Resources
Student Conferences
Attending and presenting at conferences is an important part of being a researcher. Conferences offer workshops, sessions, speakers, networking events and give awards for research presentations. Many also provide scholarships for registration, travel and lodging for presenters and attendees.
Scroll down for information on how to make the most of your time at conferences, including tips on networking, presenting research, finding financial resources, and using social media to build your online presence as a scientist.
Learn more about SACNAS and ABRCMS, two conferences that support underrepresented groups in scientific research.
SACNAS National Diversity in STEM Conference
Oct. 31 to Nov. 2, 2024
Phoenix, AZ
Learn more at the SACNAS website.
Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Students (ABRCMS)
Nov. 13 to 16, 2024
Pittsburgh, PA
Learn more at the ABRCMS website.
Make the most of your conference experience
Networking
- Meet other students and mentors in your field of work
- Read conference booklets/websites for information on workshops and sessions, especially if there are speakers you want to meet
- Be kind and respectful to everyone, because you may meet a future boss or colleague
- Attend award ceremonies and other informal gatherings for a fun time and to meet other scientists
- Exchange contact info or social media to stay in touch
Presenting
- Think of your presentation as a conversation with other scientists interested in your work
- Practice your presentation with mentors and peers to gather feedback
- Wear comfortable shoes! Presentations can last for a couple of hours
- Don’t read directly off presentation slides. Use visuals to make eye contact with the audience.
Resources
- Many conferences have financial support for travel and registration, explore their websites to apply
- Review your program to identify conference sponsors and exhibitors from graduate programs, summer research experiences, NIH or NSF training programs, and industry
- Be sure to ask any graduate program representatives if they offer application fee waivers
Resources: 2022 ABRCMS Workshop
"How to Build Your Online Presence as a Scientist"
Our presentation at the 2022 ABRCMS conference offered expert insights, guidance and resources for students looking to build their professional “brand” as scientists in online spaces, with an emphasis on social media. To access the same information from the session to help you learn how to use social media to bring attention to your research, boost your professional reputation, expand your network and find other professional opportunities, download the slides below.
For more resources, visit the Social Media for Scientists page
Watch our interview series for more tips
Face of Science
Meet 10 inspiring young researchers enhancing science across the nation. Hear about the passion that fuels their research, what a scientist identity means to them, and how they plan to shape the future of science.
Researchers shared best practices that support scientists from underrepresented groups as they navigate the challenges and rewards of amplifying their voices online.
Featuring former NIH undergraduate research trainees: Kamali Clora, Nashae Prout and Angelica Alberto, DPT.
Hosted by the NIH Diversity Program Consortium
The Diversity Program Consortium (DPC) is a national collaboration funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) that supports research to understand the impact of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in the biomedical sciences. The NIH works together with institutions across the country to engage and train students, enhance faculty development and strengthen institutions' infrastructure for research and research training. By improving research training and mentoring, the DPC explores how individuals persist in the biomedical research pathway, helping to transform the culture and efficacy of biomedical research training and mentoring nationwide.
The Enhance Science project is produced by the DPC Coordination & Evaluation Center at the University of California, Los Angeles. To learn more, visit the DPC website.
Follow the DPC on social media!
Gain Insight from BUILD Program Alumni
(She/Her)
BUILD PODER at CSUN
Angelica Alberto graduated from Northwestern University in 2022 with a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a Master of Public Health. She earned her bachelor’s degree in kinesiology exercise science from California State University, Northridge in 2019, where she gained research experience with the National Institutes of Health BUILD PODER research training program. With her clinical skills in physical therapy and experience with scientific research, she plans to work for an academic-affiliated outpatient clinic and help develop public health programming. Alberto utilizes social media to share research-informed and education-related content based on her passion for longevity, health, and wellness. It has benefitted her career, as she has been able to build community and connect with other individuals interested in similar topics, leading to brand collaborations and networking opportunities.
Angelica Alberto graduated from Northwestern University in 2022 with a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a Master of Public Health. She earned her bachelor’s degree in kinesiology exercise science from California State University, Northridge in 2019, where she gained research experience with the National Institutes of Health BUILD PODER research training program. With her clinical skills in physical therapy and experience with scientific research, she plans to work for an academic-affiliated outpatient clinic and help develop public health programming. Alberto utilizes social media to share research-informed and education-related content based on her passion for longevity, health, and wellness. It has benefitted her career, as she has been able to build community and connect with other individuals interested in similar topics, leading to brand collaborations and networking opportunities.
(She/Her)
MSU ASCEND
Nashae Prout is currently a Ph.D. student at the University of Rochester pursuing a doctorate in toxicology. She earned her bachelor’s degree in 2021 from Morgan State University (MSU) in health education with a concentration in environmental health, and a minor in biology. While at MSU, Prout gained her research experience through the National Institutes of Health BUILD ASCEND research training program. In 2021 she founded “Us Black Girls in Science,” a social media-based project focused on increasing the visibility of Black women and femmes in the STEM/Medicine field. The digital content includes highlights of historical and current Black women in STEM, COVID-19 health disparities, racism in beauty products, and her own personal experiences in a series she calls #PhDPerspectives. Prout ultimately aims to work in a laboratory that combines both basic bench research techniques and surveillance techniques.
Nashae Prout is currently a Ph.D. student at the University of Rochester pursuing a doctorate in toxicology. She earned her bachelor’s degree in 2021 from Morgan State University (MSU) in health education with a concentration in environmental health, with a minor in biology. While at MSU, Nashae gained her research experience through the National Institutes of Health BUILD ASCEND research training program. In 2021 she founded “Us Black Girls in Science,” a social media-based project focused on increasing the visibility of Black women and femmes in the STEM/Medicine field. The digital content includes highlights of historical and current Black women in STEM, COVID-19 health disparities, racism in beauty products, and her own personal experiences in a series she calls #PhDPerspectives. Nashae ultimately aims to work in a laboratory that combines both basic bench research techniques and surveillance techniques.
(He/Him)
ReBUILDetroit (Wayne State)
Kamali Clora is pursuing a Master of Public Health in health care management student at Yale University. As an aspiring hospital administrator, he aims to increase access to quality patient care while addressing healthcare inequities in marginalized populations. Clora attended Wayne State University in Detroit, MI, where he received his bachelor's degree in public health honors. He attributes his development as a researcher and published author to both the NIH BUILD Scholars and McNair Scholars programs. Clora uses social media as a conduit to connect with the community and bring exposure to critical topics in public health. By leveraging his platforms, he hopes to foster growth-perpetuating conversations around social justice issues and empower people to get involved.
Kamali Clora is a Master of Public Health in Health Care Management student at Yale University. As an aspiring hospital administrator, he aims to increase access to quality patient care while addressing healthcare inequities in marginalized populations. Kamali attended Wayne State University in Detroit, MI where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health Honors. He attributes his development as a researcher and published author to both the NIH BUILD Scholars and McNair Scholars programs. Kamali uses social media as a conduit to connect with the community and bring exposure to critical topics in public health. By leveraging his platforms, he hopes to foster growth-perpetuating conversations around social justice issues and empower people to get involved.
Session Facilitators
(She/Her)
Co-Director of Communication & Dissemination
Coordination & Evaluation Center at the University of California, Los Angeles
Hansook Oh is the Co-Director of Communication & Dissemination for the Coordination & Evaluation Center at UCLA. Her unique approach of using brand theories, marketing strategies and narrative storytelling in academic settings have resulted in innovative dissemination methods. She designs collaborative campaigns supporting the NIH Diversity Program Consortium (DPC) to tell stories of its grantee institutions and the passionate people who make up their programs. She executive produces the Enhance Science project, a digital media project that visualizes inclusive excellence in biomedical research by featuring real research trainees in video series and shorts. Along with members of the DPC, Hansook launched an annual social media campaign called #FaceOfScience, which engaged the NIH and broader scientific community to expand what a scientist looks like. Through her work, Hansook aims to expand the story of science in-step with the scientific community’s progress on expanding who gets to be a scientist.
Hansook Oh is the Co-Director of Communication & Dissemination for the Coordination & Evaluation Center at UCLA. Her unique approach of using brand theories, marketing strategies and narrative storytelling in academic settings have resulted in innovative dissemination methods. She designs collaborative campaigns supporting the NIH Diversity Program Consortium (DPC) to tell stories of its grantee institutions and the passionate people who make up their programs. She executive produces the Enhance Science project, a digital media project that visualizes inclusive excellence in biomedical research by featuring real research trainees in video series and shorts. Along with members of the DPC, Oh launched an annual social media campaign called #FaceOfScience, which engaged the NIH and broader scientific community to expand what a scientist looks like. Through her work, Oh aims to expand the story of science in-step with the scientific community’s progress on expanding who gets to be a scientist.
(They/Them)
Senior Social Media Analyst
Coordination & Evaluation Center at the University of California, Los Angeles
Ben Andrews-Zapata (they/them) is a Senior Marketing Analyst for the Coordination & Evaluation Center at UCLA. They have 10 years experience working in the advertising and marketing industry focusing on social media. They have specialized in entertainment marketing, promoting new movies, tv shows and video-games. Since joining the NIH Diversity Program Consortium (DPC), Ben has grown the social media following and increased engagement on its different platforms. Ben oversees social media strategies for the DPC’s Enhance Science project, coordinating its annual #FaceOfScience campaigns engaging the NIH community. They are an expert on utilizing social media, particularly LinkedIn, to increase networking opportunities within the scientific community. Ben aims to establish social media as an innovative dissemination pathway that not only informs, but connects scientists and researchers in meaningful ways.
Ben Andrews-Zapata (they/them) is a Senior Marketing Analyst for the Coordination & Evaluation Center at UCLA. They have 10 years experience working in the advertising and marketing industry focusing on social media. They have specialized in entertainment marketing, promoting new movies, tv shows and video-games. Since joining the NIH Diversity Program Consortium (DPC), Andrews-Zapata has grown the social media following and increased engagement on its different platforms. Andrews-Zapata oversees social media strategies for the DPC’s Enhance Science project, coordinating its annual #FaceOfScience campaigns engaging the NIH community. They are an expert on utilizing social media, particularly LinkedIn, to increase networking opportunities within the scientific community. Andrews-Zapata aims to establish social media as an innovative dissemination pathway that not only informs, but connects scientists and researchers in meaningful ways.
(She/Her)
Communications Editor
National Institutes of General and Medical Sciences Diversity Program Consortium
Christa Reynolds is the Communications Editor for the NIH Diversity Program Consortium (DPC), where she develops and implements communications and outreach strategies for the DPC, in addition to reporting on the initiatives and assisting with data analysis. Since she started working with the DPC six years ago, Reynolds has started the NIHdpc Twitter and Facebook accounts, managed the DPC newsletter, developed consortium-wide and NIGMS DPC communications guidelines and strategies, served as a leader in the consortium-wide communications working group and contributed to numerous social media and virtual events. While earning her Master’s degrees in Journalism and in Latin American Studies, Reynolds gained experience working as a reporter along the U.S. - Mexico border, using social media in a professional capacity and developing blogs and website posts. She brings her journalistic desire to communicate clearly and openly with the public to her work in the DPC, trying to make scientific information accessible and interesting to everyone.
Christa Reynolds is the Communications Editor for the NIH Diversity Program Consortium (DPC), where she develops and implements communications and outreach strategies for the DPC, in addition to reporting on the initiatives and assisting with data analysis. Since she started working with the DPC six years ago, Reynolds has started the NIHdpc Twitter and Facebook accounts, managed the DPC newsletter, developed consortium-wide and NIGMS DPC communications guidelines and strategies, served as a leader in the consortium-wide communications working group and contributed to numerous social media and virtual events. While earning her Master’s degrees in Journalism and in Latin American Studies, Reynolds gained experience working as a reporter along the U.S. - Mexico border, using social media in a professional capacity and developing blogs and website posts. She brings her journalistic desire to communicate clearly and openly with the public to her work in the DPC, trying to make scientific information accessible and interesting to everyone.
Enhance Science Original Video Series
Face Of Science Series
At the 2019 ABRCMS, we filmed 10 undergraduate students participating in BUILD student research training programs at CSUN, PSU, MSU, UTEP and Wayne State University. They asked each other in pairs about their love of science, how their research is inspired by personal experience and their identity as scientists. What resulted is an original video series called the Face Of Science—watch the series trailer and enjoy a playlist of all our episodes, including follow-up interviews conducted two years later.
Become A Researcher
Series
Check out our homepage for the trailer for our new Become A Researcher series! Hear from five researchers in the DPC community, who are at different points in their scientific careers, from just starting grad school to being at the top of a decades-long career. Learn about how science came into their lives, how they navigated through career and life challenges, and hear their advice to any young scientist hoping to become a researcher.
