Beckman Research Institute scientists can take advantage of a variety of support services and upgraded technology to modernize their laboratory investigations, according to City of Hope staff.
 Researcher Paul Yazaki, right, listens intently as graduate student Daniel Tamae details his work. (Photo by Darrin S. Joy) |
Staff members presented information about the resources at the 29th annual Research Staff Organization (RSO) Advance, a meeting in Lake Arrowhead, Calif., where researchers shared their scientific ideas, learned about their colleagues’ efforts and uncovered potential new collaborations.
The meeting, held April 26 through 28 at the University of California, Los Angeles Conference Center, saw more than 25 graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, clinical researchers and basic scientists present their latest findings on topics ranging from complications of childhood cancer treatment to how brain cancer stem cells work. Scientists also presented about 50 posters on research projects.
In addition to reporting on research findings, several presentations educated faculty and staff on resources to advance science. They included state-of-the-art facilities in electron microscopy, mass spectrometry, which is a high-tech method of breaking down molecules to discern their individual elements, and methods to analyze how proteins interact with DNA. Because the facilities are centralized “cores,” they are more cost-effective and can aid campus researchers by providing experienced and knowledgeable specialists, according to the presenters.
In his “State of the Beckman Research Institute” address, Richard Jove, Ph.D., director of Beckman Research Institute, described new and upgraded technologies under development, as well. He also updated attendees on campus construction projects and outlined the scientific priorities and vision of the institute.
The meeting culminated with an awards ceremony recognizing outstanding conference presentations and posters by postdoctoral fellows and graduate students.
Students Lin Wang, Michael Hedvet, Zhipeng Meng and Shan Li received awards for their work. Postdoctoral fellows Jiehua Zhou and Jennifer Murray took top honors for their poster presentations.
City of Hope’s RSO hosts the event each spring.
