Honors Students Shine at ABRCMS

By Gary Hyatt, WSU Honors College, gary.hyatt1@wsu.edu

Washington State University students made an impressive showing at the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Scientists (ABRCMS), one of the nation’s premier research conferences. A delegation of 19 undergraduate students and one graduate student represented WSU, and 16 of the 19 undergraduates were Honors students, highlighting the strength of undergraduate research across campus.

Students represented 10 majors across three colleges, from sophomores through seniors, and 16 undergraduates and one graduate student presented research at the national conference. For many this was first time at a national conference and underscores the strength of WSU’s research pipeline at every stage.

The Honors College was especially proud of students in the ESTEEMED MIRA program, supported in partnership with the Honors College. Eight ESTEEMED MIRA students attended ABRCMS, and seven presented research, all of whom previously received Honors College summer research support.

This success was made possible in large part by the generosity of Honors College donors. Philanthropic support provided critical funding for summer research, conference travel, and presentation preparation, removing financial barriers and allowing students to fully engage in high-impact scholarly experiences.

The conference proved especially rewarding, as five WSU students earned Research Presentation Awards:

• Jo Castaneda Gonzalez (Senior, Chemistry and Biochemistry; MARC Program, LSAMP)
Advisor: Anjali Sharma
• Amelia Ramirez Vargas (Sophomore, Neuroscience; LSAMP)
Advisor: Bert Tanner
• Taylor Page (Junior, Biochemistry; MARC Program)
Advisor: Kanako Hayashi
• Katy Touretsky (Junior, Neuroscience and Psychology)
Advisor: Kristen Delevich
• Bruce Redden (Sophomore, Microbiology; ESTEEMED MIRA Program)
Advisor: Arden Baylink

In addition to student success, WSU faculty made a strong impact at ABRCMS. Matt Peck, Deirdre Fahy, Nora Rye, and Lisa Gloss attended reflecting WSU’s leadership in mentoring, inclusive research practices, and undergraduate research excellence.

From packed presentation rooms to national awards, WSU’s presence at ABRCMS was a powerful reminder that the world is a classroom—and that when Honors students are given opportunities to engage deeply in research, they rise to the occasion. Experiences like ABRCMS not only build confidence and professional identity, but also prepare students to carry their curiosity, leadership, and passion for discovery into graduate school, careers, and communities around the world.