Virtual VSSA | Summer 2021
Due to Covid-19 in 2020, the Vanderbilt Summer Science Academy developed a seminar series focused on individuals on different post-undergraduate paths (PhD, MD/PhD, and MD). Our 2020 program was so successful that we will be offering a similar program in 2021! It is open to any undergraduate interested in pursuing one of these paths, regardless of if they applied to the VSSA or not!
Goals:
The focus of our Virtual VSSA program is to enhance your exposure to the STEMM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine) community. To accomplish this goal, we have planned seminars from individuals in PhD, MD, and MD/PhD paths. The presenters will discuss both their personal journey, explaining their motivations, goals, and reasons for pursuing their path, as well as a professional story that illustrates their passion. During each seminar hour, two individuals will present so that you build an understanding of the diversity of the community. We will complement these seminars with professional development seminars to help you know how to prepare for your next step!
Schedule:
Seminars are at 12:00-1:00 CST each day below. Mondays will have a focus on PhD programs, Wednesdays will focus on MD programs, and Fridays will focus on MD/PhD programs. By registering below, you will receive a link to access the live seminars. We will also post recordings of the videos on the website below within a week of the session if you cannot make this time.
Recordings:
2021 Virtual VSSA Introduction, June 14th
PhD Focus
PhD Program Introduction, Beth Bowman, June 14th
Early Career PhD student, Zach Sanchez, June 21st
Early Career PhD student, Dearnisha Arceneaux, June 21st
Late Career PhD student, Emilio Rivera, June 28th
Late Career PhD student, Slavi Goliva, rescheduled to July 9th
Post-Graduate PhD student, Rhoda Caston, July 12th
Post-Graduate PhD student, Zach Lonergan, July 12th
Career PhD, Katie Hutchinson, July 19th
Career PhD, Mariana Byndloss, July 19th
PhD Program Applications, Beth Bowman, July 26th
MD Focus
PhD Program Introduction, Jennifer Kimble, June 16th
Early Career MD student, LeAnn Lam, June 23rd
Early Career MD student, Matt Nettles June 23rd
Late Career MD student, Hannah Kay, June 30th
Late Career MD student, Santiago Angaramo, June 30th
Post-Graduate MD student, Debra Dixon, July 14th
Post-Graduate MD student, David Xiao; make up from July 14th
Career MD, Andre Churchwell, July 21st
Career MD, Joy Cox; recording to be posted soon
MD Program Applications, Jennifer Kimble, July 28th
MD/PhD Focus
MD/PhD Program Introduction, Megan Williams, June 18th
Early Career MD/PhD student, Yasmine Pettway, June 25th
Early Career MD/PhD student, Candace Grisham June 25th
Late Career MD/PhD student, Ayesha Muhammad, July 2nd
Late Career MD/PhD student, Courtney Edwards, July 2nd
Post-Graduate MD/PhD student, Kristen Nobel, July 21st
Post-Graduate MD/PhD student, J-N Gallant, July 21st
Career MD/PhD, Patrick Hu, July 23rd
Career MD/PhD, Heather Pua, July 23rd
MD/PhD Program Applications, Megan Williams, July 30th
Survey:
We would like to evaluate the Virtual VSSA as a resource in helping guide your career pursuits. To do this, we have created a pre- and post- summer program survey. Please spend 10 minutes to take the pre-program survey by June 7th. None of your answers will be used in a discriminatory fashion. In the post-program survey, we will ask which seminars you viewed. While we don’t expect everyone to attend all of the seminars offered, we’d appreciate if you keep track of the ones you viewed for the purpose of the survey. We will be following up to remind you to complete these surveys.
Website: https://medschool.vanderbilt.edu/vssa/virtual-vssa-summer-2021/
Registration: https://vanderbilt.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYrfu-tpzgrE9PEIxJbu0YV0GrTIyGMmN_g (please do not register until after taking the survey below)
Pre-program Survey Link: https://redcap.link/2021VirtualVSSAPre
Thank you for participating; we are excited to get to know you and look forward to a wonderful summer!
Please email elizabeth.a.bowman@vanderbilt.edu with any questions!