Velez Presents at National M.D., Ph.D. Student Conference

Keystone, CO — Gabe Velez, an M.D., Ph.D. student in Dr. Mahajan’s lab, was selected to give a poster presentation at the 33^rdAnnual National M.D., Ph.D. Student Conference.

Gabe’s poster, “Structural and functional analysis of the human Calpain-5 proteolytic core,” detailed his current research at Stanford University to determine the crystal structure of Calpain-5 (CAPN5), a poorly-understood protease linked to Autosomal Dominant Neovascular Inflammatory Vitreoretinopathy.

Gabe received a travel award from the University of Iowa’s Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) to attend the conference.

The annual conference, organized by University of Colorado MSTP students, was focused on physician-scientist career development and networking. It also provided an opportunity for M.D., Ph.D. students from across the country to showcase their exciting Ph.D. thesis research. Distinguished faculty, nationally prominent lecturers, and renowned physician-scientists held lectures, panel discussions, and interactive presentations focused on current translational research, developing diagnostic technologies, and emerging career opportunities for M.D., Ph.D. students. There were also opportunities for students to explore the beautiful hiking trails in Keystone, CO. 

“I really appreciated the student-led nature of the conference,” Gabe said. “It was a great opportunity for me to network with other M.D., Ph.D. students and hear about the diverse research interests of my colleagues. There were presentations ranging from animal models and genomics to structural biology and medicinal chemistry. I especially enjoyed the physician-scientist training program (PSTP) residency showcase.”