University of California, Davis
Davis, CA

PROGRAM: Ph.D. in Biological Sciences/MBA

Thanks to the funding I received from the Graduate Student Travel Award, I had the opportunity to attend the 25th International Worm Meeting, a biennial conference for C. elegans researchers across the world. C. elegans is a species of microscopic nematode that serves as a popular model organism, especially for the fields of genetics, development, neurobiology, and aging. I was selected to present two posters about my research on the protective effects of vitamin B12 on amyloid-beta proteotoxicity, as well as the physiological impact of the enzyme cystathionine beta-synthase.

This meeting provided amazing opportunities to attend talks and workshops by leaders in C. elegans biology, including a session given by Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun, the winners of the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine. Through my poster presentations, I was able to network with peers and researchers who provided new ideas and insights into my niche field of biology, which has already inspired new directions for my project and allowed me to acquire new data for my thesis. The connections I made at the conference are invaluable for my personal and professional development, and could even lead to a postdoctoral position after graduation. I am deeply grateful to the Graduate College for providing me with this award and allowing me the opportunity to share my research and make new connections.