The Combined Summer Undergraduate Research Opportunity at UMass Medical School, now in its 22nd year, is designed to diversify the pool of biomedical researchers by providing structured, hands-on laboratory research experiences to undergraduate students from backgrounds under-represented in the field. The 25 members of the program’s class of 2014 completed their 10-week laboratory immersion with a poster session on July 31 and closing ceremonies on Aug. 1.
Distinguished scientist Victor Ambros, PhD, delivered the keynote address. Dr. Ambros, the Silverman Chair in Natural Sciences, professor of molecular medicine and co-director of the UMMS RNA Therapeutics Institute, is renowned for his discovery of the microRNA molecules that play a key role in controlling gene expression in natural processes and disease development.
Students received certificates of completion and awards for best posters following the lecture. For glimpses of students discussing their posters with faculty and postdoctoral mentors, and highlights of the closing ceremony, view the slideshow below.
