The third annual Rutgers Conference for Rising Stars in Graduate Research 2026, held at the Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine on March 12, was led by Organizing Committee Chair Barbara Gruszka. The conference brought together 120 participants from across all three Rutgers campuses and featured 52 submitted abstracts, 45 poster presentations, 6 selected student talks, 18 judges, and 3 industry vendors. A highlight of the program was the “Beyond the Bench” career panel led by Thermo Fisher Scientific, offering valuable perspectives on career pathways beyond academia.
Now in its third year, the Rising Stars Conference is dedicated to supporting the holistic development of graduate students in research-based fields, particularly those with limited conference experience. The event aims to demystify the structure of scientific meetings through interactive poster sessions, engaging talks, and curated networking opportunities, equipping trainees with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to navigate graduate school and future careers.
The organizers gratefully acknowledge the support of sponsors and partners, including VWR (part of Avantor), Thermo Fisher Scientific, Eppendorf, and PTC Therapeutics. Additional thanks go to the Graduate Student Association of Rutgers New Brunswick for sponsoring breakfast, and to Thermo Fisher Scientific for sponsoring lunch. Special recognition is given to Tamika Burns for her dedication and support, as well as to the panelists for sharing their industry expertise.
The conference was made possible through the efforts of the Rising Stars Committee—Liisa Veerus, Margot Shumaker, Xinyi Miao, Cindy Muco, and Jonathan Phan—along with numerous volunteers, judges, and CABM staff.
Congratulations are extended to the 2026 poster and presentation award winners: Joycelyn Radeny, Isabel Brandtjen, Maria Schwarz, Morgan Atkinson, Priya Chary, and Sophia Maddocks, whose work showcased excellence in both scientific rigor and communication across a wide range of disciplines.