NIEHS Scholars Connect Program Celebrates Student Research at Annual Symposium

The energy was electric (well, maybe not literally, but you could feel the excitement!) at the annual NIEHS Scholars Connect Program (NSCP) Symposium on April , . Seven undergraduate students, brimming with nerves and pride, took the stage to present the culmination of their year-long deep dive into the world of biomedical research at NIEHS. Imagine a room buzzing with scientific posters, proud mentors, and the palpable thrill of discovery – that was the vibe.

About the NSCP: A Launchpad for Future Scientists

Established in , the NSCP isn’t your average internship program. Nestled in the heart of Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, this program offers a unique opportunity for underrepresented undergraduates to roll up their sleeves and get some serious lab time. We’re talking three semesters of immersive, hands-on research experience – enough to make even the most seasoned scientists say, “Dang, that’s cool.”

But it’s not just about beakers and pipettes (though there’s plenty of that, too!). NSCP scholars work shoulder-to-shoulder with NIEHS scientist-mentors who are like the Yoda to their Luke Skywalker, guiding them through every step of the research process. From brainstorming project ideas to analyzing data (and sometimes troubleshooting those pesky experiments that just won’t cooperate!), these students gain invaluable skills and experience that are straight-up resume gold.

And the best part? It’s all about sparking a passion for scientific research. The NSCP aims to inspire these bright young minds to consider careers in science, and judging by the enthusiasm at the symposium, they’re definitely on the right track.

Student Growth and Achievements: From Nervous Nellies to Confident Presenters

Dr. Suchandra Bhattacharjee, the Undergraduate Research Program Manager at NIEHS’s Office of Science Education & Diversity (OSED), has seen it all – the good, the bad, and the “Wait, how did that happen?” of undergraduate research. And let me tell you, she was seriously impressed by the growth these students showed throughout the program.

Remember those initial poster presentations where some students were practically hiding behind their research findings? Yeah, those days are long gone. By the time the final symposium rolled around, these students were owning the stage, delivering their presentations with the confidence and poise of seasoned pros. Talk about a glow-up!

From fumbling through scientific jargon to effortlessly explaining complex concepts, their progress in communicating their research was truly remarkable. It just goes to show that with the right support and a little bit of hard work (okay, maybe a lot of hard work), anything is possible.

Symposium Highlights: Student Research Presentations

Now, let’s talk about the main event – the student research presentations. This wasn’t your typical snooze-fest conference, folks. The symposium was a whirlwind of fascinating research topics, each one more intriguing than the last. From the potential impact of environmental toxins on maternal health to groundbreaking approaches for studying the developing nervous system, these students tackled some seriously important questions.

Picture this: a packed room, eager audience members on the edge of their seats, and a spotlight shining on each student as they confidently shared their findings – it was like a mini TED Talk, but with more science and way cooler graphs.

Delving Deeper: A Glimpse into the Research

Ready to have your mind blown? Here’s a sneak peek at the incredible research these future science rockstars presented at the symposium:

• Unmasking the Impact of PFAS on Maternal Milk Production: Sarah Combs from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, mentored by the dynamic trio of Veronica Godfrey Robinson, Dr. Vesna Chappell, and Dr. Sue Fenton, dove headfirst into the world of PFAS. Her research explored the potential effects of these pesky “forever chemicals” on a mother’s ability to produce milk, a topic that’s super relevant to public health. And guess what? Her stellar presentation skills earned her the coveted Spring Best Presenter Award!
• A Novel Approach to Protecting Tiny Brains: Fiona Daly from North Carolina State University, under the guidance of Dr. Helena Hogberg and Dr. Nicole Kleinstreuer, unveiled a groundbreaking new approach to assess how chemicals affect the developing nervous system. Talk about cutting-edge science! Fiona’s impressive work earned her the well-deserved Outstanding Scholar Award.
• Stem Cells, Mood Regulation, and the Chemical Connection: Justin Gutkowski, another bright mind from North Carolina State University, teamed up with mentors Dr. Erik Tokar, Dr. Guang Hu, and Dr. Anna Kreutz to investigate the impact of chemicals on brain cells involved in mood regulation. Their secret weapon? Embryonic stem cells! Using these powerful tools, Justin’s research could pave the way for a deeper understanding of how environmental factors influence our mental well-being.
• Unraveling the Mysteries of Breast Cancer: Alex Marchi, also from North Carolina State University (they’re on a roll!), joined forces with Dr. Pelin Yasar, Dr. Fleur Chapus, and Dr. Joseph Rodriguez to delve into the complex world of breast cancer. Alex’s research focused on investigating the transcription properties of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, a type of breast cancer that’s often fueled by estrogen.
• HIV Therapeutics and the Nervous System: Giovonnii Nelson from North Carolina State University, mentored by Dr. Jean Harry, tackled a critical issue in HIV treatment – the potential effects of these lifesaving drugs on the nervous system. His research could lead to new strategies for minimizing these side effects and improving the quality of life for people living with HIV.
• Targeting Type Diabetes at Its Root: Neha Palle from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, working alongside mentors Dr. David Scoville and Dr. Anton Jetten, set her sights on tackling type diabetes. Her research focused on a novel approach to prevent this increasingly common metabolic disorder – targeting a key transcription factor involved in insulin production. Neha’s innovative work earned her the Outstanding Scholar Honorable Mention, a testament to her dedication and scientific prowess.
• Cadmium Exposure and Female Reproductive Health: Noelle Rodriguez from Wake Tech Community College, mentored by Dr. Yitang Yan and Dr. Darlene Dixon, investigated the long-term effects of cadmium exposure on female reproductive function. Her research sheds light on the potential risks associated with this toxic heavy metal, particularly for women’s health.

Program Impact and Future Directions: Cultivating a Passion for Science

Dr. Ericka Reid, the Director of OSED, couldn’t contain her pride as she addressed the crowd at the symposium. It was clear that this wasn’t just a job for her – it was personal. She’d witnessed firsthand the transformative power of the NSCP, seeing students blossom from hesitant beginners into confident researchers with a thirst for knowledge.

And it’s not just the students who benefit. Dr. Reid emphasized the ripple effect of the program, highlighting how it’s sparked a renewed enthusiasm for mentorship among NIEHS scientists. With more and more research groups eager to open their labs to NSCP scholars, the future of the program – and the future of these budding scientists – is looking brighter than ever.

The NSCP is more than just an internship – it’s a testament to the power of mentorship, the thrill of scientific discovery, and the importance of fostering diversity in STEM fields. Who knows what groundbreaking discoveries these future science superstars will make? One thing’s for sure – the world needs their passion, their curiosity, and their unwavering commitment to making a difference through science.