Ava Claus

Capturing Carabid Diversity Over Time: The Necessity for Long-term Sampling

Attending the AAAS 2025 Annual Meeting was an incredible opportunity to share my research and connect with other scholars. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to share my work with such a large audience and to learn about a diverse array of other areas of research.

Sara Korpe 

Impact of Immune Checkpoint Blockade on Macrophages Against Lewis Lung Carcinoma

 I am incredibly grateful to have attended the AAAS 2025 Conference. Presenting my research to an interdisciplinary audience and connecting with experts in science and policy were invaluable experiences that I will always cherish. The panels, workshops, and discussions broadened my perspective on the future of science, and I look forward to seeing how my peers and I contribute to its rapidly evolving landscape.

Anirudh Manjesh

Integrating Honeybee Sleep Behavior to Enhance Learning in Artificial Neural Networks

Presenting my research at AAAS 2025 was an incredible opportunity to share insights into the role of sleep in memory consolidation. It was inspiring to engage with scientists from diverse fields, exchange ideas, and learn about groundbreaking discoveries that are shaping the future of science.

Tasneem Mohammed

The Impact of Aspects of Academia on Science Faculty Depression

First place in the AAAS 2025 Student E-Poster Competition in the Science and Society category as a Graduate student.

I am so grateful for having the opportunity to present my research at the AAAS 2025 meeting. It was empowering to learn about recent research from other interdisciplinary fields and enhance my professional network with researchers from all over the world! Attending AAAS instilled in me further passion and motivation for conducting scientific research.

Aida Movahed

Cerebral Organoids in Neurodegenerative Disease Research

Attending AAAS 2025 was an incredible experience that connected me with researchers, policy experts, and professionals from various disciplines, offering new perspectives on the future of science. This experience expanded my network and strengthened my vision for where I want my research to go next.

Fathima Nawaz

Immune Responses to Oral Toxins

I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to represent ASU at the AAAS 2025 conference. The AAAS is the world’s largest multidisciplinary scientific community and it was an awesome experience engaging with such a diverse group of scientists, researchers, and policy leaders.

Sarah Nesbit

Creating a Prosocial Tomorrow: Social Curiosity Can Influence Children's Sharing

Attending AAAS 2025 was an amazing opportunity to connect with other young researchers while learning from expert scientists.  The interdisciplinary nature of this conference allowed me to truly expand my understanding about many fields of science, while inspiring me to continue pursuing scientific research. Being able to attend this prestigious conference was truly an honor and I am so grateful for this experience! 

Jynx Pigart

Depression Over Time in Science Graduate Programs

First place in the AAAS 2025 Student E-Poster Competition in the Social Sciences category as a Graduate student.

Conferences shape your professional presentation to the world and directly impact future career opportunities through networking and attending talks. It’s been an incredible chance to broaden my horizons in both ways through attending AAAS 2025 as a representative of ASU’s Biology & Society graduate program. 

Aubrey Pinteric

Uterine Technologies:  Social Implications from Past to Future

First Place in the Science and Society category as an Undergraduate Student

AAAS was an incredible opportunity to present my research, learn from researchers from diverse scientific fields, and network with scientists and students from across the world! I am thankful for the opportunity to share my own work with the community, and the conference affirmed my interest in continuing my involvement in research post-graduation. I would recommend any student interested in science to attend and present at AAAS!

Devangana Shah

X-Chromosome Inactivation: From Theory to Therapy

AAAS was my first big conference and I’m so grateful for having had the chance to present my poster, attend sessions, and network with people! I also learned about so many opportunities in my field from other students as well as presenters sharing their research. The conference confirmed my passion for all things science and I look forward to learning more from my next conference opportunity!

Christina Stewart

"Teach me, Big Sis!" Older Sibling Effects on Curiosity Behaviors in Early Childhood

 I am so thankful to have the opportunity to present my research and attend AAAS 2025. I was inspired by hearing from leaders in research and policy and got to know other young researchers. This experience has continued to strengthen my passion and determination to continue important research. 

Akaash Surendra

Assessing Effects of CDK4/6i on Glioblastoma Cell State Markers and Cell Viability

Honorable Mention in the Cell Biology Category as an Undergraduate Student

Presenting at the AAAS conference was such an amazing opportunity for both my professional and personal growth. Being able to present my research and attend scientific talks across a wide array of scientific fields was an incredibly enriching opportunity, and I look forward to attending the conference again in the future!

Rita Dallal

Differential Gene Expression in Human Brain Cells Treated with Rexinoids

“Representing ASU and Barrett, The Honors College alongside amazing students is an opportunity I am honored to have been a part of. Meeting great individuals and connecting with professionals in the scientific realm allowed me to expand my knowledge on various aspects of science. Overall, the incredible support given by fellow students and ASU faculty made this trip one of my favorite conferences!”

Olivia Davis 

A New Five-Year Review Metric to Evaluate Recovery Under the Endangered Species Act

Honorable Mention in the Science in Society as a Graduate presenter

“Overall, I had an amazing time at AAAS. Going into such a big, interdisciplinary conference, I wasn't sure what to expect, but everyone was kind and welcoming. I really enjoyed walking around the exhibition hall to chat with publishers and have the opportunity to attend a diverse array of talks. This was also my first poster presentation as a graduate student, so I was a bit nervous. However, the ASU team really helped me prepare and make the best poster, and presentation, that I could. It meant a lot to have such a supportive group at the conference too. I also really enjoyed how the conference gave the opportunity for scientists and journalists to interact so much. I love science writing, so getting to meet professionals in both of these fields was really exciting.”

Mikayla Glancy

Neuroprotective Effects of ACMSD Across Sex in P301S Tauopathy Mouse Model

First Place in Brain & Behavior as an Undergraduate presenter

“Attending the AAAS meeting was an amazing experience both personally and professionally. I was able to hear lectures that interested me, make connections with peers and professionals, and get great practice presenting to an audience. I am very grateful I was able to attend!”

Jared Johnson

An Investigation on the Spatial Configurations of Amphibian Conservation in Drylands

“I had a great time representing ASU at AAAS ‘24. My favorite part of the trip was meeting other ASU students with different background in Biology and learning about all the interesting research topics we were each presenting. I also was able to connect with a lot of potential employers and gain valuable presentation experience.”

Sophia Koutsgiannis

Can We Turn Back the Clock on Insecticide Resistance?

First Place Developmental Biology, Genetics, and Immunology as an Undergraduate presenter

"Attending the 2024 AAAS symposium was the most influential step in my scientific journey thus far. It was an honor to be able to present my research among so many other brilliant scientists. The highlight of the conference for me was the opportunity to meet and engage in dialogue with seasoned professionals in academia, as well as making many new friends." 

Moria MacCatherine

An Assessment Scale and Care Recommendations for Neonatal Opioid
Withdrawal Syndrome

First Place in Medicine and Public Health as an Undergraduate presenter

“I am so grateful to have been a part of the 2024 AAAS Conference. Presenting my research to a panel of judges and a generalized audience challenged me to be descriptive yet concise and confident. I met students and professionals from a vast range of specialties - one of the benefits of attending a general science meeting. It was fascinating to learn about a wide array of topics and contribute my own niche interests to the conversation. I felt a strong community of my Barrett peers, which provided a nice balance of familiarity while still having the freedom to explore the conference sessions I wanted to attend. Traveling to Denver also granted us the opportunity to venture into a new city after conference hours and strengthen these new relationships. Thank you to everyone involved!”

Naina Misra

The Effect of Free Food Events on Inclusivity Among University Students

First Place in Science in Society as a Undergraduate presenter

“Attending the AAAS General Meeting was an eye-opening experience for me and the others in my cohort this year, as we attended memorable speaker sessions, networked with companies and national organizations, and cheered each other on at our poster presentations. Presenting our project posters to an interdisciplinary panel of judges and competing on a National stage was the perfect opportunity for me to raise awareness for my mission to encourage and support Free Food Events on college campuses to be more inclusive for students with dietary restrictions. Hearing their feedback, praise, and personal experiences regarding my project galvanized me to reach out to more stakeholders at ASU and even other universities about the data I have collected and solutions I devised. I am confident that I will take the lessons I learned at this conference with me into the future and use it to create an even greater positive impact on my community.”

Sophia Page

Biodiversity’s Impact on Desert Soil Carbon Sequestration: Could Landscaping for Biodiversity Help Climate Change?

“This was my first conference and it was a truly eye-opening experience. Every day presented a new deluge of possibilities and it showed me that I am capable of great things---both in- and out-of-state. But at the end of the day, traveling to Denver made me realize how much I love my home in Phoenix. I will take what I learned home to improve the ways in which I help my community.”

Jynx Pigart

Social Comparison Partially Mediates the Relationship Between Underserved Science Identities and Fear of Negative Evaluation

"This experience was enthralling to see how issues of equity and inclusion in sciences are being approached from both a scientific perspective but also from an institutional side, from publishers to administrators to government agencies like the National Science Foundation. At AAAS, I felt like I saw a side of academia that students don't usually get to see. AAAS made me curious for potential future careers."

Srivatsan Swaminathan

Vaccines Re-establish Homeostasis in a Mouse Collagen-induced Arthritis Model

Honorable Mention Developmental Biology, Genetics, and Immunology as an Undergraduate presenter

Orchee Syed

Pain During Midlife:  A Crossnational  Analysis of Birthyear Cohort Differences

Honorable Mention in Social Sciences as an Undergraduate presenter

“This was my first conference, and I had a really great time! Presenting my research, nerve-wracking though it was, was a rewarding and fulfilling experience. My judges were invested and asked compelling questions, and everyone I travelled with was so friendly and supportive. I enjoyed seeing the other students’ projects as well, and the booths and speakers were very interesting.”

Cindy Vargas 

Incorporating Fisher Metrics in Assessments of Bycatch Reduction Technologies   

First Place in Social Sciences as a Graduate presenter

“I am thankful for having the opportunity to present in the AAAS 2024 meeting in Denver. It was exciting to practice communicating my research to a broader range of scientists and learn about various topics outside of my field of study. One of the benefits of attending a large scientific conference, such as AAAS, is that there are many workshops, talks, and posters you can attend and learn about. There is something for everyone!”

Bryan Yavari

Adaptive Therapy: Leveraging Evolutionary Dynamics For Colorectal Cancer Management

“The AAAS meeting was a rewarding experience, allowing me to meaningfully contribute to the scientific community by presenting my research to experts and peers. I was able to network and learn from other scientists in many different fields, diversifying my knowledge across multiple disciplines. The discussions I had sparked new ideas and collaborations that I am currently working to develop. I am excited to further use the insights that I gained in my research and future endeavors.”

Kayla Burgher Graduate Student First Place - Environment and Ecology

"Attending the AAAS conference in Washington, D.C. was a wonderful experience that opened my mind to different ways of scientific thinking while giving me a platform to present my work and learn about future career opportunities. Many of the sessions I attended discussed science communication and the ethics of conducting science, topics I haven’t had much exposure to in my daily work. Additionally, while attending sessions and wandering around the expo hall, I met many fascinating scientists from many backgrounds and career paths. Not only did I get the opportunity to bounce my research ideas off these scientists, but I also gained insider information on how they built their careers. Finally, I enjoyed presenting my research in the e-poster competition. Through presenting, I practiced communicating my work to a general audience and had the opportunity to answer thoughtful questions from the judges. Ultimately, AAAS opened my eyes to the larger world of science outside of my field and ASU. I am excited to attend again in the future."   

Baylee Edwards

"My experience at AAAS was incredibly educational and very fun. I had opportunities to build connections with folks from a variety of disciplines, and discussing my work with them gave me new insight into my research. I was also able to attend sessions on topics both within and outside of my field, which helped me connect my work to some of my other interests. At the end of the weekend, I left the conference with multiple new ideas and the inspiration I need to bring those ideas to life at ASU." 

Joseph Hale

"Worry. Hope. Inspiration. Introspection. Such feelings characterize the experience of exhibiting
undergraduate research about a Rubik's Cube at the graduate level in one of science's most prestigious conferences, the 2023 AAAS Annual Meeting. Fortunately, initial fears of inadequacy gradually dissolved into crystalizing confidence as new friendships formed over shared excitement and mutual admiration.  As the conference progressed, thought-provoking presentations prompted contemplation of the patent economy, privacy amidst quantum computing, and proposals for ethical intelligent algorithms. Overall, this academic experience revealed many new opportunities to stretch intellectually and professionally, for which I offer sincere gratitude."

Cole Nichols

"AAAS 2023 was my first experience at an academic conference. Presenting my research was a
welcome challenge, and I enjoyed learning from other poster presenters. From attending other sessions, I gained new insights for use both in my research and larger academic career."