researcher pipetting

Biomarker Summer Institute

A complete guide to incorporating biomarkers into your health-related research

June 24-26, 2026
1577 Neil Ave.
Columbus, Ohio

Explore the full potential of biomarker research at the 2026 Biomarker Summer Institute (BSI). This institute is designed for advanced learners from diverse health-related disciplines (such as nursing, medicine, public health, psychology and social work) and backgrounds (such as PhDs, MDs, postdocs, students and coordinators) who are new to biomarker research. Whether you're working in clinical, community or other settings, the BSI will equip you with the tools, insights and hands-on experience needed to elevate your research.

Attendees will dive into expert-led sessions and hands-on training that demystify biomarker selection, study design, biospecimen workflows and data analysis. Through small-group mentoring, participants will refine their ideas, build practical skills and troubleshoot challenges. By the end of the institute, attendees will be equipped to confidently integrate biomarkers into their research, from protocol development to external laboratory collaboration, using strategies that are scientifically rigorous, logistically feasible and ready for real-world impact.

Space is limited.

Register today

Agenda

Day 1 – June 24, 2026

Measure with Meaning | 9-9:50 a.m.
Dr. Gillespie will lead an exploration of how biomarkers can advance health. You will be introduced to key types of biomarkers and how each can be strategically applied to enhance your work.

Design with Direction | 10-10:50 a.m.
Dr. Jancsura will lead participants through the end-to-end planning of biomarker research, using inflammatory markers in plasma and serum as a guiding example. The session will cover how to select biomarkers using backwards design and how biospecimen choice impacts feasibility, including equipment, staffing, and setting.

Mentoring session | 11-11:45 a.m.
This mentoring session will focus on small group goal-setting and initial reaction to program content. The BSI team will clarify misconceptions and fill gaps in understanding to enhance attendee learning.

Lunch and networking | 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
During lunch, attendees will have the opportunity to network, explore shared interests, and pursue new collaborations. Lunch will be provided.

Biospecimen Selection in Context | 12:45-1:30 p.m.
Dr. Ford will dive deeper into the core principles of biomarker selection and its downstream effects on project planning and execution, using cortisol as a case example. She’ll discuss key considerations in the stress sciences such as diurnal variation and the distinction between measuring acute versus chronic stress.

Translational Biosciences Laboratory (TBL) tour and break | 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Dr. Mackos will guide attendees through key elements of safety and compliance during a tour of the TBL, a Biosafety Level 2 (BSL2) laboratory.

Hands-on sessions | 2:30-4:20 p.m.

  • Centrifuging, Pipetting and Aliquoting | 2:30-3:05 p.m.
    Led by Dr. Jancsura and Dr. Mackos
  • Mapping and Tracking your Biospecimen’s Journey | 3:05-3:40 p.m.
    Led by Ms. Wong and Ms. Khalid
  • Foundations of Protein and Hormone Determination | 3:40-4:20 p.m.
    Led by Dr. Gillespie and Mr. Ferrin

Discussion and wrap-up | 4:20-4:30 p.m.
Dr. Jancsura will facilitate a discussion to consolidate key takeaways and answer any pending questions. Attendees will sign up for 1:1 mentoring times for Day 2 mentoring sessions.

Day 2 – June 25, 2026

Execute with Intention | 9-9:50 a.m.
Ana Wong will walk attendees through best practices for establishing and executing biomarker protocols. You'll learn how to plan for aliquots, prepare and organize supplies, map freezer storage, and document every step. This session focuses on building workflows that are efficient, error-resistant and ready for the unexpected.

Analyze for Impact | 10-10:50 a.m.
Dr. Morgan will walk attendees through key analytical considerations when working with biomarker data. Attendees will learn how to consider limits of detection, skewed distributions and outliers, and explore strategies for preprocessing and statistical modeling.

Mentoring session | 11 a.m. to noon
At the end of Day 1, attendees will select two mentors for targeted (15-minute) 1:1 mentoring with program faculty. In preparation, attendees are asked to write down 2-3 questions for each mentor.

Lunch and networking | noon to 1 p.m.
During lunch, attendees will have the opportunity to network, explore shared interests and pursue new collaborations. Lunch will be provided.

Communicate with Clarity | 1-1:50 p.m.
Dr. Gillespie will guide attendees through the writing of clear and compelling research proposals and human subjects protections protocols. Participants will learn how to articulate their plans for biomarker research in ways that are both scientifically rigorous and adaptable to known and unknown real-world constraints.

Hands-on sessions | 2-4:15 p.m.
Content experts will guide attendees through three exemplar biospecimen collection and processing workflows. Attendees will break out into small groups for practice and to receive individualized feedback.

  • C-Reactive Protein and Cholesterol to Assess Cardiac Risk – Clinical Integration | 2-2:45 p.m.
    Led by Dr. Jancsura and Ms. Khalid
  • Cortisol in Hair as a Marker of Chronic Stress – Community-based | 2:45-3:30 p.m.
    Led by Dr. Ford and Ms. Wong
  • Cytokines in Plasma as Systemic Inflammatory Markers – Research Suite | 3:30-4:15 p.m.
    Led by Dr. Gillespie and Mr. Ferrin

Daily discussion and wrap-up | 4:15-4:30 p.m.
Dr. Jancsura will facilitate a discussion to consolidate key takeaways and answer any pending questions.

Day 3 – June 26, 2026

Beyond the Basics | 9-9:50 a.m.
Dr. Mackos will introduce advanced biomarker strategies, highlighting how DNA and RNA offer powerful options beyond commonly used proteins and hormones. She’ll walk attendees through key detection methods—including PCR, qPCR, and sequencing—and discuss how molecular complexity influences study design. This session will help participants expand their biomarker toolkit and make informed choices for more nuanced questions.

Collaborate with Confidence | 10-11 a.m.
Dr. Gillespie will guide attendees through the steps needed to move their in-house biospecimens from collection to reliable data through outside laboratory collaboration, using DNA methylome profiling as a case example. She’ll review how to select, collaborate with and maximize data quality when working with outside laboratories.

Daily discussion and wrap-up | 11-11:15 a.m.
Dr. Jancsura will facilitate a discussion to consolidate key takeaways and answer any pending questions.

Mentoring session | 11:15 a.m. to noon
Coffee, water and snacks will be available in the Barbara and Lawrence Berger Demonstration Nutrition Kitchen. Attendees are invited to engage with the BSI team to address any pending needs and complete 1:1 mentoring sessions as helpful.

Pricing and CEs

Price: $895

  • 10% early bird discount if you register by April 4, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST
  • 25% discount for students from any institution
  • 25% discount for employees from The Ohio State University and Wexner Medical Center
    Please note that only one discount will apply.
  • Participants can earn 15 Continuing Education units

Lodging

Attendees are responsible for choosing and booking their preferred hotel. Some options are provided below for your convenience. These establishments are not endorsed by The Ohio State University or the College of Nursing. Participants are welcome to explore other local options not mentioned below.

  • The Blackwell Inn & Pfahl Conference Center (approximately 0.8 miles from venue)
  • Hyatt House Columbus OSU / Short North (approximately 0.8 miles from venue)
  • SpringHill Suites by Marriott Columbus OSU (approximately 0.9 miles from venue)
  • Graduate by Hilton Columbus (approximately 1.4 miles from venue)

Please note that walking may be challenging, particularly if the weather is too warm.

Transportation

Attendees are responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from the venue. For those driving, the closest parking garages with public access are the 11th Avenue and SAFEAUTO parking garages. For more information, please visit the CampusParc website. Rideshares are often the best option for attendees.

Questions? Contact Michael Griffin at griffin.184@osu.edu.

BSI faculty and staff