Wayne State neuroscience student wins top honors at national research conference
Sarah Haque, a junior neuroscience and honors student at Wayne State University, stood out at the prestigious Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Scientists (ABRCMS) in November. Her poster presentation, conducted under the Insolera Lab in the WSU School of Medicine's Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, secured her a top award for junior-level neuroscience entries.
"Winning this award was a huge deal for me," Haque said. "I wanted to represent my university properly and showcase the level of research and academic dedication that students at Wayne State demonstrate."
But the victory went beyond external recognition. Haque, who hasn't always felt confident in her research, found the experience deeply validating.
"I always thought I was bad at neuroscience and felt inferior in the work that I've performed," she admitted. "But being recognized at ABRCMS showed me that there's no such thing as inferiority in academia. With hard work and perseverance, we can all excel and contribute to our communities, in this case, my research community."
Haque's success serves as an inspiration to underrepresented students in STEM fields, particularly those considering graduate studies in the biomedical sciences. The Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC) Program at Wayne State, which provided her with essential mentorship and resources, plays a crucial role in nurturing these ambitions.
"Programs like MARC are essential for ensuring that diverse voices and perspectives are represented in the scientific community," said Lori Pile, MARC program co-director and associate dean in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. "Sarah's story is a powerful example of the transformative impact we can have on students' lives and careers."
Haque's journey is far from over. With her confidence bolstered, she continues to delve deeper into the mysteries of the brain, driven by a passion to excel and contribute to a more diverse and equitable scientific landscape.