Author: Madelyn Null | Major: Biology | Semester: Spring 2025

My name is Madelyn Null, and I am a biology major conducting research that compares alcohol use and risky drinking behaviors among Latino international and domestic college students through the EARN research lab on campus. The Latino/a population is massively understudied in addiction research, and understanding their substance use patterns is critical to preventing severe health outcomes and alcohol-related consequences. My work aims to fill this gap in addiction research and provide insight into how cultural and environmental factors shape alcohol use in these communities.

Poster presentation during the poster symposium

I had the opportunity to travel to Providence, Rhode Island to attend the Collaborative Perspectives on Addiction (CPA) conference. This national research conference brings together professionals, students, and clinicians who are passionate about understanding and addressing substance use and addiction. I attended CPA to present my own research findings and to engage with others in the addiction research community.
Presenting at CPA gave me a deeper understanding of my own research. Talking about my study in front of people unfamiliar with the specific focus of my work forced me to think critically about how to explain its significance clearly and effectively. I had the opportunity to discuss the background and future implications of my project, which made me reflect more deeply on the larger impact of my work.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the conference was the feedback I received. Many attendees told me how interesting and important my research was, and several expressed surprise that more work has not been done in this area. Their curiosity and support reinforced for me how vital it is to highlight underrepresented populations in substance use research, especially Latino students who often fall through the cracks of traditional public health studies.
Beyond the feedback, the conference was also a huge opportunity for my professional development. I was able to improve my public speaking and science communication skills, especially by learning how to tailor my message to different audiences. Explaining my research to other students, researchers, and clinicians required me to adjust my language and focus depending on the person’s background, something that will be invaluable as I move forward in both research and healthcare.
I also had the chance to network with a wide variety of professionals in the addiction field. Through conversations with researchers, clinicians, and fellow students, I was exposed to different perspectives and ongoing studies that are shaping the future of addiction science. Meeting peers and experts gave me new ideas and directions to consider for my own project. I was particularly inspired by researchers who are working on culturally sensitive approaches to substance use prevention and treatment, which aligns closely with my own interests.
Presenting at CPA was an important milestone in my research journey. It taught me how to advocate for the significance of my work and how to engage others in conversations about underrepresented populations in public health. I now have a much clearer understanding of how my research fits into the broader field of addiction science and why it matters.
For any student considering attending a national research conference, I highly recommend it. It is a fantastic way to challenge yourself academically, grow your professional network, and build confidence in your public speaking and presentation skills. The experience pushes you to think more deeply about your work and how it connects to real-world issues.
Looking to the future, I plan to continue this line of research for my honors thesis. I want to expand my current project by exploring marijuana use, simultaneous alcohol and marijuana (SAM) use, and acculturative stress among Latino students. These additional layers will help provide a more comprehensive picture of substance use behaviors and the social and psychological factors that influence them.
Attending CPA was both inspiring and affirming. It reminded me why I started this research in the first place and gave me the tools and motivation to continue in addiction research. I am excited to see where this project takes me next and how I can continue contributing to a field that has such a significance.