A picture of me next to my poster at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research, 2023, in Eau Claire, WI.
Author: Aisha Al-Rizzo | Major: Biology | Semester: Spring 2023
To brie, or not to brie… this question was truly answered this past April!
Before you wonder why there are three cheese puns before I open up this blog post, allow me to explain myself. I recently just came back from Eau Claire, Wisconsin, representing the University of Arkansas at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research. This prestigious, annual conference offers a look into undergraduate research projects, ranging from psychological sciences to analytical chemistry. Taking place in Eau Claire, Wisconsin this year, NCUR 2023 was truly an experience I sincerely enjoyed, from learning about the city’s deep roots in Native American culture, different research projects, and yes, the cheese curds and ice cream!
First and foremost, my research in particular delves into fibroblast growth factors, or FGFs, and their clinical applications in angiogenesis, or blood vessel regeneration, and using these growth factors’ properties in wound healing. This, for example, could especially be important to patients in post-operative settings, or even diabetes patients, who are subject to longer healing times for open wounds. My research is under the innovative, genius direction of Dr. Kumar of the Kumar Lab, the largest research lab at the University of Arkansas. Since I began research and thesis-writing in 2022, I truly have fallen in love with FGFs more and more each day.
Upon arrival in Eau Claire, particularly at the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire, I truly reveled in the campus’ beauty. While reading up on city history and during informational sessions during the conference, I discovered that there was a rich, extensive Native American history within the city, which seemed to also exude unto its people, which I held in high regards. There was something about the respect that its people had for Eau Claire’s grounds that only further emphasized its beauty: it was truly a marriage of nature and innovation that I hadn’t really seen before. Not only did I truly enjoy this, but I also enjoyed the captivating conversation local students partook in with me. I learned about political science research, particularly the biases stemming from the social media app TikTok towards prisoners, as well as groundwater concerns in Eastern Palestine, Ohio following the recent train derailment, and a number of fellow biochemistry researchers looking at drug properties and their effects in the blood-brain barrier. I also was able to spread my research to numerous students, as my poster had hounded several groups of interested students. Interestingly enough, I also had a professor who researched in FGFs tabling beside me at a medical school booth, to which we had a worthwhile exchange on one another’s research. My co-presenter, Erin Burney, and I were both left with large smiles on our faces, considering a highly distinguished professor in our research had approved of our work. Each and every day was a new opportunity to network with fellow students, researchers, professors, and medical school admissions officers.
I do want to end this off on a helpful note to students who may want to have an experience similar to mine– apply your abstract to as many conferences as you can! Even if you feel that your research isn’t completely done, that is still okay too. I, among many students presented, had a future research section in their posters, which is actually quite common for conferences, as many can be earlier in the year. I also want to definitely speak to your research professor to see if they may have any idea about undergraduate-level conferences, if not NCUR, to visit one! I would say at least try to attend one in your undergraduate career. It’ll benefit you in many ways, as it has me. I left feeling more confident in presenting my research, more educated on other topics, as well as obtaining a new respect and satiation to do more with my research. Don’t be afraid to take that leap– the Honors College, as they have mine, have your back and will help you every step of the way, along with your research mentor and lab. I hope to apply to another conference when my research is complete and attend one my senior year. It’s safe to say that I truly enjoyed my experience at my first conference, and frankly, I don’t think anything can top it– yet!