Keynote Speaker

"Dr. Jessica Silva-Fisher is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine, the Assistant Director of Support and Engagement for the Division of Oncology, a founder and Director of the Mentorship to Enhance Development in Academia program (MEDA) at WashU.

Outside of WashU she is the current President of the Mayo Clinic Alumni Women Physician and Scientist Affinity group and sits on the RNA Society DEI committee. She also serves on several other committees. She received her Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science. Her postgraduate career focused on gaining computational and translational research skills at the McDonnell Genome Institute as a senior staff scientist then transitioned to a postdoctoral position. 

Her independent research program focuses on the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in cancer progression and therapy resistance. She does this by using a combination of genomics, molecular biology, and translational approaches to investigate how specific lncRNAs bind to proteins to influence cancer cell behavior and treatment response. As a first-generation college graduate, Dr. Silva-Fisher has a passion for mentorship, sponsorship, and inclusion. Her drive for mentorship is shown by her being a recipient of this year’s 2024 Dean’s Impact Award. She has mentored over 40 trainees of all backgrounds."