WICB Events at Cell Bio 2025
WICB Events at Cell Bio 2025
The Women in Cell Biology (WICB) Committee invites you to join us for an exceptional lineup of events at Cell Bio 2025 in Philadelphia, offering vital support, celebration, and candid conversation for scientists at every career stage. From practical guidance for early-career faculty and discussions on work-life balance to honoring scientific leaders and innovative sessions on building a fulfilling career, the WICB events are a cornerstone of the conference community. We welcome all attendees to participate in these enriching activities. Stay tuned for the full conference program, which will provide location details.
- Saturday, 12/6, 12:00 -1:00 pm
WICB Roundtable ‘Managing Uncertainty While Staying Productive’
The WICB Committee invites you to join a roundtable discussion on navigating uncertainty in scientific careers while maintaining motivation and productivity. Whether facing funding delays, career transitions, or unexpected experimental outcomes, uncertainty is an inevitable part of research life. This session will focus on practical strategies for managing stress, sustaining creativity, and finding balance during uncertain times. Participants will share experiences, discuss coping tools, and explore how mentorship and community can help scientists thrive amid unpredictability. - Saturday, 12/6, 2:45-3:30 pm
Education, Professional Development, Diversity and Inclusion (EPDI) Session: Early Career Women Faculty Development
This panel will explicitly focus on guiding women faculty who are pre-tenure. Drs. Megan King, Bettina Winckler, and Mary Munson will provide expertise in navigating critical decisions at the pre-tenure stage through the lens of the additional barriers and burdens that women faculty face
- Sunday, 12/7, 12:00 -12:45 pm
WICB Roundtable ‘Childcare in Academia: Challenges and Solutions’
The WICB Committee welcomes you to attend a roundtable discussion focused on Childcare in Academia. This discussion will center around the challenges faced by scientists when balancing a career in academia with the demands of childcare. How can we successfully navigate an academic career that is balanced with the needs of family life? Hear from faculty members about the strategies they have used to address this challenge, including accessing institutional resources, communicating openly with colleagues, and building strong support systems. Join us for an open, honest, and practical discourse about juggling career and family care responsibilities.
- Sunday, 12/7, 4:00 – 6:00 pm
Sandra Masur Senior Leadership Award Address, During Distinguished Awards Session
The Sandra K. Masur Senior Leadership Award recognizes a senior scientist—woman or man—who has demonstrated both scientific excellence and a strong commitment to mentoring and advancing the careers of the next generation of scientists. This year, we honor Kristen Verhey, Professor of Cell and Developmental Biology at the University of Michigan. Dr. Verhey will deliver a scientific lecture in this session.
- Monday, 12/8, 11:00 am -12:00 pm
Scripts of Success: Award-Winning Scientists Take the Stage with Humor and Honesty
This event will begin with a presentation of the annual WICB Awards for Excellence in Research, which recognize and celebrate the outstanding contributions made by remarkable scientists to the field of cell biology. Nominator Dr. Martin Engelke will introduce Dr. Kristen Verhey, the esteemed recipient of the Sandra K. Masur Senior Leadership Award. Nominator Dr. James Olzmann will introduce Dr. Sarah Cohen, our Junior Award for Research Excellence Awardee. Drs. Verhey and Cohen will each briefly share personal insights into their unique career journey, discussing the significant impact of their work and reflecting on how they have skillfully navigated a professional path that balances high-level scientific achievement with deep, meaningful contributions to the broader scientific community.The event will then transition to its central feature: a series of creatively engaging and thought-provoking theatrical skits. These performances will explore a range of pivotal moments and common challenges encountered throughout a scientist’s career, spanning critical stages from graduate school and postdoctoral training, through to the complexities of securing and thriving in faculty positions. These skits are designed to prompt discussions and personal reflections on how one can intentionally build a fulfilling and sustainable career that values both groundbreaking research and active community engagement. This includes essential aspects such as mentorship, advocacy, and the crucial work of fostering a truly inclusive and supportive scientific environment for all.
After the skits, the actors will transition into panelists, leading an open-ended discussion with the audience. This interactive session will provide a collaborative space for attendees to reflect on the themes presented, share their experiences and challenges, and discuss practical strategies for navigating a career trajectory that integrates scientific excellence with leadership, mentorship, and dedicated service to the broader community.
In addition to engaging discussions, this event offers a valuable opportunity for attendees to connect with WICB members, learn more about the role of WICB within ASCB and beyond, and explore how WICB supports scientists at all career stages. Whether you are seeking mentorship, professional development, or opportunities to contribute to a more inclusive and equitable scientific environment, this event offers a welcoming space for conversation and connection.
This event aims to foster meaningful dialogue, provide mentorship opportunities, and inspire scientists at all career stages to pursue a career path that is both impactful and fulfilling.
- Monday, 12/8, 12:00 – 12:45 pm
WICB Roundtable, ‘Meet the members of the Women in Cell Biology (WICB) committee and discuss issues of interest to our community’
The WICB Committee advocates on behalf of all ASCB members. The members of WICB sponsor career development initiatives, highlight career achievements through the WICB awards, support the childcare grants to help ASCB members attend the national meeting, author career advice columns, and host online discussion sessions on current topics that impact our community. Come meet the members of this committee and learn more about the new initiatives that WICB is tackling. We are interested in your story and career path and are eager to meet you and welcome the opportunity to discuss the challenges and triumphs you have faced on your career journey.
- Monday, 12/8, 5:30-6:30 pm
WICB Junior Award for Research Excellence address, During Emerging Leader Awards Session
The WICB Junior Award for Excellence in Research honors early-career women scientists who have made exceptional contributions to cell biology during their initial years of independent research. This year, we honor Sarah Cohen, Associate Professor of Cell Biology and Physiology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dr. Cohen will deliver a scientific lecture in this session.
- Tuesday, 12/9, 4:00 -5:00 pm
EPDI Session: Thriving in Uncertain Times–Navigating Career and Funding Challenges
Drs. Iain Cheeseman, Kandice Tanner, Needhi Bhalla, and Jaye Gardiner will lead this panel discussion. In an era marked by fluctuating funding landscapes and uncertainties, it is crucial to reflect on how these changes impact our careers and the broader scientific community. The session invites attendees to engage in a thought-provoking discussion on the current challenges in science funding and career development, and to explore strategies for adapting and thriving amidst these uncertainties. Join us for an insightful exploration into the future of scientific careers and funding, where we challenge existing norms, envision new possibilities, and strive to create a resilient and adaptable scholarly ecosystem.
From the opening EPDI session guiding pre-tenure women faculty to the final discussion on navigating funding challenges, the WICB schedule is packed with opportunities for growth, connection, and inspiration. We designed these events to empower you with practical strategies, celebrate remarkable achievements, and foster a more inclusive and supportive scientific community. Be sure to add these “can’t-miss sessions” to your conference itinerary—we look forward to seeing you there!