The Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students was held November 13-16 in Anaheim, Calif. UMES Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation program students, from left, Ashley Afueh, Olafende Akinleye, Mark Joseph, Yeihawa Kulanda, Yasmin Roye, Nylah McClain, Shakuria Davis, Reneece Skeen, Adjele Wilson, Hernan Osorio and Axel Bayingana, attended and presented at the event.
ABRCMS is “one of the largest communities of underrepresented minorities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.” Students attend this conference, said Dr. Tracy Bell, an assistant professor in UMES’ Department of Natural Science, to present their research, enhance professional development skills, explore graduate schools, and network. Undergraduate and postbaccalaureate student presentations are judged and those receiving the highest scores in each scientific discipline are given an award during the closing banquet.
UMES’ delegation joined over 5,100 attendees consisting of undergraduate and graduate students, judges and university faculty. Students had the opportunity to select from a multitude of diverse informational sessions ranging from “Is a M.D./Ph.D. right for me?” to “Dealing with Harassment in the Work Place.” In addition to the sessions, Bell said, graduate and professional schools from across the United States and its territories were present to give information about current programs and opportunities as well as assistant fee waiver for potential applications.
“There was never a dull moment under the Californian sun,” said Bell. “All UMES student presenters did a phenomenal job and gained both valuable experience and interdisciplinary connections. UMES’ Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation program can’t wait to see what research students will present next year in San Antonio, Texas at ABRCMS 2020.”
