Junior Faculty Biomedical Research Association

Meetings 2025-2026

PANELISTS

Elaine Hill, PhD
 Dean’s Professor, Department of Public Health Services
 Co-director of Engagement, Institute for Human Health and the Environment

B Paige Lawrence, PhD
 Wright Family Research Professor and Chair of Environmental Medicine

Learning objectives:

At the conclusion of this session, the learners will be able to:

1) Recognize the importance of the specific aims page and what role it plays in the grant review process

2) Describe how to structure a specific aims page for maximal impact

3) Appreciate how different research fields approach the specific aims page

JFBRA is excited to welcome Dr. Richard McGee to lead the upcoming workshop "Establishing External Networks and Mentorship" on January 28, 2026 at 12pm (virtual).

Dr. Richard McGee Jr., PhD
Associate Dean for Professional Development
Professor, Medical Education
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine

Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this activity, participants should be able to:

     1) Create and maintain external networks and mentors

     2) Recognize the benefits of external mentorship

     3) Identify ways to improve their networking skills

We invite you to submit any questions you have in advance so that Dr. McGee can prepare his responses. Submit Questions Here

Mission

The School of Medicine and Dentistry, Junior Faculty Biomedical Research Association (JFBRA) is an academic peer group designed to serve the unique needs of early-stage PhD and MD faculty to promote their success in scientific discovery, funding, publications, mentoring, teaching and service to the University of Rochester and the greater Rochester community.

Purpose and Goals

• Provide a forum for junior faculty to interact and to discuss the tasks and challenges that they face in establishing successful independent research programs
• Foster collaborations among basic research and clinical research faculty
• Facilitate communication among junior faculty through newsletters, emails, and JFBRA meetings

Target Group Members

Any junior faculty starting an independent research program in basic, translational, and/or clinical sciences. Examples include but are not limited to Assistant Professors in the early stages of their careers, Research Assistant Professors and Senior Instructors.

Meeting Format

• Discussion groups to provide peer support for specific topics (decided by group)
• Interactive presentations and mentoring from senior faculty
• Structured networking sessions with junior faculty

JFBRA Leadership

Co-Directors

Jonathan I. Leckenby, MBBS, PhD
Assistant Professor of Surgery, Plastic Surgery
Assistant Professor of Neuroscience

Souvarish Sarkar, PhD
Assistant Professor of Environmental Medicine
Assistant Professor of Neuroscience