Event

Webinar Overview

Join us for an interactive webinar where you’ll get to know the members of our Trainee Council and hear their insights on key topics shaping the trainee experience.

This session will introduce the Trainee Council and highlight the role they play in supporting trainees, fostering community, and advocating for early-career researchers. Each council member will also share brief insights on topics relevant to navigating research, career development, and well-being.

• Introduction to the SfRBM Trainee Council and its mission

• Short talks from council members on key topics (e.g., work/life balance, literature review, networking, resilience, grant/funding applications, etc.)

• Opportunities to learn from diverse trainee experiences

• Live Q&A / discussion session

Mia Wilkinson (BScH)
18mw11@queensu.ca

Mia completed her BScH in Life Sciences at Queen’s University (Canada) before entering the Translational Medicine (TMED) Graduate Program as a Master’s student. She transitioned to the PhD program after her first year and is currently a fourth-year PhD Candidate in Dr. Kimberly Dunham-Snary’s lab, a CIHR Doctoral Scholar, and the 2026 Chair of the SfRBM Trainee Council.

In this webinar, Mia will provide an overview of the Trainee Council’s structure, initiatives, and opportunities for involvement. She will also speak to the importance of networking in early research careers, sharing practical strategies for building meaningful connections, and identifying mentors and sponsors who can support long-term professional growth.

Teresa Gluth
tdg0013@mix.wvu.edu

Teresa completed her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Computer Science at Clarion University (Pennsylvania). After working for a few years in data analytics, she returned to academics at West Virginia University for a Master's degree in Biomedical Science. She is currently enrolled as a fifth year MD/PhD candidate at West Virginia University and is studying the role of xanthine oxidase in adverse pregnancy outcomes under the mentorship of Dr. Lizzie Bowdridge.

During this webinar, Teresa will discuss how to deal with Imposter Syndrome, which most trainees experience at least once during their career. She will discuss what imposter syndrome is, how to identify it, and how to overcome it, especially in the context of rejection and failure. 

Rebecca Wall
rkmammel@vt.edu

Rebecca earned her Bachelor of Science in Genomics and Molecular Genetics and Human Biology from Michigan State University. She then moved to Virginia Tech to pursue her PhD in Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, working with Dr. Siobhan Criage, where her research investigates redox-sensitive mechanisms of acute exercise. 

Rebecca has extensive experience submitting grant proposals at both the college and national levels. In this webinar, she will share tips on finding and applying for competitive grants and on dealing with rejections. 

Pierre Laird
pierre18@vt.edu 

Pierre earned his Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise from Virginia Tech, with a focus on kinesiology and nutrition. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Cellular and Molecular Biology in the laboratory of Dr. Siobhan Craige at Virginia Tech, where his research focuses on the role of endothelial-derived nitric oxide in exercise physiology.

In this webinar, Pierre will present a structured workflow for literature review and synthesis, along with strategies for building and maintaining an effective note-taking system to support learning, scientific writing, and the development of new research questions.

Inge Claassen (BPharm/MSc)
iclaa001@fiu.edu

Inge completed her Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) in South Africa before pursuing a Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Science. She is now a PhD candidate in Biomedical Sciences at Florida International University, based at the Center for Translational Science in Port St. Lucie.

In this webinar, she will discuss what a “work/life balance” really looks like in research. Moving past the idea of having perfect balance to a more sustainable approach. She will touch on the unique challenges researchers face, share practical strategies for setting boundaries and managing workload, as well as highlight the importance of both individual habits and supportive research environments in preventing burnout.