This past weekend, our department hosted its annual retreat at Wrightsville Beach. It offered a balance of community-building activities, scientific presentations, as well as opportunities to connect with alumni. The setting provided the perfect environment to step away from our daily academic routine and focus on both professional growth and social connection.
A key component of the retreat was the talks presented by faculty and trainees. They highlighted ongoing research within our department, covering a range of topics that spanned from tumor immunology to infectious diseases. Informal and insightful, they encouraged questions and discussion among attendees. The result was a deeper understanding of broader immunology research being performed at Duke that will undoubtedly lead to future collaborations.
Another valuable session was a career panel featuring alumni from our department. Joining us were Chaoran Li (2014), Jessica Shannon (2022) and Jeremy Ratiu (2022). Now working in various fields, they shared their experiences and advice on navigating life after graduate school. Their insights into career transitions and skill-building were particularly helpful for those of us contemplating our own next steps.
The Immunology Graduate Program helped me tremendously to prepare and advance my scientific career. I developed my skills in critical thinking, experimental design, scientific writing, and communications. I was also very fortunate to be supported by great mentors throughout my graduate study, who have made a major impact on who I am right now. I appreciate the opportunity to come back and to share my experience with the younger generation of students and trainees. I will forever be a Duke Blue Devil.
- Chaoran Li ‘14, Assistant Professor at Emory University
The retreat also included a team building exercise centered around communication styles. The workshop provided valuable insights into how different individuals express and interpret information, highlighting the importance of adapting communication for various contexts.
There was time to unwind and enjoy the beach where the water was a balmy 77 degrees. On the last night, trivia games brought an extra layer of fun and friendly competition, as everyone worked together to recall obscure facts and show off their knowledge.
As we return to the lab and our daily schedules, the conversations and connections made over these few days will continue to influence our work and our growth as a department.