The 16th annual Undergraduate Biology Research Conference proved to be one of the best yet. With eighty-five student projects presented this year--spanning the walls of two floors in the Life Sciences South building -- it was difficult to find a scientific discipline that was not represented by student projects. Undergraduates presented their work in fields ranging from neurobiology to cancer research to ecology. Faculty, interested community members, as well as family and friends of students were all in attendance to view the projects. Seeing the next generation of scientists’ show-off their work was an enlivening and enriching experience for all in attendance.

There was an air of excitement and confidence among students as they were given the opportunity to present the results of their work for the first time. The excellence of the work presented by the students made clear the hours of hard work and dedication that students have put into their labs. The UBRP conference offered the unique opportunity for students to relay their work not only to the scientific community but the general public, as well. This served as good practice for students to explain abstract concepts and complex phenomena to those unfamiliar with the work of the scientific community. There were many captivated faces among attendees and an equal number of proud faces among students.

Amidst the three poster sessions in which students presented their work, those who attended heard a wonderful keynote address from Dr. Pierre Baldi, the Director of the Institute for Genomics and Bioinformatics at UC Irvine and Professor of Information and Computer Science and Biological Chemistry. In his talk, Dr. Baldi covered the premise behind his book “The Shattered Self: The End of Natural Evolution”--the overlap of “carbon and silicon” or the integration of biological life with machines. Interesting points were raised regarding the capacity of computers to one-day think like humans as well as the role of humans in the alteration of life through genetic modification and cloning. Dr. Baldi’s comments raised eyebrows and led to discussion among students, faculty and visitors alike. His address was fitting and well delivered for the inquisitive minds present at the conference.

The conference concluded with an awards ceremony recognizing the work and efforts of students in the Undergraduate Biology Research Program, with each student receiving a certificate of participation and a twenty-five dollar gift certificate to the Arizona Bookstore.

With another successful conference in the bag, it is clear that the University of Arizona and the Undergraduate Biology Research Program are providing undergrads with the amazing opportunity to be a part of the research that is advancing the scientific frontier. The achievements of the student-researchers are validation of the success of the UBRP program and all that it has to offer. Congratulations to all involved on a fantastic conference this year, and here’s to continued success! Check out the conference at: http://ubrp.arizona.edu/conference05/default.html

John Biebelhausen, UBRPer in Dr. Leslie Tolbert’s laboratory Neurobiology