Presenting at Biophysical Society 2024
Author: Jason Hoang | Major: Biochemistry | Semester: Spring 2024
My name is Jason Hoang and I am currently a senior at the University of Arkansas majoring in biochemistry. My honors research focuses on fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), a relatively unstable protein in the human body that has been shown in animal models to be able to combat diabetes and obesity. My research involves characterizing FGF21 to quantify its stability and bioactivity. The purpose is so future research can create mutant FGF21s that ideally are more stable while retaining their function so they can be used for therapeutic applications in fighting diabetes and obesity.
I chose to travel to the Biophysical Society 2024 conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to attend my first national conference. I wanted to gain experience in presenting my research among other undergraduate, graduate, and industry professionals. One way the trip helped my research was by meeting instrument representatives at the conference. I met a representative from the company that produces the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and isothermal calorimetry (ITC) instruments used in the Kumar lab. By speaking with them, I learned of different ways to obtain potentially higher-quality data. One of the representatives looked at my data and mentioned that it was high-quality and publishable. By speaking with professionals at the conference, I got a better understanding of what a chemistry degree can be used for on the East Coast and outside of Arkansas. Additionally, I got to meet others working on the same research topic as me and exchange knowledge.
After presenting my research at the conference I realized two things. One was that nobody knew about what anyone’s research was about because of how niche everyone’s research was. This highlights how important it is to be able to present your research and explain it in a way that everyone outside of your research field can understand. The second thing I learned was that social skills are very important when it comes to bringing people in to ask about your research. In a way, the presenter has to take the first step in greeting others and asking whether they’d be interested in a quick explanation of their research.
Some advice I have for others attending their first conference is to look at all the events and to attend all of those that interest you and you think will benefit you. The second piece of advice is to talk to as many people as you can, especially during poster presentations as that is when attendance is highest, and you can meet everyone from undergraduates to industry professionals. Finally, if you want people to come to you and ask about your research, you must smile, greet, and reach out to others. Otherwise, people will quickly look at your title and move on.
As of now, my research is almost done in terms of data collection. The remainder of my work lies in writing my thesis and preparing for my defense. I am planning on presenting my research at multiple conferences and potentially working on publishing my work.