Author: Thomas Sterling | Major: Public Health | Semester: Spring 2025

I presented my thesis research over The Analysis of Adolescents within the Marshallese Community of their Perception of Health and Weight. Perceptions in health are often associated to the community of which an individual belongs. Minority groups, such as the Marshallese, are disproportionately affected by negative health outcomes. The insight from this research can guide future educational programs when addressing adolescents’ beliefs on health and weight and its effect on adulthood.

Poster Presentation at NCUR 2025

I presented this research as a poster presentation at the National Conference of Undergrad Research 2025 (NCUR) which was held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Presenting at a conference was something I did not imagine as a possibility when I first began my time at the University of Arkansas. However, unwavering support from professors and friends challenged me to new levels of accomplishment. I would not have known about the conference and to apply to present without the help and guidance of the Honors college staff. As I received a SURF Grant from the Arkansas Department of Education, part of the requirement for funding my research was that I must present my research at a conference, therefore I was able to fulfill this condition at NCUR 2025. Through the College of Education and Health Professions, they offer the replacement of a thesis defense with presenting research at a conference. I was extremely thankful that by presenting at NCUR 2025, I was able to fulfill two requirements through this travel.

There were several other University of Arkansas students presenting research at NCUR and I was able to build relationships and connections with students from multiple departments around the university. Spending time with students who also care to further research in their respective fields was motivating to continue research after my undergrad studies. During my time at the conference, I was able to grow my presentation skills, knowledge in different areas of expertise, and gained inspiration through the plenary speakers. There were over 3,000 undergraduates presenting research at this conference. I thoroughly enjoyed the wide variety of topics presented. Some presentations I found particularly interesting included research about the different recovery rates of mitochondria in men and women 24 hours after a Traumatic Brain Injury and a research presentation focused on finding the sites of concentration camps during the Holocaust in Latvia.

Presenting at a conference with such a wide range of subjects gave me the confidence of the importance of my research and opened my eyes to the importance of research in so many other fields. Getting to share with other students my passion in health through research empowered me to continue to search for opportunities to aid in research in other passions in my life such as dentistry. After such a successful and delightful time at NCUR 2025, I will continue to recommend to fellow students to consider presenting research at a conference. Although I felt intimidated by the process at the beginning, with the assistance of faculty, their encouragement filled me with confidence, and I hope anyone with any hesitation will be bold enough to take the leap to commit to presenting at a conference as I am grateful I did.

After Graduating in May, I will be moving to Little Rock to continue my education at UAMS in the Dental Hygiene Program. Dentistry has always been an interest in my life, and I am very excited to begin the program in August and grow my knowledge and gaining skills to aid in preventive oral care.