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Medical College of Wisconsin Mellowes Center Events & Engagement Opportunities

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The Mellowes Center fosters professional growth and meaningful engagement across the research community, inviting colleagues to engage, connect, and discover together. Through seminars, educational programs, and collaborative events, the Center creates opportunities to exchange ideas, refine scientific thinking, and strengthen skills. These experiences support both individual development and interdisciplinary collaboration within a welcoming and intellectually rigorous environment.
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Thank you all for the time you took to speak and work with these impressionable young students. The discussions at school last week after your visit, on the bus ride home Monday, and the classroom upon return, involved a number of comments about how impressed they were with the facilities, the passion presenters had, the actual use of Biology terms "in a real-life job", and of course the lunch and bus! Please let everyone...know how positive the experience was for the students.

Joe Veierstahler, Biology & Life Science Teacher, Reagan College Preparatory High

April 2023

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Rare Diseases and Rare Cancers in the Era of Systems Biology Symposium

Pioneering the future of precision medicine begins with collaboration, bringing together multidisciplinary experts to exchange ideas and accelerate discovery. The Mellowes Center for Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine hosts its annual Rare Diseases and Rare Cancers Symposium to convene leading investigators at the forefront of innovation in patient-centered research. This exceptional gathering of nationally recognized and emerging scientists offers a forward-thinking, in-depth exploration of breakthroughs shaping the rare disease landscape. For those committed to advancing patient care, our symposium provides a powerful opportunity to connect with like-minded colleagues and experience the impact of science in action. This signature event is designed to inspire collaboration and spark the next wave of discovery.

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Student Engagement Opportunities

The Mellowes Center for Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine is proud to play an active role in the hands-on education of aspiring scientists and curious learners alike. Through a deep commitment to teaching and mentorship, our team generously shares its knowledge, expertise, and passion for science to engage and inspire the next generation. Participants gain exposure to precision medicine, genomics, data analytics, and the evolving future of healthcare in a collaborative and welcoming environment. Whether you are beginning your scientific journey or expanding your understanding, the Mellowes Center invites you to be part of an experience that brings discovery to life.

Mellowes Center Hosted Events

The Mellowes Center proudly hosts a dynamic portfolio of recurring activities designed to advance professional growth, collaboration, and scientific exchange. These Center-led gatherings offer researchers, trainees, staff, and partners to share ideas, discuss emerging work, and learn from one another in an open and welcoming environment. Each activity reflects the Center’s commitment to creating accessible opportunities for all members of the community. Open dialogue, skill development, and cross-disciplinary connection are encouraged. Join us and contribute to a culture that values shared knowledge and collective advancement.

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Journal Clubs

Engage with cutting-edge research through monthly journal clubs that highlight advances in sequencing, technology, bioinformatics, and clinical applications relevant to work across the Center. Recently published articles are presented by students, postdoctoral scholars, and faculty, with an emphasis on emerging methodologies and real-world application. Specialized journal clubs, including a focus on epigenomics, provide opportunities to connect new discoveries directly to ongoing research efforts. These sessions support continued learning, presentation skill development, and thoughtful group discussion.

Faculty Seminar Series

Explore ongoing and emerging research through a monthly seminar series featuring Center members and collaborators. Researchers share current progress, challenges, and future directions, creating space for interdisciplinary discussion and potential collaboration. Students and trainees gain exposure to the professional presentation of pre-published data and experience how research ideas evolve over time. The series fosters scientific exchange while strengthening connections across disciplines.

December 5, 2025
Young-In Chi, PhD
Assistant Professor, Surgery
“Mechanistic-based variant interpretations of motor proteins: myosin heavy chain (MYH6) and dynamin (DNM1)”

January 9, 2026
Aoy Tomita-Mitchell, PhD
Professor, Department of Surgery and Biomedical Engineering
“From Myosin to Morphogenesis: how MYH6 Variants shape Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome”

March 6, 2026
Joy Lincoln, PhD, FAHA
Chief Scientific Officer, Children’s Research Institute, Children’s Wisconsin
“Mechanisms of Aortic Stenosis in Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease”

April 17, 2026
William Hogan, MD
Director, Professor, Data Science Institute

June 5, 2026
Hui-Xi Chen, MD, PhD
Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine

June 6, 2026
Michael Zimmermann, PhD
Associate Professor, Data Science Institute

Annual Mini-Retreat

Connect with the broader research community during an annual full-day retreat that brings together faculty, staff, laboratory personnel, and affiliated partners. Presentations highlight recent accomplishments, future goals, and advances supported by the Center’s genomics research services. Attendees gain insight into the breadth of work happening across the Center and its collaborators. The retreat encourages reflection, shared learning, and cross-group engagement in a collaborative setting.

Employee-Led Professional Development

Share knowledge and build skills through a bi-weekly, staff-focused professional development series led by employees across the Center. Presentations span a wide range of topics, from practical software tools to communication strategies and workflow improvements. The informal, discussion-driven format encourages participation, peer learning, and idea exchange. This series highlights the diverse expertise within the Center and supports professional growth at all career stages.

Frontiers in Technology

Explore emerging technologies and innovative research tools through learning seminars designed to keep the MCW community informed and engaged with the latest advances in the field. Often hosted in partnership with industry collaborators, these sessions provide practical insights and opportunities to learn directly from technology experts. Topics range from new laboratory platforms and innovative tools to data analysis solutions and precision medicine applications. The interactive format encourages questions, discussion, and exploration while helping participants evaluate and adopt technologies that can enhance research, collaboration, and discovery.

Other MCW Events

Research Day

Hosted by the Office of Research, Research Day is a dynamic, campus-wide event designed to celebrate discovery and spark new ideas. The day brings together faculty, staff, learners, and postdocs to explore the breadth of research at MCW and connect across disciplines. Attendees can engage with research support services, attend inspiring talks, and discover innovative work through interactive poster sessions. With opportunities to learn, collaborate, and recognize outstanding achievements, Research Day highlights the vibrant research community at MCW. Join in the conversation, expand your network, and find new inspiration to advance your work.

Cores Day

Hosted by the Office of Research, Cores Day is an interactive event that provides participants the opportunity to discover the power of shared science at MCW. Here, you can explore advanced technologies and research resources available across the MCW campus and connect with expert scientists to learn how core facilities can support your work. Engage in conversations, ask questions, and uncover new opportunities to move your research forward.

Professionalism Week

The Mellowes Center is committed to fostering professional growth and collaboration across the research community – encouraging colleagues to engage, connect, and discover together. Through seminars, educational programs, and collaborative events, the Center creates opportunities for researchers to exchange ideas and strengthen scientific and professional skills in a supportive environment. By cultivating a welcoming and intellectually rigorous community, we invite those passionate about genomic sciences and precision medicine to learn, contribute, and grow together.

Contact Us

Linda T. and John A. Mellowes Center for Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine (Mellowes Center)
Medical College of Wisconsin
8701 Watertown Plank Rd.
Milwaukee, WI 53226

(414) 955-4887
(414) 955-6516 (fax)
mellowescenterinfo@mcw.edu

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