Presenting my poster to a college student.

Author: Abdussamad Akhter | Major: Chemistry, Biology | Semester: Spring 2025

I did my research in the department of Chemistry and Biochemistry under the supervision of Dr. Ryan Tian.  I studied the electrochemical properties of coated nanomaterials that have application in bone tissue engineering.  By correlating electrochemical properties to cell growth for the newly synthesized coated nanomaterials, it could provide a fast-screening method to test the titanate based nanomaterials.  I presented a poster of my research at the National Conference for Undergraduate Research in Pittsburgh, PA.  This was a multidisciplinary conference, and I got to learn about research in the humanities, architecture, and other sciences.  The trip provided me with the opportunity to connect with students across the country and in a variety of disciplines.  I was able to also look at other physical chemistry research and learn about what other researchers are doing with nanomaterials.  I presented my research to several different undergraduate students.  There were several biomedical engineering students that asked me about the cell culturing aspect of my research, which stimulated exciting conversations and gave me insight into the possible future of my research.  I was also able to connect with several graduate programs, such as the team members from AWSOM to explore research opportunities in Northwest Arkansas after my time during undergraduate research.  This experience was very insightful in how to present my research, especially to people unfamiliar with the topic.  I was able to practice how to explain the concepts of electrochemistry, nanomaterials, and cell culturing to peers in public health and other fields.  Through this, I was able to make universal statements about the impact and importance of my research.  For students participating in this event in the future, I would encourage them to prepare themselves to connect and network with a large variety of students.  I would also encourage them to practice presenting the research using broad terms that a wide range of people would be able to understand.  Lastly, I would encourage them to explore their intellectual curiosity.  There are so many opportunities to learn about different fields of study and the wide variety of research opportunities available outside of their own discipline.  This would provide students a chance to see if they have any interests outside of their research.

After graduation, I will be attending medical school at UAMS in Little Rock, AR.  There, I plan to engage in research.  As my research is related to bone tissue engineering, I developed an interest in orthopedic medicine and research.  Thus, I would love to engage in research in this field throughout my graduate school career.  UAMS has a historically prominent myeloma research institute.  I have been told that my current research mentor has connections in the department, and I would love to use my love for orthopedic medicine and research to provide research assistance in the department.  I plan on doing research in a limited capacity, as I am mostly focused on clinical care and progressing my skills as a physicians.  However, the skills gained in my lab and presenting my research have provided me with invaluable traits as I seek to grow as a researcher, scientist, and, physician.