Girls on the Run at Lincoln Elementary School in the Mt. Lebanon School District included a team of 4th and 5th grade girls participating in the nationally recognized nonprofit program. Girls on the Run inspires girls to build confidence, develop healthy relationships, and strengthen their emotional and physical well-being through fun, interactive lessons combined with running activities. The program integrates social-emotional learning with physical activity to encourage teamwork, resilience, leadership, and self-confidence.
As part of the program, participants complete a community impact project designed to help them identify a need within their community and work together to make a positive difference through kindness, service, and leadership. This year, the Lincoln Elementary Girls on the Run team hosted a lemonade stand for the community, with all proceeds and donations benefiting the Women’s Cancer Research Center of UPMC Hillman Cancer Center & Magee-Womens Research Institute. Through their efforts, the girls raised more than $300 to support breast cancer awareness and research.
Each Girls on the Run season concludes with a celebratory 5K event that recognizes the participants’ personal growth, perseverance, and accomplishments throughout the program.
The Susan G. Komen More Than Pink Walk in Pittsburgh was a great success! A sunny day with thousands of attendees. Thanks to all of the organizers and sponsors. Our team – the Magee-Hillman Breast Cancer Warriors was one of the top fundraisers. We were happy to see Natera sponsoring the event; Their booth was always busy! We spent most of the time at the Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC booth which was never quiet.
The Lee-Oesterreich Lab held its annual retreat on December 6, 2024, at Zone 28, Freeport Road, Pittsburgh. This retreat was a valuable opportunity for lab members to reflect on past achievements, discuss ongoing projects, and engage in team-building activities in an informal setting.
The day began with coffee and opening remarks from Drs. Steffi Oesterreich and Adrian Lee, setting the tone for a productive and engaging retreat. To kick things off, an icebreaker activity titled “The Name Story” encouraged participants to share the origin and meaning of their names, fostering personal connections within the team.
The morning session featured a comprehensive lab overview, covering key topics such as lab values and expectations outlined in the Lab Handbook, recent publications, ongoing grants and funding prospects, and both internal and external collaborations. These discussions provided lab members with insights into the strategic direction and broader impact of their research.
The retreat welcomed Dr. Ryan Hartmeier, a former graduate student and postdoctoral fellow in the laboratory now Senior Director, Translational Medicine, Oncology R&D at AstraZeneca. Ryan shared insights into his research and career in the pharmaceutical industry, providing valuable networking opportunities for students and lab members interested in industry careers.
A highlight of the retreat was the keynote lecture delivered by Dr. Julia Foldi. She presented a complex brain metastasis case which was a part of the Hope for OTHERS rapid autopsy program, offering a clinician’s perspective on patient treatment options and decision-making processes. Her talk was particularly insightful for lab members, providing them with a better understanding of how their research translates into clinical applications and patient care.
During lunch, the team engaged in discussions on the present and future of organoids as model systems. Daniel Brown provided an update on current progress, followed by a group discussion on challenges, management strategies, and future directions for using organoids in research. The afternoon session included a brainstorming exercise focused on identifying barriers to project efficiency and proposing solutions.
To conclude the day, the team participated in a fun and energetic laser tag session. This team-building exercise allowed everyone to unwind and engage in a friendly competition, reinforcing collaboration and team spirit.
The 2024 Lee-Oesterreich Lab Retreat was a success, offering valuable scientific discussions, professional insights, and team-building experiences that will contribute to the lab’s continued growth and success.
Happy to see Dr Ryan Hartmaier, Senior Director, AstraZeneca, Translational Medicine, Oncology R&D, who was hosted by Adballa Wedn as part of PCB seminar series organized by Pharmacology students.
