TPSC 2026 Symposium

The Translational Plant Sciences Center (TPSC) recently held their annual “Rooted in Translation” Symposium and Summit, which was organized by Clay Wright and Allie Igwe and Jordan Bass, and featured two guest speakers: Jenn Brophy, assistant professor of bioengineering at Stanford University and Anne  Phillips, plant pathologist and microbiologist at NewLeaf Symbiotics.

The event included several presentations from students and additional talks by Kong Wong, biological systems engineering; Carrie Fearer, forest resources and environmental conservation; and Priya Voothuluru, school of plant and environmental conservation. A panel discussion was followed by a poster event showcasing the students’ recent work, a reception, and an awards ceremony.

Winners of the poster competitions included the following:
Short Talks: Abigail Masri
VT Staff Posters: Matilda Cashman
Undergraduate Student Posters: Julia Lane and Mae Hajjaj
Graduate Student Posters: Matheus Ogando do Granja
Postdoctoral Posters: Hua Yan and Janet Lorv

The Summit provided attendees with additional opportunities to workshop together and share ideas for future endeavors.

Also in attendance at the Symposium were ten prospective graduate students recruited by Jason Holliday and Courtney Leisner.

“The oral and poster presentations were outstanding, and I really enjoyed seeing so many familiar and new faces together,” said David Schmale, TPSC director in a letter to the TPSC community. “I also appreciated the candid panel discussion, especially the thoughtful exchanges around trust, process, and accountability.

Another year lauded as a success.