Keynote Speaker 2024
Celebrating Brilliance: Dr. Monika Raj Headlines 2024 GS4 Symposium as Keynote Speaker
Georgia Southern University proudly announces Monika Raj, Ph.D., from Emory University as the keynote speaker for the 2024 Student Scholarship Symposium (GS4).
GS4 serves as a dynamic platform for both undergraduate and graduate students to showcase their academic and creative research, providing an opportunity for the university’s best and brightest scholars to unite and share their groundbreaking work and ideas.
Raj brings a wealth of experience to this year’s symposium that is set to take place at the Russell Student Union in Statesboro on April 16, and at the Student Center on the Armstrong Campus on April 18.
“This symposium is an excellent opportunity to highlight our top scholars, fostering a space for them to present their innovative research and exchange ideas,” said Vice President of Research and Economic Development, Chris Curtis, Ph.D.
Raj completed her doctorate in Organic Chemistry from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur, and conducted postdoctoral work at the University of Pennsylvania and New York University. Serving on the faculty at institutions such as Seton Hall University, NJ, and Auburn University, she recently got promoted to the position of full professor at Emory University. With research on the roles of proteins in physiological and pathological processes, Raj’s focus lies in identifying therapeutic targets and drugs for disease treatment. Her expertise extends to developing novel chemical probes, cyclic peptides, synthetic strategies, and imaging tools, drawing from the realms of organic and biological chemistry.
“I am honored to be part of Georgia Southern University’s GS4, and I look forward to engaging with the enthusiasm and intellect of the students as we explore the frontiers of knowledge together,” said Raj.
Acknowledged for her outstanding contributions, Raj has received several awards in her career, including the NSF CAREER award in 2018, NIH MIRA award in 2019, and the Sloan Research Award in 2020. She has been globally recognized with lectureship and rising star awards in chemical biology, including awards from the American Peptide Society (APS), Australian Peptide Society, Japanese Peptide Society, and the German Science Foundation. In 2023, Dr. Raj received the Distinguished Faculty Lecture at Emory College of Arts and Science and was named a Kavli Fellow by the National Academy of Sciences further solidifying her reputation in the scientific community. With an impressive academic record boasting 50 publications and holding nine US patents, Raj’s presence adds a significant dimension to the symposium’s celebration of scholarly excellence.
The title of Raj’s keynote address at GS4 is “Luminescent Breakthroughs: Transformative Frontiers in Cancer Detection and Treatment” and promises to enlighten and inspire attendees, offering a glimpse into the groundbreaking advancements in her field.
Last updated: 3/19/2024