Synergy Showcase

Join us as we celebrate the conclusion of the 2026 SBME Synergy Undergraduate Research Program!

After working in the lab all summer, our Synergy students are ready to present their work through short talks and a poster session at the Synergy Showcase. We are also excited to feature a keynote presentation by Dr. Marissa Lithopoulos on science communication.

Everyone is welcome to attend, and your support of our undergraduate researchers is greatly appreciated. Please RSVP by August 4 to help us plan catering and prepare name tags.

Date: Tuesday, August 11, 2026

Location: Gordon B. Shrum B1001 Theatre & Basement Level Atrium

6088 University Blvd

RSVP here by Aug 4: https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_db7QDZzQvyRa1lc

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We are excited to feature our keynote speaker, Dr. Marissa Lithopoulos, presenting:

Accessible information is critical for the progression of science, yet it remains widely undervalued.

In this keynote address, we will delve into 3 core concepts for improving accessibility in science. We will discuss creative strategies and tools that we can all use to build trust, mobilize knowledge, and foster connection. Dr. Lithopoulos will share key insights from her career in the stem cell field, in which she has led local and national science outreach initiatives for over a decade. She will also draw upon frameworks from music and comedy, to showcase how we can make science approachable, inviting, and engaging for diverse audiences.

Science saves lives, but only if we can communicate it.

 

Speaker bio:
Dr. Marissa Lithopoulos is a scientist, musician, and comedian. She currently holds a Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of British Columbia. Her research focuses on harnessing the potential of stem cells to treat conditions affecting the developing brain. She also provides policy interest holders with accessible information on cutting-edge biotechnologies. Dr. Lithopoulos hosts a live event called, “Science, Stand-Up, & Song” and a podcast called, “Beaker Banter”. Her original science-themed music has over 25,000 listeners from across the world. Dr. Lithopoulos is the recipient of a Canadian Institutes of Health Research Postdoctoral Fellowship, a Canadian Association for Neuroscience Brain Star Award, and a Michael Smith Laboratories Pathway to Independence Award. In grade 8, Dr. Lithopoulos was voted most likely to become a millionaire. This has not yet come to fruition, but she considers it an accolade nonetheless. To connect, visit drmarissalithopoulos.com.

We look forward to celebrating the achievements of our 2026 Synergy students and sharing their research with the SBME community.