Four students from Oregon Tech’s Biology-Health Sciences program presented research at Neuroscience 2023, a Society for Neuroscience (SfN) conference held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., Nov. 11-15.
Under the guidance of Natural Science Professor Hui-Yun Li, Ph.D., students Brie Eichelkraut, Jehu Morning, Ryan Pearson, and Jissel Valencia-Mendez presented research on "Cannabinoid Receptor Type 1 (CB1R) Immunoreactivity and Expression in Rat Brain" through a poster presentation.
Dr. Hui-Yun Li, Dr. Oswald Steward, Jissel Valencia-Mendez, Ryan Pearson
The conference provided a valuable platform for the students to engage with the latest developments in neuroscience, such as molecular mechanisms of synaptic protein synthesis, and to gain insights into the world of neurosurgery.
Li said active participation in symposiums, lectures, and interactions with fellow researchers allowed the students to deepen their understanding of research, ranging from basic science to translational applications.
Valencia-Mendez, a senior, appreciated the exposure to diverse research topics, stating, "It provided me with a great opportunity to share the research I have been doing along with other students, as well as opened my eyes to the multiple topics that are possible to investigate in not just neuroscience, but science in general."
Morning, a sophomore, shared gratitude for the opportunity to present their work and explore Washington, D.C., adding, "During our time at the SfN Conference, we attended multiple lectures, symposiums, and visited many posters."
Pearson, a senior, highlighted the dedication of fellow researchers and shared, "It was clear all attendees had put countless hours into their work, but they shared one thing in common: their love and passion for the field."
Eichelkraut, also a senior, emphasized the significance of the experience, stating, "I am incredibly thankful to gain this experience at such a prestigious conference. Not only did it expand our knowledge in our research project, but we were able to relate a lot of the lectures and symposiums to current material being taught at Oregon Tech."
The experience enriches students' academic journey and further solidifies the commitment of the Biology-Health Sciences program at Oregon Tech to fostering excellence in undergraduate research.
“We appreciate the support from the Oregon Tech Research Budget Commission in funding our research,” Li said. “Additionally, special thanks are extended to Dean Dan Peterson and Department Chair Dr. Nate Bickford for their unwavering support in facilitating the students' attendance at the conference.”
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