Two ISU undergraduate biology students to present at Annual Biomedical Conference for Minority Students Nov. 13-16

Argomaniz, a senior from Blackfoot, will present her research findings on the role of B cells, also known as immune cells, during exposure to antigens, specifically asbestos. Argomaniz looked at how exposure of B cells to asbestos fibers promoted B cells to differentiate into different sub types. Argomaniz is majoring in biology with a concentration in biomedical sciences.

Aken, a junior from Idaho Falls, will present the research she did as an IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) fellow. Her research looks at capsular polysaccharide biosynthesis in the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae. Aken is currently majoring in biology and minoring in chemistry at ISU. 

“This conference is a great opportunity because it allows minority students, including myself, to explore the world of biomedical research,” Aken said. “I’m most excited to meet professionals and peers from other universities, explore my knowledge and understanding of biomedical research, and present my research to show what I am passionate about.” 

ABRCMS was founded in 2001 to encourage minority, first-generation, veteran and disabled students to pursue a higher education in science, technology, engineering and math. Today, ABRCMS is one of the largest professional conferences for undergraduate students.

For more information on the conference, visit http://www.abrcms.org/.