Students and faculty from 12 countries met in Omaha in early June for the 12th International Student Research Forum (ISRF), hosted at UNMC and the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO).
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Visitors to the International Student Research Forum line dance at Bushwackers Saloon. |
Rachel Utter, Ph.D. candidate in the Medical Sciences Interdepartmental Area (MSIA) graduate program, helped organize the forum and has participated in the ISRF for a number of years.
“The opportunity to present our research on this international platform has been very rewarding,” Utter said. “This forum has provided us with a unique opportunity to showcase the world-class research being performed at UNMC and UNO.”
Keith Swarts, director of the ISRF Consortium and interim director of the Asia Pacific Rim Development Program, praised Utter’s work in helping organize the largely student-run event.
“Rachel has been a vital member of the ISRF for a number of years, and she has gone above and beyond this year as an organizer and student leader,” Swarts said.
Participants presented their research in the mornings. In the afternoons, they toured the Biomechanics Research Building at UNO. At UNMC, they saw the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, the UNMC Center for Drug Discovery and Lozier Center for Pharmacy Sciences and Education, and the simulation labs in the Sorrell Center.
In the evenings, the atmosphere became more casual as participants shopped, watched a Storm Chasers baseball game and learned to line dance at Bushwackers Saloon.
“These social events are a crucial component of the forum, allowing students to connect with others in a more relaxed environment, developing friendships that go beyond disciplinary or national borders,” Swarts said.
The forum also was successful in promoting collaborations here in Omaha, Swarts said, pointing to the fact that faculty and staff at both UNMC and the UNO helped organize the forum and that participants took UNO transportation from the airport, stayed at UNO’s Scott Village and presented their research at Mammel Hall.
“The forum was a success because of the collaborative efforts of staff at UNMC and UNO,” Swarts said. He praised the efforts of Adam Wick, Trent Fredericksen, and the UNO housing and residential life staff.
“This initial collaboration will forge many future endeavors and partnerships between our two institutions,” Swarts said.
Great work, Rachel! It's clear that all of your hard work paid off!
Wish I had known about this BEFORE it happened; a rare chance for me to attend parts of it and see what it is about. Oh well. And perhaps there was a notice and I missed it.