Retreat participants at the Boar’s Head Resort in Charlottesville
The Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics (MPBP) at the University of Virginia School of Medicine held its annual departmental retreat on October 14, 2025, at the Boar’s Head Resort in Charlottesville, Virginia. The event drew a wonderful turnout of faculty, trainees, and staff for a day filled with cutting-edge science, collaboration, and community.
The retreat featured a State of the Department address, three scientific platform sessions, and presentations by the Wladek Minor Best Paper Awardees and Tamm Postdoctoral Research
Keynote address given by Mark Esser, PhD, chief scientific officer and head of the Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology.
Awardees. The highlight of the program was the keynote lecture Mark Esser, PhD, chief scientific officer and head of the Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology, who shared inspiring insights into UVA’s growing biotechnology enterprise and the power of collaborative innovation.
In his remarks, Dr. Esser emphasized the collective effort shaping the Manning Institute’s mission, noting that “we are in this together – scientists, clinicians, and innovators across UVA – building a future where “transforming science into medicines” will make a real impact for patients in Virginia and around the world.”
During his State of the Department Address, Ling Qi, PhD, chair of MPBP, reflected on the department’s progress and future vision. “The state of our department is strong – and getting stronger – thanks to the hard work, creativity, and dedication of the people who make up this incredible community,” said Dr. Qi. “Our shared commitment to excellence in research, education, and mentorship continues to propel us forward and inspire the next generation of scientists.”
Yun-Chi Tu (Tsai lab) and Maciej Gluc (Jomaa lab) received the Wladek Minor Best Paper Award, while Helen Wang, PhD, (Qi lab) and Louis Wilson, PhD, (Zimmer lab) were honored with the Lukas Tamm Postdoctoral Research Award.
Votes for the best platform talks went to Rachel DeLancey (Kuyumcu-Martinez lab grad. student), and Tyler Reagle (Levental lab postdoc). Votes for the best posters Hannah Cannon (Levental and Kenworthy labs grad student), and Luke Dunaway (Isakson lab postdoc).
Attendees also participated in poster sessions, roundtable discussions, and enjoyed shared meals and a lively social hour to close the day.
Feedback from participants has been tremendously positive. Attendees praised the venue, program quality, and scientific depth, describing the retreat as “a great mix of good science, good company, and good energy.”
“Thank you to everyone who shared their science and helped make the day such a big success,” Anne Kenworthy, PhD, vice chair for research and chair of the Organization Committee, added.
The Organizing Committee also included Ilya Levental, PhD, Brant Isakson, PhD, Ahmad Jomaa, PhD, and Ajit Tiwari, PhD, as well as trainees Helen Wang, PhD, and Maciej Gluc, and staff members Pam Acker and Jennifer Smith. The Postdoctoral Association Committee was involved in selecting abstracts for oral presentation.