Eleven interns, who have been working alongside mentors at NIEHS, visually presented and explained their summer research projects as part of the July NIEHS Scholars Connect Program (NSCP) Summer Connection Poster Session.

“Posters are an integral aspect of science communication development for these young scientists,” said Undergraduate Research Program Manager Suchandra Bhattacharjee, Ph.D. “This format provides an opportunity for one-on-one presentations, in-depth discussions, and feedback.”

She added that the undergraduate students, representing five local universities, will have the opportunity to participate in two other events — in the fall and spring — to further enhance their science communication skills.

Congratulations to the following awardees, both from North Carolina State University.

Summer Connection: Best Presenter
Emma Morgan
Mentored by: Asmita Singh, Ph.D. and Carlos Guardia, Ph.D.
Poster Topic: Exploring the Intracellular Incorporation, Distribution, and Accumulation of PFAS Using a Novel Fluorescent Probe.

Summer Connection: Honorable Mention Presenter
Justin Stegeman
Mentored by: Yesenia Rodriquez, Ph.D., Yang Liu, Ph.D., and Paul Wade, Ph.D.
Poster Topic: Elucidation of Enhancer Activation: Poly-ADP Ribose Polymerase 1 Interactions With Transcription Factor GATA3.

About NSCP

Launched in 2012, the NSCP extends research opportunities at NIEHS to undergraduate science, technology, engineering, and math majors. Housed in the Office of Science Education and Diversity (OSED), a major tenet of NSCP is to increase opportunities for students from underrepresented groups to engage in research activities at NIEHS. Students with strong academic records are recruited from local colleges and universities for a three-semester paid internship (beginning in summer) designed to provide training in biomedical research.

The NSCP scholars will return in the fall and spring semesters, working part time at NIEHS while continuing to pursue their degrees.