Pfizer scientist to speak at Sigma Xi NE Regional Research Conference hosted by WCSU

With the COVID-19 pandemic fresh in the minds of scientists and researchers, the annual Sigma Xi Northeastern Regional Research Conference this year will feature a Keynote Address by Dr. Morten Sogaard, vice president of Target Sciences, Emerging Science & Innovation, at Pfizer Worldwide R&D.

Sogaard will discuss “Application of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence as a Driver of Productivity and Drug Discovery and Development” and its implications on the development of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine. The conference is free and open to the public, and will take place virtually on Saturday, April 17. Register to attend here.

This year’s annual conference will feature a virtual celebration of interdisciplinary research and learning opportunities. Attendees will discover how research design and evaluation can help navigate a scientific career in college and beyond. The event is hosted by the WCSU Chapter of Sigma Xi, the honor society for interdisciplinary research in the sciences and engineering. This conference provides an opportunity for students and professionals to engage in conversation about study and research opportunities, and to network with other Sigma Xi researchers from the Northeastern United States.

The meeting will be held virtually via WebEx. A link to the meeting will be sent out by 9 a.m. on April 17 to registrants. The schedule is as follows:

9:30 – 10 a.m.: The Hall of Possibilities. Visit with diverse researchers searching for students and interns. Learn about their programs and how you can participate.

10:05 a.m.: Welcome Address by Dr. Theodora Pinou, Event Chair; Dr. Missy Alexander, WCSU Provost; and Dr. Michelle Brown, WCSU Macricostas School of Arts & Sciences Dean

10:20 a.m.: Presentation of the WCSU Sigma Xi Chapter Service Award to Eugene Santos, Director of the Northeast Region, by Dr. Hannah Reynolds, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences

10:25 – 10:45 a.m.: Meeting Theme Opening Comments: “Computational Biology and Machine Learning,” and Introduction of Keynote Speaker by Dr. Stavros Christofi, Department of Mathematics

10:50 a.m.: Keynote Speaker, Dr. Morten Sogaard, Vice President Target Sciences, Pfizer Worldwide R&D. Talk Title: “Application of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence as a Driver of Productivity and Drug Discovery and Development”

11:30 – 11:40 a.m. – Questions from the audience

11:40 – noon: Breakout Session: “Time with Morten Sogaard”

Noon: Meeting Concludes

For more information, send an email to pinout@wcsu.edu.