Posing with my poster at TAGC24 (National Harbor, MD)!

Author: Aisha Al-Rizzo | Major: Biology | Semester: Spring 2023

In the beginning of March, I had the privilege to attend The Allied Genetics Conference 2024, a biology-oriented conference showcasing research using several model organisms, such as Xenopus, Drosophila Melanogaster, Mus Musculus, Escheria Coli, and more. Hosted in the National Harbor, nestled between Maryland and Virginia, TAGC24 was one of the most interesting, thought-provoking conferences I have been to. Not only was it a challenge to pitch my research to those well-versed in biology research, rather than being a conference showcasing all kinds of research, but it was also very eye-opening to learn about the many dimensions of biology as a whole. I hadn’t realized the vastness that encompasses biology research, as well as the demand to know so many different things about different systems or topics in biology.

Within my research in the Kumar Lab, we focus primarily on biochemistry and structural biology, having to do with the structure of proteins and thus their stability, as structure determines stability, which thus determines efficient function. For many months, I have been focusing on purifying and characterizing a wild-type protein, FGF2, or basic fibroblast growth factor. The purpose of doing so provides not only answers to physiological phenomena, but also solves medical demands. For example, if we can successfully stabilize FGF2, we can in theory create a topical cream which can trigger angiogenesis, blood vessel reformation, in order to encourage wound healing. This can be used in post-operative settings, or even in everyday situations with high-risk bleeding patients. It would be something not only novel, but something very useful to help create. Therefore, when I stumbled across TAGC24 through an Instagram advert on a fateful Wednesday night, I knew I wanted to be surrounded with likeminded people with novel research, and most importantly, big dreams.

Within my research in the Kumar Lab, we focus primarily on biochemistry and structural biology, having to do with the structure of proteins and thus their stability, as structure determines stability, which thus determines efficient function. For many months, I have been focusing on purifying and characterizing a wild-type protein, FGF2, or basic fibroblast growth factor. The purpose of doing so provides not only answers to physiological phenomena, but also solves medical demands. For example, if we can successfully stabilize FGF2, we can in theory create a topical cream which can trigger angiogenesis, blood vessel reformation, in order to encourage wound healing. This can be used in post-operative settings, or even in everyday situations with high-risk bleeding patients. It would be something not only novel, but something very useful to help create. Therefore, when I stumbled across TAGC24 through an Instagram advert on a fateful Wednesday night, I knew I wanted to be surrounded with likeminded people with novel research, and most importantly, big dreams.

After a rigorous process of research, data collection, weekly meetings, mock presentations, poster cultivation and printing, I had finally prepared to submit my abstract. I was hoping for the best yet also keeping my hopes at bay, as GSA (the Genetics Society of America) is a highly prestigious organization, and I thought I had little to no chance of being accepted. However, a week later, fate had something else in store for me – I had been accepted and was given a poster slot to present my research in TAGC24. To say that I was floored, stunned, beyond excited, even flabbergasted, does not summarize the absolute happiness I felt when I received the email. After forwarding the email to my research mentors and parents, I had begun drafting a plan to create my poster. With extensive trial and error, it eventually had everything I needed to pitch my research in the best way possible. In the blink of an eye, a car ride to XNA, and two plane rides later, I landed in Washington, D.C.

Every time I have the privilege to travel to Washington, D.C., I feel alive. I always tell my friends and family this; however, this time, something felt different. I felt like I was on Cloud 9. Everything around me felt surreal – this especially was the case when I arrived at the National Harbor, where TAGC24 was taking place. Everything was beautiful, perfect even: the hotel, the venue, the crowds of researchers, professors, and students, the ambiance, and the atmosphere, to name a few. After attending several lectures on gene expression and getting an idea of East Coast culture and cuisine, I was set to present my research to others. I remember two plucky, ambitious NYU graduate students coming up to me first, asking me about my protein. It was quite a challenge, explaining concepts that are quite familiar, if not grade school, for students who have been studying it for years. Although intimidating, I took the challenge and applied as much knowledge as I had mustered throughout my years in the lab, and to their surprise, I had exceeded their expectations, even so to the point they thought I was also a graduate student! As the night went on, I had met a professor who teaches his advanced genetic engineering courses entirely in American Sign Language, a primary investigator from King’s College London, and several professors, students, and researchers who enjoyed the significance of my research field as much as I do. Not only was it a great time to network with future employers, as well as medical school recruiters, but it was a time to discover others’ research. I particularly found one student’s research interesting as it was similar to my own, but their mode of plasmid expression was different. These unique differences, among many similarities, showed me the importance of research and made me also appreciate the opportunities the University of Arkansas gave me.

As I reflect on my time spent at TAGC24, I have realized that success is not exclusive, and that it stems from one’s support system. Without the University of Arkansas’ extensive support, opportunities, and helpful faculty and staff, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to reach such highs within my career. With two successful conferences and subsequent posters, as well as a senior thesis in-development, I hope to continue and delve into medical school, where I plan to research community-based outcomes in healthcare, earning an MD and MPH, combining two things I love the most: education and research. Being at the University and choosing a rigorous research lab has uncovered these for me and also has made being a student more fun for me – therefore, if you are looking for a sign to dive into research, this is it!