From Nov. 16 through Nov. 19, 15 Hamilton students, along with faculty advisor Professor Max Majirek, traveled to Phoenix, AZ to participate in the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Students (ABRCMS). This prestigious conference aims to promote diversity in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), and brings students, faculty and researchers from across the U.S. together. This year, the conference registered a record attendance of more than 5,600 attendees.
Hamilton students have been attending ABRCMS since 2019. That year, Professor Todd Franklin, interested in lower barriers for minoritized students in STEM, developed an opportunity for five students to attend ABRCMS. Their incredible experience led to the creation of the ROOTS society of students of color in STEM, which has since coordinated the ABRCMS program for students at Hamilton.
The conference presented an invaluable opportunity for students to develop their professional skills, learn about the latest developments in STEM fields and network with future mentors and employers. Eleven Hamilton students presented their summer researchat the poster session in the fields of neuroscience, cell biology, developmental genetics, chemistry and social science. This exciting opportunity to present in front of a national audience developed the students’ scientific communication skills and allowed them to connect with professionals in their field of interest. Furthermore, ABRCMS hosted a series of professional development sessions.
Topics for workshops ranged from applying to graduate programs to developing a personal brand, promoting self-advocacy and maximizing equity in a post-SCOTUS landscape. Students gained valuable insights and connections that helped solidify their professional aspirations.
A variety of presentations from leading scientific experts also inspired students. There was an impressive list of big-name speakers, including Eddie Npodu, disability activist and a global ambassador for the UN sustainable development goals; Dr. Juanita Merchant, the African-American to obtain an MD-PhD from the Yale school of Medicine; and Dr. Carlos Bustamente, the CEO of Galatea Bio, one of the biggest biobanks in the world. In addition, there was a wide selection of scientific expert lectures for students to attend, which allowed them to learn about cutting-edge research currently being conducted by researchers of color. What students appreciated the most was that despite the extraordinary success that these trailblazers had achieved, all were happy to interact with students on a personal level. For example, Edwin Mensah-Boateng ’25 stated that, “At a talk, I networked with Dr. Nyasha Chambwe, who researches disparities between races in cancer biology. This fascinated me as a someone who is passionate about epidemiology. She happens to do research at Northwell hospital near where I am from, so I will continue connecting with her to find out about opportunities in her lab.”
Finally, the conference also featured an exhibitor hall with more than 500 booths from the top graduate schools, medical schools, and companies in biomedical research. Here, students were able to network with prospective mentors and employers, learn about different programs and industries and pick up fee waivers for applications. In addition to their newfound knowledge and connections, students also picked up an abundance of free merch that was offered at the booths.
Hamilton achieved impressive success at this national conference. Four students — Michelle Zheng ’24, Bri Padilla ’25, Elise Kwon ’26, and Yuxuan Xu ’26 — won a full travel award from the ABRCMS committee, meaning that their travel, accommodation and conference registration fees were fully paid for by the conference. Moreover, at the awards banquet, Naima Atker ’24, Mimosa Van ’26 and Prim Udomphan ’26 received recognition for their outstanding poster presentations. Outside of their scientific and professional endeavors, Hamilton students enjoyed exploring Phoenix, AZ. In the 80 degree weather, a welcome change from the Hamilton cold, they hiked a desert trail, relaxed at a Japanese friendship garden, impressed everyone with their moves at the closing dance social.
Overall, ABRCMS 2023 was a resounding success for Ham-
ilton. Special acknowledgement should be given to the Co-Chairs of ROOTS — Sarah John ’24, Tam Ha ’24, Prim Udomphan ’26, and Elise Kwon ’26 — and Professor Majirek for organizing this incredible opportunity for marginalized students at Hamilton. ABRCMS 2024 will be occurring in Pittsburgh, PA, where ROOTS is excited to continue this legacy of excellence for Hamilton students of color in STEM.
