Nearly 100 scholars from Utah State University (USU) convened on October 23-24 for the 16th annual Hansen Life Sciences Retreat. The event focused on sharing research ideas and exploring common challenges within the life sciences field.
Parth Patel, a master’s student in plant science, noted that the retreat has been beneficial for networking with fellow researchers. “I just started graduate studies in plant science, after completing a bachelor’s degree in computer science,” Patel said. “The retreat has been helpful to me in getting in contact with other researchers studying life sciences.”
David Guevara, a computer science doctoral candidate, also presented his research at the retreat. He described his work on protein-protein interactions and disease mechanisms, stating, “When I started graduate studies, I didn’t know a lot about molecular biology. The Hansen Retreat has put me in touch with researchers across USU who have become helpful collaborators.”
The retreat aims to foster interdisciplinary connections among scholars from various backgrounds. Lance Seefeldt, professor and head of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, emphasized the importance of collaboration, saying, “We’re all part of the same university, but we don’t always have opportunities to get to know each other and build collaborative relationships.”
Participation included over 35 undergraduate and graduate students who presented research posters, designed to showcase their efforts and enhance communication skills. The two-day event featured a keynote address by neuroscientist Colin Saldanha from American University and included oral presentations from graduate students and faculty across multiple departments.
Tianyu Chen, a doctoral candidate in biological engineering, expressed enthusiasm for the insights shared at the gathering. “I was excited to hear from researchers who work with actual human and animal brains,” Chen said, highlighting the collaborative exchange of ideas in fields related to microtissue engineering.
At the conclusion of the retreat, several students received awards for their poster presentations, including Tianyu Chen, Gabriella Ehmann, Sobita Kunwar, Summer Oakes, and Mason Rapier. Edna Armah, Sofiia Hakh, Vincent Rossi, and Andrew Williams were recognized for their outstanding lightning pitches. Hakh was awarded the “Lightning Lamp” trophy for her presentation on protein family enzymes.
The retreat also featured presentations by students, including Ken Wachtel and Kadin Crosby, as well as faculty members Rachel Doser, Karen Kapheim, and Jennyfer Mora Mitchell.
Celebrating its 16th year, the retreat has grown significantly from its early days when it began with just three research labs. Seefeldt remarked on the evolution of the event, stating, “It’s exciting to see how it’s grown into USU’s premier life sciences research event.”
The retreat honors R. Gaurth Hansen, a former USU biochemist whose leadership and advocacy for student research significantly contributed to the university’s research capabilities. Hansen’s legacy continues through support from his family, including his son, Nobel Laureate Lars Peter Hansen.
