Eleven talented undergraduate students from the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) showcased their research at the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Scientists (ABRCMS), held Nov. 13-16, 2024, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The prestigious event brings together students, faculty, and professionals from diverse backgrounds in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines.
Among the standout achievements was junior chemistry major and Undergraduate Research Training Initiative for Student Enhancement (U-RISE) Scholar Abigail Rose, who received a Best Poster Award for her research presentation, “Liquid Crystal Patterns to Command Living Matter.” This accomplishment highlights UVI’s commitment to excellence in undergraduate research and fostering the next generation of STEM leaders.
The students selected to present their research through a competitive review process were: Annadelle Brown, Mia Bruno, Akilah Hodge, Alonzo Moore, Leyonna Ravariere, La’Quan Reid, Maura Monee Richardson, Abigail Rose, Darnilla Samuel, Aaliah Saret and Zorah Williams.
In total, 13 UVI students attended the conference, representing majors in Biology, Chemistry, Marine Biology, and Psychology. The students were accompanied by faculty mentors Dr. Aletha Baumann and Dr. Andrew Seeber. Participation was made possible through UVI’s National Institutes for Health (NIH)-funded U-RISE research training grant.
Dr. Alice Stanford, Professor of Biology and UVI NIH U-RISE Director, expressed pride in the students’ achievements: “We are incredibly proud of our students for their hard work and dedication to advancing research in STEM fields. Their presentations at ABRCMS not only showcased their talent but also demonstrated the high-quality mentorship and training opportunities available at UVI. Abigail’s Best Poster Award is a testament to her innovation and excellence, and it inspires all of us to continue pursuing academic and research excellence.”
ABRCMS, a nationally recognized conference that received the 2019 AIMBE Excellence in STEM Education Award, has been a critical platform for advancing underrepresented voices in STEM for more than 20 years. Participation in this event reflects UVI’s commitment to equipping students with the tools, knowledge, and exposure to thrive in global scientific arenas.
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