Who are the Future Researchers?

In 2011, Texas Tech University System institutions combined conducted more than $202 million in research expenditures. Over the past few years, the importance of research has been greatly stressed within the university system and local communities. Texas Tech University and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) both have put a significant emphasis on enhancing research enterprises.

This strategic focus of increasing research has interested many, and the public get a glimpse of some of this important research March 20-22 as the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences hosts the 24th Annual Student Research Week.

Every year Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences students organize Student Research Week to showcase the next generation of biomedical researchers and their work and invite distinguished national and international speakers to present discoveries on a specific theme as chosen by students every year. The theme for this year’s Student Research Week event is Cure Diabetes.

Along with distinguished seminar presentations, students from different disciplines will participate in a poster competition. Students will present their research projects to their faculty and peers. Students will present their research posters to the community from 5 to 6 p.m. March 20 and 21 at the TTUHSC Academic Classroom Building, 3601 Fourth St. first and second floor lobbys.

Douglas Stocco, Ph.D., TTUHSC executive vice president for research and dean of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, said the event provides a glimpse into the quality of TTUHSC student researchers.

“This year’s overall theme of diabetes is a particularly topical and important one,” Stocco said. “Student Research Week is a special event. It is completely organized and run by the graduate students. The responsibility for this task is rotated among different TTUHSC departments, and each year they do a terrific job. They take on all of the responsibilities for choosing the Student Research Week theme, inviting the distinguished speakers, arranging for all of the poster presentations, finding the judges for the competitions and organizing the social events. Each year it becomes better and it is a tribute to the quality and dedication of our students.”

Invited guest speakers will present cutting-edge research from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 22 at the TTUHSC Academic Classroom Building, 3601 Fourth St., Room 100.

Keynote speakers are Gerald I. Shulman, M.D., Ph.D., from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute at Yale University School of Medicine, and Luis A. Fernandez, M.D., associate professor of the Division of Transplantation at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine.

Shulman has spent more than 30 years identifying the biochemical steps that play a role in diabetes. His research has helped improve understanding of insulin resistance, a major factor in the development of Type 2 diabetes, the most common form of diabetes.

Fernandez’s laboratory is focused on islet cell transplantation and beta cell biology. The long-term goal of his research is to promote and advance the scientific knowledge in the field of beta cell replacement for the treatment of Type 1 diabetes.

Ahsan Farooqi, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences student and event organizer, said this year’s goal is to learn more about the recent advances made in diabetes, from basic science to its clinical treatment.

“The speakers are nationally known for their expertise in diabetes research and treatment,” Farooqi said. “We are extremely excited and fortunate to have the high caliber of keynote lectures at this year’s event.”

Ashish B. Chougule, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences student and event organizer, said the event is an opportunity for students, faculty, staff and the community to learn about research and diabetes.

“Many people may not understand the world of research and what it encompasses,” Chougule said. “We invite the community to join us to see first hand how research is such a vital part of academics as well as the daily lives of everyone.”

For more information about Student Research Week, contact Payal Mital, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences student and event organizer, at payal.mital@ttuhsc.edu or call (806) 743-2700 ext. 237.

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