William Paterson Student Wins STEM Award at National Conference in Washington, DC

This is the fourth year in a row that William Paterson students have received research awards at this conference

Sirai Ramirez (left) explains her poster presentation

Sirai Ramirez, a junior majoring in biology at William Paterson University, was awarded first place in biological sciences at the Emerging Researchers National Conference in STEM in Washington, D.C. in February 2016 for her presentation entitled “Reactive oxygen species during tail regression in tadpoles Xenopus laevis: Cross talk between cellular organelles.” The award was based on demonstrating good understanding of the study and responding effectively and clearly to the judges’ questions.

“This award is an honor that showcases the rigorous and significant undergraduate research of our student,” says Dr. Jaishri Menon, professor of biology, and research mentor to Ramirez since spring 2015.

“Independent research epitomizes one of the highest accomplishments of student learning and this award is a testimony to the student’s understanding of this area of research,” she says. This is the fourth year in a row that William Paterson students mentored by Dr. Menon have received research awards at this conference.

Ramirez is a member of the biology and biotech clubs and minority association of pre-med students at William Paterson University. She is considering applying to medical school and continuing to do research later in her career.

The Emerging Researchers National Conference in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics is hosted by the American Association for the Advancement of Science,  Education and Human Resources Programs and the National Science Foundation Division of Human Resource Development, within the Directorate for Education and Human Resources.