STEM undergraduate researchers presented their latest scientific findings during the annual Undergraduate Research Symposium May 16 at Mary Gates Hall. Organized by the Undergraduate Research Program, the event featured poster and oral presentations highlighting work in fields such as virology, neuroscience, and cell biology.
Throughout the day, students explained their research to faculty, peers, and visitors, offering an inside look at current investigations into disease, injury, and biological mechanisms. The symposium provided a forum for undergraduates to communicate scientific work to a wider audience and to practice sharing their results in a professional environment.
One project, presented by third-year biochemistry student Rohan Vokkarne, examined the Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus and its link to cancer. Vokkarne’s work focused on how the virus alters the metabolism of infected cells which is a process that may offer new possibilities for future cancer treatments.
“A lot of people don’t realize that viruses can actually cause cancer,” Vokkarne said. “We’re looking at how this particular virus changes the way cancer cells process energy. By understanding which viral genes drive this effect, we hope to find new targets for therapy.”
Another research presentation, by fourth-year neuroscience student Sam Husarik, addressed traumatic brain injury and the onset of post-traumatic epilepsy. Husarik’s project looked at how certain brain cells, including astrocytes, respond to trauma and may contribute to the development of epilepsy in patients after injury.
“Traumatic brain injury is pretty widespread … think of sports, car accidents, or even military service,” Husarik said. “Our research can help us understand what happens in the brain after these injuries and how we might intervene before more serious problems develop.”
Beyond individual projects, the symposium reflected the diverse range of research taking place across the university. Dozens of posters lined the hallways, detailing topics from molecular biology and genetics to computational methods and biomedical engineering.
Many projects addressed major health issues, while others focused on technological advances or fundamental biological questions. The event was open to all members of the UW community, and attendees could interact directly with student presenters, ask questions, and learn more about ongoing research efforts.
For spectators, the event offered a chance to see the connections between academic research and real-world problems. Jamie Stout, an English and sociology double major, attended to support friends and shared her impressions as a non-STEM student.
“I don’t always understand the terminology, but seeing these presentations helps me draw connections to real-world issues,” Stout said. “It’s interesting to see how the research relates to problems that affect people outside of science.”
The symposium also drew interest from families and those with experience in health care. Sarah Husarik, a nurse practitioner and parent of one of the student presenters, commented on the relevance of the research to medical practice.
“In the hospital, we see a lot of the issues the students are researching, but not in the depth they’re exploring here,” Husarik said. “It would be great if more medical staff were educated on research at this level of detail.”
As the symposium concluded, conversations continued among students, faculty, and visitors about the impact of undergraduate research. The event highlighted not only the scientific progress made by UW undergraduates but also the value of sharing research with a broader audience. Organizers encouraged interested students to seek out research opportunities and to consider participating in future symposiums.
Reach contributing writer Diva Mehta at science@dailyuw.comX: @divamehta7. Bluesky: @divamehta.bsky.social
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