Augusta University
Francis Anazodo
Each trip taken by a Biomedical Student Association member to a scientific meeting beyond Augusta University has several benefits. These experiences provide opportunities to serve as ambassadors for Augusta University and The Graduate School, receive diverse and constructive feedback on research, challenge students to be the best scientific versions of themselves, and experience new places and culture. Last fall alone, several of our members attended at least seven scientific meetings, both local and international. The photographs below tell some of their stories and experiences, coupled with reflections shared directly by students.
Second-year MOI PhD student Yamoah Agyei presented both an oral and poster presentation of his research at his first conference as an AU student. Reflecting on his experience at the Autumn Immunology Conference in Chicago last November, Agyei shared, “It was exciting! I had a lot more feedback and engagement than I’d imagined”.
GSGA representative and fourth-year Neuroscience student Ebenezer Quainoo traveled to San Diego for the Society for Neuroscience meeting, marking his first visit to the city. While there, he received a Trainee Professional Development Award. Quainoo described San Diego as “a city right beside the Pacific Ocean, with bay areas harboring cruise ships and beautiful high-rise buildings downtown, all close to the convention center.” He added, “I also had the opportunity to spend time with colleagues and meet new friends from other universities, who introduced me to karaoke for the first time.”
Second-year Physiology student shared novel insights from renal transcriptomic analyses at the New Trends in Sex Differences and Women’s Health Research Conference in New Orleans. Beyond the scientific exchange, Nguyen also enjoyed experiencing the city’s culture, including trying beignets for the first time.
