Daily Dose
2026
March / 38th Student Research Week Successful at Showcasing Secrets of Immune Defense
Student researchers had the opportunity to showcase their presentation skills at the
38th Annual Student Research Week Feb. 25 – 27. The Texas Tech University Health Sciences
Center (TTUHSC) Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences event allows students the opportunity
to present their research findings and engage with industry leaders.
Hosted by the Department of Immunology and Molecular Microbiology, the theme for 2026
was “Inquire, Experiment, Discover: Unlocking the Secrets of Immune Defense.” Student
researchers focused on exploring the complexities of immune system defense through
inquiring and experimentation.
The 2026 Student Research Week Committee included co-directors Javaria Baig and Keyona
Stubbs. Other officers included Lauren Anderson, vice-director of poster coordination
and Jessica Uchebo, vice director of operations.
Students gained professional development by participating in any of the featured events
such as the lightning talks or poster sessions. Baig said that experience in presenting
research within a professional setting and networking with industry leaders may open
doors to future possibilities.
“Students and faculty look forward to this event all year,” Anderson continued. “For
most students, this is the first time they have presented their research outside of
their lab meetings.”
Uchebo added Student Research Week is unique because it is organized by students.
It provides a space where student researchers are not only encouraged to present their
research with other peers but also recognized for their contributions.
“The event is student-organized to cultivate leadership, accountability and engagement within
the academic community,” Uchebo said. “While faculty serve as advisors and mentors,
student leadership ensures that the event remains innovative, inclusive and reflective
of student perspectives.”
Two keynote speakers delivered presentations on different aspects of immune systems
for the event. Nicole Baumgarth, DVM, Ph.D., a professor and infectious disease immunologist
with Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, and Michael Y. Gerner, Ph.D., an associate
professor in the Department of Immunology at the University of Washington in Seattle.
Baumgarth’s research focuses on immune responses to influenza virus and infections
with Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease. Gerner’s laboratory
investigates how local tissue microenvironments shape immune responses during vaccination,
infection and cancer.
“Student Research Week has received strong support from both students and faculty
with growing participation and enthusiasm each year,” Uchebo said.
Sam Prien, Ph.D., a professor and director of research with the TTUHSC School of Medicine
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, was honored at this year’s event to recognize
his 35 years as a judge for the student research poster competition. The award commemorated
his decades-long service and support he has provided to Student Research Week.
This year 285 research abstracts were submitted. The following were the 2026 poster
competition awardees:
Lorenz O. Lutherer, M.D., Ph.D., Clinical Research Award
Nathan Subramaniam
Undergraduate Division (Sponsored by Texas Tech University’s Center for Integration
of STEM Education and Research)
Wolfgang Volchenkov
Medical Education
First Place: Jonathan Silander
Second Place: Emily Floyd
Third Place: Nichole Crandall
Clinical Category II
Carson Cooper
Bench 1
First Place (Bette B Chilton Award): Courtney Mayo
Second Place: Zheyun Niu
Third Place: Alexandra E. Lux
Bench 2
First Place: Hamed Khedmatgozar and Dhavalkumar Patel (tied)
Second Place: Adam Baker
Third Place: Patricia Ines Back
