More than 150 posters lined the Rodbell Auditorium, lobby, and surrounding hallways on the morning of July 31 as NIEHS hosted Summer Science Day. The event served as both a celebration of discovery and a chance to strengthen the institute’s research community.

“Summer Science Day brought everybody together to share their science,” said event co-organizer Katy Hamilton, who oversees the internship and postbaccalaureate programs in the Office of Fellows’ Carer Development (OFCD) at NIEHS. “This event provided our fellows an excellent opportunity to practice communication skills in a friendly environment. It’s more important than ever to be able to communicate our science to the public.”

Graduate students, early-career trainees, research fellows, biologists, and staff scientists shared projects spanning molecular biology, toxicology, epidemiology, and structural biology — reflecting the collaborative, multidisciplinary nature of environmental health research at NIEHS.

Shared experiences

For postbaccalaureate fellow Maty Mbye, Summer Science Day provided a welcome opportunity to discuss her research on the hidden perils of botanicals, specifically how some herbal supplements can harm liver cells. Since March, Mbye has been working in the Mechanistic Toxicology Branch under the mentorship of Stephen Ferguson, Ph.D. She described the experience as both challenging and rewarding.

“I’m learning a lot, not just about the science but also about myself,” said Mbye, who plans to apply for M.D.-Ph.D. programs next year. “I’ve realized I can tolerate a lot of failure and keep going. That’s a big part of research.”

Postdoctoral fellow Ruchir Bobde, Ph.D., also appreciated the chance to present. Bobde is a structural biologist working in the lab of Carlos Guardia, Ph.D., where he studies a part of the placenta known as the syncytiotrophoblast — a unique multinucleated cell layer crucial for exchanging nutrients between mother and fetus. His work focuses on understanding how a protein called syncytin drives the fusion of cells to form this layer. Disruptions in this process can lead to pregnancy complications like preeclampsia.

Bobde said he particularly enjoyed engaging with colleagues outside his discipline during the Summer Science Day. 

“I got a lot of questions and suggestions from people in different research areas, and that really helped me see my project from new angles,” he said. “It was also great to explore other posters and gather ideas for my own work.”

Strong support network

Many presentations explored the environmental underpinnings of complex health conditions. Farnaz Fouladi, Ph.D., a staff scientist in the Constrained Statistical Inference Group led by Shyamal Peddada, Ph.D., presented findings from a study examining how the gut microbiome may influence susceptibility to HIV infection. Her analysis revealed distinct microbial patterns and interactions linked to inflammation and disease progression in men who became HIV positive.

Fouladi said she liked hearing about the breadth of research underway at NIEHS.

“It’s nice because we get to learn what’s happening across the institute,” she said. “Sometimes it’s just good to meet people, network, and catch up with colleagues.”

In addition to specific research projects, the event’s presentations also featured various NIEHS resources and core facilities, such as the Pathology Support Group, which plays a valuable behind-the-scenes role in many research projects.

“We want to make scientists aware that we are here to support them,” emphasized Renee Fisher, supervisory biologist in the Comparative and Molecular Pathology Branch.

From project planning to publication, Fisher and her team offer expert consultation and guidance every step of the way. Their mission is to ensure researchers never feel alone in navigating complex scientific challenges because collaboration is key to advancing discovery.

Summer Science Day was sponsored by OFCD, the Division of Intramural Research, and the Division of Translational Toxicology. Organizers included Hans Luecke, Ph.D., Mercy Arana, Ph.D., Hamilton, and Charles Lipford.