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AgendaThe 2023 SCAND Symposium agenda is now available!
Important dates
Registration is now closed. |
Research Symposium Format
This meeting will be held IN PERSON at the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden in Columbia, SC. We are still in the process of finalizing the agenda for the 2023 Symposium. In addition to a talk from our keynote speaker (Dr. Wendy Chung), we anticipate three symposium (see topics below) from South Carolina researchers, several poster sessions throughout the day, and opportunities for networking/socializing.
Keynote speaker: Dr. Wendy Chung
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Talk title:
SPARKING Research in AutismBiography: Dr. Wendy Chung (M.D., Ph.D) is the Kennedy Family Professor of Pediatrics and leads the Precision Medicine Resource at the Irving Institute at Columbia University. She is a member of the National Academy of Medicine. Dr. Chung earned B.A. degrees in biochemistry and economics (Cornell University), an M.D. (Cornell University Medical College), and a Ph.D. in human genetics (Rockefeller University). As a clinical and molecular geneticist, she has over 20 years of experience in human genetic research of monogenic and complex traits, including autism and neurodevelopmental disorders. She is the director of clinical research at Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative, as well as leading SPARK and Simons Searchlight awards from SFARI. Recently, Dr. Chung and her colleague Dr. Jeremy Veenstra-VanderWeele were awarded an NIH Autism Center of Excellence titled Prospective Genetic Risk Evaluation and Assessment in Autism (article) to examine development of newborn infants with and without an identified genetic marker at birth.
Google Scholar Page
Lab webpage Awards:
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Symposium Topics
Quantifying behavior across the translational spectrum
Talks will address innovations in scientific and analytical methods, including multimodal integration and automated approaches
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Impact of a genetics-first approach moving towards precision medicine
Talks will address the benefits, recent innovations, and challenges associated with understanding subgroups with known disruptive genetic events
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Research postersThere will be several poster sessions throughout the day. Any SCAND researcher and/or lab member (e.g., student, postdoc, staff) may submit an abstract.
The poster submission portal is now open! Submit a new form for each abstract submission. All posters must be submitted by February 24, 2023 @ 5 pm ET. Abstracts should consist of a brief (1-2 sentences) background, objective, method, results, and conclusion. |
2023 Trainee Best Research Presentation Winners
Congratulations to our trainees! These three scholars represent the top three abstracts and will be giving flash talks of their work at the 2023 symposium. We are proud of all your efforts! Read more about each speaker below.
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Dr. Teresa Zhao
Medical University of South Carolina Postdoctoral scholar in Neuroscience Talk title: Human-specific genes and their role in modifying brain function and behavior
Primary research interests: As an engineer by training, I love taking things apart to figure out how they work. This drives much of my interest in fundamental neuroscience and understanding the relationship between the brain and behavior – the brain is the basis for who we are and yet we still don’t fully understand it. Goals after training: After my postdoctoral training, I hope to have the opportunity to start an independent lab at the intersection of neuroscience and engineering where we can not only try to better understand brain development and function, but also develop tools for answering these fundamental questions in new and innovative ways. |
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Deepa Tilwani
University of South Carolina Graduate student in Computer Science Talk title: Interpretable Machine Learning for Predicting the Likelihood of Autism from Infant ECG Recordings
Primary research interests: My primary research interest lies at the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and neuroscience (EEG/ECG Signals, fMRI/MRI analysis). I want to focus on Dynamic Casual Modeling to estimate coupling among brain regions and how that coupling is influenced by experimental changes, which involves Bayesian Modeling and Inference, which is a part of AI. Goals after training: I envision gathering the necessary experience to establish myself as an independent researcher in the field. Further, I would work towards making top-tier publications (e.g., IEEE Biomedical, Nature Communications, AI Magazine, Frontiers in Neuroscience and more) and support my advisors/co-advisors in NIH grants, to propel the research towards a deployable system. |
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Manasi Agrawal
University of South Carolina Graduate student in Biological Sciences Talk title: DSCAM over-expression contributes to altered neuronal phenotypes in Down syndrome
Primary research interests: I am a final year PhD candidate with interests in cellular and molecular neuroscience and stem cell biology. Specifically, I am interested in using regenerative medicine as a tool to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental disorders. Goals after training: My current research in the Welshhans lab enables me to work at the intersection of stem cell biology and developmental neurobiology. Post-graduation, I wish to continue in this field and use the acquired skillset to conduct translational studies and contribute to the development of novel therapeutic interventions for neurodevelopmental disorders. |
Details
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Entry
You will NOT need to purchase a ticket to the zoo. You will check in at the main gate where we will give you a ticket and direct you to the location within the zoo. Start / end time 9:00 am: Doors open / Socializing with coffee & tea 9:30 am: Talks will begin 4:45 pm: End of formal programming; happy hour social with beverages |
Logistic questions about the event?
Contact Audrey Weaver at USC who is coordinating the event.
Contact Audrey Weaver at USC who is coordinating the event.