The symposium, which is held in partnership with Students for Equal Opportunity in Science, is open to undergraduates and master's degree students, as well as Post-baccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP) scholars, technicians, research associates, and non-traditional students from underrepresented backgrounds. Participants who want more hands-on preparation for PhD admissions and interviews are encouraged to join the PhD Application Assistance and Advisory Program (PAAAP). As a PAAAP scholar, you will have access to exclusive, one-on-one opportunities with faculty at the Symposium.

Why Should I Attend?

Advantages of participating in the SINAI4US Research Symposium include the opportunity to:

• Strengthen your application and think about next steps for your future
• Network with faculty and students to build long-lasting relationships that can support you through the application process and beyond
• Prepare yourself for the PhD application and interview processes through document feedback and a mock interview
• Present your research to a broader audience
• Receive feedback and practice your lightning talk ahead of large conferences such as the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Scientists
• Learn more about the science conducted by your peers
• Receive application fee waivers for the 2023-2024 PhD application cycle

2023 SINAI4US Research Symposium

Mark your calendar for the 2023 SINAI4US Research Symposium and review the agenda to see what engaging events we have in store.

Dates: Thursday, October 12, and Friday, October 13, 2023, 11 am-4 pm
Application and Abstract Deadline: Thursday, September 14 at 5 pm
Notification of Selection for Lightning Talks and/or Mock Interviews: Thursday, September 28
Student Lightning Talks: Thursday, October 12, and Friday, October 13
Application Document Review and Mock Interviews: October 16-November 27

The first day of the Symposium is open to all attendees, and gives you the chance to hear from Graduate School leadership and participate in lightning talks. The second day of the Symposium is largely reserved for PhD Application Assistant and Advisory Program scholars, who will participate in collaborative sessions to hone interview skills, receive application tips, and set up faculty mentorships.

Agenda

Day One (Thursday, October 12)

11-11:05 am: Welcome and Opening Remarks, Marta Filizola, PhD, Dean, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences

11:05 am-12 pm: Introduction to Biomedical Research Graduate Programs at Icahn Mount Sinai

• PREP, Jamilia Sly, PhD, Associate Director of PREP
• PhD in Biomedical Science and Neuroscience, Matthew O’Connell, PhD, Senior Associate Dean for PhD Programs
• MD-PhD Program, Talia Swartz, MD, PhD, Associate Dean for MD-PhD Education
• Master of Science in Biomedical Science, Jose Silva, PhD, Program Director
• Master of Science in Biomedical Data Science, Li Shen, PhD, Program Co-Director

12-12:30 pm: Introduction to Mount Sinai’s Diversity and Inclusion School-Wide Entities

• Office for Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) and Center for Antiracism in Practice (CAP), Ann-Gel Palermo, DrPH

12:30-1 pm: BREAK

1-2 pm: Mount Sinai’s Trainee Lightning Talks, Michelle Kim, Host

2-3 pm: Participants’ Lightning Talks, Jessica De Freitas, Host

3-4 pm: Graduate School reception

Day Two (Friday, October 13)

11 am-1 pm: PhD Application Assistance and Advisory Program (PAAAP), Matthew O’Connell, PhD, Senior Associate Dean for PhD Programs

• 11-11:15 am: Holistic applications and admissions
• 11:20-11:45 am: Preparation of core application documents
• 11:50 am-12:05 pm: Preparing for an interview
• 12:10-1 pm: A panel discussion on applying and interviewing for the Graduate School with current PhD students

1-1:30 pm: BREAK

1:30-1:50 pm: Graduate Student Support, Advising, and Career Guidance at Icahn Mount Sinai, Basil Hanss, PhD, Senior Associate Dean for Postdoctoral and Student Affairs

• Student Affairs: Kathleen Dilks, EdD, Director of Postdoctoral and Student Affairs 
• Wellness and Resilience: Basil Hanss, PhD, Senior Associate Dean for Postdoctoral and Student Affairs
• Career Services and Alumni: Kathleen Dilks, EdD, Director of Postdoctoral and Student Affairs

1:55-2:55 pm: Participants’ Lightning Talks, Rachel Fisher, Host

2:55-3 pm: Closing Remarks, Matthew O’Connell, PhD

3-4 pm: Social Event hosted by Students for Equal Opportunity in Science