From Tucson to San Diego: My First AACR Experience

Attending the AACR Undergraduate Student Caucus and Poster Competition in San Diego on April 18 was an unforgettable experience and a meaningful milestone in my academic journey. Traveling from Tucson via Phoenix, the trip itself was long and a bit tiring, but the excitement of participating in such a prestigious conference made it all worthwhile. After finally arriving in San Diego, I took a bus to my hotel, checked in, and tried to get some rest before the big day.

The next day, I had the opportunity to present my poster, which was both exciting and nerve-wracking. Sharing my research with others and discussing my work with peers and professionals in the field of cancer research was incredibly rewarding. What stood out the most was the chance to learn about the diverse and innovative research others are conducting. It was inspiring to see the passion and dedication of fellow students and researchers, all working toward advancing our understanding of cancer.

Although my trip was short and I returned soon after presenting, the experience left a lasting impact on me. It strengthened my interest in cancer research and motivated me to continue pursuing opportunities like this in the future.

I am truly grateful for the UBRP Travel Award, which made it possible for me to attend this conference. Without this support, I would not have been able to have such an enriching experience. I would love the opportunity to return next year and stay for the full duration to learn even more, connect with others, and continue growing as a researcher.