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Saturday March 23, 2024, 10am-2pm

Location: Mary Townes Science Building, NCCU campus

Lunch provided with registration.

The ºÚÁÏÍø Program for Precision Medicine in Health Care and North Carolina Central University present a 1-day workshop for undergraduate students.Ìý The goals of the workshop are to 1) introduce NCCU undergraduate students to applications of genetics & genomics; 2) increase students’ awareness about potential careers in the field; and 3) highlight opportunities for internships and further training at ºÚÁÏÍø.Ìý The 4-hour workshop will consist of concurrent breakout sessions featuring applications of genomics, and during lunch, students will have the opportunity to chat with career professionals in several related fields.Ìý The workshop will wrap up with a joint session to discuss takeaways, future training opportunities, and Q&A with panelists from various careers.Ìý

TENTATIVE AGENDAÌý

1. Welcome & Introductions – 10:00-10:20am

Greetings from:Ìý

ÌýÌýÌý Dean of the College of Health & Sciences (NCCU) – Dr. Mohammad AhmedÌý

ÌýÌýÌý Chair of the Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences (NCCU) – Dr. Veronica NwosuÌý

ÌýÌýÌý Distinguished Professor & Director of PPMH (ºÚÁÏÍø) – Dr. Jonathan S. BergÌý

Workshop overview – 10:20-10:30am

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2. Breakout room interactive discussions (Round I) – 10:30-10:55am and 11:00-11:25am

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3. LºÚÁÏÍøH: Open discussion with career professionals -11:30am – 12:15pmÌý

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4. Breakout room interactive discussions (Round II) – 12:15-12:40pm and 12:45-1:10pm

5. General Discussion, Career Panel Q&A, and training opportunities – 1:10-1:50pm

6. Wrap-up – 1:50-2:00pm

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PRESENTERS AND FACILITATORSÌý

Markia Smith, PhD. Computational biologist, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research

Markia Smith is a computational biologist at Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, driven by her overarching goal to directly impact and enhance clinical outcomes through omics analyses and Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications (ELSI). Leveraging her expertise in cancer genetics/genomics, computational biology, and epidemiology, her current role involves determining the effects of genomic alterations and developing/discovering genomic determinants of response therapy.

Markia earned her PhD in Pathobiology and Translational Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, building upon her Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry with a minor in Chinese Studies from the University of Delaware. Under the mentorship of Drs. Katherine A. Hoadley and Melissa A. Troester, her research focused on employing integrative genomic approaches to investigate genetic and environmental determinants of cancer, with a particular emphasis on understanding health disparities in historically marginalized populations.

Beyond her scientific endeavors, Markia is deeply committed to mentoring historically marginalized populations and advocating for diversity and equity in the STEM field, especially within the realms of health and disability equity. She is the co-organizer and Founding President of Black in Genetics, and remains actively engaged in community initiatives aimed at enhancing the recruitment, retention, and advancement of underrepresented groups.

Outside of her professional pursuits, Markia is a passionate foodie, traveler, and avid lifter, finding joy in exploring new cuisines, cultures, and fitness routines.

Questions? Email precisionmedicine@med.unc.edu

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