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Thousands of eager researchers from across the United States gathered in New York City for the 1998 National Minority Research Symposium, November 21-24. The gala event was hosted at the World Trade Center, in the heart of the Downtown Financial District of Manhattan. Packed with poster presentations, lectures, workshops, networking opportunities, and a Graduate School Fair, the symposium atmosphere made the future scientist and researchers in attendance, feel at home. Graduate and undergraduate students from some of the most prestigious schools in the U.S. brought their results from research projects in the Basic and Applied Sciences. The MIRT Program at the University of Pittsburgh was represented by two extraordinary abstract presentations from studies conducted on the islands of Barbados and Dominica. The two abstract topics were as follows: " Is Racism Related to Diabetes Risk?" and " Factors Associated With Body Size Preference Among Caribbean Women" . Research mentors, professors, students, and simply those with inquisitive minds came with questions about the University of Pittsburgh MIRT research experience . While many were interested in the results of the research projects, particularly the effects of internalized racism on diabetes, others wanted to know how the program had changed my perspective on research and what future outcomes were anticipated. There were many inquiries on how students could get involved in the program . It was interesting to note that many students were unaware that Public Health and epidemiology had such an impact on issues that effect our changing lives. I took back to Pittsburgh a sense of accomplishment: knowing that I was given the opportunity to participate in the MIRT program in the field research, publication, and presentation phases and knowing how much of an impact my public health experience has made on my future aspirations. The experience presenting at the National Minority Research Symposium was indeed rewarding. About the Author----Kimberly Daye is a 1996 MIRT Trainee whose research experience was on the island of Barbados. To find out more about her experience: E-mail Kimberly at: kimmedaye@aol.com |
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