November Edition #2 | Call For Abstracts, Networking Tips, and More! 🔎🌐
Written by: Hira Abid, Saba Halabisaz, Emily Martin
Hey UofT Community!
Welcome to the URSA newsletter! 🎉 In this issue, you’ll learn more about promoting your research at the URSA Synergy Conference and get an inside scoop on research tips and tricks from our Research Advice Column! 📝 Stay connected and don’t miss out! 🚀💡
In This Issue:
CALL FOR ABSTRACTS!
Opportunities on the Horizon
Research Advice Column
Networking Tips
Publication Highlights
Synergy Cancer Research Conference: Call For Abstracts 🗣️
Hello UofT Students!
The UofT Undergraduate Research Students’ Association (UofT URSA) is thrilled to host Synergy: Cancer Research Conference– an event dedicated to interdisciplinary research in cancer. We welcome students from all areas, including but not limited to oncology, cell biology, social sciences, and health policy, to SUBMIT YOUR ABSTRACTS!
This conference is open to research on any cancer-related topic. Whether your project involves biomedical research, social determinants of health, or rehabilitation, we invite you to submit an abstract. Presentation opportunities include:
Oral Talks (~10 minutes)
Flash Oral Talks (~3 minutes)
Poster Presentations
The deadline for submitting your abstract is December 31st, 11:59 PM via the form attached.
Join us to connect with peers, gain insight into current cancer research, and share your journey as a researcher. We look forward to seeing you there!
📸 For more information, visit our Instagram @uoftursa
UHN Information Session 🏨
November 27, 2024 12:00 - 1:00 pm | Location: Online
The University Health Network is hosting a virtual information session on how to obtain a paid summer research position. They will provide information on UHN summer research programs and tips and tricks for applying to lower the barrier to obtaining a position! 🌟
Effective Networking Tips for Engaging with Professors and PIs at Research Events
Do Your Homework
Research the professors or principal investigators (PIs) attending the event. Learn about their current research, recent publications, and lab focuses. Being familiar with their work shows genuine interest and preparation.Prepare an Elevator Pitch
Have a brief 1–2 sentence introduction ready about yourself. Include your academic background, research interests, and goals.Ask Thoughtful Questions
Engage with professors by asking insightful questions about their research. For example:“I noticed you recently published a paper on [topic]. What inspired you to explore this area?”
Follow Up After the Event
Send a polite, concise email or LinkedIn message thanking them for their time. Reference something specific from your conversation to show you were attentive.
Example: “Thank you for taking the time to speak with me about your research on [topic]. I enjoyed learning about your recent findings, and I hope to stay connected.”Attend Their Talks or Seminars
If the professor or PI is presenting, attend their session and refer to it in your conversation:
“I enjoyed your talk earlier about [topic]—I found your explanation of [specific point] fascinating.”Network with Their Graduate Students
Grad students often know about the professor’s lab culture and can give advice on joining. They might also recommend you if you make a good impression.
Have a question you've been eager to ask? Share it with us, and the URSA team will provide you with expert tips and insider advice!
Indigenous women in Canada face numerous health and social challenges, including domestic violence. They are six times more likely to be killed and 2.5 times more likely to be victims of violence compared to non-Indigenous women. This high level of violence is linked to the lasting effects of colonization and forced assimilation, which have caused intergenerational trauma, discrimination, poverty, and social exclusion in Indigenous communities.
Many Indigenous women live in remote areas with limited access to support services, which are typically located in larger cities and designed for the mainstream population. These programs often lack cultural understanding and fail to provide the safety and relevance Indigenous women need. Indigenous culture, deeply connected to the natural world and spirituality, requires services that honour their cultural identity. The concept of "cultural safety" involves creating environments where Indigenous people feel respected, understood, and safe in every way. It is crucial to advocate for domestic violence programs that respect and understand Indigenous cultural identities, providing the care and safety these women deserve.
🪶 Read the full article by Donna Klingspohn for more information about domestic violence services that are culturally safe and effective for Indigenous women in Canada.