioengineer’s Story: Case Study of Translating a Device – Regulatory Considerations','','publish','closed','open','','mark-van-dyke-phd-a-bioengineers-story-case-study-of-translating-a-device-regulatory-considerations','','','2016-04-20 14:05:22','2016-04-20 14:05:22','',0,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/?post_type=tribe_events&#038;p=1237',0,'tribe_events','',0),(1238,8,'2016-04-18 20:08:51','2016-04-18 20:08:51','<strong>Cole Dudley BS, MBA -</strong><strong> An Investors Story: Venture Capital and Investment in Biomedical Innovations</strong>\r\n<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">April 27, 2016</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">TBMH Suite 201</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">1 Riverside Circle</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">Roanoke, Virginia 24016</span></p>\r\nMr Dudley has extensive experience in technology commercialization, venture capital, and leading startup and small companies. His 10 years as a venture capitalist included 2 years as founding CEO of a biotech startup thatwas later listed on the NASDAQ. He was Managing Director of a consulting firm and personally provided due diligence services to private equity firms. Most recently, he led a successful corporate turnaround as an owner and COO for 9 years and then was Managing Director of a private investment group.','VT Event: Cole Dudley BS, MBA - An Investors Story: Venture Capital and Investment in Biomedical Innovations','','publish','closed','open','','cole-dudley-bs-mba-an-investors-story-venture-capital-and-investment-in-biomedical-innovations','','','2016-04-20 14:04:59','2016-04-20 14:04:59','',0,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/?post_type=tribe_events&#038;p=1238',0,'tribe_events','',0),(1239,8,'2016-04-18 20:15:34','2016-04-18 20:15:34','<h1 class=\"page-heading\">April 19, 2016</h1>\r\n<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">TBMH Suite 201</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">1 Riverside Circle</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">Roanoke, Virginia 24016</span></p>\r\nDr. Ghatnekar is the President &amp; CEO of FirstString Research, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company located in Charleston, South Carolina.  Dr. Ghatnekar studied veterinary medicine and developed his own veterinary practice specializing in small animal medicine and surgery. In 2000, he enrolled in a graduate program at North Carolina State University and in 2004 graduated with a PhD in Comparative Biomedical Science . During his doctoral studies, he was President of the Graduate Student Association and won various awards, including the Teratology Society Marie W. Taubeneck award for excellence in research and leadership and an American Heart Association Pre-Doctoral Fellowship. Following his PhD, Dr Ghatnekar did a post-doc with Dr Gourdie at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). During these studies, Dr. Ghatnekar established ACT1 as a technology platform, with applications in regenerative medicine and he and Gourdie formed FirstString Research, Inc. in 2005. Under his leadership, FirstString Research has advanced the clinical development of its lead product Granexin Gel – a topical formulation containing the ACT1 peptide – through human clinical trials. The gel was tested on 48 subjects in a Phase 1 study and has been evaluated in three Phase 2 human clinical trials for acute surgical wounds and chronic wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers and venous leg ulcers. The results from clinical trials were published in 2015 in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology (Nature) and Wound Repair and Regeneration. Phase III clinical trials on diabetic foot ulcers are now underway. Dr. Ghatnekar’s experience and expertise in preparing regulatory documentation, developing both GLP preclinical studies and clinical trial protocols; and working knowledge of both the device (CDRH) and drug (CDER) regulatory routes and requirements, has led FirstString Research to successfully navigate the FDA and obtain IND approvals. Dr. Ghatnekar is a member of various prestigious national and international scientific societies including the Wound Healing Society and the Association for Advancement of Wound Care. He has been awarded multiple Phase I and Phase SBIR/STTR small business grants by the NIH, is PI on a prestigious NIH BRiDG award and serves on NIH study sections as a reviewer. In 2006, he accepted the ‘Innovators 2006’ award, sponsored by the Charleston Regional Business Journal.  Dr. Ghatnekar was also recognized recently by the Charleston Regional Business Journal as one of Charleston’s ‘Forty Under 40’.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Gautam Ghatnekar, DVM, PhD – An Entrepreneur’s Story:  Case Study of Translation of a Drug through Clinical Trials- April 19th, 2016','','publish','closed','open','','gautam-ghatnekar-dvm-phd-an-entrepreneurs-story-case-study-of-translation-of-a-drug-through-clinical-trials-april-19th-2016','','','2016-04-18 20:31:24','2016-04-18 20:31:24','',0,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/?p=1239',0,'post','',0),(1240,8,'2016-04-18 20:15:34','2016-04-18 20:15:34','<h1 class=\"page-heading\"><strong>Gautam Ghatnekar, DVM, PhD – </strong><strong>An entrepreneur’s story:  Case study of translation of a drug through clinical trials</strong></h1>\r\n<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">April 19, 2016</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">TBMH Suite 201</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">1 Riverside Circle</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">Roanoke, Virginia 24016</span></p>\r\nDr. Ghatnekar is the President &amp; CEO of FirstString Research, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company located in Charleston, South Carolina.  Dr. Ghatnekar studied veterinary medicine and developed his own veterinary practice specializing in small animal medicine and surgery. In 2000, he enrolled in a graduate program at North Carolina State University and in 2004 graduated with a PhD in Comparative Biomedical Science . During his doctoral studies, he was President of the Graduate Student Association and won various awards, including the Teratology Society Marie W. Taubeneck award for excellence in research and leadership and an American Heart Association Pre-Doctoral Fellowship. Following his PhD, Dr Ghatnekar did a post-doc with Dr Gourdie at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). During these studies, Dr. Ghatnekar established ACT1 as a technology platform, with applications in regenerative medicine and he and Gourdie formed FirstString Research, Inc. in 2005. Under his leadership, FirstString Research has advanced the clinical development of its lead product Granexin Gel – a topical formulation containing the ACT1 peptide – through human clinical trials. The gel was tested on 48 subjects in a Phase 1 study and has been evaluated in three Phase 2 human clinical trials for acute surgical wounds and chronic wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers and venous leg ulcers. The results from clinical trials were published in 2015 in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology (Nature) and Wound Repair and Regeneration. Phase III clinical trials on diabetic foot ulcers are now underway. Dr. Ghatnekar’s experience and expertise in preparing regulatory documentation, developing both GLP preclinical studies and clinical trial protocols; and working knowledge of both the device (CDRH) and drug (CDER) regulatory routes and requirements, has led FirstString Research to successfully navigate the FDA and obtain IND approvals. Dr. Ghatnekar is a member of various prestigious national and international scientific societies including the Wound Healing Society and the Association for Advancement of Wound Care. He has been awarded multiple Phase I and Phase SBIR/STTR small business grants by the NIH, is PI on a prestigious NIH BRiDG award and serves on NIH study sections as a reviewer. In 2006, he accepted the ‘Innovators 2006’ award, sponsored by the Charleston Regional Business Journal.  Dr. Ghatnekar was also recognized recently by the Charleston Regional Business Journal as one of Charleston’s ‘Forty Under 40’.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Gautam Ghatnekar, DVM, PhD – An Entrepreneur’s Story:  Case Study of Translation of a Drug through Clinical Trials- April 19th, 2016','','inherit','closed','open','','1239-revision-v1','','','2016-04-18 20:15:34','2016-04-18 20:15:34','',1239,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1239-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1242,8,'2016-04-18 20:20:46','2016-04-18 20:20:46','<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">April 20, 2016</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">TBMH Suite 201</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">1 Riverside Circle</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">Roanoke, Virginia 24016</span></p>\r\nDr. Harald Sontheimer researches the biology of glial cells, the brain’s most abundant cell type. He is credited with making foundational discoveries on the functional properties of glial cells in the brain, including the localization and mechanisms of a range of receptors and ion channels that were previously thought to exist only on nerve cells.\r\n\r\nCurrently, Dr. Sontheimer studies the molecular structure and activity of glial cells in health, cancer, and other diseases. He and his research team work to understand the mechanisms underpinning the functions of glial cells, and how these functions may fault.\r\n\r\nDr. Sontheimer also currently serves on several councils and committees, including the Scientific Advisory Board “Cure Epilepsy”, the Scientific Advisory Board for the MIT Press, the Society for Neurochemistry Program Committee, the American Brain Tumor Association Scientific Advisory Council, and the College of CSR Reviewers. He previously served on the Scientific Advisory Board for The Max Plank Society. He also served as an editorial board member, in various capacities, for the <em>Journal of Neuroscience Letters</em>, <em>Glial</em>,<em>Jounal of Neuroscience Research</em>, <em>Glial-Neuronal Biology</em>, <em>NeuroReport</em>.','Harald Sontheimer, PhD – A Scientist’s Story:  Case Study of Translating a Glioblastoma Drug- April 20th, 2016','','publish','closed','open','','harald-sontheimer-phd-a-scientists-story-case-study-of-translating-a-glioblastoma-drug','','','2016-04-18 20:22:25','2016-04-18 20:22:25','',0,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/?p=1242',0,'post','',0),(1243,8,'2016-04-18 20:20:46','2016-04-18 20:20:46','<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">April 20, 2016</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">TBMH Suite 201</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">1 Riverside Circle</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">Roanoke, Virginia 24016</span></p>\r\nDr. Harald Sontheimer researches the biology of glial cells, the brain’s most abundant cell type. He is credited with making foundational discoveries on the functional properties of glial cells in the brain, including the localization and mechanisms of a range of receptors and ion channels that were previously thought to exist only on nerve cells.\r\n\r\nCurrently, Dr. Sontheimer studies the molecular structure and activity of glial cells in health, cancer, and other diseases. He and his research team work to understand the mechanisms underpinning the functions of glial cells, and how these functions may fault.\r\n\r\nDr. Sontheimer also currently serves on several councils and committees, including the Scientific Advisory Board “Cure Epilepsy”, the Scientific Advisory Board for the MIT Press, the Society for Neurochemistry Program Committee, the American Brain Tumor Association Scientific Advisory Council, and the College of CSR Reviewers. He previously served on the Scientific Advisory Board for The Max Plank Society. He also served as an editorial board member, in various capacities, for the <em>Journal of Neuroscience Letters</em>, <em>Glial</em>,<em>Jounal of Neuroscience Research</em>, <em>Glial-Neuronal Biology</em>, <em>NeuroReport</em>.','Harald Sontheimer, PhD – A Scientist’s Story:  Case Study of Translating a Glioblastoma Drug','','inherit','closed','open','','1242-revision-v1','','','2016-04-18 20:20:46','2016-04-18 20:20:46','',1242,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1242-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1244,8,'2016-04-18 20:22:06','2016-04-18 20:22:06','<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">April 21, 2016</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">TBMH Suite 201</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">1 Riverside Circle</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">Roanoke, Virginia 24016</span></p>\r\nAssociate Professor, Surgery, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine\r\n\r\nAssociate Residency Program Director, Pastic Surgery, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center\r\n\r\nMedical Director, Hershey Cosmetic Surgery Center, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center\r\n\r\nMedical Director, Doctor in the House Program, The Spa at the Hotel Hershey\r\n\r\nAssistant Professor of Surgery, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center','Kurtis Moyer, MD – A Clinician’s Story: Surgical Breast Reconstruction for Breast Cancer Survivors- April 21st, 2016','','publish','closed','open','','kurtis-moyer-md-a-clinicians-story-surgical-breast-reconstruction-for-breast-cancer-survivors-april-21st-2016','','','2016-04-18 20:22:06','2016-04-18 20:22:06','',0,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/?p=1244',0,'post','',0),(1245,8,'2016-04-18 20:22:06','2016-04-18 20:22:06','<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">April 21, 2016</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">TBMH Suite 201</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">1 Riverside Circle</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">Roanoke, Virginia 24016</span></p>\r\nAssociate Professor, Surgery, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine\r\n\r\nAssociate Residency Program Director, Pastic Surgery, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center\r\n\r\nMedical Director, Hershey Cosmetic Surgery Center, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center\r\n\r\nMedical Director, Doctor in the House Program, The Spa at the Hotel Hershey\r\n\r\nAssistant Professor of Surgery, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center','Kurtis Moyer, MD – A Clinician’s Story: Surgical Breast Reconstruction for Breast Cancer Survivors- April 21st, 2016','','inherit','closed','open','','1244-revision-v1','','','2016-04-18 20:22:06','2016-04-18 20:22:06','',1244,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1244-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1246,8,'2016-04-18 20:22:25','2016-04-18 20:22:25','<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">April 20, 2016</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">TBMH Suite 201</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">1 Riverside Circle</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">Roanoke, Virginia 24016</span></p>\r\nDr. Harald Sontheimer researches the biology of glial cells, the brain’s most abundant cell type. He is credited with making foundational discoveries on the functional properties of glial cells in the brain, including the localization and mechanisms of a range of receptors and ion channels that were previously thought to exist only on nerve cells.\r\n\r\nCurrently, Dr. Sontheimer studies the molecular structure and activity of glial cells in health, cancer, and other diseases. He and his research team work to understand the mechanisms underpinning the functions of glial cells, and how these functions may fault.\r\n\r\nDr. Sontheimer also currently serves on several councils and committees, including the Scientific Advisory Board “Cure Epilepsy”, the Scientific Advisory Board for the MIT Press, the Society for Neurochemistry Program Committee, the American Brain Tumor Association Scientific Advisory Council, and the College of CSR Reviewers. He previously served on the Scientific Advisory Board for The Max Plank Society. He also served as an editorial board member, in various capacities, for the <em>Journal of Neuroscience Letters</em>, <em>Glial</em>,<em>Jounal of Neuroscience Research</em>, <em>Glial-Neuronal Biology</em>, <em>NeuroReport</em>.','Harald Sontheimer, PhD – A Scientist’s Story:  Case Study of Translating a Glioblastoma Drug- April 20th, 2016','','inherit','closed','open','','1242-revision-v1','','','2016-04-18 20:22:25','2016-04-18 20:22:25','',1242,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1242-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1247,8,'2016-04-18 20:23:27','2016-04-18 20:23:27','<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">April 25, 2016</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">TBMH Suite 201</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">1 Riverside Circle</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">Roanoke, Virginia 24016</span></p>\r\nDr Gile’s practice focuses primarily on patent prosecution, due diligence, and portfolio management in the areas of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and medical devices. He did his PhD degree at the Medical University of South Carolina on vasculogenesis He has spent the last decade working with dozens of universities, and numerous early and growth stage biotechnology and medical device companies, to develop patent portfolios individualized for his client’s unique needs and intended markets. Prior to this, Dr Giles spent another decade conducting research in the areas of immunogenetics, endocrinology, infectious disease, cardiology, developmental biology, cell biology, and molecular biology. He has used his extensive technical and legal experience to protect a wide variety of technologies, including stem cells, recombinant proteins, synthetic peptides, oligonucleotides, viral vectors, antibodies, biomarkers, biomaterials, nanoparticles and microparticles, tissue engineering techniques and reagents, diagnostics, medical devices, and therapeutic methods. His experience includes drafting patent applications; preparing invalidity, freedom to operate, and non-infringement opinions; prosecuting U.S. and foreign patent applications; and advising companies and investors during I.P. due diligence. Dr Gile’s is an active member of Georgia Bio, and currently serves as an Advisor for its Emerging Leader’s Network (ELN). Brian is also involved in the Southeastern Medical Device Association (SEMDA), the Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM) and is Associate Editor of the Georgia State Law Review.','Brian Giles, PhD, JD - A Lawyers Story: Intellectual Property and Commercialization- April 25th, 2016','','publish','closed','open','','brian-giles-phd-jd-a-lawyers-story-intellectual-property-and-commercialization-april-25th-2016','','','2016-04-18 20:23:27','2016-04-18 20:23:27','',0,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/?p=1247',0,'post','',0),(1248,8,'2016-04-18 20:23:27','2016-04-18 20:23:27','<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">April 25, 2016</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">TBMH Suite 201</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">1 Riverside Circle</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">Roanoke, Virginia 24016</span></p>\r\nDr Gile’s practice focuses primarily on patent prosecution, due diligence, and portfolio management in the areas of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and medical devices. He did his PhD degree at the Medical University of South Carolina on vasculogenesis He has spent the last decade working with dozens of universities, and numerous early and growth stage biotechnology and medical device companies, to develop patent portfolios individualized for his client’s unique needs and intended markets. Prior to this, Dr Giles spent another decade conducting research in the areas of immunogenetics, endocrinology, infectious disease, cardiology, developmental biology, cell biology, and molecular biology. He has used his extensive technical and legal experience to protect a wide variety of technologies, including stem cells, recombinant proteins, synthetic peptides, oligonucleotides, viral vectors, antibodies, biomarkers, biomaterials, nanoparticles and microparticles, tissue engineering techniques and reagents, diagnostics, medical devices, and therapeutic methods. His experience includes drafting patent applications; preparing invalidity, freedom to operate, and non-infringement opinions; prosecuting U.S. and foreign patent applications; and advising companies and investors during I.P. due diligence. Dr Gile’s is an active member of Georgia Bio, and currently serves as an Advisor for its Emerging Leader’s Network (ELN). Brian is also involved in the Southeastern Medical Device Association (SEMDA), the Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM) and is Associate Editor of the Georgia State Law Review.','Brian Giles, PhD, JD - A Lawyers Story: Intellectual Property and Commercialization- April 25th, 2016','','inherit','closed','open','','1247-revision-v1','','','2016-04-18 20:23:27','2016-04-18 20:23:27','',1247,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1247-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1249,8,'2016-04-18 20:24:38','2016-04-18 20:24:38','<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">April 26, 2016</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">TBMH Suite 201</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">1 Riverside Circle</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">Roanoke, Virginia 24016</span></p>\r\nBiomaterials are an essential tool that provides the basis for bioengineered devices, growing and delivering cells, developing functional tissues, and engineering whole organs. Natural biopolymers that self-assemble on the nano scale have the potential to provide native cellular environments that facilitate the directed behavior of cells. Research conducted in the Nanostructured Biopolymer Engineering Lab makes use of naturally derived keratin nanomaterials for biomaterials development. Dr. Van Dyke’s research group studies the fundamental characteristics of keratin nanomaterials such as their solution behavior, self-assembly into network structures, and structure-function relationships. Keratin nanomaterials can be purified from natural fibers and when properly isolated, demonstrate several remarkable characteristics. First, keratin nanomaterials are highly biocompatible and can be used for tissue regeneration, drug delivery, and as carriers for cells; purified keratin nanomaterials contain no cellular elements so they do not elicit an immune response. Second, keratin nanomaterials have a unique capacity for molecular self-assembly that results in the spontaneous formation of network structures. Self-assembly occurs on the nanometer scale and builds to the micron scale, resulting in homogenous, porous architectures that are conducive to cell attachment and growth. Third, keratin nanomaterials contain cellular binding motifs that mimic the sites of cell attachment found in native extracellular matrix. By leveraging these unique characteristics, we are creating inexpensive biomaterials with the potential for use in a host of biomedical applications. Commercializing the results of our research is also a focus of the lab. Our current research programs are directed toward developing greater understanding of the molecular self-assembly process and keratin’s ligand-like function. We have projects that are aimed toward clinical applications such as heart regeneration, inflammation, and bone repair.','Mark Van Dyke, PhD – A Bioengineer’s Story: Case Study of Translating a Device – Regulatory Considerations- April 26th, 2016','','publish','closed','open','','mark-van-dyke-phd-a-bioengineers-story-case-study-of-translating-a-device-regulatory-considerations-april-26th-2016','','','2016-04-20 15:06:44','2016-04-20 15:06:44','',0,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/?p=1249',0,'post','',0),(1250,8,'2016-04-18 20:24:38','2016-04-18 20:24:38','<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">April 26, 2016</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">TBMH Suite 201</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">1 Riverside Circle</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">Roanoke, Virginia 24016</span></p>\r\nBiomaterials are an essential tool that provides the basis for bioengineered devices, growing and delivering cells, developing functional tissues, and engineering whole organs. Natural biopolymers that self-assemble on the nano scale have the potential to provide native cellular environments that facilitate the directed behavior of cells. Research conducted in the Nanostructured Biopolymer Engineering Lab makes use of naturally derived keratin nanomaterials for biomaterials development. Dr. Van Dyke’s research group studies the fundamental characteristics of keratin nanomaterials such as their solution behavior, self-assembly into network structures, and structure-function relationships. Keratin nanomaterials can be purified from natural fibers and when properly isolated, demonstrate several remarkable characteristics. First, keratin nanomaterials are highly biocompatible and can be used for tissue regeneration, drug delivery, and as carriers for cells; purified keratin nanomaterials contain no cellular elements so they do not elicit an immune response. Second, keratin nanomaterials have a unique capacity for molecular self-assembly that results in the spontaneous formation of network structures. Self-assembly occurs on the nanometer scale and builds to the micron scale, resulting in homogenous, porous architectures that are conducive to cell attachment and growth. Third, keratin nanomaterials contain cellular binding motifs that mimic the sites of cell attachment found in native extracellular matrix. By leveraging these unique characteristics, we are creating inexpensive biomaterials with the potential for use in a host of biomedical applications. Commercializing the results of our research is also a focus of the lab. Our current research programs are directed toward developing greater understanding of the molecular self-assembly process and keratin’s ligand-like function. We have projects that are aimed toward clinical applications such as heart regeneration, inflammation, and bone repair.','Mark Van Dyke, PhD – A Bioengineer’s Story: Case Study of Translating a Device – Regulatory Considerations- April 26th, 2016','','inherit','closed','open','','1249-revision-v1','','','2016-04-18 20:24:38','2016-04-18 20:24:38','',1249,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1249-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1251,8,'2016-04-18 20:25:27','2016-04-18 20:25:27','<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">April 27, 2016</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">TBMH Suite 201</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">1 Riverside Circle</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">Roanoke, Virginia 24016</span></p>\r\nMr Dudley has extensive experience in technology commercialization, venture capital, and leading startup and small companies. His 10 years as a venture capitalist included 2 years as founding CEO of a biotech startup thatwas later listed on the NASDAQ. He was Managing Director of a consulting firm and personally provided due diligence services to private equity firms. Most recently, he led a successful corporate turnaround as an owner and COO for 9 years and then was Managing Director of a private investment group.','Cole Dudley BS, MBA - An Investors Story: Venture Capital and Investment in Biomedical Innovations- April 27th, 2016','','publish','closed','open','','cole-dudley-bs-mba-an-investors-story-venture-capital-and-investment-in-biomedical-innovations-april-27th-2016','','','2016-04-18 20:25:27','2016-04-18 20:25:27','',0,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/?p=1251',0,'post','',0),(1252,8,'2016-04-18 20:25:27','2016-04-18 20:25:27','<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">April 27, 2016</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">TBMH Suite 201</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">1 Riverside Circle</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">Roanoke, Virginia 24016</span></p>\r\nMr Dudley has extensive experience in technology commercialization, venture capital, and leading startup and small companies. His 10 years as a venture capitalist included 2 years as founding CEO of a biotech startup thatwas later listed on the NASDAQ. He was Managing Director of a consulting firm and personally provided due diligence services to private equity firms. Most recently, he led a successful corporate turnaround as an owner and COO for 9 years and then was Managing Director of a private investment group.','Cole Dudley BS, MBA - An Investors Story: Venture Capital and Investment in Biomedical Innovations- April 27th, 2016','','inherit','closed','open','','1251-revision-v1','','','2016-04-18 20:25:27','2016-04-18 20:25:27','',1251,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1251-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1253,8,'2016-04-18 20:31:24','2016-04-18 20:31:24','<h1 class=\"page-heading\">April 19, 2016</h1>\r\n<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">TBMH Suite 201</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">1 Riverside Circle</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"line-height: 18.0pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-spacing: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-family: \'Georgia\',serif; color: #333333;\">Roanoke, Virginia 24016</span></p>\r\nDr. Ghatnekar is the President &amp; CEO of FirstString Research, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company located in Charleston, South Carolina.  Dr. Ghatnekar studied veterinary medicine and developed his own veterinary practice specializing in small animal medicine and surgery. In 2000, he enrolled in a graduate program at North Carolina State University and in 2004 graduated with a PhD in Comparative Biomedical Science . During his doctoral studies, he was President of the Graduate Student Association and won various awards, including the Teratology Society Marie W. Taubeneck award for excellence in research and leadership and an American Heart Association Pre-Doctoral Fellowship. Following his PhD, Dr Ghatnekar did a post-doc with Dr Gourdie at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). During these studies, Dr. Ghatnekar established ACT1 as a technology platform, with applications in regenerative medicine and he and Gourdie formed FirstString Research, Inc. in 2005. Under his leadership, FirstString Research has advanced the clinical development of its lead product Granexin Gel – a topical formulation containing the ACT1 peptide – through human clinical trials. The gel was tested on 48 subjects in a Phase 1 study and has been evaluated in three Phase 2 human clinical trials for acute surgical wounds and chronic wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers and venous leg ulcers. The results from clinical trials were published in 2015 in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology (Nature) and Wound Repair and Regeneration. Phase III clinical trials on diabetic foot ulcers are now underway. Dr. Ghatnekar’s experience and expertise in preparing regulatory documentation, developing both GLP preclinical studies and clinical trial protocols; and working knowledge of both the device (CDRH) and drug (CDER) regulatory routes and requirements, has led FirstString Research to successfully navigate the FDA and obtain IND approvals. Dr. Ghatnekar is a member of various prestigious national and international scientific societies including the Wound Healing Society and the Association for Advancement of Wound Care. He has been awarded multiple Phase I and Phase SBIR/STTR small business grants by the NIH, is PI on a prestigious NIH BRiDG award and serves on NIH study sections as a reviewer. In 2006, he accepted the ‘Innovators 2006’ award, sponsored by the Charleston Regional Business Journal.  Dr. Ghatnekar was also recognized recently by the Charleston Regional Business Journal as one of Charleston’s ‘Forty Under 40’.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Gautam Ghatnekar, DVM, PhD – An Entrepreneur’s Story:  Case Study of Translation of a Drug through Clinical Trials- April 19th, 2016','','inherit','closed','open','','1239-revision-v1','','','2016-04-18 20:31:24','2016-04-18 20:31:24','',1239,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1239-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1254,8,'2016-04-18 20:48:52','2016-04-18 20:48:52','<div id=\"intro\"><span class=\"double-line\"> </span>\r\n<h1>Individual career planning, skill building, and connecting with professionals within and beyond academia</h1>\r\n<span class=\"double-line\">C  </span>\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\">Professional Development Course (TBMH 5106, 2 credits)</h1>\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\"><span class=\"double-line\"> </span></h1>\r\nThis course will be offered each Spring semester, starting Spring 2015. Class time will include guest lectures from various biomedical professionals, who will present case studies and exercises designed to provide an understanding of various biomedical career paths, and how these professionals interact to promote biomedical research and the implementation of important discoveries.  Additional focus on career development planning (IDPs) and building scientific communication skills.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Location</span><em>:</em> Course instruction will take place at Virginia Tech facilities in Roanoke, and possibly Blacksburg.<a href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Career-Bridge.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-99\" src=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Career-Bridge-300x203.jpg\" alt=\"Career Bridge\" width=\"300\" height=\"203\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Student Commitment</span>: Trainees will attend class for 2 hours per week for one semester at Virginia Tech. Trainees must commit to attending all classes, and completing all reading and written assignments, including completion of an Individual Development Plan. At the end of the course, trainees will complete a course assessment questionnaire that should take 10 minutes to complete. Trainees must also complete a consent form that will allow the BEST program to issue them the annual BEST Survey, which should take less than 30 minutes to complete. This BEST survey will be issued annually for 10 years.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Eligibility</span>:   This course is required for all students in the PhD program in Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health (TBMH), and open to students in other biomedical graduate programs at Virginia Tech as part of the BEST program. Space is limited, and we encourage non-TBMH students to apply as early as possible to secure space in the course.\r\n\r\nPostdoctoral trainees who are <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">within three years</span> of earning their doctorate are eligible to audit this course as part of the BEST program (0 credits), but <strong>must attend all classes</strong>.\r\n\r\nRegistration for the Spring 2016 class is now closed.\r\n\r\n<em>Trainees who are not TBMH students will need to sign up here to receive instructor permission to register for the course for Spring 2016. Space is limited and trainees will be selected in the order in which they sign up. Trainees must sign an informed consent form and return it on the first day of class</em>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<em> Be sure to <a title=\"CONTACT\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/contact/\">subscribe</a> to our e-alerts to be notified of future BEST activities!  Additional opportunities for professional development at VT can be found on our <a title=\"RESOURCES\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/resources/\">Resources</a> page.</em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT','','inherit','closed','open','','138-revision-v1','','','2016-04-18 20:48:52','2016-04-18 20:48:52','',138,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/138-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1261,8,'2016-06-02 17:32:09','2016-06-02 17:32:09','The ASV 2016 program will include symposia, workshops, poster sessions, and special events on a wide range of topics in virology.  More information is available at <a title=\"here\" href=\"http://asv2016.cpe.vt.edu/\">here</a>.','Non-VT Event: American Society for Virology','','publish','closed','open','','american-society-for-virology','','','2016-06-06 19:20:52','2016-06-06 19:20:52','',0,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/?post_type=tribe_events&#038;p=1261',0,'tribe_events','',0),(1262,8,'2016-06-02 17:32:09','2016-06-02 17:32:09','','Unnamed Venue','','publish','closed','open','','unnamed-venue-6','','','2016-06-02 17:32:09','2016-06-02 17:32:09','',0,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/venue/unnamed-venue-6/',0,'tribe_venue','',0),(1263,8,'2016-06-02 17:33:49','2016-06-02 17:33:49','','Various locations across VT\'s campus','','publish','closed','open','','various-locations-across-vts-campus','','','2016-06-02 17:33:49','2016-06-02 17:33:49','',0,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/venue/various-locations-across-vts-campus/',0,'tribe_venue','',0),(1264,8,'2016-06-02 17:34:33','2016-06-02 17:34:33','','Various locations across VT\'s Blacksburg campus','','publish','closed','open','','various-locations-across-vts-blacksburg-campus','','','2016-06-02 17:34:33','2016-06-02 17:34:33','',0,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/venue/various-locations-across-vts-blacksburg-campus/',0,'tribe_venue','',0),(1267,8,'2016-06-22 13:13:12','2016-06-22 13:13:12','Name: Lauren Kennedy\r\n\r\nRole: Doctoral Student\r\n\r\nProgram: Translational Biology, Medicine and Health\r\n\r\nMeeting: Aptima Job Shadowing (2016)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWith the help of the VT BEST program, I was able to travel to Dayton, OH to shadow senior biomedical engineer Scott Pappada and senior software engineer Noah DePriest at Aptima.  Founded in 1995, Aptima has adopted a focus on human-centered engineering to improve human performance.  With offices across the country, the engineers and leaders of Aptima are paving the way in human performance assessment.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nShadowing Scott and Noah on this visit provided me my first insight into what a research position in an industry setting looks like.  Even more valuable was the relevance of their work to the research I am currently conducting in our lab.  While gaining a new perspective through which to view research, I simultaneously had the opportunity to network and form new meaningful, professional relationships with industry leaders in my field.  This provided me the opportunity to ask questions pertaining to my professional and academic development.  In this way, I learned what a day in the life of a government contractor in a relevant field might look like, and could start to picture myself in that environment.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor students and academics considering entering the world of industry, I would urge you to seek out similar experiences.  As someone who has been entrenched in academia, the industry mindset was incredibly different from my own.  For example, every month Scott, Noah, and other engineers throughout Aptima have a certain number of hours to devote to each project they are working on.  This means that the amount of time spent on every project is tracked and logged each and every day to meet the diverse requirements of these diverse projects.  This illustrates a degree of time management in this workplace that is not inherently established in the world of academia.  This is one feature of many that I did not expect to differ too greatly between industry and academia, but one that has a major impact on my envisioned career trajectory.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI would encourage anyone who has an interest in careers outside of one’s previous experience or knowledge to take advantage of the opportunities afforded by the BEST program.','Aptima Job Shadowing- Lauren Kennedy','','publish','closed','open','','aptima','','','2016-06-22 13:16:38','2016-06-22 13:16:38','',0,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/?page_id=1267',0,'page','',0),(1268,8,'2016-06-22 13:13:12','2016-06-22 13:13:12','With the help of the VT BEST program, I was able to travel to Dayton, OH to shadow senior biomedical engineer Scott Pappada and senior software engineer Noah DePriest at Aptima.  Founded in 1995, Aptima has adopted a focus on human-centered engineering to improve human performance.  With offices across the country, the engineers and leaders of Aptima are paving the way in human performance assessment.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nShadowing Scott and Noah on this visit provided me my first insight into what a research position in an industry setting looks like.  Even more valuable was the relevance of their work to the research I am currently conducting in our lab.  While gaining a new perspective through which to view research, I simultaneously had the opportunity to network and form new meaningful, professional relationships with industry leaders in my field.  This provided me the opportunity to ask questions pertaining to my professional and academic development.  In this way, I learned what a day in the life of a government contractor in a relevant field might look like, and could start to picture myself in that environment.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor students and academics considering entering the world of industry, I would urge you to seek out similar experiences.  As someone who has been entrenched in academia, the industry mindset was incredibly different from my own.  For example, every month Scott, Noah, and other engineers throughout Aptima have a certain number of hours to devote to each project they are working on.  This means that the amount of time spent on every project is tracked and logged each and every day to meet the diverse requirements of these diverse projects.  This illustrates a degree of time management in this workplace that is not inherently established in the world of academia.  This is one feature of many that I did not expect to differ too greatly between industry and academia, but one that has a major impact on my envisioned career trajectory.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI would encourage anyone who has an interest in careers outside of one’s previous experience or knowledge to take advantage of the opportunities afforded by the BEST program.','Aptima Job Shadowing- Lauren Kennedy','','inherit','closed','open','','1267-revision-v1','','','2016-06-22 13:13:12','2016-06-22 13:13:12','',1267,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1267-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1269,8,'2016-06-22 13:14:22','2016-06-22 13:14:22','<b>Here are some thoughtful perspectives on how the BEST program is enhancing the career development opportunities at Virginia Tech:</b>\r\n\r\n<strong>VT BEST Travel Awards</strong>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"American Public Health Association Meeting- Yeonwoo Lebovitz\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/yeonwoo/\">American Public Health Association Annual Meeting- Yeonwoo Lebovitz</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"American Society for Cell Biology Mini Course- Katharina Sewart\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/sewart/\">American Society for Cell Biology Mini Course- Katharina Sewart</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Aptima Job Shadowing- Lauren Kennedy\" href=\"%20http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/aptima/\">Aptima Job Shadowing- Lauren Kennedy</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Columbia Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders Externship- Rebecca Elias\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/elias/\">Columbia University Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders Externship- Rebecca Elias</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"National Institutes of Health Career Symposium- Aboozar Monavarfeshani\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/monavarfeshani/\">National Institutes of Health Career Symposium- Aboozar Monavarfeshani</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"National Institutes of Health Career Symposium- Amara Greer-Short\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/nih-symposium/\">National Institutes of Health Career Symposium- Amara Greer-Short</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Society of Women Engineers Annual Conference- Emily Ongstad\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/society/ \">Society of Women Engineers Annual Conference- Emily Ongstad </a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Society for Neuroscience Conference- Lauren Kennedy\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/neuroscience/\">Society for Neuroscience Conference- Lauren Kennedy</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>BESTimonials</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Iris Vilares, PhD (Postdoctoral Fellow, Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute)</strong>\r\n\r\n“The BEST program has been giving me valuable insights into the various different paths where my academic training can take me, both inside and outside of academia. The professional development classes range from serious (what purpose do you want to make for your life?) to fun and interactive (e.g. jump around making funny gestures and sounds to understand the importance of spontaneity when giving a lecture). Overall it has been a very useful and gratifying experience.”\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Gregorio Valdez, PhD (Assistant Professor, Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute and Dept of Biological Sciences)</strong>\r\n\r\n“I was pleasantly surprised one day to have my trainee initiate a frank discussion about career goals and mentorship following her attendance at a BEST workshop on IDPs. While I always try to keep good lines of communication with my trainees, it was clear the workshop encouraged her to give deeper thought regarding the best path towards achieving her long-term goals, and prompted a discussion that ultimately allowed us to more efficiently structure her project towards mutually beneficial goals and timelines.\"\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Kevin Pridham, PhD candidate (First Year Graduate Student, Translational Biology Medicine and Health program)</strong>\r\n\r\n“The BEST program has been helpful in showing me various career options outside of academia. It has also allowed me to appreciate and begin to understand the challenges of intellectual property in science.”\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Meghna Verma, PhD candidate (First Year Graduate Student, Translational Biology Medicine and Health program)</strong>\r\n\r\n“The BEST program is very different from the traditional graduate coursework, focusing on overall professional development that is not limited only to classroom teaching. The program covers a variety of domains that range from tips on grant writing, knowledge about intellectual property and patent filing and the use of <em>myIDP software - </em>a smart aid for smart planning of your career goals.”\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Yeonwoo Lebovitz, PhD candidate (First Year Graduate Student, Translational Biology Medicine and Health program)</strong>\r\n\r\nThe BEST program at Virginia Tech grants us direct access to individuals who work in a wide variety of biomedical research settings, including those in career paths we never knew existed. In addition to speaker seminars and developing new networking contacts, the BEST program is helping us assemble a professional toolkit with skills that are harder to come by, such as communication, entrepreneurship, and advocacy. I feel like we have been given a leg-up to pursue research careers in spite of future economic uncertainties.\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Cameron Varano, PhD candidate (First Year Graduate Student, Translational Biology Medicine and Health program)</strong>\r\n\r\n“I appreciate how the BEST program has helped to and continues to mold my complete development as a young researcher. The training I receive in the lab has built my technical skills, but it is the addition of the BEST program which has developed my communication skills. Furthermore, my perspective on my career path has been broadened to include those opportunities beyond academia.”\r\n\r\n**','CAREER BLOGS','','inherit','closed','open','','1047-revision-v1','','','2016-06-22 13:14:22','2016-06-22 13:14:22','',1047,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1047-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1270,8,'2016-06-22 13:15:11','2016-06-22 13:15:11','<b>Here are some thoughtful perspectives on how the BEST program is enhancing the career development opportunities at Virginia Tech:</b>\r\n\r\n<strong>VT BEST Travel Awards</strong>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"American Public Health Association Meeting- Yeonwoo Lebovitz\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/yeonwoo/\">American Public Health Association Annual Meeting- Yeonwoo Lebovitz</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"American Society for Cell Biology Mini Course- Katharina Sewart\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/sewart/\">American Society for Cell Biology Mini Course- Katharina Sewart</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Aptima Job Shadowing- Lauren Kennedy\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/aptima/\">Aptima Job Shadowing- Lauren Kennedy</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Columbia Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders Externship- Rebecca Elias\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/elias/\">Columbia University Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders Externship- Rebecca Elias</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"National Institutes of Health Career Symposium- Aboozar Monavarfeshani\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/monavarfeshani/\">National Institutes of Health Career Symposium- Aboozar Monavarfeshani</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"National Institutes of Health Career Symposium- Amara Greer-Short\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/nih-symposium/\">National Institutes of Health Career Symposium- Amara Greer-Short</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Society of Women Engineers Annual Conference- Emily Ongstad\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/society/ \">Society of Women Engineers Annual Conference- Emily Ongstad </a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Society for Neuroscience Conference- Lauren Kennedy\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/neuroscience/\">Society for Neuroscience Conference- Lauren Kennedy</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>BESTimonials</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Iris Vilares, PhD (Postdoctoral Fellow, Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute)</strong>\r\n\r\n“The BEST program has been giving me valuable insights into the various different paths where my academic training can take me, both inside and outside of academia. The professional development classes range from serious (what purpose do you want to make for your life?) to fun and interactive (e.g. jump around making funny gestures and sounds to understand the importance of spontaneity when giving a lecture). Overall it has been a very useful and gratifying experience.”\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Gregorio Valdez, PhD (Assistant Professor, Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute and Dept of Biological Sciences)</strong>\r\n\r\n“I was pleasantly surprised one day to have my trainee initiate a frank discussion about career goals and mentorship following her attendance at a BEST workshop on IDPs. While I always try to keep good lines of communication with my trainees, it was clear the workshop encouraged her to give deeper thought regarding the best path towards achieving her long-term goals, and prompted a discussion that ultimately allowed us to more efficiently structure her project towards mutually beneficial goals and timelines.\"\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Kevin Pridham, PhD candidate (First Year Graduate Student, Translational Biology Medicine and Health program)</strong>\r\n\r\n“The BEST program has been helpful in showing me various career options outside of academia. It has also allowed me to appreciate and begin to understand the challenges of intellectual property in science.”\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Meghna Verma, PhD candidate (First Year Graduate Student, Translational Biology Medicine and Health program)</strong>\r\n\r\n“The BEST program is very different from the traditional graduate coursework, focusing on overall professional development that is not limited only to classroom teaching. The program covers a variety of domains that range from tips on grant writing, knowledge about intellectual property and patent filing and the use of <em>myIDP software - </em>a smart aid for smart planning of your career goals.”\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Yeonwoo Lebovitz, PhD candidate (First Year Graduate Student, Translational Biology Medicine and Health program)</strong>\r\n\r\nThe BEST program at Virginia Tech grants us direct access to individuals who work in a wide variety of biomedical research settings, including those in career paths we never knew existed. In addition to speaker seminars and developing new networking contacts, the BEST program is helping us assemble a professional toolkit with skills that are harder to come by, such as communication, entrepreneurship, and advocacy. I feel like we have been given a leg-up to pursue research careers in spite of future economic uncertainties.\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Cameron Varano, PhD candidate (First Year Graduate Student, Translational Biology Medicine and Health program)</strong>\r\n\r\n“I appreciate how the BEST program has helped to and continues to mold my complete development as a young researcher. The training I receive in the lab has built my technical skills, but it is the addition of the BEST program which has developed my communication skills. Furthermore, my perspective on my career path has been broadened to include those opportunities beyond academia.”\r\n\r\n**','CAREER BLOGS','','inherit','closed','open','','1047-revision-v1','','','2016-06-22 13:15:11','2016-06-22 13:15:11','',1047,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1047-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1271,8,'2016-06-22 13:16:38','2016-06-22 13:16:38','Name: Lauren Kennedy\r\n\r\nRole: Doctoral Student\r\n\r\nProgram: Translational Biology, Medicine and Health\r\n\r\nMeeting: Aptima Job Shadowing (2016)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWith the help of the VT BEST program, I was able to travel to Dayton, OH to shadow senior biomedical engineer Scott Pappada and senior software engineer Noah DePriest at Aptima.  Founded in 1995, Aptima has adopted a focus on human-centered engineering to improve human performance.  With offices across the country, the engineers and leaders of Aptima are paving the way in human performance assessment.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nShadowing Scott and Noah on this visit provided me my first insight into what a research position in an industry setting looks like.  Even more valuable was the relevance of their work to the research I am currently conducting in our lab.  While gaining a new perspective through which to view research, I simultaneously had the opportunity to network and form new meaningful, professional relationships with industry leaders in my field.  This provided me the opportunity to ask questions pertaining to my professional and academic development.  In this way, I learned what a day in the life of a government contractor in a relevant field might look like, and could start to picture myself in that environment.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor students and academics considering entering the world of industry, I would urge you to seek out similar experiences.  As someone who has been entrenched in academia, the industry mindset was incredibly different from my own.  For example, every month Scott, Noah, and other engineers throughout Aptima have a certain number of hours to devote to each project they are working on.  This means that the amount of time spent on every project is tracked and logged each and every day to meet the diverse requirements of these diverse projects.  This illustrates a degree of time management in this workplace that is not inherently established in the world of academia.  This is one feature of many that I did not expect to differ too greatly between industry and academia, but one that has a major impact on my envisioned career trajectory.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI would encourage anyone who has an interest in careers outside of one’s previous experience or knowledge to take advantage of the opportunities afforded by the BEST program.','Aptima Job Shadowing- Lauren Kennedy','','inherit','closed','open','','1267-revision-v1','','','2016-06-22 13:16:38','2016-06-22 13:16:38','',1267,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1267-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1273,8,'2016-07-06 15:16:12','2016-07-06 15:16:12','<h3>Escape the summer heat with food, fun and lively conversation at Biotech and Beer.</h3>\r\n<h3>Please join us to see old friends and meet new colleagues in the life science community. For more information and to register, please click <a title=\"here\" href=\"https://www.vabio.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=834041\">here</a>.</h3>','VT Event- Star City Biotech & Beer','','publish','closed','open','','vt-event-star-city-biotech-beer','','','2016-07-06 15:17:06','2016-07-06 15:17:06','',0,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/?post_type=tribe_events&#038;p=1273',0,'tribe_events','',0),(1275,8,'2016-07-15 12:52:51','2016-07-15 12:52:51','&nbsp;\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\">Virginia Tech BEST Program Leadership</h1>\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><span class=\"double-line\"> </span></span>\r\n<div class=\"columns-wrapper\">\r\n<div><a href=\"http://research.vtc.vt.edu/employees/michael-j-friedlander\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Michael J. Friedlander, Ph.D. </strong></a><strong><a href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/michael_friedlander_mugshot_1_crop_150x150.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-full wp-image-210\" src=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/michael_friedlander_mugshot_1_crop_150x150.jpg\" alt=\"michael_friedlander_mugshot_1_crop_150x150\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a></strong></div>\r\n<div><strong>Co-Investigator, NIH BEST Award</strong></div>\r\n<div>Executive Director, Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute</div>\r\n<div>Associate Provost for Health Sciences, Virginia Tech</div>\r\n<div>Professor of Biological Sciences and Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Science, Virginia Tech</div>\r\n<div>Senior Dean for Research, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine</div>\r\n<div>Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<div><a href=\"http://research.vtc.vt.edu/employees/audra-van-wart\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Audra Van Wart, Ph.D.</strong></a><strong><a href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Audra_Van_Wart-cropped_6_crop_150x150.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-full wp-image-209\" src=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Audra_Van_Wart-cropped_6_crop_150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Audra_Van_Wart-cropped_6_crop_150x150\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a></strong></div>\r\n<div><strong>Co-Investigator, NIH BEST Award</strong></div>\r\n<div>Director of Education and Training, Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute</div>\r\n<div>Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine</div>\r\n<div class=\"two-columns nomargin\"></div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div><a href=\"http://research.vtc.vt.edu/employees/audra-van-wart\">\r\n<strong>Steven Culver, Ph.D.</strong></a></div>\r\n<div><strong>Evaluation</strong></div>\r\n<div>Assistant Provost of Assessment and Evaluation, Virginia Tech</div>\r\n<div>\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\"></h1>\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\">Advisory Board:</h1>\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><span class=\"double-line\"> </span></span>\r\n\r\n<strong>Dennis Dean, Ph.D.</strong>, Executive Director, Virginia Bioinformatics Institute; Director Fralin Life Science Institute; University Distinguished Professor of Biochemistry\r\n\r\n<strong>Karen DePauw, Ph.D.</strong>, Vice President and Dean for Graduate Education, Virginia Tech\r\n\r\n<strong>Sam English, Ph.D.</strong>, CEO and Founder, Attention Point; President of the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council\r\n\r\n<strong>Derick Maggard, M.S.</strong>, Owner, Vanquish Investments; Executive Director of the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council\r\n\r\n<strong>Kenneth Wong, Ph.D.</strong>, Director of Educational Programs of the Arlington Innovation Center: Health Research; Director of the Northern Virginia Center; and Associate Dean of the Graduate School\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n</div>','PEOPLE','','inherit','closed','open','','189-revision-v1','','','2016-07-15 12:52:51','2016-07-15 12:52:51','',189,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/189-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1276,8,'2016-07-15 12:53:09','2016-07-15 12:53:09','&nbsp;\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\">Virginia Tech BEST Program Leadership</h1>\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><span class=\"double-line\"> </span></span>\r\n<div class=\"columns-wrapper\">\r\n<div><a href=\"http://research.vtc.vt.edu/employees/michael-j-friedlander\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Michael J. Friedlander, Ph.D. </strong></a><strong><a href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/michael_friedlander_mugshot_1_crop_150x150.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-full wp-image-210\" src=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/michael_friedlander_mugshot_1_crop_150x150.jpg\" alt=\"michael_friedlander_mugshot_1_crop_150x150\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a></strong></div>\r\n<div><strong>Co-Investigator, NIH BEST Award</strong></div>\r\n<div>Executive Director, Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute</div>\r\n<div>Associate Provost for Health Sciences, Virginia Tech</div>\r\n<div>Professor of Biological Sciences and Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Science, Virginia Tech</div>\r\n<div>Senior Dean for Research, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine</div>\r\n<div>Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<div><a href=\"http://research.vtc.vt.edu/employees/audra-van-wart\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Audra Van Wart, Ph.D.</strong></a><strong><a href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Audra_Van_Wart-cropped_6_crop_150x150.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-full wp-image-209\" src=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Audra_Van_Wart-cropped_6_crop_150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Audra_Van_Wart-cropped_6_crop_150x150\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a></strong></div>\r\n<div><strong>Co-Investigator, NIH BEST Award</strong></div>\r\n<div>Director of Education and Training, Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute</div>\r\n<div>Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine</div>\r\n<div class=\"two-columns nomargin\"></div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div><a href=\"http://research.vtc.vt.edu/employees/audra-van-wart\">\r\n<strong>Steven Culver, Ph.D.</strong></a></div>\r\n<div><strong>Evaluation</strong></div>\r\n<div>Assistant Provost of Assessment and Evaluation, Virginia Tech</div>\r\n<div>\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\"></h1>\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\"></h1>\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\">Advisory Board:</h1>\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><span class=\"double-line\"> </span></span>\r\n\r\n<strong>Dennis Dean, Ph.D.</strong>, Executive Director, Virginia Bioinformatics Institute; Director Fralin Life Science Institute; University Distinguished Professor of Biochemistry\r\n\r\n<strong>Karen DePauw, Ph.D.</strong>, Vice President and Dean for Graduate Education, Virginia Tech\r\n\r\n<strong>Sam English, Ph.D.</strong>, CEO and Founder, Attention Point; President of the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council\r\n\r\n<strong>Derick Maggard, M.S.</strong>, Owner, Vanquish Investments; Executive Director of the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council\r\n\r\n<strong>Kenneth Wong, Ph.D.</strong>, Director of Educational Programs of the Arlington Innovation Center: Health Research; Director of the Northern Virginia Center; and Associate Dean of the Graduate School\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n</div>','PEOPLE','','inherit','closed','open','','189-revision-v1','','','2016-07-15 12:53:09','2016-07-15 12:53:09','',189,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/189-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1277,8,'2016-07-15 12:53:25','2016-07-15 12:53:25','&nbsp;\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\">Virginia Tech BEST Program Leadership</h1>\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><span class=\"double-line\"> </span></span>\r\n<div class=\"columns-wrapper\">\r\n<div><a href=\"http://research.vtc.vt.edu/employees/michael-j-friedlander\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Michael J. Friedlander, Ph.D. </strong></a><strong><a href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/michael_friedlander_mugshot_1_crop_150x150.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-full wp-image-210\" src=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/michael_friedlander_mugshot_1_crop_150x150.jpg\" alt=\"michael_friedlander_mugshot_1_crop_150x150\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a></strong></div>\r\n<div><strong>Co-Investigator, NIH BEST Award</strong></div>\r\n<div>Executive Director, Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute</div>\r\n<div>Associate Provost for Health Sciences, Virginia Tech</div>\r\n<div>Professor of Biological Sciences and Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Science, Virginia Tech</div>\r\n<div>Senior Dean for Research, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine</div>\r\n<div>Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<div><a href=\"http://research.vtc.vt.edu/employees/audra-van-wart\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Audra Van Wart, Ph.D.</strong></a><strong><a href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Audra_Van_Wart-cropped_6_crop_150x150.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-full wp-image-209\" src=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Audra_Van_Wart-cropped_6_crop_150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Audra_Van_Wart-cropped_6_crop_150x150\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a></strong></div>\r\n<div><strong>Co-Investigator, NIH BEST Award</strong></div>\r\n<div>Director of Education and Training, Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute</div>\r\n<div>Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine</div>\r\n<div class=\"two-columns nomargin\"></div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div><a href=\"http://research.vtc.vt.edu/employees/audra-van-wart\">\r\n<strong>Steven Culver, Ph.D.</strong></a></div>\r\n<div><strong>Evaluation</strong></div>\r\n<div>Assistant Provost of Assessment and Evaluation, Virginia Tech</div>\r\n<div>\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\"></h1>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\"></h1>\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\">Advisory Board:</h1>\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><span class=\"double-line\"> </span></span>\r\n\r\n<strong>Dennis Dean, Ph.D.</strong>, Executive Director, Virginia Bioinformatics Institute; Director Fralin Life Science Institute; University Distinguished Professor of Biochemistry\r\n\r\n<strong>Karen DePauw, Ph.D.</strong>, Vice President and Dean for Graduate Education, Virginia Tech\r\n\r\n<strong>Sam English, Ph.D.</strong>, CEO and Founder, Attention Point; President of the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council\r\n\r\n<strong>Derick Maggard, M.S.</strong>, Owner, Vanquish Investments; Executive Director of the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council\r\n\r\n<strong>Kenneth Wong, Ph.D.</strong>, Director of Educational Programs of the Arlington Innovation Center: Health Research; Director of the Northern Virginia Center; and Associate Dean of the Graduate School\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n</div>','PEOPLE','','inherit','closed','open','','189-revision-v1','','','2016-07-15 12:53:25','2016-07-15 12:53:25','',189,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/189-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1278,8,'2016-07-15 13:00:51','2016-07-15 13:00:51','<h1 class=\"page-heading\"></h1>\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\"></h1>\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\">Why is this program being offered?</h1>\r\n<span class=\"double-line\"> </span>\r\n\r\nThe BEST program was initiated by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 2013, by recommendation of the Biomedical Research Workforce Working Group. This group was assembled to assess the state of the biomedical workforce and make recommendations to the NIH regarding how many people we should be training, and for what types of jobs. Their report from 2012 recognizes the breadth of careers available to PhDs in the biomedical and health sciences, which are important for advancing the NIH’s mission of ultimately improving human health (see figure below). In fact, in 2009,  approximately 75% of US-trained biomedical PhD’s were employed in categories other than tenured or tenure-track faculty positions, thus, it would be a misnomer to refer to these categories as “alternative careers”. Yet, the majority of today’s biomedical doctoral and postdoctoral training programs focus primarily on training students for academic research positions.\r\n\r\nCurrently 10 universities nationwide have received NIH BEST awards, with the  mission of broadening the training experience to better expose trainees to the breadth of careers that comprise the biomedical workforce. Virginia Tech\'s BEST program aims to foster an understanding of the career opportunities available to biomedical PhDs, and provide trainees with guidance and information toward preparing them for pursuit of these goals, through instruction, internships, and mentorship from a range of academic and non-academic professionals.\r\n\r\nFor more information about the NIH\'s BEST program, please click <a title=\"here\" href=\"http://www.nihbest.org/\">here</a>.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_16\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"800\"]<a href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/piegraph.png\"><img class=\"size-large wp-image-16\" src=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/piegraph-1024x573.png\" alt=\"Adapted from the NIH Biomedical Research Workforce Working Group Report, 2012\" width=\"800\" height=\"448\" /></a> Adapted from the Biomedical Research Workforce Working Group Report, 2012[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\">Career Resource Library</h1>\r\n<span class=\"double-line\"> </span>\r\n<em>The BEST Program has developed a library of career resources on the Roanoke campus for doctoral students and postdocs in the biomedical and health sciences. Please contact Jay Read </em>(jayread@vtc.vt.edu) <em>to sign out any of these books (2 weeks maximum).</em>\r\n\r\nBarker, K. (2002). <strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">At the Helm: A Laboratory Navigator</span></strong>, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press.\r\n\r\nBasalla, S. and M. Debelius (2008). <strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">\"So What Are You Going to Do with That?\": Finding Careers Outside Academia</span></strong>, University of Chicago Press.\r\n\r\nBorbye, L. (2010). <strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Secrets to Success in Industry Careers: Essential Skills for Science and Business</span></strong>, Elsevier Science.\r\n\r\nBush, P. M. C. (2012). <strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Transforming Your STEM Career Through Leadership and Innovation: Inspiration and Strategies for Women</span></strong>, Elsevier Science.\r\n\r\nCarter, M. (2012). <strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Designing Science Presentations: A Visual Guide to Figures, Papers, Slides, Posters, and More</span></strong>, Elsevier Science.\r\n\r\nFeibelman, P. J. (2011). <strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">A PhD is Not Enough!: A Guide to Survival in Science</span></strong>, Basic Books.\r\n\r\nGray, P. and D. E. Drew (2008). <strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">What They Didn\'t Teach You in Graduate School: 199 Helpful Hints for Success in Your Academic Career</span></strong>, Stylus Pub.\r\n\r\nJohnson, A. M. (2011). <strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Charting a Course for a Successful Research Career: A Guide for Early Career Researchers</span></strong>, Elsevier B.V.\r\n\r\nJohnson, A. M. and A. P. Johnson (2013). <strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Improving Your Research Management: A Guide for Senior University Research Managers</span></strong>, Elsevier.\r\n\r\nMargulis, A. R. (2010). <strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">The Road to Success: A Career Manual - How to Advance to the Top</span></strong>, Elsevier Science.\r\n\r\nOlivero, O. (2013). <strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Interdisciplinary Mentoring in Science: Strategies for Success</span></strong>, Elsevier Science.\r\n\r\nRobbins-Roth, C. (2006). <strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Alternative Careers in Science: Leaving the Ivory Tower (Second Edition)</span></strong>. Burlington, Academic Press.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\"></h1>\r\n<h1 class=\"page-heading\">Where can I go for additional resources?</h1>\r\n<span class=\"double-line\"> </span>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://acd.od.nih.gov/biomedical_research_wgreport.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Biomedical Workforce Working Group Report</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.nationalpostdoc.org/\" target=\"_blank\">National Postdoctoral Association</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://sciencecareers.sciencemag.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Science Careers</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.sfn.org/careers-and-training/neurojobs-career-center/careers-in-neuroscience\">Society for Neuroscience Career Center</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://myidp.sciencecareers.org/\" target=\"_blank\">MyIDP</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://www.aamc.org/students/research/phd/career_paths/\" target=\"_blank\">Association of American Medical Colleges</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVT websites:\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.advance.vt.edu/\" target=\"_blank\">Advance VT</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.advance.vt.edu/resources_links/grad_students/resources_for_graduate_students.html\">*Materials from Advance VT Seminars and Workshops</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.career.vt.edu/GraduateStudents/GradStudentEvents.html\">*Career Services events for graduate students</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://vtknowledgeworks.com/\">VT KnowledgeWorks</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://graduateschool.vt.edu/\" target=\"_blank\">The Graduate School</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://graduateschool.vt.edu/graduate_catalog/certificates.htm\" target=\"_blank\">VT certificate programs</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.tbmh.vt.edu/\" target=\"_blank\">PhD Program in Translational Biology, Medicine and Health</a>','RESOURCES','','inherit','closed','open','','108-revision-v1','','','2016-07-15 13:00:51','2016-07-15 13:00:51','',108,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/108-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1285,8,'2016-08-29 20:41:51','2016-08-29 20:41:51','Name: Lara Moody\r\n\r\nRole: Doctoral Student\r\n\r\nProgram: Clinical Psychology\r\n\r\nMeeting: Native American Addiction Treatment Centers (2016)\r\n\r\nI had such an enriching experience during my visit to Native American treatment centers on the Wind River Indian Reservation. The opportunity to see the adaptation of empirically based practices (EBPs) for the treatment of addiction to the distinctive culture and beliefs of the Northern Arapaho and Eastern Shoshone people was instructive to my pursuit of how we can improve addiction treatment in underserved and disparate rural populations. One notable aspect of the experience was how welcoming the patients, treatment staff, and leadership were to talk with me about what they see as strengths of the program (such as the adaptation of EBPs to the medicine wheel) and what they see as comparative weaknesses (such as the lack of access to medical detox or inpatient treatment facilities) without leaving the reservation. I heard time and time again the importance of prevention and advocacy for teenage youth on the reservation and the importance of including family and providing transport to the successful treatment of substance use. Many of these perceived priorities are also common in other populations. Another notable aspect of the experience was how tribal leadership has welcomed a multisite study through University of Washington (UW) on the use of contingency management (CM) for alcohol use disorder that is funded through the NIH and looking at the efficacy of CM in Native American and Alaskan Native populations. Overall, my time on the Wind River Reservation provided me the opportunity to network with a population that is not typically as visible in a research settings and to learn concrete skills pertaining to working with Native American substance using populations and treatment providers that may be useful in my future pursuits.','Native American Addiction Treatment Centers Visitation - Lara Moody','','publish','closed','open','','laramoody','','','2016-08-29 21:44:02','2016-08-29 21:44:02','',0,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/?page_id=1285',0,'page','',0),(1286,8,'2016-08-29 20:41:51','2016-08-29 20:41:51','Name: Lara Moody\r\n\r\nRole: Doctoral Student\r\n\r\nProgram: Clinical Psychology\r\n\r\nMeeting: Native American Addiction Treatment Centers (2016)\r\n\r\nI had such an enriching experience during my visit to Native American treatment centers on the Wind River Indian Reservation. The opportunity to see the adaptation of empirically based practices (EBPs) for the treatment of addiction to the distinctive culture and beliefs of the Northern Arapaho and Eastern Shoshone people was instructive to my pursuit of how we can improve addiction treatment in underserved and disparate rural populations. One notable aspect of the experience was how welcoming the patients, treatment staff, and leadership were to talk with me about what they see as strengths of the program (such as the adaptation of EBPs to the medicine wheel) and what they see as comparative weaknesses (such as the lack of access to medical detox or inpatient treatment facilities) without leaving the reservation. I heard time and again the importance of prevention and advocacy for teenage youth on the reservation and the importance of including family and providing transport to the successful treatment of substance use. Many of these perceived priorities are also common in other populations. Another notable aspect of the experience was how tribal leadership has welcomed a multisite study through University of Washington (UW) on the use of contingency management (CM) for alcohol use disorder that is funded through the NIH and looking at the efficacy of CM in Native American and Alaskan Native populations. Overall, my time on the Wind River Reservation provided me the opportunity to network with a population that is not typically as visible in a research settings and to learn concrete skills pertaining to working with Native American substance using populations and treatment providers that may be useful in my future pursuits.','Native American Addiction Treatment Centers Visitation - Lara Moody','','inherit','closed','open','','1285-revision-v1','','','2016-08-29 20:41:51','2016-08-29 20:41:51','',1285,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1285-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1288,8,'2016-08-29 21:09:06','2016-08-29 21:09:06','<b>Here are some thoughtful perspectives on how the BEST program is enhancing the career development opportunities at Virginia Tech:</b>\r\n\r\n<strong>VT BEST Travel Awards</strong>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"American Public Health Association Meeting- Yeonwoo Lebovitz\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/yeonwoo/\">American Public Health Association Annual Meeting- Yeonwoo Lebovitz</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"American Society for Cell Biology Mini Course- Katharina Sewart\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/sewart/\">American Society for Cell Biology Mini Course- Katharina Sewart</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Aptima Job Shadowing- Lauren Kennedy\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/aptima/\">Aptima Job Shadowing- Lauren Kennedy</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Columbia Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders Externship- Rebecca Elias\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/elias/\">Columbia University Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders Externship- Rebecca Elias</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"National Institutes of Health Career Symposium- Aboozar Monavarfeshani\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/monavarfeshani/\">National Institutes of Health Career Symposium- Aboozar Monavarfeshani</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"National Institutes of Health Career Symposium- Amara Greer-Short\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/nih-symposium/\">National Institutes of Health Career Symposium- Amara Greer-Short</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Society of Women Engineers Annual Conference- Emily Ongstad\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/society/ \">Society of Women Engineers Annual Conference- Emily Ongstad </a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Society for Neuroscience Conference- Lauren Kennedy\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/neuroscience/\">Society for Neuroscience Conference- Lauren Kennedy</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Native American Addiction Treatment Centers Visitation- Lara Moody\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/laramoody/\">Native American Addiction Treatment Centers Visitation- Lara Moody</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>BESTimonials</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Iris Vilares, PhD (Postdoctoral Fellow, Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute)</strong>\r\n\r\n“The BEST program has been giving me valuable insights into the various different paths where my academic training can take me, both inside and outside of academia. The professional development classes range from serious (what purpose do you want to make for your life?) to fun and interactive (e.g. jump around making funny gestures and sounds to understand the importance of spontaneity when giving a lecture). Overall it has been a very useful and gratifying experience.”\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Gregorio Valdez, PhD (Assistant Professor, Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute and Dept of Biological Sciences)</strong>\r\n\r\n“I was pleasantly surprised one day to have my trainee initiate a frank discussion about career goals and mentorship following her attendance at a BEST workshop on IDPs. While I always try to keep good lines of communication with my trainees, it was clear the workshop encouraged her to give deeper thought regarding the best path towards achieving her long-term goals, and prompted a discussion that ultimately allowed us to more efficiently structure her project towards mutually beneficial goals and timelines.\"\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Kevin Pridham, PhD candidate (First Year Graduate Student, Translational Biology Medicine and Health program)</strong>\r\n\r\n“The BEST program has been helpful in showing me various career options outside of academia. It has also allowed me to appreciate and begin to understand the challenges of intellectual property in science.”\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Meghna Verma, PhD candidate (First Year Graduate Student, Translational Biology Medicine and Health program)</strong>\r\n\r\n“The BEST program is very different from the traditional graduate coursework, focusing on overall professional development that is not limited only to classroom teaching. The program covers a variety of domains that range from tips on grant writing, knowledge about intellectual property and patent filing and the use of <em>myIDP software - </em>a smart aid for smart planning of your career goals.”\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Yeonwoo Lebovitz, PhD candidate (First Year Graduate Student, Translational Biology Medicine and Health program)</strong>\r\n\r\nThe BEST program at Virginia Tech grants us direct access to individuals who work in a wide variety of biomedical research settings, including those in career paths we never knew existed. In addition to speaker seminars and developing new networking contacts, the BEST program is helping us assemble a professional toolkit with skills that are harder to come by, such as communication, entrepreneurship, and advocacy. I feel like we have been given a leg-up to pursue research careers in spite of future economic uncertainties.\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Cameron Varano, PhD candidate (First Year Graduate Student, Translational Biology Medicine and Health program)</strong>\r\n\r\n“I appreciate how the BEST program has helped to and continues to mold my complete development as a young researcher. The training I receive in the lab has built my technical skills, but it is the addition of the BEST program which has developed my communication skills. Furthermore, my perspective on my career path has been broadened to include those opportunities beyond academia.”\r\n\r\n**','CAREER BLOGS','','inherit','closed','open','','1047-revision-v1','','','2016-08-29 21:09:06','2016-08-29 21:09:06','',1047,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1047-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1289,8,'2016-08-29 21:44:02','2016-08-29 21:44:02','Name: Lara Moody\r\n\r\nRole: Doctoral Student\r\n\r\nProgram: Clinical Psychology\r\n\r\nMeeting: Native American Addiction Treatment Centers (2016)\r\n\r\nI had such an enriching experience during my visit to Native American treatment centers on the Wind River Indian Reservation. The opportunity to see the adaptation of empirically based practices (EBPs) for the treatment of addiction to the distinctive culture and beliefs of the Northern Arapaho and Eastern Shoshone people was instructive to my pursuit of how we can improve addiction treatment in underserved and disparate rural populations. One notable aspect of the experience was how welcoming the patients, treatment staff, and leadership were to talk with me about what they see as strengths of the program (such as the adaptation of EBPs to the medicine wheel) and what they see as comparative weaknesses (such as the lack of access to medical detox or inpatient treatment facilities) without leaving the reservation. I heard time and time again the importance of prevention and advocacy for teenage youth on the reservation and the importance of including family and providing transport to the successful treatment of substance use. Many of these perceived priorities are also common in other populations. Another notable aspect of the experience was how tribal leadership has welcomed a multisite study through University of Washington (UW) on the use of contingency management (CM) for alcohol use disorder that is funded through the NIH and looking at the efficacy of CM in Native American and Alaskan Native populations. Overall, my time on the Wind River Reservation provided me the opportunity to network with a population that is not typically as visible in a research settings and to learn concrete skills pertaining to working with Native American substance using populations and treatment providers that may be useful in my future pursuits.','Native American Addiction Treatment Centers Visitation - Lara Moody','','inherit','closed','open','','1285-revision-v1','','','2016-08-29 21:44:02','2016-08-29 21:44:02','',1285,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1285-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1297,8,'2016-11-18 22:28:21','2016-11-18 22:28:21','[gravityform id=\"25\" name=\"Dr. Gifford Mini-Internship Sign-Up Form 12.2.16\"]','Dr. Gifford Mini-Internship Sign-Up Form','','publish','closed','open','','dr-gifford-mini-internship-sign-up-form','','','2016-11-18 22:41:14','2016-11-18 22:41:14','',0,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/?page_id=1297',0,'page','',1),(1298,8,'2016-11-18 22:28:21','2016-11-18 22:28:21','','Dr. Gifford Mini-Internship Sign-Up Form','','inherit','closed','open','','1297-revision-v1','','','2016-11-18 22:28:21','2016-11-18 22:28:21','',1297,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1297-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1300,8,'2016-11-18 22:41:14','2016-11-18 22:41:14','[gravityform id=\"25\" name=\"Dr. Gifford Mini-Internship Sign-Up Form 12.2.16\"]','Dr. Gifford Mini-Internship Sign-Up Form','','inherit','closed','open','','1297-revision-v1','','','2016-11-18 22:41:14','2016-11-18 22:41:14','',1297,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1297-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1301,8,'2016-11-21 15:07:22','2016-11-21 15:07:22','','Dr. Sheyna Gifford headshot','','inherit','closed','open','','dr-sheyna-gifford-headshot','','','2016-11-21 15:07:22','2016-11-21 15:07:22','',0,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Dr.-Sheyna-Gifford-headshot.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1302,8,'2016-11-21 16:01:39','2016-11-21 16:01:39','<strong>Mini-Internship: Sciencing the Press: Pro Tips from a Double Agent</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>December 2nd, 2016; 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM, Roanoke</strong>\r\n<p class=\"page-heading\">The BEST program mini-internships are designed to expose trainees to “a day on the job” for a variety of career paths, through hands-on exercises, site visits, and/or case discussions with biomedical professionals.</p>\r\nGot Science? Then you need to sell it: not just to your friends and family, who want to understand what you do because they care about you, but also to strangers who think about and write about science. In this mini-internship, Dr. Sheyna Gifford will share her experiences as a Scientist-in-Residence at the St. Louis Science Center. The mini-internship will demonstrate how to use everyday tools to get the right kind of attention from the media, how to lead them to write the kind of stories you want them to write, and how to build an online following for your subset of science.\r\n\r\n<p class=\"page-heading\">To sign up for the mini-internship, please click <a title=\"here\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/dr-gifford-mini-internship-sign-up-form/\">here</a>.</p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<strong>Dr. Sheyna Gifford, M.D., M.Sc., M.A.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Scientist-in-Residence, <em>St. Louis Science Center</em></strong>\r\n\r\n<strong><img class=\" size-medium wp-image-967 alignright\" src=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Dr.-Sheyna-Gifford-headshot-e1479740981979.jpg\" alt=\"Sheyna Gifford headshot\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" /></strong>\r\n\r\nSheyna Gifford, M.D., M.Sc., M.A. is a scientist, physician, science writer, and simulated astronaut for experimental long-duration space missions. She has degrees in Neuroscience, English Literature, Biotechnology, Medicine, and Science Journalism. A science journalist since 1997, she has been published in numerous newspapers and magazines, and has contributed to the creation of science documentaries for National Geographic, the History Channel, the BBC, VICE, and VSauce. She is currently the scientist-in-residence at the St. Louis Science Center.\r\n&nbsp;\r\n','Sciencing the Press: Pro Tips from a Double Agent - December 2nd, 2016','','publish','closed','open','','professional-storytelling-talk-about-science-and-yourself-december-2nd-2016','','\nhttp://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/dr-gifford-mini-internship-sign-up-form/','2016-11-21 21:52:53','2016-11-21 21:52:53','',0,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/?p=1302',0,'post','',0),(1303,8,'2016-11-21 15:21:54','2016-11-21 15:21:54','<strong>Mini-Internship: Professional Storytelling: Talk about Science and Yourself?</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>December 2nd, 2016; 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM, Roanoke</strong>\r\n<p class=\"page-heading\">The BEST program mini-internships are designed to expose trainees to “a day on the job” for a variety of career paths, through hands-on exercises, site visits, and/or case discussions with biomedical professionals.</p>\r\nIn this workshop, Dr. Harvey Tanner will share her experiences as a Manager of Guest Experiences at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, IL. The workshop will include strategies for transitioning skills from academic research into a non-profit management role. Attendees will have the chance to engage in hands-on activities for developing creative ideas into fun and educational live science experiences, as well as training and maintaining a high-functioning workforce in an informal education setting.\r\n<p class=\"page-heading\">To sign up for the mini-internship, please click <a title=\"here\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/dr-harvey-sign-up-form\">here</a>.</p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<strong>Dr. Ann Harvey Tanner, Ph.D.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Manager of Guest Experiences, <em>Museum of Science and Industry</em></strong>\r\n\r\n<strong><img class=\" size-medium wp-image-967 alignright\" src=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Ann-Harvey-Tanner-headshot-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"Ann Harvey Tanner headshot\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" /></strong>\r\n\r\nAnn Harvey Tanner joined the Museum of Science and Industry in April 2014. As a Manager of Guest Experiences, Ann works as part of the Center for the Advancement of Science Education to bring world class live science experiences to museum guests. In her role as a manager, she is responsible for hiring, training, and developing the staff of Facilitators that deliver science programs throughout the museum. She also works on interdivisional teams to develop new exhibits to inspire and motivate children to achieve their full potential in STEM fields.  Ann completed a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering at Northwestern University and a PhD in Neuroscience at Baylor College of Medicine. Prior to joining MSI she was a Research Scientist in Dr. Read Montague’s lab at the Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute in Roanoke, Virginia.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n','Professional Storytelling: Talk about Science and Yourself? - December 2nd, 2016','','inherit','closed','open','','1302-revision-v1','','','2016-11-21 15:21:54','2016-11-21 15:21:54','',1302,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1302-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1304,8,'2016-11-21 15:29:28','2016-11-21 15:29:28','<strong>Mini-Internship: Professional Storytelling: Talk about Science and Yourself?</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>December 2nd, 2016; 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM, Roanoke</strong>\r\n<p class=\"page-heading\">The BEST program mini-internships are designed to expose trainees to “a day on the job” for a variety of career paths, through hands-on exercises, site visits, and/or case discussions with biomedical professionals.</p>\r\nGot Science? Then you need to sell it: not just to your friends and family, who want to understand what you do because they care about you, but also to strangers who think about and write about science. This mini-internship will demonstrate how to use everyday tools to get the right kind of attention from the media, how to lead them to write the kind of stories you want them to write, and how to build an online following for your subset of science.\r\n\r\n<p class=\"page-heading\">To sign up for the mini-internship, please click <a title=\"here\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/dr-gifford-mini-internship-sign-up-form/\">here</a>.</p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<strong>Dr. Sheyna Gifford, M.D., M.Sc., M.A.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Scientist-in-Residence, <em>St. Louis Science Center</em></strong>\r\n\r\n<strong><img class=\" size-medium wp-image-967 alignright\" src=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Ann-Harvey-Tanner-headshot-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"Ann Harvey Tanner headshot\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" /></strong>\r\n\r\nAnn Harvey Tanner joined the Museum of Science and Industry in April 2014. As a Manager of Guest Experiences, Ann works as part of the Center for the Advancement of Science Education to bring world class live science experiences to museum guests. In her role as a manager, she is responsible for hiring, training, and developing the staff of Facilitators that deliver science programs throughout the museum. She also works on interdivisional teams to develop new exhibits to inspire and motivate children to achieve their full potential in STEM fields.  Ann completed a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering at Northwestern University and a PhD in Neuroscience at Baylor College of Medicine. Prior to joining MSI she was a Research Scientist in Dr. Read Montague’s lab at the Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute in Roanoke, Virginia.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n','Professional Storytelling: Talk about Science and Yourself? - December 2nd, 2016','','inherit','closed','open','','1302-revision-v1','','','2016-11-21 15:29:28','2016-11-21 15:29:28','',1302,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1302-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1305,8,'2016-11-21 15:33:38','2016-11-21 15:33:38','<strong>Mini-Internship: Professional Storytelling: Talk about Science and Yourself?</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>December 2nd, 2016; 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM, Roanoke</strong>\r\n<p class=\"page-heading\">The BEST program mini-internships are designed to expose trainees to “a day on the job” for a variety of career paths, through hands-on exercises, site visits, and/or case discussions with biomedical professionals.</p>\r\nGot Science? Then you need to sell it: not just to your friends and family, who want to understand what you do because they care about you, but also to strangers who think about and write about science. In this mini-internship, Dr. Sheyna Gifford will share her experiences as a Scientist-in-Residence at the St. Louis Science Center. The mini-internship will demonstrate how to use everyday tools to get the right kind of attention from the media, how to lead them to write the kind of stories you want them to write, and how to build an online following for your subset of science.\r\n\r\n<p class=\"page-heading\">To sign up for the mini-internship, please click <a title=\"here\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/dr-gifford-mini-internship-sign-up-form/\">here</a>.</p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<strong>Dr. Sheyna Gifford, M.D., M.Sc., M.A.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Scientist-in-Residence, <em>St. Louis Science Center</em></strong>\r\n\r\n<strong><img class=\" size-medium wp-image-967 alignright\" src=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Ann-Harvey-Tanner-headshot-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"Ann Harvey Tanner headshot\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" /></strong>\r\n\r\nAnn Harvey Tanner joined the Museum of Science and Industry in April 2014. As a Manager of Guest Experiences, Ann works as part of the Center for the Advancement of Science Education to bring world class live science experiences to museum guests. In her role as a manager, she is responsible for hiring, training, and developing the staff of Facilitators that deliver science programs throughout the museum. She also works on interdivisional teams to develop new exhibits to inspire and motivate children to achieve their full potential in STEM fields.  Ann completed a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering at Northwestern University and a PhD in Neuroscience at Baylor College of Medicine. Prior to joining MSI she was a Research Scientist in Dr. Read Montague’s lab at the Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute in Roanoke, Virginia.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n','Professional Storytelling: Talk about Science and Yourself? - December 2nd, 2016','','inherit','closed','open','','1302-revision-v1','','','2016-11-21 15:33:38','2016-11-21 15:33:38','',1302,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1302-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1306,8,'2016-11-21 15:34:34','2016-11-21 15:34:34','<strong>Mini-Internship: Professional Storytelling: Talk about Science and Yourself?</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>December 2nd, 2016; 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM, Roanoke</strong>\r\n<p class=\"page-heading\">The BEST program mini-internships are designed to expose trainees to “a day on the job” for a variety of career paths, through hands-on exercises, site visits, and/or case discussions with biomedical professionals.</p>\r\nGot Science? Then you need to sell it: not just to your friends and family, who want to understand what you do because they care about you, but also to strangers who think about and write about science. In this mini-internship, Dr. Sheyna Gifford will share her experiences as a Scientist-in-Residence at the St. Louis Science Center. The mini-internship will demonstrate how to use everyday tools to get the right kind of attention from the media, how to lead them to write the kind of stories you want them to write, and how to build an online following for your subset of science.\r\n\r\n<p class=\"page-heading\">To sign up for the mini-internship, please click <a title=\"here\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/dr-gifford-mini-internship-sign-up-form/\">here</a>.</p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<strong>Dr. Sheyna Gifford, M.D., M.Sc., M.A.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Scientist-in-Residence, <em>St. Louis Science Center</em></strong>\r\n\r\n<strong><img class=\" size-medium wp-image-967 alignright\" src=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Ann-Harvey-Tanner-headshot-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"Ann Harvey Tanner headshot\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" /></strong>\r\n\r\nSheyna Gifford, M.D., M.Sc., M.A. is a scientist, physician, science writer, and simulated astronaut for experimental long-duration space missions. She has degrees in Neuroscience, English Literature, Biotechnology, Medicine, and Science Journalism. A science journalist since 1997, she has been published in numerous newspapers and magazines, and has contributed to the creation of science documentaries for National Geographic, the History Channel, the BBC, VICE, and VSauce. She is currently the scientist-in-residence at the St. Louis Science Center.\r\n&nbsp;\r\n','Professional Storytelling: Talk about Science and Yourself? - December 2nd, 2016','','inherit','closed','open','','1302-revision-v1','','','2016-11-21 15:34:34','2016-11-21 15:34:34','',1302,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1302-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1307,8,'2016-11-21 15:38:26','2016-11-21 15:38:26','<strong>Mini-Internship: Professional Storytelling: Talk about Science and Yourself?</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>December 2nd, 2016; 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM, Roanoke</strong>\r\n<p class=\"page-heading\">The BEST program mini-internships are designed to expose trainees to “a day on the job” for a variety of career paths, through hands-on exercises, site visits, and/or case discussions with biomedical professionals.</p>\r\nGot Science? Then you need to sell it: not just to your friends and family, who want to understand what you do because they care about you, but also to strangers who think about and write about science. In this mini-internship, Dr. Sheyna Gifford will share her experiences as a Scientist-in-Residence at the St. Louis Science Center. The mini-internship will demonstrate how to use everyday tools to get the right kind of attention from the media, how to lead them to write the kind of stories you want them to write, and how to build an online following for your subset of science.\r\n\r\n<p class=\"page-heading\">To sign up for the mini-internship, please click <a title=\"here\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/dr-gifford-mini-internship-sign-up-form/\">here</a>.</p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<strong>Dr. Sheyna Gifford, M.D., M.Sc., M.A.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Scientist-in-Residence, <em>St. Louis Science Center</em></strong>\r\n\r\n<strong><img class=\" size-medium wp-image-967 alignright\" src=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Dr.-Sheyna-Gifford-headshot-e1479740981979.jpg\" alt=\"Sheyna Gifford headshot\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" /></strong>\r\n\r\nSheyna Gifford, M.D., M.Sc., M.A. is a scientist, physician, science writer, and simulated astronaut for experimental long-duration space missions. She has degrees in Neuroscience, English Literature, Biotechnology, Medicine, and Science Journalism. A science journalist since 1997, she has been published in numerous newspapers and magazines, and has contributed to the creation of science documentaries for National Geographic, the History Channel, the BBC, VICE, and VSauce. She is currently the scientist-in-residence at the St. Louis Science Center.\r\n&nbsp;\r\n','Professional Storytelling: Talk about Science and Yourself? - December 2nd, 2016','','inherit','closed','open','','1302-revision-v1','','','2016-11-21 15:38:26','2016-11-21 15:38:26','',1302,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1302-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1308,8,'2016-11-21 15:40:15','2016-11-21 15:40:15','<strong>Mini-Internship: On Managing People: Tales of Transition from Grad School to Management</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>September 17th, 2015; 1 PM – 4 PM, Roanoke</strong>\r\n<p class=\"page-heading\">The BEST program mini-internships are designed to expose trainees to “a day on the job” for a variety of career paths, through hands-on exercises, site visits, and/or case discussions with biomedical professionals.</p>\r\n<p class=\"page-heading\">In this workshop, Dr. Harvey Tanner will share her experiences as a Manager of Guest Experiences at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, IL. The workshop will include strategies for transitioning skills from academic research into a non-profit management role. Attendees will have the chance to engage in hands-on activities for developing creative ideas into fun and educational live science experiences, as well as training and maintaining a high-functioning workforce in an informal education setting.</p>\r\n<p class=\"page-heading\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<strong>Dr. Ann Harvey Tanner, Ph.D.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Manager of Guest Experiences, <em>Museum of Science and Industry</em></strong>\r\n\r\n<strong><img class=\" size-medium wp-image-967 alignright\" src=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Ann-Harvey-Tanner-headshot-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"Ann Harvey Tanner headshot\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" /></strong>\r\n\r\nAnn Harvey Tanner joined the Museum of Science and Industry in April 2014. As a Manager of Guest Experiences, Ann works as part of the Center for the Advancement of Science Education to bring world class live science experiences to museum guests. In her role as a manager, she is responsible for hiring, training, and developing the staff of Facilitators that deliver science programs throughout the museum. She also works on interdivisional teams to develop new exhibits to inspire and motivate children to achieve their full potential in STEM fields.  Ann completed a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering at Northwestern University and a PhD in Neuroscience at Baylor College of Medicine. Prior to joining MSI she was a Research Scientist in Dr. Read Montague\'s lab at the Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute in Roanoke, Virginia.','On Managing People: Tales of Transition from Grad School to Management- September 17th, 2015','','inherit','closed','open','','961-autosave-v1','','','2016-11-21 15:40:15','2016-11-21 15:40:15','',961,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/961-autosave-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1309,8,'2016-11-21 15:47:07','2016-11-21 15:47:07','<strong>Mini-Internship: Professional Storytelling: Talk about Science and Yourself?</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>December 2nd, 2016; 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM, Roanoke</strong>\r\n<p class=\"page-heading\">The BEST program mini-internships are designed to expose trainees to “a day on the job” for a variety of career paths, through hands-on exercises, site visits, and/or case discussions with biomedical professionals.</p>\r\nGot Science? Then you need to sell it: not just to your friends and family, who want to understand what you do because they care about you, but also to strangers who think about and write about science. In this mini-internship, Dr. Sheyna Gifford will share her experiences as a Scientist-in-Residence at the St. Louis Science Center. The mini-internship will demonstrate how to use everyday tools to get the right kind of attention from the media, how to lead them to write the kind of stories you want them to write, and how to build an online following for your subset of science.\r\n\r\n<p class=\"page-heading\">To sign up for the mini-internship, please click <a title=\"here\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/dr-gifford-mini-internship-sign-up-form/\">here</a>.</p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<strong>Dr. Sheyna Gifford, M.D., M.Sc., M.A.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Scientist-in-Residence, <em>St. Louis Science Center</em></strong>\r\n\r\n<strong><img class=\" size-medium wp-image-967 alignright\" src=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Dr.-Sheyna-Gifford-headshot-e1479740981979.jpg\" alt=\"Sheyna Gifford headshot\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" /></strong>\r\n\r\nSheyna Gifford, M.D., M.Sc., M.A. is a scientist, physician, science writer, and simulated astronaut for experimental long-duration space missions. She has degrees in Neuroscience, English Literature, Biotechnology, Medicine, and Science Journalism. A science journalist since 1997, she has been published in numerous newspapers and magazines, and has contributed to the creation of science documentaries for National Geographic, the History Channel, the BBC, VICE, and VSauce. She is currently the scientist-in-residence at the St. Louis Science Center.\r\n&nbsp;\r\n','Professional Storytelling: Talk about Science and Yourself? - December 2nd, 2016','','inherit','closed','open','','1302-revision-v1','','','2016-11-21 15:47:07','2016-11-21 15:47:07','',1302,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1302-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1310,8,'2016-11-21 15:47:45','2016-11-21 15:47:45','<strong>Mini-Internship: Professional Storytelling: Talk about Science and Yourself?</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>December 2nd, 2016; 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM, Roanoke</strong>\r\n<p class=\"page-heading\">The BEST program mini-internships are designed to expose trainees to “a day on the job” for a variety of career paths, through hands-on exercises, site visits, and/or case discussions with biomedical professionals.</p>\r\nGot Science? Then you need to sell it: not just to your friends and family, who want to understand what you do because they care about you, but also to strangers who think about and write about science. In this mini-internship, Dr. Sheyna Gifford will share her experiences as a Scientist-in-Residence at the St. Louis Science Center. The mini-internship will demonstrate how to use everyday tools to get the right kind of attention from the media, how to lead them to write the kind of stories you want them to write, and how to build an online following for your subset of science.\r\n\r\n<p class=\"page-heading\">To sign up for the mini-internship, please click <a title=\"here\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/dr-gifford-mini-internship-sign-up-form/\">here</a>.</p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<strong>Dr. Sheyna Gifford, M.D., M.Sc., M.A.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Scientist-in-Residence, <em>St. Louis Science Center</em></strong>\r\n\r\n<strong><img class=\" size-medium wp-image-967 alignright\" src=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Dr.-Sheyna-Gifford-headshot-e1479740981979.jpg\" alt=\"Sheyna Gifford headshot\" width=\"200\" height=\"220\" /></strong>\r\n\r\nSheyna Gifford, M.D., M.Sc., M.A. is a scientist, physician, science writer, and simulated astronaut for experimental long-duration space missions. She has degrees in Neuroscience, English Literature, Biotechnology, Medicine, and Science Journalism. A science journalist since 1997, she has been published in numerous newspapers and magazines, and has contributed to the creation of science documentaries for National Geographic, the History Channel, the BBC, VICE, and VSauce. She is currently the scientist-in-residence at the St. Louis Science Center.\r\n&nbsp;\r\n','Professional Storytelling: Talk about Science and Yourself? - December 2nd, 2016','','inherit','closed','open','','1302-revision-v1','','','2016-11-21 15:47:45','2016-11-21 15:47:45','',1302,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1302-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1311,8,'2016-11-21 15:48:23','2016-11-21 15:48:23','<strong>Mini-Internship: Professional Storytelling: Talk about Science and Yourself?</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>December 2nd, 2016; 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM, Roanoke</strong>\r\n<p class=\"page-heading\">The BEST program mini-internships are designed to expose trainees to “a day on the job” for a variety of career paths, through hands-on exercises, site visits, and/or case discussions with biomedical professionals.</p>\r\nGot Science? Then you need to sell it: not just to your friends and family, who want to understand what you do because they care about you, but also to strangers who think about and write about science. In this mini-internship, Dr. Sheyna Gifford will share her experiences as a Scientist-in-Residence at the St. Louis Science Center. The mini-internship will demonstrate how to use everyday tools to get the right kind of attention from the media, how to lead them to write the kind of stories you want them to write, and how to build an online following for your subset of science.\r\n\r\n<p class=\"page-heading\">To sign up for the mini-internship, please click <a title=\"here\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/dr-gifford-mini-internship-sign-up-form/\">here</a>.</p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<strong>Dr. Sheyna Gifford, M.D., M.Sc., M.A.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Scientist-in-Residence, <em>St. Louis Science Center</em></strong>\r\n\r\n<strong><img class=\" size-medium wp-image-967 alignright\" src=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Dr.-Sheyna-Gifford-headshot-e1479740981979.jpg\" alt=\"Sheyna Gifford headshot\" width=\"200\" height=\"210\" /></strong>\r\n\r\nSheyna Gifford, M.D., M.Sc., M.A. is a scientist, physician, science writer, and simulated astronaut for experimental long-duration space missions. She has degrees in Neuroscience, English Literature, Biotechnology, Medicine, and Science Journalism. A science journalist since 1997, she has been published in numerous newspapers and magazines, and has contributed to the creation of science documentaries for National Geographic, the History Channel, the BBC, VICE, and VSauce. She is currently the scientist-in-residence at the St. Louis Science Center.\r\n&nbsp;\r\n','Professional Storytelling: Talk about Science and Yourself? - December 2nd, 2016','','inherit','closed','open','','1302-revision-v1','','','2016-11-21 15:48:23','2016-11-21 15:48:23','',1302,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1302-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1312,8,'2016-11-21 15:48:52','2016-11-21 15:48:52','<strong>Mini-Internship: Professional Storytelling: Talk about Science and Yourself?</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>December 2nd, 2016; 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM, Roanoke</strong>\r\n<p class=\"page-heading\">The BEST program mini-internships are designed to expose trainees to “a day on the job” for a variety of career paths, through hands-on exercises, site visits, and/or case discussions with biomedical professionals.</p>\r\nGot Science? Then you need to sell it: not just to your friends and family, who want to understand what you do because they care about you, but also to strangers who think about and write about science. In this mini-internship, Dr. Sheyna Gifford will share her experiences as a Scientist-in-Residence at the St. Louis Science Center. The mini-internship will demonstrate how to use everyday tools to get the right kind of attention from the media, how to lead them to write the kind of stories you want them to write, and how to build an online following for your subset of science.\r\n\r\n<p class=\"page-heading\">To sign up for the mini-internship, please click <a title=\"here\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/dr-gifford-mini-internship-sign-up-form/\">here</a>.</p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<strong>Dr. Sheyna Gifford, M.D., M.Sc., M.A.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Scientist-in-Residence, <em>St. Louis Science Center</em></strong>\r\n\r\n<strong><img class=\" size-medium wp-image-967 alignright\" src=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Dr.-Sheyna-Gifford-headshot-e1479740981979.jpg\" alt=\"Sheyna Gifford headshot\" width=\"200\" height=\"205\" /></strong>\r\n\r\nSheyna Gifford, M.D., M.Sc., M.A. is a scientist, physician, science writer, and simulated astronaut for experimental long-duration space missions. She has degrees in Neuroscience, English Literature, Biotechnology, Medicine, and Science Journalism. A science journalist since 1997, she has been published in numerous newspapers and magazines, and has contributed to the creation of science documentaries for National Geographic, the History Channel, the BBC, VICE, and VSauce. She is currently the scientist-in-residence at the St. Louis Science Center.\r\n&nbsp;\r\n','Professional Storytelling: Talk about Science and Yourself? - December 2nd, 2016','','inherit','closed','open','','1302-revision-v1','','','2016-11-21 15:48:52','2016-11-21 15:48:52','',1302,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1302-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1313,8,'2016-11-21 21:52:11','2016-11-21 21:52:11','<strong>Mini-Internship: Sciencing the Press: Pro Tips from a Double Agent</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>December 2nd, 2016; 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM, Roanoke</strong>\r\n<p class=\"page-heading\">The BEST program mini-internships are designed to expose trainees to “a day on the job” for a variety of career paths, through hands-on exercises, site visits, and/or case discussions with biomedical professionals.</p>\r\nGot Science? Then you need to sell it: not just to your friends and family, who want to understand what you do because they care about you, but also to strangers who think about and write about science. In this mini-internship, Dr. Sheyna Gifford will share her experiences as a Scientist-in-Residence at the St. Louis Science Center. The mini-internship will demonstrate how to use everyday tools to get the right kind of attention from the media, how to lead them to write the kind of stories you want them to write, and how to build an online following for your subset of science.\r\n\r\n<p class=\"page-heading\">To sign up for the mini-internship, please click <a title=\"here\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/dr-gifford-mini-internship-sign-up-form/\">here</a>.</p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<strong>Dr. Sheyna Gifford, M.D., M.Sc., M.A.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Scientist-in-Residence, <em>St. Louis Science Center</em></strong>\r\n\r\n<strong><img class=\" size-medium wp-image-967 alignright\" src=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Dr.-Sheyna-Gifford-headshot-e1479740981979.jpg\" alt=\"Sheyna Gifford headshot\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" /></strong>\r\n\r\nSheyna Gifford, M.D., M.Sc., M.A. is a scientist, physician, science writer, and simulated astronaut for experimental long-duration space missions. She has degrees in Neuroscience, English Literature, Biotechnology, Medicine, and Science Journalism. A science journalist since 1997, she has been published in numerous newspapers and magazines, and has contributed to the creation of science documentaries for National Geographic, the History Channel, the BBC, VICE, and VSauce. She is currently the scientist-in-residence at the St. Louis Science Center.\r\n&nbsp;\r\n','Sciencing the Press: Pro Tips from a Double Agent - December 2nd, 2016','','inherit','closed','open','','1302-autosave-v1','','','2016-11-21 21:52:11','2016-11-21 21:52:11','',1302,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1302-autosave-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1314,8,'2016-11-21 18:37:48','2016-11-21 18:37:48','<strong>Mini-Internship: Sciencing the Press: Pro Tips from a Double Agent?</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>December 2nd, 2016; 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM, Roanoke</strong>\r\n<p class=\"page-heading\">The BEST program mini-internships are designed to expose trainees to “a day on the job” for a variety of career paths, through hands-on exercises, site visits, and/or case discussions with biomedical professionals.</p>\r\nGot Science? Then you need to sell it: not just to your friends and family, who want to understand what you do because they care about you, but also to strangers who think about and write about science. In this mini-internship, Dr. Sheyna Gifford will share her experiences as a Scientist-in-Residence at the St. Louis Science Center. The mini-internship will demonstrate how to use everyday tools to get the right kind of attention from the media, how to lead them to write the kind of stories you want them to write, and how to build an online following for your subset of science.\r\n\r\n<p class=\"page-heading\">To sign up for the mini-internship, please click <a title=\"here\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/dr-gifford-mini-internship-sign-up-form/\">here</a>.</p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<strong>Dr. Sheyna Gifford, M.D., M.Sc., M.A.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Scientist-in-Residence, <em>St. Louis Science Center</em></strong>\r\n\r\n<strong><img class=\" size-medium wp-image-967 alignright\" src=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Dr.-Sheyna-Gifford-headshot-e1479740981979.jpg\" alt=\"Sheyna Gifford headshot\" width=\"200\" height=\"205\" /></strong>\r\n\r\nSheyna Gifford, M.D., M.Sc., M.A. is a scientist, physician, science writer, and simulated astronaut for experimental long-duration space missions. She has degrees in Neuroscience, English Literature, Biotechnology, Medicine, and Science Journalism. A science journalist since 1997, she has been published in numerous newspapers and magazines, and has contributed to the creation of science documentaries for National Geographic, the History Channel, the BBC, VICE, and VSauce. She is currently the scientist-in-residence at the St. Louis Science Center.\r\n&nbsp;\r\n','Sciencing the Press: Pro Tips from a Double Agent? - December 2nd, 2016','','inherit','closed','open','','1302-revision-v1','','','2016-11-21 18:37:48','2016-11-21 18:37:48','',1302,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1302-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1315,8,'2016-11-21 18:41:16','2016-11-21 18:41:16','<strong>Mini-Internship: Sciencing the Press: Pro Tips from a Double Agent</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>December 2nd, 2016; 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM, Roanoke</strong>\r\n<p class=\"page-heading\">The BEST program mini-internships are designed to expose trainees to “a day on the job” for a variety of career paths, through hands-on exercises, site visits, and/or case discussions with biomedical professionals.</p>\r\nGot Science? Then you need to sell it: not just to your friends and family, who want to understand what you do because they care about you, but also to strangers who think about and write about science. In this mini-internship, Dr. Sheyna Gifford will share her experiences as a Scientist-in-Residence at the St. Louis Science Center. The mini-internship will demonstrate how to use everyday tools to get the right kind of attention from the media, how to lead them to write the kind of stories you want them to write, and how to build an online following for your subset of science.\r\n\r\n<p class=\"page-heading\">To sign up for the mini-internship, please click <a title=\"here\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/dr-gifford-mini-internship-sign-up-form/\">here</a>.</p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<strong>Dr. Sheyna Gifford, M.D., M.Sc., M.A.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Scientist-in-Residence, <em>St. Louis Science Center</em></strong>\r\n\r\n<strong><img class=\" size-medium wp-image-967 alignright\" src=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Dr.-Sheyna-Gifford-headshot-e1479740981979.jpg\" alt=\"Sheyna Gifford headshot\" width=\"200\" height=\"205\" /></strong>\r\n\r\nSheyna Gifford, M.D., M.Sc., M.A. is a scientist, physician, science writer, and simulated astronaut for experimental long-duration space missions. She has degrees in Neuroscience, English Literature, Biotechnology, Medicine, and Science Journalism. A science journalist since 1997, she has been published in numerous newspapers and magazines, and has contributed to the creation of science documentaries for National Geographic, the History Channel, the BBC, VICE, and VSauce. She is currently the scientist-in-residence at the St. Louis Science Center.\r\n&nbsp;\r\n','Sciencing the Press: Pro Tips from a Double Agent - December 2nd, 2016','','inherit','closed','open','','1302-revision-v1','','','2016-11-21 18:41:16','2016-11-21 18:41:16','',1302,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1302-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1316,8,'2016-11-21 21:52:07','2016-11-21 21:52:07','<strong>Mini-Internship: Sciencing the Press: Pro Tips from a Double Agent</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>December 2nd, 2016; 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM, Roanoke</strong>\r\n<p class=\"page-heading\">The BEST program mini-internships are designed to expose trainees to “a day on the job” for a variety of career paths, through hands-on exercises, site visits, and/or case discussions with biomedical professionals.</p>\r\nGot Science? Then you need to sell it: not just to your friends and family, who want to understand what you do because they care about you, but also to strangers who think about and write about science. In this mini-internship, Dr. Sheyna Gifford will share her experiences as a Scientist-in-Residence at the St. Louis Science Center. The mini-internship will demonstrate how to use everyday tools to get the right kind of attention from the media, how to lead them to write the kind of stories you want them to write, and how to build an online following for your subset of science.\r\n\r\n<p class=\"page-heading\">To sign up for the mini-internship, please click <a title=\"here\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/dr-gifford-mini-internship-sign-up-form/\">here</a>.</p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<strong>Dr. Sheyna Gifford, M.D., M.Sc., M.A.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Scientist-in-Residence, <em>St. Louis Science Center</em></strong>\r\n\r\n<strong><img class=\" size-medium wp-image-967 alignright\" src=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Dr.-Sheyna-Gifford-headshot-e1479740981979.jpg\" alt=\"Sheyna Gifford headshot\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" /></strong>\r\n\r\nSheyna Gifford, M.D., M.Sc., M.A. is a scientist, physician, science writer, and simulated astronaut for experimental long-duration space missions. She has degrees in Neuroscience, English Literature, Biotechnology, Medicine, and Science Journalism. A science journalist since 1997, she has been published in numerous newspapers and magazines, and has contributed to the creation of science documentaries for National Geographic, the History Channel, the BBC, VICE, and VSauce. She is currently the scientist-in-residence at the St. Louis Science Center.\r\n&nbsp;\r\n','Sciencing the Press: Pro Tips from a Double Agent - December 2nd, 2016','','inherit','closed','open','','1302-revision-v1','','','2016-11-21 21:52:07','2016-11-21 21:52:07','',1302,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1302-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1317,8,'2016-11-21 22:15:36','2016-11-21 22:15:36','<strong>Talking Nerdy: Exploring Careers in Science Communication</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>December 1st, 2016; 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM, Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, R3012, 2 Riverside Circle, Roanoke</strong>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<strong>Dr. Sheyna Gifford, M.D., M.Sc., M.A.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Scientist-in-Residence, <em>St. Louis Science Center</em></strong>\r\n\r\nTo view the event live, please click <a title=\"here\" href=\"http://research.vtc.vt.edu/live-webcast/%20 \">here</a>.\r\n\r\n<strong><img class=\" size-medium wp-image-967 alignright\" src=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Dr.-Sheyna-Gifford-headshot-e1479740981979.jpg\" alt=\"Sheyna Gifford headshot\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" /></strong>\r\n\r\nSheyna Gifford, M.D., M.Sc., M.A. is a scientist, physician, science writer, and simulated astronaut for experimental long-duration space missions. She has degrees in Neuroscience, English Literature, Biotechnology, Medicine, and Science Journalism. A science journalist since 1997, she has been published in numerous newspapers and magazines, and has contributed to the creation of science documentaries for National Geographic, the History Channel, the BBC, VICE, and VSauce. She is currently the scientist-in-residence at the St. Louis Science Center.\r\n&nbsp;\r\n','Talking Nerdy: Exploring Careers in Science Communication - December 1st, 2016','','publish','closed','open','','talking-nerdy-exploring-careers-in-science-communication-december-1st-2016','','','2016-11-21 22:38:54','2016-11-21 22:38:54','',0,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/?p=1317',0,'post','',0),(1318,8,'2016-11-21 22:02:15','2016-11-21 22:02:15','<strong>Talking Nerdy: Exploring Careers in Science Communication</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>December 1st, 2016; 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM, Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, R3012, 2 Riverside Circle, Roanoke</strong>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<strong>Dr. Sheyna Gifford, M.D., M.Sc., M.A.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Scientist-in-Residence, <em>St. Louis Science Center</em></strong>\r\n\r\n<strong><img class=\" size-medium wp-image-967 alignright\" src=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Dr.-Sheyna-Gifford-headshot-e1479740981979.jpg\" alt=\"Sheyna Gifford headshot\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" /></strong>\r\n\r\nSheyna Gifford, M.D., M.Sc., M.A. is a scientist, physician, science writer, and simulated astronaut for experimental long-duration space missions. She has degrees in Neuroscience, English Literature, Biotechnology, Medicine, and Science Journalism. A science journalist since 1997, she has been published in numerous newspapers and magazines, and has contributed to the creation of science documentaries for National Geographic, the History Channel, the BBC, VICE, and VSauce. She is currently the scientist-in-residence at the St. Louis Science Center.\r\n&nbsp;\r\n','Talking Nerdy: Exploring Careers in Science Communication - December 1st, 2016','','inherit','closed','open','','1317-revision-v1','','','2016-11-21 22:02:15','2016-11-21 22:02:15','',1317,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1317-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1319,8,'2016-11-21 22:31:05','2016-11-21 22:31:05','<strong>Seminar: Talking Nerdy: Exploring Careers in Science Communication</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>December 1st, 2016; 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM, Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, R3012, 2 Riverside Circle, Roanoke</strong>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<strong>Dr. Sheyna Gifford, M.D., M.Sc., M.A.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Scientist-in-Residence, <em>St. Louis Science Center</em></strong>\r\n\r\nTo view the event live, please click <a title=\"here\" href=\"http://research.vtc.vt.edu/live-webcast/%20 \">here</a>.\r\n\r\n<strong><img class=\" size-medium wp-image-967 alignright\" src=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Dr.-Sheyna-Gifford-headshot-e1479740981979.jpg\" alt=\"Sheyna Gifford headshot\" width=\"200\" height=\"270\" /></strong>\r\n\r\nSheyna Gifford, M.D., M.Sc., M.A. is a scientist, physician, science writer, and simulated astronaut for experimental long-duration space missions. She has degrees in Neuroscience, English Literature, Biotechnology, Medicine, and Science Journalism. A science journalist since 1997, she has been published in numerous newspapers and magazines, and has contributed to the creation of science documentaries for National Geographic, the History Channel, the BBC, VICE, and VSauce. She is currently the scientist-in-residence at the St. Louis Science Center.\r\n&nbsp;\r\n','VT Event: Talking Nerdy: Exploring Careers in Science Communication - December 1st, 2016','','publish','closed','open','','vt-event-talking-nerdy-exploring-careers-in-science-communication-december-1-2016','','','2016-11-21 22:38:00','2016-11-21 22:38:00','',0,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/?post_type=tribe_events&#038;p=1319',0,'tribe_events','',0),(1320,8,'2016-11-21 22:38:54','2016-11-21 22:38:54','<strong>Talking Nerdy: Exploring Careers in Science Communication</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>December 1st, 2016; 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM, Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, R3012, 2 Riverside Circle, Roanoke</strong>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<strong>Dr. Sheyna Gifford, M.D., M.Sc., M.A.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Scientist-in-Residence, <em>St. Louis Science Center</em></strong>\r\n\r\nTo view the event live, please click <a title=\"here\" href=\"http://research.vtc.vt.edu/live-webcast/%20 \">here</a>.\r\n\r\n<strong><img class=\" size-medium wp-image-967 alignright\" src=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Dr.-Sheyna-Gifford-headshot-e1479740981979.jpg\" alt=\"Sheyna Gifford headshot\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" /></strong>\r\n\r\nSheyna Gifford, M.D., M.Sc., M.A. is a scientist, physician, science writer, and simulated astronaut for experimental long-duration space missions. She has degrees in Neuroscience, English Literature, Biotechnology, Medicine, and Science Journalism. A science journalist since 1997, she has been published in numerous newspapers and magazines, and has contributed to the creation of science documentaries for National Geographic, the History Channel, the BBC, VICE, and VSauce. She is currently the scientist-in-residence at the St. Louis Science Center.\r\n&nbsp;\r\n','Talking Nerdy: Exploring Careers in Science Communication - December 1st, 2016','','inherit','closed','open','','1317-revision-v1','','','2016-11-21 22:38:54','2016-11-21 22:38:54','',1317,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1317-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1321,8,'2016-11-21 22:51:26','2016-11-21 22:51:26','<strong>Mini-Internship: Sciencing the Press: Pro Tips from a Double Agent</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>December 2nd, 2016; 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM, Roanoke</strong>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<strong>Dr. Sheyna Gifford, M.D., M.Sc., M.A.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Scientist-in-Residence, <em>St. Louis Science Center</em></strong>\r\n\r\n<p class=\"page-heading\">To sign up for the mini-internship, please click <a title=\"here\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/dr-gifford-mini-internship-sign-up-form/\">here</a>.</p>\r\n\r\n<strong><img class=\" size-medium wp-image-967 alignright\" src=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Dr.-Sheyna-Gifford-headshot-e1479740981979.jpg\" alt=\"Sheyna Gifford headshot\" width=\"200\" height=\"270\" /></strong>\r\n\r\nSheyna Gifford, M.D., M.Sc., M.A. is a scientist, physician, science writer, and simulated astronaut for experimental long-duration space missions. She has degrees in Neuroscience, English Literature, Biotechnology, Medicine, and Science Journalism. A science journalist since 1997, she has been published in numerous newspapers and magazines, and has contributed to the creation of science documentaries for National Geographic, the History Channel, the BBC, VICE, and VSauce. She is currently the scientist-in-residence at the St. Louis Science Center.\r\n&nbsp;\r\n','VT Event: Sciencing the Press: Pro Tips from a Double Agent - December 2nd, 2016','','publish','closed','open','','vt-event-sciencing-the-press-pro-tips-from-a-double-agent-december-2nd-2016','','','2016-11-21 22:51:26','2016-11-21 22:51:26','',0,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/?post_type=tribe_events&#038;p=1321',0,'tribe_events','',0),(1322,8,'2016-11-21 22:45:46','0000-00-00 00:00:00','','Unnamed Venue','','draft','closed','open','','','','','2016-11-21 22:45:46','0000-00-00 00:00:00','',0,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/?post_type=tribe_venue&p=1322',0,'tribe_venue','',0),(1332,8,'2017-03-27 20:07:28','2017-03-27 20:07:28','\r\nThe BEST program mini-internships are designed to expose trainees to “a day on the job” for a variety of career paths, through hands-on exercises, site visits, and/or case discussions with biomedical professionals. At this mini-internship, come play the role of scientific editor, as Dr. Prager leads attendees through hands-on activities designed to instruct about the editorial process for reviewing manuscripts, ethical considerations in publishing, and the editorial decision making procedures.\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<p class=\"page-heading\">Space is limited! Participants must register in advance. To register for the mini-internship, please click <a title=\"here\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/dr-prager-mini-internship-sign-up-form/\">here</a>.</p>\r\n\r\n<strong>Eric Prager, Ph.D.</strong>\r\n<strong>Editor-in-Chief, <em><em>Journal of Neuroscience Research</em></em></strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>April 21st, 2017; 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM, Roanoke, VA</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong><img class=\" size-medium wp-image-967 alignright\" src=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Eric-Prager-232x300.png\" alt=\"Eric-Prager-232x300\" width=\"180\" height=\"200\" /></strong>\r\n\r\nDr. Prager is the Editor-in-Chief for the <em>Journal of Neuroscience Research </em>and the Developmental Editor for <em>Current Protocols in Neuroscience</em>. Dr. Prager earned his Ph.D. from the Uniformed Services University in Neuroscience, where he investigated the long-term consequences of a nerve agent exposure. Cooperating with groups from the NIH and the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement & Reduction of Animals in Research, Dr. Prager has developed new guidelines to promote transparent science and increase reproducibility of published research.  &nbsp;\r\n','VT-BEST Event: Reviewing for Transparency and Reproducibility: What Authors Should Know Mini-Internship','','publish','closed','open','','vt-best-event-reviewing-for-transparency-and-reproducibility-what-authors-should-know-mini-internship','','','2017-03-28 20:33:29','2017-03-28 20:33:29','',0,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/?post_type=tribe_events&#038;p=1332',0,'tribe_events','',0),(1334,8,'2017-03-27 20:07:14','2017-03-27 20:07:14','[gravityform id=\"27\" name=\"Dr. Prager Mini-Internship Sign-Up Form 4.21.17\"]','Dr. Prager Mini-Internship Sign-Up Form','','publish','closed','open','','dr-prager-mini-internship-sign-up-form','','','2017-03-27 20:18:07','2017-03-27 20:18:07','',0,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/?page_id=1334',0,'page','',1),(1335,8,'2017-03-22 19:12:23','2017-03-22 19:12:23','[gravityform id=\"25\" name=\"Dr. Prager Mini-Internship Sign-Up Form 4.21.17\"]','','','inherit','closed','open','','1334-revision-v1','','','2017-03-22 19:12:23','2017-03-22 19:12:23','',1334,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1334-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1336,8,'2017-03-22 19:13:21','2017-03-22 19:13:21','[gravityform id=\"25\" name=\"Dr. Prager Mini-Internship Sign-Up Form 4.21.17\"]','Dr. Prager Mini-Internship Sign-Up Form','','inherit','closed','open','','1334-revision-v1','','','2017-03-22 19:13:21','2017-03-22 19:13:21','',1334,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1334-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1337,8,'2017-03-27 19:35:42','2017-03-27 19:35:42','','Eric-Prager-232x300','','inherit','closed','open','','eric-prager-232x300','','','2017-03-27 19:35:42','2017-03-27 19:35:42','',0,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Eric-Prager-232x300.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(1338,8,'2017-03-27 20:18:00','2017-03-27 20:18:00','[gravityform id=\"27\" name=\"Dr. Prager Mini-Internship Sign-Up Form 4.21.17\"]','Dr. Prager Mini-Internship Sign-Up Form','','inherit','closed','open','','1334-autosave-v1','','','2017-03-27 20:18:00','2017-03-27 20:18:00','',1334,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1334-autosave-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1339,8,'2017-03-27 20:18:07','2017-03-27 20:18:07','[gravityform id=\"27\" name=\"Dr. Prager Mini-Internship Sign-Up Form 4.21.17\"]','Dr. Prager Mini-Internship Sign-Up Form','','inherit','closed','open','','1334-revision-v1','','','2017-03-27 20:18:07','2017-03-27 20:18:07','',1334,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1334-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1340,8,'2017-03-27 21:16:37','2017-03-27 21:16:37','<strong>Seminar:  Staying in Science Without Staying in the Lab: A view (and a career) from the other side of publishing</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>April 20th, 2017; 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM, Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, R3012, 2 Riverside Circle, Roanoke, VA </strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Eric Prager, Ph.D.</strong>\r\n<strong>Editor-in-Chief, <em><em>Journal of Neuroscience Research</em></em></strong>\r\n\r\nCome listen as Dr. Prager describes his roles as Editor-in-Chief and Developmental Editor, discusses what he looks for in submitted manuscripts, and explains how he makes his editorial decisions. He will also provide an overview of the different models of editorial offices, types of jobs available in the scientific publishing industry, and the process of applying and interviewing for jobs in scientific publishing.\r\n\r\nTo view the event live, please click <a title=\"here\" href=\"http://research.vtc.vt.edu/live-webcast/%20 \">here</a>.\r\n\r\n<strong><img class=\" size-medium wp-image-967 alignright\" src=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Eric-Prager-232x300.png\" alt=\"Eric-Prager-232x300\" width=\"180\" height=\"200\" /></strong>\r\n\r\nDr. Prager is the Editor-in-Chief for the <em>Journal of Neuroscience Research </em>and the Developmental Editor for <em>Current Protocols in Neuroscience</em>. Dr. Prager earned his Ph.D. from the Uniformed Services University in Neuroscience, where he investigated the long-term consequences of a nerve agent exposure. Cooperating with groups from the NIH and the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement & Reduction of Animals in Research, Dr. Prager has developed new guidelines to promote transparent science and increase reproducibility of published research.  &nbsp;\r\n','VT-BEST Event:  Staying in Science Without Staying in the Lab: A view (and a career) from the other side of publishing','','publish','closed','open','','vt-best-event-staying-in-science-without-staying-in-the-lab-a-view-and-a-career-from-the-other-side-of-publishing','','','2017-03-28 21:08:57','2017-03-28 21:08:57','',0,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/?post_type=tribe_events&#038;p=1340',0,'tribe_events','',0),(1343,8,'2017-09-05 21:07:28','2017-09-05 21:07:28','The BEST program mini-internships are designed to expose trainees to “a day on the job” for a variety of career paths, through hands-on exercises, site visits, and/or case discussions with biomedical professionals. At this mini-internship, come play the role of scientific editor, as Dr. Prager leads attendees through hands-on activities designed to instruct about the editorial process for reviewing manuscripts, ethical considerations in publishing, and the editorial decision making procedures.\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<p class=\"page-heading\">Space is limited! Participants must register in advance. To register for the mini-internship, please click <a title=\"here\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/dr-prager-mini-internship-sign-up-form/\">here</a>.</p>\r\n\r\n<strong>Eric Prager, Ph.D.</strong>\r\n<strong>Editor-in-Chief, <em><em>Journal of Neuroscience Research</em></em></strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>April 21st, 2017; 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM, Roanoke, VA</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong><img class=\" size-medium wp-image-967 alignright\" src=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Eric-Prager-232x300.png\" alt=\"Eric-Prager-232x300\" width=\"180\" height=\"200\" /></strong>\r\n\r\nDr. Prager is the Editor-in-Chief for the <em>Journal of Neuroscience Research </em>and the Developmental Editor for <em>Current Protocols in Neuroscience</em>. Dr. Prager earned his Ph.D. from the Uniformed Services University in Neuroscience, where he investigated the long-term consequences of a nerve agent exposure. Cooperating with groups from the NIH and the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement & Reduction of Animals in Research, Dr. Prager has developed new guidelines to promote transparent science and increase reproducibility of published research.  &nbsp;\r\n','VT-BEST Event: Reviewing for Transparency and Reproducibility: What Authors Should Know Mini-Internship','','inherit','closed','open','','1332-autosave-v1','','','2017-09-05 21:07:28','2017-09-05 21:07:28','',1332,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1332-autosave-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1344,8,'2017-03-28 20:35:13','2017-03-28 20:35:13','<strong>Seminar:  Staying in Science Without Staying in the Lab: A view (and a career) from the other side of publishing</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>April 20th, 2017; 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM, Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, R3012, 2 Riverside Circle, Roanoke, VA </strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Eric Prager, Ph.D.</strong>\r\n<strong>Editor-in-Chief, <em><em>Journal of Neuroscience Research</em></em></strong>\r\n\r\nCome listen as Dr. Prager describes his roles as Editor-in-Chief and Developmental Editor, discusses what he looks for in submitted manuscripts, and explains how he makes his editorial decisions. He will also provide an overview of the different models of editorial offices, types of jobs available in the scientific publishing industry, and the process of applying and interviewing for jobs in scientific publishing.\r\n\r\nTo view the event live, please click <a title=\"here\" href=\"http://research.vtc.vt.edu/live-webcast/%20 \">here</a>.\r\n\r\n<strong><img class=\" size-medium wp-image-967 alignright\" src=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Eric-Prager-232x300.png\" alt=\"Eric-Prager-232x300\" width=\"180\" height=\"200\" /></strong>\r\n\r\nDr. Prager is the Editor-in-Chief for the <em>Journal of Neuroscience Research </em>and the Developmental Editor for <em>Current Protocols in Neuroscience</em>. Dr. Prager earned his Ph.D. from the Uniformed Services University in Neuroscience, where he investigated the long-term consequences of a nerve agent exposure. Cooperating with groups from the NIH and the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement & Reduction of Animals in Research, Dr. Prager has developed new guidelines to promote transparent science and increase reproducibility of published research.  &nbsp;\r\n','VT-BEST Event:  Staying in Science Without Staying in the Lab: A view (and a career) from the other side of publishing','','inherit','closed','open','','1340-autosave-v1','','','2017-03-28 20:35:13','2017-03-28 20:35:13','',1340,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1340-autosave-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1346,8,'2017-03-29 17:29:55','2017-03-29 17:29:55','<strong>Seminar:  Staying in Science Without Staying in the Lab: A view (and a career) from the other side of publishing</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>April 20th, 2017; 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM, Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, R3012, 2 Riverside Circle, Roanoke, VA </strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Eric Prager, Ph.D.</strong>\r\n<strong>Editor-in-Chief, <em><em>Journal of Neuroscience Research</em></em></strong>\r\n\r\nCome listen as Dr. Prager describes his roles as Editor-in-Chief and Developmental Editor, discusses what he looks for in submitted manuscripts, and explains how he makes his editorial decisions. He will also provide an overview of the different models of editorial offices, types of jobs available in the scientific publishing industry, and the process of applying and interviewing for jobs in scientific publishing.\r\n\r\nTo view the event live, please click <a title=\"here\" href=\"http://research.vtc.vt.edu/live-webcast/%20 \">here</a>.\r\n\r\n<strong><img class=\" size-medium wp-image-967 alignright\" src=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Eric-Prager-232x300.png\" alt=\"Eric-Prager-232x300\" width=\"180\" height=\"200\" /></strong>\r\n\r\nDr. Prager is the Editor-in-Chief for the <em>Journal of Neuroscience Research </em>and the Developmental Editor for <em>Current Protocols in Neuroscience</em>. Dr. Prager earned his Ph.D. from the Uniformed Services University in Neuroscience, where he investigated the long-term consequences of a nerve agent exposure. Cooperating with groups from the NIH and the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement & Reduction of Animals in Research, Dr. Prager has developed new guidelines to promote transparent science and increase reproducibility of published research.  &nbsp;\r\n','Staying in Science Without Staying in the Lab: A view (and a career) from the other side of publishing - April 20th, 2017','','publish','closed','open','','staying-in-science-without-staying-in-the-lab-a-view-and-a-career-from-the-other-side-of-publishing-april-20th-2017','','','2017-03-29 17:29:55','2017-03-29 17:29:55','',0,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/?p=1346',0,'post','',0),(1347,8,'2017-03-29 17:27:57','2017-03-29 17:27:57','<strong>Seminar:  Staying in Science Without Staying in the Lab: A view (and a career) from the other side of publishing</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>April 20th, 2017; 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM, Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, R3012, 2 Riverside Circle, Roanoke, VA </strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Eric Prager, Ph.D.</strong>\r\n<strong>Editor-in-Chief, <em><em>Journal of Neuroscience Research</em></em></strong>\r\n\r\nCome listen as Dr. Prager describes his roles as Editor-in-Chief and Developmental Editor, discusses what he looks for in submitted manuscripts, and explains how he makes his editorial decisions. He will also provide an overview of the different models of editorial offices, types of jobs available in the scientific publishing industry, and the process of applying and interviewing for jobs in scientific publishing.\r\n\r\nTo view the event live, please click <a title=\"here\" href=\"http://research.vtc.vt.edu/live-webcast/%20 \">here</a>.\r\n\r\n<strong><img class=\" size-medium wp-image-967 alignright\" src=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Eric-Prager-232x300.png\" alt=\"Eric-Prager-232x300\" width=\"180\" height=\"200\" /></strong>\r\n\r\nDr. Prager is the Editor-in-Chief for the <em>Journal of Neuroscience Research </em>and the Developmental Editor for <em>Current Protocols in Neuroscience</em>. Dr. Prager earned his Ph.D. from the Uniformed Services University in Neuroscience, where he investigated the long-term consequences of a nerve agent exposure. Cooperating with groups from the NIH and the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement & Reduction of Animals in Research, Dr. Prager has developed new guidelines to promote transparent science and increase reproducibility of published research.  &nbsp;\r\n','Staying in Science Without Staying in the Lab: A view (and a career) from the other side of publishing','','inherit','closed','open','','1346-revision-v1','','','2017-03-29 17:27:57','2017-03-29 17:27:57','',1346,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1346-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1348,8,'2017-03-29 17:29:11','2017-03-29 17:29:11','<strong>Seminar:  Staying in Science Without Staying in the Lab: A view (and a career) from the other side of publishing</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>April 20th, 2017; 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM, Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, R3012, 2 Riverside Circle, Roanoke, VA </strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Eric Prager, Ph.D.</strong>\r\n<strong>Editor-in-Chief, <em><em>Journal of Neuroscience Research</em></em></strong>\r\n\r\nCome listen as Dr. Prager describes his roles as Editor-in-Chief and Developmental Editor, discusses what he looks for in submitted manuscripts, and explains how he makes his editorial decisions. He will also provide an overview of the different models of editorial offices, types of jobs available in the scientific publishing industry, and the process of applying and interviewing for jobs in scientific publishing.\r\n\r\nTo view the event live, please click <a title=\"here\" href=\"http://research.vtc.vt.edu/live-webcast/%20 \">here</a>.\r\n\r\n<strong><img class=\" size-medium wp-image-967 alignright\" src=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Eric-Prager-232x300.png\" alt=\"Eric-Prager-232x300\" width=\"180\" height=\"200\" /></strong>\r\n\r\nDr. Prager is the Editor-in-Chief for the <em>Journal of Neuroscience Research </em>and the Developmental Editor for <em>Current Protocols in Neuroscience</em>. Dr. Prager earned his Ph.D. from the Uniformed Services University in Neuroscience, where he investigated the long-term consequences of a nerve agent exposure. Cooperating with groups from the NIH and the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement & Reduction of Animals in Research, Dr. Prager has developed new guidelines to promote transparent science and increase reproducibility of published research.  &nbsp;\r\n','Staying in Science Without Staying in the Lab: A view (and a career) from the other side of publishing - April 20, 2017','','inherit','closed','open','','1346-revision-v1','','','2017-03-29 17:29:11','2017-03-29 17:29:11','',1346,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1346-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1349,8,'2017-03-29 17:29:35','2017-03-29 17:29:35','<strong>Seminar:  Staying in Science Without Staying in the Lab: A view (and a career) from the other side of publishing</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>April 20th, 2017; 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM, Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, R3012, 2 Riverside Circle, Roanoke, VA </strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Eric Prager, Ph.D.</strong>\r\n<strong>Editor-in-Chief, <em><em>Journal of Neuroscience Research</em></em></strong>\r\n\r\nCome listen as Dr. Prager describes his roles as Editor-in-Chief and Developmental Editor, discusses what he looks for in submitted manuscripts, and explains how he makes his editorial decisions. He will also provide an overview of the different models of editorial offices, types of jobs available in the scientific publishing industry, and the process of applying and interviewing for jobs in scientific publishing.\r\n\r\nTo view the event live, please click <a title=\"here\" href=\"http://research.vtc.vt.edu/live-webcast/%20 \">here</a>.\r\n\r\n<strong><img class=\" size-medium wp-image-967 alignright\" src=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Eric-Prager-232x300.png\" alt=\"Eric-Prager-232x300\" width=\"180\" height=\"200\" /></strong>\r\n\r\nDr. Prager is the Editor-in-Chief for the <em>Journal of Neuroscience Research </em>and the Developmental Editor for <em>Current Protocols in Neuroscience</em>. Dr. Prager earned his Ph.D. from the Uniformed Services University in Neuroscience, where he investigated the long-term consequences of a nerve agent exposure. Cooperating with groups from the NIH and the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement & Reduction of Animals in Research, Dr. Prager has developed new guidelines to promote transparent science and increase reproducibility of published research.  &nbsp;\r\n','Staying in Science Without Staying in the Lab: A view (and a career) from the other side of publishing - April 20th, 2017','','inherit','closed','open','','1346-revision-v1','','','2017-03-29 17:29:35','2017-03-29 17:29:35','',1346,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1346-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1350,8,'2017-03-29 17:38:26','2017-03-29 17:38:26','<strong>Mini-Internship: Reviewing for Transparency and Reproducibility: What Authors Should Know</strong>\r\n\r\nThe BEST program mini-internships are designed to expose trainees to “a day on the job” for a variety of career paths, through hands-on exercises, site visits, and/or case discussions with biomedical professionals. At this mini-internship, come play the role of scientific editor, as Dr. Prager leads attendees through hands-on activities designed to instruct about the editorial process for reviewing manuscripts, ethical considerations in publishing, and the editorial decision making procedures.\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<p class=\"page-heading\">Space is limited! Participants must register in advance. To register for the mini-internship, please click <a title=\"here\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/dr-prager-mini-internship-sign-up-form/\">here</a>.</p>\r\n\r\n<strong>Eric Prager, Ph.D.</strong>\r\n<strong>Editor-in-Chief, <em><em>Journal of Neuroscience Research</em></em></strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>April 21st, 2017; 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM, Roanoke, VA</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong><img class=\" size-medium wp-image-967 alignright\" src=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Eric-Prager-232x300.png\" alt=\"Eric-Prager-232x300\" width=\"180\" height=\"200\" /></strong>\r\n\r\nDr. Prager is the Editor-in-Chief for the <em>Journal of Neuroscience Research </em>and the Developmental Editor for <em>Current Protocols in Neuroscience</em>. Dr. Prager earned his Ph.D. from the Uniformed Services University in Neuroscience, where he investigated the long-term consequences of a nerve agent exposure. Cooperating with groups from the NIH and the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement & Reduction of Animals in Research, Dr. Prager has developed new guidelines to promote transparent science and increase reproducibility of published research.  &nbsp;\r\n','Reviewing for Transparency and Reproducibility: What Authors Should Know - April 21st, 2017','','publish','closed','open','','reviewing-for-transparency-and-reproducibility-what-authors-should-know-april-21st-2017','','\nhttp://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/dr-prager-mini-internship-sign-up-form/','2017-03-29 17:38:49','2017-03-29 17:38:49','',0,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/?p=1350',0,'post','',0),(1351,8,'2017-03-29 17:31:44','2017-03-29 17:31:44','The BEST program mini-internships are designed to expose trainees to “a day on the job” for a variety of career paths, through hands-on exercises, site visits, and/or case discussions with biomedical professionals. At this mini-internship, come play the role of scientific editor, as Dr. Prager leads attendees through hands-on activities designed to instruct about the editorial process for reviewing manuscripts, ethical considerations in publishing, and the editorial decision making procedures.\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<p class=\"page-heading\">Space is limited! Participants must register in advance. To register for the mini-internship, please click <a title=\"here\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/dr-prager-mini-internship-sign-up-form/\">here</a>.</p>\r\n\r\n<strong>Eric Prager, Ph.D.</strong>\r\n<strong>Editor-in-Chief, <em><em>Journal of Neuroscience Research</em></em></strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>April 21st, 2017; 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM, Roanoke, VA</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong><img class=\" size-medium wp-image-967 alignright\" src=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Eric-Prager-232x300.png\" alt=\"Eric-Prager-232x300\" width=\"180\" height=\"200\" /></strong>\r\n\r\nDr. Prager is the Editor-in-Chief for the <em>Journal of Neuroscience Research </em>and the Developmental Editor for <em>Current Protocols in Neuroscience</em>. Dr. Prager earned his Ph.D. from the Uniformed Services University in Neuroscience, where he investigated the long-term consequences of a nerve agent exposure. Cooperating with groups from the NIH and the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement & Reduction of Animals in Research, Dr. Prager has developed new guidelines to promote transparent science and increase reproducibility of published research.  &nbsp;\r\n','','','inherit','closed','open','','1350-revision-v1','','','2017-03-29 17:31:44','2017-03-29 17:31:44','',1350,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1350-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1352,8,'2017-03-29 17:35:52','2017-03-29 17:35:52','<strong>Mini-Internship: Sciencing the Press: Pro Tips from a Double Agent</strong>\r\n\r\nThe BEST program mini-internships are designed to expose trainees to “a day on the job” for a variety of career paths, through hands-on exercises, site visits, and/or case discussions with biomedical professionals. At this mini-internship, come play the role of scientific editor, as Dr. Prager leads attendees through hands-on activities designed to instruct about the editorial process for reviewing manuscripts, ethical considerations in publishing, and the editorial decision making procedures.\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<p class=\"page-heading\">Space is limited! Participants must register in advance. To register for the mini-internship, please click <a title=\"here\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/dr-prager-mini-internship-sign-up-form/\">here</a>.</p>\r\n\r\n<strong>Eric Prager, Ph.D.</strong>\r\n<strong>Editor-in-Chief, <em><em>Journal of Neuroscience Research</em></em></strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>April 21st, 2017; 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM, Roanoke, VA</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong><img class=\" size-medium wp-image-967 alignright\" src=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Eric-Prager-232x300.png\" alt=\"Eric-Prager-232x300\" width=\"180\" height=\"200\" /></strong>\r\n\r\nDr. Prager is the Editor-in-Chief for the <em>Journal of Neuroscience Research </em>and the Developmental Editor for <em>Current Protocols in Neuroscience</em>. Dr. Prager earned his Ph.D. from the Uniformed Services University in Neuroscience, where he investigated the long-term consequences of a nerve agent exposure. Cooperating with groups from the NIH and the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement & Reduction of Animals in Research, Dr. Prager has developed new guidelines to promote transparent science and increase reproducibility of published research.  &nbsp;\r\n','','','inherit','closed','open','','1350-revision-v1','','','2017-03-29 17:35:52','2017-03-29 17:35:52','',1350,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1350-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1353,8,'2017-03-29 17:37:29','2017-03-29 17:37:29','<strong>Mini-Internship: Sciencing the Press: Pro Tips from a Double Agent</strong>\r\n\r\nThe BEST program mini-internships are designed to expose trainees to “a day on the job” for a variety of career paths, through hands-on exercises, site visits, and/or case discussions with biomedical professionals. At this mini-internship, come play the role of scientific editor, as Dr. Prager leads attendees through hands-on activities designed to instruct about the editorial process for reviewing manuscripts, ethical considerations in publishing, and the editorial decision making procedures.\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<p class=\"page-heading\">Space is limited! Participants must register in advance. To register for the mini-internship, please click <a title=\"here\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/dr-prager-mini-internship-sign-up-form/\">here</a>.</p>\r\n\r\n<strong>Eric Prager, Ph.D.</strong>\r\n<strong>Editor-in-Chief, <em><em>Journal of Neuroscience Research</em></em></strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>April 21st, 2017; 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM, Roanoke, VA</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong><img class=\" size-medium wp-image-967 alignright\" src=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Eric-Prager-232x300.png\" alt=\"Eric-Prager-232x300\" width=\"180\" height=\"200\" /></strong>\r\n\r\nDr. Prager is the Editor-in-Chief for the <em>Journal of Neuroscience Research </em>and the Developmental Editor for <em>Current Protocols in Neuroscience</em>. Dr. Prager earned his Ph.D. from the Uniformed Services University in Neuroscience, where he investigated the long-term consequences of a nerve agent exposure. Cooperating with groups from the NIH and the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement & Reduction of Animals in Research, Dr. Prager has developed new guidelines to promote transparent science and increase reproducibility of published research.  &nbsp;\r\n','Reviewing for Transparency and Reproducibility: What Authors Should Know - April 21st, 2017','','inherit','closed','open','','1350-revision-v1','','','2017-03-29 17:37:29','2017-03-29 17:37:29','',1350,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1350-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1354,8,'2017-03-29 17:37:40','2017-03-29 17:37:40','<strong>Mini-Internship: Reviewing for Transparency and Reproducibility: What Authors Should Know Mini-Internship</strong>\r\n\r\nThe BEST program mini-internships are designed to expose trainees to “a day on the job” for a variety of career paths, through hands-on exercises, site visits, and/or case discussions with biomedical professionals. At this mini-internship, come play the role of scientific editor, as Dr. Prager leads attendees through hands-on activities designed to instruct about the editorial process for reviewing manuscripts, ethical considerations in publishing, and the editorial decision making procedures.\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<p class=\"page-heading\">Space is limited! Participants must register in advance. To register for the mini-internship, please click <a title=\"here\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/dr-prager-mini-internship-sign-up-form/\">here</a>.</p>\r\n\r\n<strong>Eric Prager, Ph.D.</strong>\r\n<strong>Editor-in-Chief, <em><em>Journal of Neuroscience Research</em></em></strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>April 21st, 2017; 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM, Roanoke, VA</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong><img class=\" size-medium wp-image-967 alignright\" src=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Eric-Prager-232x300.png\" alt=\"Eric-Prager-232x300\" width=\"180\" height=\"200\" /></strong>\r\n\r\nDr. Prager is the Editor-in-Chief for the <em>Journal of Neuroscience Research </em>and the Developmental Editor for <em>Current Protocols in Neuroscience</em>. Dr. Prager earned his Ph.D. from the Uniformed Services University in Neuroscience, where he investigated the long-term consequences of a nerve agent exposure. Cooperating with groups from the NIH and the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement & Reduction of Animals in Research, Dr. Prager has developed new guidelines to promote transparent science and increase reproducibility of published research.  &nbsp;\r\n','Reviewing for Transparency and Reproducibility: What Authors Should Know - April 21st, 2017','','inherit','closed','open','','1350-revision-v1','','','2017-03-29 17:37:40','2017-03-29 17:37:40','',1350,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1350-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1355,8,'2017-03-29 17:38:49','2017-03-29 17:38:49','<strong>Mini-Internship: Reviewing for Transparency and Reproducibility: What Authors Should Know</strong>\r\n\r\nThe BEST program mini-internships are designed to expose trainees to “a day on the job” for a variety of career paths, through hands-on exercises, site visits, and/or case discussions with biomedical professionals. At this mini-internship, come play the role of scientific editor, as Dr. Prager leads attendees through hands-on activities designed to instruct about the editorial process for reviewing manuscripts, ethical considerations in publishing, and the editorial decision making procedures.\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<p class=\"page-heading\">Space is limited! Participants must register in advance. To register for the mini-internship, please click <a title=\"here\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/dr-prager-mini-internship-sign-up-form/\">here</a>.</p>\r\n\r\n<strong>Eric Prager, Ph.D.</strong>\r\n<strong>Editor-in-Chief, <em><em>Journal of Neuroscience Research</em></em></strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>April 21st, 2017; 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM, Roanoke, VA</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong><img class=\" size-medium wp-image-967 alignright\" src=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Eric-Prager-232x300.png\" alt=\"Eric-Prager-232x300\" width=\"180\" height=\"200\" /></strong>\r\n\r\nDr. Prager is the Editor-in-Chief for the <em>Journal of Neuroscience Research </em>and the Developmental Editor for <em>Current Protocols in Neuroscience</em>. Dr. Prager earned his Ph.D. from the Uniformed Services University in Neuroscience, where he investigated the long-term consequences of a nerve agent exposure. Cooperating with groups from the NIH and the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement & Reduction of Animals in Research, Dr. Prager has developed new guidelines to promote transparent science and increase reproducibility of published research.  &nbsp;\r\n','Reviewing for Transparency and Reproducibility: What Authors Should Know - April 21st, 2017','','inherit','closed','open','','1350-revision-v1','','','2017-03-29 17:38:49','2017-03-29 17:38:49','',1350,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1350-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1364,8,'2017-07-05 18:36:28','2017-07-05 18:36:28','Name: Ubadah Sabbagh\r\n\r\nRole: Doctoral Student\r\n\r\nProgram: Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health\r\n\r\nMeeting: 2017 National Institutes of Health Career Symposium (2017)\r\n\r\nI’d not have been able to attend this year’s intramural NIH Career Symposium without support from the BEST Travel Award. The symposium hosted panels focused on a wide-range of scientific careers outside of the traditional PI track in academia. The goal was to expose graduate students and post-doctoral trainees to the variety of fields within which they can work, and to provide us with a space to ask questions of professionals currently working in those fields. \r\n\r\nInitially, I immediately noticed that most people in attendance were at the post-doctoral stage of their scientific careers. There were few graduate students, let alone ones in their first year of doctoral training. There were several opportunities for networking and meeting both scientists who work in my field and those who don’t. I enjoyed those moments and made sure to make the most of them. Fortunately, I managed to make some great connections with some of the panelists and attendees, and continue to correspond with them weeks after the symposium. One post-doc I met has kindly been assisting me in seeking out a grant from a funding organization I’m not familiar with; and that no one at my current institute is funded by. I hope to submit that grant soon.\r\n\r\nI made it a point to attend panels on science policy, science advocacy, science writing, journalism, and communication, among others. Because I already have developed a writing portfolio (albeit small), I was able to ask more forward-looking questions during the panels. I was pleased to learn from the panelists in journalism and science writing that having any experience in non-academic writing and publication as a doctoral student sets me on the path of becoming a competitive applicant in the future, should I choose to pursue that career path. I also have had the opportunity to connect with some of the panelists online, and in person in subsequent visits I’ve had to D.C. to further discuss their career trajectory and potential shadowing opportunities. \r\n\r\nI’m confident that my experience at this symposium will prove to be immensely valuable as I move forward in my doctoral training. I would highly recommend graduate students and post-docs, at any stage of their career, to attend this sort of event. BEST made it possible for me, and for that I’m grateful. I hope others are able to utilize these resources to further their professional development, as well. \r\n','2017 National Institutes of Health Career Symposium- Ubadah Sabbagh','','publish','closed','open','','ubadahsabbagh','','','2018-05-29 14:31:56','2018-05-29 14:31:56','',0,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/?page_id=1364',0,'page','',0),(1365,8,'2017-07-05 18:33:17','2017-07-05 18:33:17','Name: Ubadah Sabbagh\r\n\r\nRole: Doctoral Student\r\n\r\nProgram: Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health\r\n\r\nMeeting: 2017 National Institutes of Health Career Symposium (2017)\r\n\r\nI’d not have been able to attend this year’s intramural NIH Career Symposium without support from the BEST Travel Award. The symposium hosted panels focused on a wide-range of scientific careers outside of the traditional PI track in academia. The goal was to expose graduate students and post-doctoral trainees to the variety of fields within which they can work, and to provide us with a space to ask questions of professionals currently working in those fields. \r\n\r\nInitially, I immediately noticed that most people in attendance were at the post-doctoral stage of their scientific careers. There were few graduate students, let alone ones in their first year of doctoral training. There were several opportunities for networking and meeting both scientists who work in my field and those who don’t. I enjoyed those moments and made sure to make the most of them. Fortunately, I managed to make some great connections with some of the panelists and attendees, and continue to correspond with them weeks after the symposium. One post-doc I met has kindly been assisting me in seeking out a grant from a funding organization I’m not familiar with; and that no one at my current institute is funded by. I hope to submit that grant soon.\r\n\r\nI made it a point to attend panels on science policy, science advocacy, science writing, journalism, and communication, among others. Because I already have developed a writing portfolio (albeit small), I was able to ask more forward-looking questions during the panels. I was pleased to learn from the panelists in journalism and science writing that having any experience in non-academic writing and publication as a doctoral student sets me on the path of becoming a competitive applicant in the future, should I choose to pursue that career path. I also have had the opportunity to connect with some of the panelists online, and in person in subsequent visits I’ve had to D.C. to further discuss their career trajectory and potential shadowing opportunities. \r\n\r\nI’m confident that my experience at this symposium will prove to be immensely valuable as I move forward in my doctoral training. I would highly recommend graduate students and post-docs, at any stage of their career, to attend this sort of event. BEST made it possible for me, and for that I’m grateful. I hope others are able to utilize these resources to further their professional development, as well. \r\n','','','inherit','closed','open','','1364-revision-v1','','','2017-07-05 18:33:17','2017-07-05 18:33:17','',1364,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1364-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1366,8,'2017-07-05 18:35:16','2017-07-05 18:35:16','Name: Ubadah Sabbagh\r\n\r\nRole: Doctoral Student\r\n\r\nProgram: Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health\r\n\r\nMeeting: 2017 National Institutes of Health Career Symposium (2017)\r\n\r\nI’d not have been able to attend this year’s intramural NIH Career Symposium without support from the BEST Travel Award. The symposium hosted panels focused on a wide-range of scientific careers outside of the traditional PI track in academia. The goal was to expose graduate students and post-doctoral trainees to the variety of fields within which they can work, and to provide us with a space to ask questions of professionals currently working in those fields. \r\n\r\nInitially, I immediately noticed that most people in attendance were at the post-doctoral stage of their scientific careers. There were few graduate students, let alone ones in their first year of doctoral training. There were several opportunities for networking and meeting both scientists who work in my field and those who don’t. I enjoyed those moments and made sure to make the most of them. Fortunately, I managed to make some great connections with some of the panelists and attendees, and continue to correspond with them weeks after the symposium. One post-doc I met has kindly been assisting me in seeking out a grant from a funding organization I’m not familiar with; and that no one at my current institute is funded by. I hope to submit that grant soon.\r\n\r\nI made it a point to attend panels on science policy, science advocacy, science writing, journalism, and communication, among others. Because I already have developed a writing portfolio (albeit small), I was able to ask more forward-looking questions during the panels. I was pleased to learn from the panelists in journalism and science writing that having any experience in non-academic writing and publication as a doctoral student sets me on the path of becoming a competitive applicant in the future, should I choose to pursue that career path. I also have had the opportunity to connect with some of the panelists online, and in person in subsequent visits I’ve had to D.C. to further discuss their career trajectory and potential shadowing opportunities. \r\n\r\nI’m confident that my experience at this symposium will prove to be immensely valuable as I move forward in my doctoral training. I would highly recommend graduate students and post-docs, at any stage of their career, to attend this sort of event. BEST made it possible for me, and for that I’m grateful. I hope others are able to utilize these resources to further their professional development, as well. \r\n','2017 National Institutes of Health Career Symposium  - Ubadah Sabbagh','','inherit','closed','open','','1364-revision-v1','','','2017-07-05 18:35:16','2017-07-05 18:35:16','',1364,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1364-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1367,8,'2017-07-05 18:38:43','2017-07-05 18:38:43','<b>Here are some thoughtful perspectives on how the BEST program is enhancing the career development opportunities at Virginia Tech:</b>\r\n\r\n<strong>VT BEST Travel Awards</strong>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"American Public Health Association Meeting- Yeonwoo Lebovitz\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/yeonwoo/\">American Public Health Association Annual Meeting- Yeonwoo Lebovitz</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"American Society for Cell Biology Mini Course- Katharina Sewart\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/sewart/\">American Society for Cell Biology Mini Course- Katharina Sewart</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Aptima Job Shadowing- Lauren Kennedy\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/aptima/\">Aptima Job Shadowing- Lauren Kennedy</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Columbia Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders Externship- Rebecca Elias\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/elias/\">Columbia University Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders Externship- Rebecca Elias</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"National Institutes of Health Career Symposium- Aboozar Monavarfeshani\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/monavarfeshani/\">National Institutes of Health Career Symposium- Aboozar Monavarfeshani</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"National Institutes of Health Career Symposium- Amara Greer-Short\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/nih-symposium/\">National Institutes of Health Career Symposium- Amara Greer-Short</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Society of Women Engineers Annual Conference- Emily Ongstad\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/society/ \">Society of Women Engineers Annual Conference- Emily Ongstad </a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Society for Neuroscience Conference- Lauren Kennedy\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/neuroscience/\">Society for Neuroscience Conference- Lauren Kennedy</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Native American Addiction Treatment Centers Visitation- Lara Moody\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/laramoody/\">Native American Addiction Treatment Centers Visitation- Lara Moody</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Native American Addiction Treatment Centers Visitation- Lara Moody\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/laramoody/\">Native American Addiction Treatment Centers Visitation- Lara Moody</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>BESTimonials</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Iris Vilares, PhD (Postdoctoral Fellow, Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute)</strong>\r\n\r\n“The BEST program has been giving me valuable insights into the various different paths where my academic training can take me, both inside and outside of academia. The professional development classes range from serious (what purpose do you want to make for your life?) to fun and interactive (e.g. jump around making funny gestures and sounds to understand the importance of spontaneity when giving a lecture). Overall it has been a very useful and gratifying experience.”\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Gregorio Valdez, PhD (Assistant Professor, Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute and Dept of Biological Sciences)</strong>\r\n\r\n“I was pleasantly surprised one day to have my trainee initiate a frank discussion about career goals and mentorship following her attendance at a BEST workshop on IDPs. While I always try to keep good lines of communication with my trainees, it was clear the workshop encouraged her to give deeper thought regarding the best path towards achieving her long-term goals, and prompted a discussion that ultimately allowed us to more efficiently structure her project towards mutually beneficial goals and timelines.\"\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Kevin Pridham, PhD candidate (First Year Graduate Student, Translational Biology Medicine and Health program)</strong>\r\n\r\n“The BEST program has been helpful in showing me various career options outside of academia. It has also allowed me to appreciate and begin to understand the challenges of intellectual property in science.”\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Meghna Verma, PhD candidate (First Year Graduate Student, Translational Biology Medicine and Health program)</strong>\r\n\r\n“The BEST program is very different from the traditional graduate coursework, focusing on overall professional development that is not limited only to classroom teaching. The program covers a variety of domains that range from tips on grant writing, knowledge about intellectual property and patent filing and the use of <em>myIDP software - </em>a smart aid for smart planning of your career goals.”\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Yeonwoo Lebovitz, PhD candidate (First Year Graduate Student, Translational Biology Medicine and Health program)</strong>\r\n\r\nThe BEST program at Virginia Tech grants us direct access to individuals who work in a wide variety of biomedical research settings, including those in career paths we never knew existed. In addition to speaker seminars and developing new networking contacts, the BEST program is helping us assemble a professional toolkit with skills that are harder to come by, such as communication, entrepreneurship, and advocacy. I feel like we have been given a leg-up to pursue research careers in spite of future economic uncertainties.\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Cameron Varano, PhD candidate (First Year Graduate Student, Translational Biology Medicine and Health program)</strong>\r\n\r\n“I appreciate how the BEST program has helped to and continues to mold my complete development as a young researcher. The training I receive in the lab has built my technical skills, but it is the addition of the BEST program which has developed my communication skills. Furthermore, my perspective on my career path has been broadened to include those opportunities beyond academia.”\r\n\r\n**','CAREER BLOGS','','inherit','closed','open','','1047-revision-v1','','','2017-07-05 18:38:43','2017-07-05 18:38:43','',1047,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1047-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(1368,8,'2017-07-05 18:40:21','2017-07-05 18:40:21','<b>Here are some thoughtful perspectives on how the BEST program is enhancing the career development opportunities at Virginia Tech:</b>\r\n\r\n<strong>VT BEST Travel Awards</strong>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"American Public Health Association Meeting- Yeonwoo Lebovitz\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/yeonwoo/\">American Public Health Association Annual Meeting- Yeonwoo Lebovitz</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"American Society for Cell Biology Mini Course- Katharina Sewart\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/sewart/\">American Society for Cell Biology Mini Course- Katharina Sewart</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Aptima Job Shadowing- Lauren Kennedy\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/aptima/\">Aptima Job Shadowing- Lauren Kennedy</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Columbia Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders Externship- Rebecca Elias\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/elias/\">Columbia University Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders Externship- Rebecca Elias</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"National Institutes of Health Career Symposium- Aboozar Monavarfeshani\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/monavarfeshani/\">National Institutes of Health Career Symposium- Aboozar Monavarfeshani</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"National Institutes of Health Career Symposium- Amara Greer-Short\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/nih-symposium/\">National Institutes of Health Career Symposium- Amara Greer-Short</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Society of Women Engineers Annual Conference- Emily Ongstad\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/society/ \">Society of Women Engineers Annual Conference- Emily Ongstad </a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Society for Neuroscience Conference- Lauren Kennedy\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/neuroscience/\">Society for Neuroscience Conference- Lauren Kennedy</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Native American Addiction Treatment Centers Visitation- Lara Moody\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/laramoody/\">Native American Addiction Treatment Centers Visitation- Lara Moody</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"2017 National Institutes of Health Career Symposium- Ubadah Sabbagh\" href=\"http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/ubadahsabbagh/\">2017 National Institutes of Health Career Symposium- Ubadah Sabbagh</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>BESTimonials</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Iris Vilares, PhD (Postdoctoral Fellow, Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute)</strong>\r\n\r\n“The BEST program has been giving me valuable insights into the various different paths where my academic training can take me, both inside and outside of academia. The professional development classes range from serious (what purpose do you want to make for your life?) to fun and interactive (e.g. jump around making funny gestures and sounds to understand the importance of spontaneity when giving a lecture). Overall it has been a very useful and gratifying experience.”\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Gregorio Valdez, PhD (Assistant Professor, Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute and Dept of Biological Sciences)</strong>\r\n\r\n“I was pleasantly surprised one day to have my trainee initiate a frank discussion about career goals and mentorship following her attendance at a BEST workshop on IDPs. While I always try to keep good lines of communication with my trainees, it was clear the workshop encouraged her to give deeper thought regarding the best path towards achieving her long-term goals, and prompted a discussion that ultimately allowed us to more efficiently structure her project towards mutually beneficial goals and timelines.\"\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Kevin Pridham, PhD candidate (First Year Graduate Student, Translational Biology Medicine and Health program)</strong>\r\n\r\n“The BEST program has been helpful in showing me various career options outside of academia. It has also allowed me to appreciate and begin to understand the challenges of intellectual property in science.”\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Meghna Verma, PhD candidate (First Year Graduate Student, Translational Biology Medicine and Health program)</strong>\r\n\r\n“The BEST program is very different from the traditional graduate coursework, focusing on overall professional development that is not limited only to classroom teaching. The program covers a variety of domains that range from tips on grant writing, knowledge about intellectual property and patent filing and the use of <em>myIDP software - </em>a smart aid for smart planning of your career goals.”\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Yeonwoo Lebovitz, PhD candidate (First Year Graduate Student, Translational Biology Medicine and Health program)</strong>\r\n\r\nThe BEST program at Virginia Tech grants us direct access to individuals who work in a wide variety of biomedical research settings, including those in career paths we never knew existed. In addition to speaker seminars and developing new networking contacts, the BEST program is helping us assemble a professional toolkit with skills that are harder to come by, such as communication, entrepreneurship, and advocacy. I feel like we have been given a leg-up to pursue research careers in spite of future economic uncertainties.\r\n\r\n**\r\n\r\n<strong>Cameron Varano, PhD candidate (First Year Graduate Student, Translational Biology Medicine and Health program)</strong>\r\n\r\n“I appreciate how the BEST program has helped to and continues to mold my complete development as a young researcher. The training I receive in the lab has built my technical skills, but it is the addition of the BEST program which has developed my communication skills. Furthermore, my perspective on my career path has been broadened to include those opportunities beyond academia.”\r\n\r\n**','CAREER BLOGS','','inherit','closed','open','','1047-revision-v1','','','2017-07-05 18:40:21','2017-07-05 18:40:21','',1047,'http://info.vtc.vt.edu/best/1047-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0);
