Rising Stars in Metabolism Symposium
The Rising Stars in Metabolism Symposium recognizes exceptional, up-and-coming assistant professors and postdoctoral fellows whose innovative research is poised to deeply impact the metabolism field.
Additional details will be shared in the coming months. For questions, please contact Courtney Zirkle.
The program is in development. Stay tuned!
To be announced.
Chair and Professor, Department of Metabolism and Nutritional Programming
Director, Metabolism and Nutrition (MeNu) Program,
Van Andel Institute
Dr. Russell Jones investigates metabolism at the cellular level to understand how it affects cell behavior and health, with a specific eye on cancer and the immune system. By revealing how cancer cells use metabolic processes to fuel their growth and spread, Dr. Jones hopes to develop new treatments that help patients by changing the standard of care for cancer.
Assistant Professor, Department of Metabolism and Nutritional Programming, Van Andel Institute
Cancer cells have voracious appetites for nutrients and energy, which they use to grow and spread. Dr. Evan Lien searches for ways to deprive tumors of their fuel sources by exploring the molecular and biochemical interactions between diet, metabolism and cancer with the goal of developing breakthrough prevention and treatment strategies.
Research Program Manager, MeNu Program, Van Andel Institute
Dr. Kelsey Williams joined VAI in 2018 as a scientific project leader in the lab of Dr. Russell Jones, bringing experience in mass spectrometry, data visualization and project management. In 2021, she became the scientific program manager for the Institute’s Metabolism and Nutrition (MeNu) Program. In this role, Kelsey has sustainably increased the efficiency and quality of metabolism research at VAI, facilitating new collaborations and improving grant and paper submissions. She holds a Ph.D. in fiber and polymer science from North Carolina State University and is pursuing her MBA from Indiana University.
How do I get to VAI?
Van Andel Institute is located in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan, and is approximately 20 minutes from the Gerald R. Ford International Airport. VAI is conveniently located within walking distance of multiple local hotels. Rideshare and taxi services are available in Grand Rapids.
Looking for accommodations? Here are some close suggestions:
Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton — 187 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Distance to VAI: 0.6 miles
JW Marriott Grand Rapids — 235 Louis St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Distance to VAI: 0.7 miles
AC Hotel — 50 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Distance to VAI: 0.6 miles
Code of Conduct Guidelines
We are dedicated to providing a harassment-free, non-discriminatory symposium experience for all participants, regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, pregnancy, height, weight, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other personal characteristics covered by applicable law. We will not tolerate harassment of conference participants in any form. We expect participants at our events to engage in constructive and professional discussions at all times. Harassment can include unwelcomed attention, inappropriate comments or jokes that refer to sexual topics, requests for dates, or other sexual activities as well as the use of language that may demean or degrade individuals. These behaviors are not appropriate for any of our conference venues, including talks, workshops, networking sessions, poster sessions, social networking platforms, and other online media platforms. Any participant violating these guidelines will be removed from the symposium at the discretion of the conference organizers.
Anyone who has experienced the above, or who has witnessed such behavior, should notify Courtney Zirkle. Anonymous reporting may also be done through the EthicsPoint Hotline.
Event Details
Contact Info:
Email: Courtney Zirkle