Events
CEMINAR
The most important community-oriented activity we sponsor is CEMINAR, formerly MicroMorning, a monthly seminar series where students and postdocs in the CEMI program present their work. Usually 2 individuals present 20-25 min talks (+ 5 min questions) to fill the hour, but on rare occasions we invite an outside speaker. CEMINAR is primarily designed to provide CEMI students and postdocs with an opportunity to practice giving a formal talk to a friendly Caltech audience. Numerous collaborations have been sparked between labs at Caltech thanks to creative connections made during these seminars. View past CEMINARS
CEMINAR
4:00-5:00pm Chen 100
5:00-5:30pm Socializing (snacks and drinks will be provided)
UPCOMING
Wednesday, April 10, 2024, 4:00 pm
4:00-5:00pm Chen 100
5:00-5:30pm Socializing (snacks and drinks will be provided)
"Inhibiting the GET pathway in H. sapiens and P. falciparum"
Juliet Lee
Clemons Lab
Correct targeting and insertion of membrane proteins is essential to cellular processes from signaling to vesicular fusion. The Guided Entry of Tail-anchored proteins (GET) pathway targets and inserts membrane proteins with a single C-terminal transmembrane helix into the ER. The role of GET pathway client proteins in the retrograde transport of bacterial toxins and viruses makes the pathway a potential therapeutic target. Hydrogen-deuterium exchange studies and cryo-electron microscopy provide insight into the structure and inhibition of human GET pathway chaperone Get3. Furthermore, ongoing experiments seek to understand the GET pathway in the malarial parasite P. falciparum, also with the potential of Get3 inhibition.
"Establishing symbiosis in the squid-vibrio system: The power of scRNA-seq and a look into the skin"
Vera Beilinson
McFall-Ngai Lab
Examining the intricate symbiotic bond between the Hawaiian bobtail squid (Euprymna scolopes) and its partner, Vibrio fischeri, presents a unique opportunity to unravel the initial stages of symbiosis in a natural setting. This presentation delves into the application of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to analyze gene expression patterns in both host and bacterial cells within the symbiotic relationship. By using methodologies in bacterial scRNA-seq, we can uncover insights into gene expression dynamics during symbiosis. Additionally, we investigate the squid's skin's remarkable ability to detect its symbiont in the surrounding water. Through molecular and physiological analyses, we uncover the mechanisms underlying this sensory capability, highlighting the intricate host-microbe communication and coevolutionary adaptations.
Social Events
In addition to CEMINAR, CEMI sponsors social events during the academic year:
Fall Poster Sessions: All CEMI labs present one or more posters on their lab’s research. This helps incoming/current students and postdocs remain up-to-date on that latest research projects going on across the campus. One attractive feature of Caltech is that students admitted in any graduate program are welcome to rotate in any lab (as long as the lab is taking students), so this poster session can open up new interests and areas for exploration. It also can spawn new collaborations between labs.
Spring Lectures and Evening Gala: To celebrate the start of the calendar year, we invite a keynote speaker from outside Caltech to give a seminar, plus a few shorter talks by assistant professors or postdocs at Caltech and other local universities. These “Spring Lectures” are open to anyone interested. As a companion event, we hold a formal gathering for a limited number of CEMI sponsors, faculty, and students and postdocs currently being supported by CEMI grants. The evening’s entertainment is organized by a different CEMI lab each year, and the evening culminates with a presentation of the “CEMI Oscars” (we are close to Hollywood, after all…), roasting CEMI members for notable achievements in the past year, all in good fun. View past lectures
Spring Happy Hour: In recognition of the fact that sometimes the most inspired ideas come when we least expect them, we promote casual conversation between all members of the CEMI community supplemented with drinks and food at the start of the spring term (no posters required!).
CEMI Spring Celebration of Science: This hour-long science program featured short lightning talks from CEMI graduate students and postdocs followed by time to talk with the speakers and socialize with our CEMI colleagues. The inaugural event was held on May 12, 2021.
Workshops
CEMI occasionally supports training courses at Caltech that provide members of the CEMI community with an opportunity for intensive training in a particular area. Any member of the CEMI community is welcome to suggest a topic for a workshop. Please contact the CEMI administrator if you have an idea. View past workshops