On October 11, nearly fifty researchers, research staff, and trainees from seven divisions of the Department of Medicine (DOM) attended the first of four meetings centered around the theme of Nutrition and Healthy Aging.

The event marked the launch of a new initiative aimed at fostering community and inter-divisional collaboration between researchers across the DOM, the largest academic department at the University of Wisconsin.

Each meeting will provide participants with the opportunity to learn more about research in their own division and others, connect with potential mentors, and develop collaborative relationships with investigators whose work relates to their own.

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In her opening remarks, Michelle Kimple, PhD, professor, Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism (right)—who co-organized the series with Barb Bendlin, PhD, MA, professor, Geriatrics and Gerontology—encouraged attendees to consider this last point deeply.

“Think about how these researchers’ work synthesizes with your own,” Dr. Kimple said. “Think about how we can work together to accelerate research across the entire translational research spectrum."

Dedicated networking time and breakfast preceded Dr. Kimple’s remarks, which were then followed by a series of research flash talks by DOM faculty, staff and trainees:

• “My adventures with my genome” - Matthew Wolff, MD, professor, Cardiovascular Medicine
• “Hospital care of older incarcerated patients” - Farah Kaiksow, MD, MPP, assistant professor, Hospital Medicine
• “Nutrition-based interventions in Long COVID” - Aurora Pop-Vicas, MD, MPH, associate professor, Infectious Disease

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• “Metabolic signaling controlling adipose tissue function in health and disease” - Andrea Galmozzi, PhD, assistant professor, Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism (right)
• “The role of the Hexosamine Biosynthetic Pathway on the progression of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: Potential links to aging” - Angie Oler, researcher II, Allergy, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine
• “Lifelong valine restriction has sex-specific benefits on health and lifespan” - Mariah Calubag, research assistant, Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
• “Nutrition, Gut Microbiome, and Healthy Aging in Alzheimer’s Disease” - Jea Woo Kang, PhD, MS, research associate, Geriatrics and Gerontology
• “Friend or foe? Determining the impact of cellular senescence on colorectal cancer” - Maggie Stangis, MS, research assistant, Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Future meetings promise a vibrant array of presentations, in-depth discussions, breakout sessions and poster displays.

Dates and times of upcoming meetings will be available on the DOM calendar, along with registration information. The series is open to all department researchers, research staff and trainees, regardless of division.

The organizers would like to thank Monica Jefcoat, administrative specialist, Administration - Research, and Georgia Zarola, administrative assistant II, Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, for their assistance in planning the series.

Banner: Department of Medicine faculty, staff and trainees interact at the inaugural, interdisciplinary Nutrition and Healthy Aging Theme meeting.

All photo credit: Clint Thayer/Department of Medicine.