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Science & Collaboration: Highlights from the BCMM Retreat
Our second BCMM Retreat at the Chaminade Resort and Spa in Santa Cruz, CA was a resounding success, bringing together over 60 participants for an inspiring and productive event. The retreat provided a unique opportunity to exchange cutting-edge research, foster collaborations, and enjoy a variety of community-building activities. The program featured science talks delivered by graduate students, postdocs, and faculty, showcasing the breadth and depth of research within our community. The evening poster session and reception were particularly memorable, sparking dynamic discussions and forging new connections that have already led to exciting collaborations. In addition to scientific presentations, discussion sessions between trainees and faculty offered valuable insights into the needs and aspirations of our community.
Reflecting on the retreat’s tremendous success, we are thrilled to announce that planning for our next retreat is already underway. Stay tuned for updates on what’s to come!
| | Fall Workshops: Advance Your Microbiome Skills and Career | | |
This fall, BCMM is excited to offer two engaging workshops to support researchers in advancing their skills and careers.
Led by Dr. Lu Yang, the Microbiome Data Analysis Workshop Series provides a beginner-friendly introduction to microbiome research, offering practical, hands-on training to process, analyze, and interpret sequencing data.
For those seeking to navigate NIH funding mechanisms, Dr. Slavena Vylkova’s workshop on F32 and K Awards will offer valuable insights into the application process, along with resources and strategies to craft competitive proposals. Both workshops are designed to empower UCSF graduate students, postdocs, trainees, and early-career researchers. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your expertise and take your research to the next level.
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Microbiome Travel Awards
We are excited to offer up to $1,000 in travel awards for trainees and research staff to attend microbiome-focused workshops, conferences, or other training opportunities, including virtual and in-person events. Priority will be given to applicants who are members (active or membership pending), have an ongoing project focused on microbiome research, and are either trainees or research staff without terminal degrees. Applications are reviewed quarterly, with upcoming deadlines on November 20, 2025; January 22, 2026; and April 23, 2026. Learn more and apply here.
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New addition to the Microbial Genomics and Culturing team
We are happy to share that Isabella Braga joined the Microbial Genomics and Culturing team as a Research Associate. Isabella brings ample experience in microbial genomics and molecular biology, partially acquired in the Lynch lab. We are excited to have you on the team!
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Mustafa Özçam joins faculty at University of Maryland
Dr. Mustafa Özçam, a senior postdoc from Dr. Susan Lynch’s lab, has secured a faculty position at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. He will lead the Translational Microbiome & Immune Tolerance Lab, advancing research on the gut microbiome’s role in promoting food allergy. Dr. Özçam is now hiring postdocs, PhD students, and research specialists—learn more and apply here.
Congratulations, Dr. Özçam!
| | Learning from our community: Perspectives on BCMM | | |
Recently, BCMM members shared their thoughts on how the center has impacted their work and fostered collaboration.
Christopher Hernandez, Professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, highlighted how BCMM’s resources, including the Microbial Genomics and Computational cores, have advanced his research on the connection between bones, joints, and the microbiome.
Graduate student and trainee ambassador Margot Bacino reflected on the value of connecting with peers and exchanging ideas, while Micah Suan, UCSF RAMP scholar in the Turnbaugh lab, described BCMM as “a very welcoming community.” Postdoc Rahul Bodhke from Renuka Nayak’s group praised the center’s “cutting-edge resources, collaborative environment, and exposure to diverse research perspectives.”
These testimonials showcase BCMM’s vibrant and supportive atmosphere, empowering members to collaborate and drive innovation in their fields.
We welcome your ideas or suggestions for improvements. Please email microbiomecenter@ucsf.edu or Slavena Vylkova at slavena.vylkova@ucsf.edu to share your opinion.
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The BCMM team is excited to announce a variety of upcoming events. Join us for engaging seminars, social hours, and our annual symposium to connect with peers and discover the latest in microbiome research. Don’t miss our monthly Microbiome Ignite Talks, where graduate students and postdocs share their cutting-edge work, or join us for a joint BCMM and ImmunoX Social Hour in Golden Gate Park in September and for a festive Holiday Reception this December. Mark your calendars for the BCMM Symposium in February and the BCMM Research Retreat next June—two incredible opportunities to collaborate, network, and share ideas with fellow researchers.
View here the complete list of upcoming events.
| | | |  | The Nayak Lab is recruiting a postdoc. The team aims to understand the mechanisms by which the gut microbiome impacts the treatment of rheumatic disease. | | | | |
