MTSU undergrads travel to England for international research conference

Undergraduate researchers from Middle Tennessee State University share breakfast near the River Thames in London, England, this spring while traveling to attend World Congress on Undergraduate Research hosted at the University of Warwick in Coventry, England. Sitting, from left, are Marzea Akter; Jamie Burriss, coordinator of MTSU’s Undergraduate Research Center; Ross Sibley; Jesse Scobee; Brooke Busbee; Yaseen Ginnab, Leslie Gonzalez, Janna Abou-Rahma and Hunter Brady. (Submitted photo)

Eight MTSU undergraduates took their research projects across the pond to the annual World Congress on Undergraduate Research, also known as WorldCUR, at the University of Warwick in Coventry, England, earlier this spring.

Dr. Jamie Burriss, program manager, Office of Research and Sponsored Programs — Dr. Jamie Burriss

Students Janna Abou-Rahma, Marzea Akter, Hunter Brady, Brooke Busbee, Leslie Gonzalez, Yaseen Ginnab, Jesse Scobee and Ross Sibley traveled with Dr. Jamie Burriss, undergraduate research coordinator for the university’s Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, to share their science and student-outreach work with over 650 other conference participants from more than 35 different countries.

This conference marked the fifth opportunity for students to present their research this school year through the university’s Undergraduate Research Center and the multiple in-house, regional, national and international conferences it facilitates each year.

The center also provides a variety of support routes for undergraduates interested in getting involved in research: it connects students with possible faculty mentors and projects; houses the Student Organization for the Advancement of Research, more commonly known as SOAR, for peer support; and provides funding through its Undergraduate Research Experience and Creative Activity grant, Burriss said.

Undergraduate researchers from Middle Tennessee State University smile for a photo while attending the World Congress on Undergraduate Research at the University of Warwick in Coventry, England, this spring. Standing, from left, are, Yaseen Ginnab, Leslie Gonzalez; Brooke Busbee; Jamie Burriss, coordinator of MTSU’s Undergraduate Research Center; Jesse Scobee; Marzea Akter; Janna Abou-Rahma and Ross Sibley. (Submitted photo) — Undergraduate researchers from Middle Tennessee State University smile for a photo while attending the World Congress on Undergraduate Research at the University of Warwick in Coventry, England, this spring. Standing, from left, are, Yaseen Ginnab, Leslie Gonzalez; Brooke Busbee; Dr. Jamie Burriss, coordinator of MTSU’s Undergraduate Research Center; Jesse Scobee; Marzea Akter; Janna Abou-Rahma and Ross Sibley. (Submitted photo)

Ginnab, who just graduated with a double major in biology and psychology, investigated the impact of the chemical selenium on a plant native to Tennessee. He said his MTSU research experiences were crucial to developing the skills and confidence needed in academia.

Yaseen Ginnab, undergraduate researcher from Middle Tennessee State University, presents his project about a native Tennessee plant at the World Congress on Undergraduate Research at the University of Warwick in Coventry, England, this spring. (Submitted photo) — Yaseen Ginnab, an undergraduate researcher from Middle Tennessee State University, presents his project about a native Tennessee plant at the World Congress on Undergraduate Research at the University of Warwick in Coventry, England, this spring. (Submitted photo)

“WorldCUR is an especially good conference for that because it has such a diverse mix of undergraduate research from all over the world,” the Los Angeles, California, native said about his first international research experience.

“Presenting to an audience of researchers from so many different fields and seeing all of their projects is a great way to get more comfortable in research communication.”

Sibley, a senior studying biochemistry and neuroscience, made a presentation on his work designing, making and testing antifungal therapeutics for two harmful fungal pathogens. He said his research experience has allowed him to build a foundational skill set both in and beyond the lab.

“Undergraduate research is crucial for me as I will begin my graduate studies in the fall of 2024, and having a leg up on laboratory techniques will hopefully facilitate a smooth transition from my time here at MTSU to wherever I end up for the next five years,” said Sibley, who is originally from Redlands, California.

“The opportunity to present research at both national and international research conferences has allowed me to meet incredible researchers at other institutions that I could possibly work with in the future.”

Ross Sibley, undergraduate researcher from Middle Tennessee State University, presents his project about antifungal therapeutics at the World Congress on Undergraduate Research at the University of Warwick in Coventry, England, this spring. (Submitted photo) — Ross Sibley, an undergraduate researcher from Middle Tennessee State University, presents his project about antifungal therapeutics at the World Congress on Undergraduate Research at the University of Warwick in Coventry, England, this spring. (Submitted photo)

Projects weren’t limited to the more typical research fields of science and math. Busbee, a senior studying psychology and art, is an ambassador for the student club SOAR and spoke at the conference about her work bringing local high schoolers to campus to teach them about MTSU’s research resources through the university’s READY to SOAR program.

Brooke Busbee, undergraduate researcher from Middle Tennessee State University, presents her project about research outreach to local high school students at the World Congress on Undergraduate Research at the University of Warwick in Coventry, England, this spring. (Submitted photo)

“This was my first time at WorldCUR, and it was one of the best experiences of my life,” said the Christiana, Tennessee, native. “I was so lucky to have the opportunity to travel and experience a global perspective on research. …

“Many other institutions seem to prioritize their graduate programs. While at MTSU, I felt that I had the whole institution supporting me. The financial support, especially for conference travel, is unmatched and has helped me jump-start my career. The faculty as well have been nothing but supportive and have pushed me to take full advantage of opportunities that will benefit me both now and post-graduation.”

All three students said the camaraderie they experienced while touring London also created some of their fondest memories.

“I loved roaming around London while getting to know everyone and spending time with each other on campus during and after the conference,” Ginnab said.

“I was able to make good friends with my entire group from MTSU, and having these memories, I’m glad I am able to associate such a life-changing experience with research at MTSU,” said Busbee.

To learn more about getting involved in undergraduate research, visit the Undergraduate Research Center’s website at www.mtsu.edu/urc or Facebook page at www.facebook.com/urcmtsu.

— Stephanie Wagner (Stephanie.Wagner@mtsu.edu)