MAYA FROM ALCORN UNIVERSITY HONORED WITH TRAVEL AWARD AT NATIONAL BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM
|
Posted By: Catalina Deossa on July 16, 2024 Ismael Maya, a graduating senior in biology, garnered recognition by winning a travel award at the 9th National IDeA Symposium of Biomedical Research Excellence held in Washington, D.C. from June 16-19. His research presentation, titled “The Baker’s Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) as a Model Organism to Elucidate the Causes of Metabolic Reprogramming in Glycolytic Tumors,” stood out among participants from various educational and research institutions nationwide. The symposium, sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) through its IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) program, plays a pivotal role in enhancing biomedical research capabilities across different states. It supports faculty research, mentors students, and enhances research infrastructure, aiming to foster scientific excellence and train biomedical scientists. Under the guidance of Dr. Jon Ignacio Moreno, Associate Professor of Biology, and Dr. Marta Piva, Interim Chair and Professor of Biology, Ismael conducted research focusing on the role of mitochondrial DNA in metabolic shifts observed in glycolytic tumor cells. Utilizing baker’s yeast as a model organism, the study explores how these cells transition from oxidative to anaerobic energy production, mirroring metabolic changes seen in cancer cells. Dr. Piva highlighted the significance of their research, stating, “Mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell; they have their own DNA. Our project aims to elucidate the role mitochondrial DNA plays in switching from a cell metabolism that uses oxygen to produce energy (normal cells) to one that does not (glycolytic tumor cells). We use the baker’s yeast as the model organism because it can produce energy with or without oxygen, mimicking tumor cells.” The National Association of IDeA Principal Investigators (NAIPI) awarded travel grants based on the scientific abstracts presented at the symposium, recognizing outstanding contributions to biomedical research. With over 1,000 attendees, including undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty, and staff, the event featured high-level scientific presentations across disciplines, plenary and keynote talks, and poster sessions showcasing research by IDeA scientists. The symposium also included forums and workshops aimed at providing participants with new scientific insights and career development opportunities. It served as a platform for networking and collaboration among researchers committed to advancing biomedical knowledge and addressing critical health challenges. Ismael Maya’s achievement not only highlights his dedication and research prowess but also underscores the impact of programs like INBRE in fostering the next generation of biomedical researchers. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
 |
Catalina Deossa
Archaeologist, CHRONOS SAS Florida Int`l Univ class of 2011 Member Since April 2024 |
Comments
More From This Author
Latest Famous HBCU Alumni
 |
Sherri Shepherd Honors Mercer’s Nonprofit Powering HBCU DreamsTeeJ Mercer’s Move-In Day Mafia Transforms Foster Youth Lives
TeeJ Mercer, the creative force behind the nonprofit Move-In Day Mafia, was recently celebrated on The Sherri Shepherd Show for her excep ...more
Hija Chang • 358 Views • August 6th, 2026 |
 |
Crispus Attucks: American Revolutionary Hero?Crispus Attucks is a name that twenty-first century American schoolchildren usually learn in their introduction to the American Revolution and its heroes. Attucks—a man of African and Native American ...more
Hija Chang • 424 Views • July 25th, 2026 |
 |
On International Chess Day, Celebrating Maurice Ashley – The First African American Chess GrandmasterContent Artist: Shourjyani Chatterjee
Maurice Ashley became the first Black chess Grandmaster in 1999.
He coached young players from Harlem and became a globally recognised chess commentator.
...more
Hija Chang • 368 Views • July 24th, 2026 |
 |
How Dr. Samuel Lee Kountz, Jr. revolutionized kidney transplantsBorn in Lexa, Arkansas in 1930, Dr. Kountz had to work hard and overcome several obstacles to reach his goal of becoming a doctor. Despite failing the entrance exam at his first attempt applying for c ...more
Hija Chang • 394 Views • July 20th, 2026 |
Popular Famous HBCU Alumni
 |
Della Miles takes Michelle Obama to the stage in "Obama the Musical"When Della Miles was a student at Prairie View A&M University in Texas, everyone new she would be a brighter star one day having been selected Miss PVAMU and 4th Runner-up to Miss Texas/America 1984. ...more
Frederick Roberts • 91,009 Views • April 11th, 2010 |
 |
Oprah WinfreyOprah Winfrey, the multi media mogul, has garnered international appeal for her talk show. As the first Black woman billionaire in world history, Winfrey has overtaken EBay CEO, Meg Whitman, as the ri ...more
Reginald Culpepper • 39,388 Views • September 30th, 2005 |
 |
Kerry D. ChandlerKerry D. Chandler, a San Diego, CA native, is the Executive Vice President of Human Resources at the National Basketball Association responsible for leading the league's global human resources strateg ...more
Ryan Rogers • 34,661 Views • May 3rd, 2011 |
 |
Rick Ross - Yep Another HBCU AlumnusWilliam Leonard Roberts II (born January 28, 1976), better known by his stage name Rick Ross, is an American rapper. Ross founded the record label Maybach Music Group. He was born in Coahoma County, M ...more
Reginald Culpepper • 33,338 Views • September 1st, 2010 |
