Activities & Events
Poster Symposium 2024
On August 8th, over 200 posters were presented at the CATALYST Poster Symposium. Our dedicated student trainees showcased the research they conducted over their 10 weeks here at MD Anderson.
Orientation 2024
On June 3rd we welcomed nearly 300 trainees into our research facilites to participate in one of our 16 summer CATALYST training programs. Trainees, ranging from high school students to first year medical students, will spend the next 10 weeks conducting research alongside our accomplished faculty mentors. During orientation, trainees were able to visit a resource fair which had representatives from our Graduate School, Human Resources, and Parking along with other important offices and vendors. Most importantly, all trainees participated in an intensive Cancer Biology Bootcamp, taught by graduate students at GSBS. The Cancer Biology Bootcamp served as a great primer to prepare the trainees for their summer at MD Anderson.
To ensure their experience is as enriching as possible, trainees will be participating in other academic and professional development programming throughout the summer as outlined below.
Activities Calendar
The CATALYST Summer Program features activities available to all summer trainees at MD Anderson. The following calendar provides a sampling of activities scheduled during a typical 10-week session. CATALYST programs include career development activities tailored to specific areas of training. Through these activities, students explore emerging topics in cancer research and patient care. Participating in academic and social events gives students an opportunity to network with colleagues, trainees and world-renowned cancer specialists.
Events
Orientation Events
- Orientation and Resource Fair: June 2, 8:30-11 a.m.
- Cancer Biology Bootcamp: June 2-3 (all day)
Panel Series
- TBD: Faculty Career Panel with Drs. Ronald DePinho, Sangeeta Goswami, and Rugang Zhang
- TBD: Graduate School Panel with representatives from UT Health and GSBS
- TBD: Sneak Peek into Industry
Other Events
- TBD: Writing an Effective Abstract with the Research Medical Library
- TBD: Overcoming Adversity and Building Confidence hosted by the Graduate Education Committee
- TBD: Designing and Presenting your Poster with the Research Medical Library
- TBD: Making a Good Impression and Presenting your Science Effectively hosted by the Graduate Education Committee
Capstone Event
- August 7 (all day, CPB Rooms 1-8): Summer Poster Symposium (detailed schedule is forthcoming)
Event Attire and Dress Code Policy
Dress Code
MD Anderson dress code is business casual. Most thermostats in our facilities are set at 75 degrees, but temperatures may seem cooler. Consider keeping a jacket, sweater or wrap at work. Consult your mentor regarding additional dress code requirements set by the department, including casual Fridays (some departments, but not all, allow jeans on Fridays). Students who plan to attend a Grand Rounds event scheduled on a Friday are advised not to wear jeans. Typical Houston summers are hot, humid and rainy, so please plan accordingly.
Acceptable Attire
- Trousers/slacks/khakis
- Knee-length skirts
- Casual dresses
- Collared button-down or polo-style shirts/blouses
- Jackets, blazers, sweaters, wraps
Unacceptable Attire
- Shorts
- Jeans that are torn or frayed
- T-shirts with slogans or advertising, other than MD Anderson shirts
- Flip-flops
- Hats
- Miniskirts
- Tops that are low-cut or that have a bare midriff
Event Attire
Professional attire (appropriate for a job interview) is recommended for the Poster Session.
- Men: Suit, long-sleeve dress shirt, slacks, tie or bow tie, vest, dress shoes
- Women: Dress suit or pantsuit, career dress (knee-length or below), career blouse/skirt, dress shoes or flats