The Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Genetics presents an annual retreat featuring a prominent keynote speaker and alumni. On the first day of the retreat, our keynote speaker presents a seminar talk open to the Genetics Graduate Program, UI community, and general public. On the second day of our retreat Genetics Graduate Program students gather to present their latest research to the Program faculty. Faculty provide valuable feedback to the students and vote on the most distinguished presenters. Alumni present short talks on their chosen career paths and what it took to achieve their goals. Our keynote speaker presents a second in-depth talk, open only to the Genetics Graduate Program students and faculty, focusing on their research.