38th Student Research Week Successful at Showcasing Secrets of Immune Defense

• By Haely Shirley
• March 30, 2026

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