DF/HCC Students Shine at the 2024 ABRCMS


Published 12/16/2024





The Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Students (ABRCMS), a national undergraduate research conference that attracts over 6500 attendees, was held this year from November 13-16 in Pittsburgh, PA and was full of achievements for the DF/HCC CURE and DF/HCC-UMB U54 REC student research training programs.


A record-breaking 23 students presented at ABRCMS on their research projects conducted in DF/HCC research labs representing the efforts of every DF/HCC institution, 11 students received ABRCMS travel awards to support their attendance, and 6 students and alumni received presentation awards. Brittany Michel, PhD and Feven Woldesenbet led the effort to coordinate, prepare, and provide on-site support for students at ABRCMS.

Congratulations to ABRCMS award winners:

  • Madisyn Strange – Dr. Jerome Ritz’s lab (DFCI)
  • Fiona Williams – Dr. Marilyn Hammer’s lab (DFCI)
  • Sandy Huynh – Dr. Diane Bielenberg’s Lab (BCH)
  • Jade Chaudhary – Dr. David Barbie’s Lab (DFCI)
  • Matheus Berbet – U54 REC Program - Dr. Kimberly Hamad-Schifferli’s Lab (UMB)
  • Carly Ramos (CURE Alum) - Dr. Diane Bielenberg’s Lab (BCH)

Notably, the CURE leadership team also organized an inaugural meetup of leadership and students from other NCI R25 YES grant awardees across the country from the Huntsman Cancer Institute, the University of Chicago, and the Buffet Cancer Center. The dinner facilitated connection amongst 40 students from diverse backgrounds participating in similar research training experiences as well as the exchange of ideas between program leaders.

In addition to the impressive presentation of research, Katelyn King, a CURE post-baccalaureate scholar in the Damon Runyon Scholars Program for Advancing Research and Knowledge (SPARK) Program, was invited to participate on a panel entitled “Impact of Diversity in Science Awards.” Katelyn reflected on her ongoing experiences in research training in front of a wide audience of other student scholars.

This year the CURE Program celebrated 22 years of unwavering dedication to training the next generation of STEM leaders through their research training programs serving students from diverse and marginalized populations. Student reflections on their experience at ABRCMS highlight the success and impact of these early exposure and training programs:

"What makes this moment so meaningful is that I’ve been waiting two years to apply to ABRCMS. I first heard about this incredible conference as a rising high school senior during my first summer at the Hasan Lab. Now, two years later, sharing my work and standing among such a talented community of scientists has truly been an unforgettable experience! " – Ani Seppelin, Undergraduate Student at Northeastern University

"Even more exciting was to witness the success of others in my program who were also recognized for their exceptional work. Seeing so many students, researchers, and scientists showing their groundbreaking research and passion for advancing science was truly empowering." – Jade Chaudhary, Undergraduate Student at Tufts University

ABRCMS 2024 was a testament to the dedication and excellence of CURE and U54 students and highlighted the strength of collaborative efforts within DF/HCC. The CURE Program looks forward to continuing to support and celebrate the achievements of its students and alumni in the years to come.

Learn more about these student research programs:

CURE-SO | YFC | CURE HBCU/HSI/MSI/TCU | Post-Bacc

Consider mentoring a CURE student:

The training of students within these programs is made possible thanks to the zealous efforts of the mentors. Sign up to become a mentor and learn about this mentorship opportunity. Please reach out to the CURE team at iecd@partners.org for more information.