CMGM Faculty Research Retreat Highlights Collaboration and Strategic Growth
CMGM faculty in discussion during the 2025 Faculty Research Retreat at Maymont, highlighting shared research strengths and opportunities for collaboration.
By: Anna Kovilakath
Department of CMGM
VCU School of Medicine
Email: anna.kovilakath@vcuhealth.org
Date: December 16, 2025
The Department of Cellular, Molecular, and Genetics (CMGM) held its annual Faculty Research Retreat on Friday, November 21, 2025, at Maymont in Richmond, Virginia. 28 CMGM faculty members attended the full-day retreat, which was designed to strengthen collaboration across laboratories and align departmental research priorities.
The retreat opened with a welcome from Dr. Can Senkal, Retreat Committee Chair, followed by an interim chair’s update on CMGM research by Dr. L. Ashley Cowart. Throughout the day, eight faculty members delivered 30-minute presentations highlighting their research programs, core expertise, and areas where collaboration could accelerate discovery and competitiveness for extramural funding. Presenters included Drs. Sandeep Singh, Hermine Maes, Shawn Wang, L. Ashley Cowart, Liya Qiao, Montserrat Samso, Carlos Escalante, and Jolene Windle. Faculty who direct shared research resources also discussed the capabilities of their cores to promote broader utilization and cross-lab partnerships.
A central theme of the retreat was fostering team-based science within CMGM. Faculty actively engaged with one another during presentations, asking questions, offering constructive feedback, and identifying opportunities for future collaboration. This collegial exchange reflected the department’s culture of mutual support and collective investment in high-impact research.
The program also featured remarks from Dr. Fadi Salloum, Senior Associate Dean for Research in the School of Medicine, who discussed emerging cross-departmental research themes that encourage collaboration between basic and clinical investigators. Dr. Mike Grotewiel, Senior Associate Dean for Graduate Education, addressed upcoming changes to CMGM’s master’s and PhD programs, highlighting how these updates will support trainee development and research excellence.
An interactive group discussion invited faculty to provide input on departmental investments, including new equipment, infrastructure, and faculty recruitment strategies to enhance collaborative research and secure external funding. These conversations underscored a shared commitment to strategic growth and long-term sustainability.
The day included a light breakfast and coffee breaks, a buffet lunch, and concluded with a reception featuring hors d’oeuvres and refreshments, providing informal opportunities for continued discussion and networking.
Overall, the 2025 CMGM Faculty Research Retreat reinforced the department’s collaborative spirit and set the stage for new interdisciplinary initiatives that will advance CMGM’s research mission.