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Home • Newsletter • Meeting Information • Membership • Officers |
| 2007 | ||
| Juan Reyna - 2007 | ||
Presenting Research: A Student’s First Time ExperienceBy Michelle Benson |
2007 Article Links Benefits of ASM Membership | |
The 2007 annual meeting of the Rio Grande Branch of the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) highlighted undergraduate and graduate-level research from universities located in Western Texas, New Mexico and, Chihuahua, Mexico. For many students, this was their first time presenting their research to other microbiologists and the public. University of Texas El Paso (UTEP) undergraduate Juan Reyna was one of many first time presenters at the ASM conference. “My experience at the ASM conference was very positive. I was judged by PhDs and biology graduate students, which gave me insight on how to refine my research to make it better.” During the conference, Juan was anxious to present his research to judges who were knowledgeable in microbiology. “I was very nervous to present my work to the judges. These are PhDs with over eight years of advance study in the biological sciences field, and I have just begun.” Juan’s research involved the effects of the hormone leptin on dendritic cells, which are immune cells that help protect the body against diseases. Leptin is an important hormone that plays a role in food intake and energy expenditure. Juan and his research mentors found that leptin increases the number of dendritic cells and improves protection against diseases. |
“Our work with leptin suggests that it makes mouse dendritic cells multiply in numbers, and it also induces structural changes that promote interaction and communication with other immune cells to enhance overall immunity.” Juan and researchers at UTEP now need to verify the accuracy of their research with leptin and dendritic cells. “If the results hold to be valid, then ultimately the research must be applied to human dendritic and immune cells to view the effects of leptin on human immune systems.” Originally, a history major, Juan instantly fell in love with the Biological Sciences when he took a course in Human Biology. “By the end of that class I knew that Biology was for me. I changed my major that semester and never looked back.” Juan would like to continue his education after graduating this May from UTEP with a degree in Biological Sciences He is interested in pursuing a career in research and would like to stay close to his family in El Paso. Michelle Benson is an undergraduate at The University of New Mexico and has a major in professional writing and a minor in chemistry. After she finishes her degree, she would like to go to pharmacy school. |
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Rio Grande Branch of the American Society for Microbiology |