Kansas State University

Biosciences symposium honors university students for research posters, presentations

Submitted by Sarah Velasquez via Sherry Fleming

Eight K-Staters were honored for their scientific research presentations at the 17th annual Kansas IDeA Institutional Development Awards Network of Biomedical Research Excellence, or K-INBRE, Symposium Jan. 19-20 in Overland Park. 

The annual symposium is part of the K-INBRE initiative to prepare promising university students for careers in bioscience careers in Kansas. The following K-Staters were among the 18 students who received honors and cash prizes at the symposium: 

• Molly Bassette, graduate, Cummings, for the poster presentation "A novel PD-L1 inhibitory peptide enhances CD8+ T cell-dependent cell death against lung cancer cells." 
• Annabelle Dillon, junior in microbiology, Shawnee, for the oral presentation "Impact of reduced liver PGC1a during development on adult diet-induced weight gain." 
• Joshua Miller, senior in kinesiology, Overland Park, for the oral presentation "Novel Pilot Study Reveals that Heat Therapy Increases Muscle Mitochondrial Quality Control and Respiratory Efficiency in Healthy Human Subjects."
• Fawwaz Naeem, senior in biology, Manhattan, for the oral presentation "Maintenance of muscle proteostasis."
• Seth Peery, senior in biochemistry, Goddard, for the poster presentation "HD-Zip transcription factors: an evolutionary engine."
• Gabrielle Phillips, senior in chemical engineering, Andover, for the poster presentation "Characterization of the in-vivo functions of putative lysoglycerophospolipid acyltransferase in Arabidopsis thaliana."
• Haley Smalley, senior in microbiology, Wichita, for the poster presentation "Small Therapeutic Peptides Reduce Angiogenesis and Melanoma Growth." 
• Emily Wessel, senior in biochemistry, Manhattan, for the poster presentation "Deg-radation of BAPCs by fungi."

The program provides opportunities for students to work in research laboratories or in their communities developing research projects under the guidance of seasoned mentors. These opportunities give students the tools and guidance to better inform their future career choices in the bio and medical sciences.

"Providing training and professional development opportunities to students with promising careers as biomedical researchers is a priority for the K-INBRE program," said Doug Wright, principal investigator for K-INBRE and professor and vice chair in anatomy and cell biology at the University of Kansas Medical Center. "This program strives to keep the biosciences in Kansas growing and thriving with opportunities for students, young faculty, and established researchers, which are showcased at the annual symposium."

Led by the University of Kansas Medical Center, the annual symposium brings together the network of students, faculty and staff from the University of Kansas Medical Center, Emporia State University, Fort Hays State University, Haskell Indian Nations University, Kansas State University, Pittsburg State University, University of Kansas, Washburn University, Wichita State University, and Langston University in Langston, Oklahoma. More than 160 posters were presented by students, postdocs, faculty and staff from all 10 of the campuses in Kansas and Oklahoma.