A Symposium Full of Promise
It is important every once in a while to step back from what we're doing and remember that the "N" in INBRE stands for Network. Strategically located between the "I" that defines what the prevailing winds made us (i.e., IDeA states), and the "BRE" (Biomedical Research Excellence) to which we aspire, is the nexus, "N".
For some of Kansas’ bright, young scientists, it’s all about saving lives, improving drug effectiveness and protecting our water resources.
At the Eighth Annual University of Kansas – Haskell Indian Nations University Research Symposium held April 29 on the Haskell campus, more than 30 students showcased their scientific research and the passion behind their work.
Students who presented at the April 29 Eighth Annual University
of Kansas – Haskell Indian Nations University Research Symposium
included (from left): Jason Koontz, Tennille Begay, Yvonne
Kamau and Cassandra Lamar.
“It all comes back to human health,” explains Jason Koontz, a recent Haskell graduate who will be pursuing his master’s degree in environmental science this fall at KU-Lawrence. “By protecting our water resources, we protect our drinking water and wildlife. We get our drinking water from the Kansas River, so if we can reduce the contaminants, we won’t have to spend so much money treating it.”
Jason’s current work is supported by the Post Baccalaureate Research (PREP) program, one of several NIH-funded initiatives within the Office of Diversity in Science Training based at KU. PREP is a research scholarship program that promotes diversity in scientific research, providing mentored research experiences and training to help recently graduated students prepare for graduate school in a science-related field.
“Providing research experience is a step in the right direction, an opportunity for the student to get a better understanding of science,” says Jim Orr, professor of molecular biosciences and director of the Office for Diversity in Science Training at KU. Orr also serves as the campus coordinator for the KU-Lawrence K-INBRE program.
After earning her associates degree from Haskell, Tennille Begay is continuing her scientific studies on the KU campus, studying microsatellite genetic markers as a tool to evaluate pollution in streams. Because of her interest in pursuing a career in biomedical research, she received support from the 500 Nations Bridge Program, which helps students transition from Haskell to other universities.
"The symposium provides an opportunity for Haskell students
to showcase their research on their own campus, so the community
can see what they have achieved," says Bridgett Chapin, faculty
member in Haskell's environmental science department and K-INBRE
campus coordinator. "And, the students benefit so much from
the scientific investigations they undertake here and at KU."
George Wilson, associate vice provost of research and graduate studies at KU - Lawrence, discusses the thrill of discovery with Yvonne Kamau. |
“Store in a cool, dry place” is found on several medications, because scientists such as Yvonne Kamau, a junior at KU, evaluate the stability of proteins which keep drugs effective, leading to determination of the most stable conditions for drug proteins. Yvonne’s work is also supported by the IMSD program.
The Office of Diversity in Science Training focuses on these objectives:
- Train tomorrow’s scientists who reflect the population diversity of the nation as a whole.
- Achieve scientific excellence by fostering a diversity of perspectives and points of view.
- Invite students to participate in hands-on lab experiences as undergraduate research scholars.
- Assign mentors who can engage students in rigorous scientific inquiry and reinforce successful critical thinking skills.
- Introduce students to biomedical research careers by attending symposiums and giving students opportunities to present their research at professional events.
To learn more about the initiatives sponsored by KU’s Office of Diversity in Science Training, visit http://www2.ku.edu/~odst.