UTSA McNair Scholar Wins First Place at North Texas Life Science Research Symposium

At center: UTSA student Miranda Morgan

By Maria Luana Gonzalez
McNair Scholars Program Manager

(Nov. 21, 2012) -- UTSA McNair scholar Miranda Morgan placed first of 46 undergraduate research posters submitted at the North Texas Life Science Research Symposium on Nov. 3 at the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth. The undergraduate senior's research, "The Role of the Neuro-Immune System in Stress-Induced Cognitive Deficits," was completed under the guidance of David Morilak, professor of pharmacology at the UT Health Science Center San Antonio, and supported by her participation in the McNair Scholars program.

The science symposium included three parallel programs for high school, bachelor's and master's students. Participants represented 16 colleges and universities including University of Texas at Arlington, University of Texas at Dallas, Baylor and Texas A&M. Leading scientists judged the participants' posters and gave awards to the top three posters in the undergraduate competition with $150, $75 and $50 prizes. In the master's competition, the prizes were $200, $100 and $75).

The event provided Texans access to cutting-edge research and educational opportunities in the biomedical sciences. To a broader extent, it addressed the state and national needs for increased opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

"This was the first year that UTSA was represented at this research symposium," said Jessica Brewer, graduate student recruitment specialist. "The judges were impressed with Miranda's research and level of understanding. We hope to see more UTSA students participate next year."

The Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program is one of the TRIO programs housed in the UTSA Office of P-20 Initiatives. The program prepares selected sophomores, juniors and seniors for doctoral studies by experiencing graduate work and faculty-led research.

For more information, visit the McNair Scholars Web page or email McNair@utsa.edu.

Events

Friday, May 3, 11:30 a.m.

McNair Scholars' Spring Celebration

This event will acknowledge graduating seniors from the McNair Scholars program at UTSA before inducting the new cohort of scholars into the program.

North Paseo Building (NPB 5.140), Main Campus

Wednesday, May 15, 6:00 p.m.

Doctoral Conferral Ceremony

At this memorable celebration, UTSA graduates will be introduced one-by-one to cross the stage and accept their doctoral degrees.

Arts Building Recital Hall, Main Campus

Thursday, May 16, 3:00 p.m.

Roadrunner Walk

Roadrunner Walk is an event for graduating students to have a memorable walk on campus to celebrate an important milestone and their achievements. Graduates will walk along the Paseo while being celebrated by the UTSA community, friends, and family members.

Student Union Paseo, Main Campus

Friday, May 17, 10:00 a.m.

Commencement: Ceremony One

Celebrate the accomplishments of College of Education and Human Development, College for Health, Community and Policy, College of Sciences and University College.

Alamodome, 100 Montana St.

Friday, May 17, 4:30 p.m.

Commencement: Ceremony Two

Celebrate the accomplishments of Alvarez College of Business, College of Liberal and Fine Arts and Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design.

Alamodome, 100 Montana St.

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The University of Texas at San Antonio is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service. As an institution of access and excellence, UTSA embraces multicultural traditions and serves as a center for intellectual and creative resources as well as a catalyst for socioeconomic development and the commercialization of intellectual property - for Texas, the nation and the world.

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