Student Research Day

This year’s annual Georgetown University Medical Center Student Research Day will be held on Tuesday, October 20^th, 2026.

Since 1985, Student Research Day has provided an on-campus forum for students to showcase their research pursuits. For many students, the day offers the opportunity to share their dissertation research with their colleagues from other disciplines, engaging in discussion and soliciting feedback.

Student Research Day is held in the fall of each year for graduate students at the Georgetown University Medical Center. The purpose of Student Research Day is to showcase the scientific research efforts of graduate students at Georgetown University. For more information, please visit this website.

Student Research Day is open to all current graduate students in one of the following departments at Georgetown University:

Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology
Biology
Chemistry
Global Infectious Disease
Microbiology & Immunology
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Physiology
Physics
Psychology
Tumor Biology
Epidemiology

STUDENT RESEARCH DAY 2026 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

9:00-9:30 a.m.	Welcome Reception Med-Dent Lobby (Light refreshments)
9:30-10:00 a.m.	Introduction to Event Med-Dent Harvey Amphitheatre South
10:00-11:00 a.m.	Keynote Presentation: Dr. Sahar Alothman Med-Dent Harvey Amphitheatre South
11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.	Oral Presentations Med-Dent Harvey Amphitheatre South
2:00-4:00 p.m.	Poster Presentations Preclinical Science Building
4:00-5:30 p.m.	Reception and Announcement of Presentation Winners Outside on the podium (weather permitting; if raining, move to Med-Dent SW107, 5:00-6:30 p.m.)

Keynote Speaker

Dr. Sahar J. Alothman

US Medical Director, Breast Cancer | AstraZeneca

Dr. Sahar Alothman is an accomplished scientific and medical affairs leader with over 15 years of experience spanning biomedical research, clinical development, and the pharmaceutical industry. A graduate of Georgetown University’s Tumor Biology PhD Program, she has built a career that bridges academic research and pharmaceutical innovation. Her professional experience includes the National Cancer Institute, global clinical research organizations, and leading pharmaceutical companies, with expertise across oncology, hematology, immunology, and ophthalmology.

Currently serving as a US Medical Director in Breast Oncology at AstraZeneca, Dr. Alothman previously held leadership positions as a Global Scientific Director and Senior Medical Advisor. Throughout her career, she has led complex clinical research initiatives, shaped medical strategies across international markets, and supported multiple pharmaceutical products.

A passionate advocate for scientific innovation and education, she has pioneered programs integrating artificial intelligence, digital technologies, and novel learning methodologies to advance scientific engagement and professional development. Her scientific contributions include publications in prestigious peer-reviewed journals, including Nature, and a co-authored chapter in the Encyclopedia of Endocrinology.

Driven by a commitment to translating scientific discovery into meaningful patient impact, Dr. Alothman brings a unique perspective on the intersection of research, medicine, technology, and leadership. She is passionate about fostering innovation, mentoring emerging talent, and inspiring the next generation of scientists and healthcare leaders.

Read the Q&A with Dr. Sahar Alothman here.