Center for Undergraduate Research Inaugural Conference 2019

The inaugural Center for Undergraduate Research event was held on April 13 at MCPHS's White Hall on the Boston campus. The center was established to provide undergraduate students graduate-level research experiences and prepare them to become the next generation of scientists and researchers.

The schedule was filled with guest speakers, poster presentations, and “Ignite Sessions” designed to create an impact and spark critical thinking on various topics. Racial disparities in maternal care, mindfulness in college students, and qualitative analysis on patient narratives of dancers in rehabilitation were among the themes discussed.

The day began with a welcome address by Caroline S. Zeind, Vice President for Academic Affairs/Provost, who introduced the Founding Director of the Center for Undergraduate Research, Keri Griffin.

The schedule continued on to the keynote featuring, Lachelle D. Weeks, MD, PhD, a clinical fellow in Hematology and Oncology at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Dr. Weeks talked about her research experiences and producing several first author publications and abstracts that have been presented at National Meetings of the American Chemical Society and the American Association for Cancer Research. She began her research career as a laboratory assistant during her freshman year at Wellesley College. During her presentation, she discussed the importance of gaining research experience at an undergraduate level. Similar to the curriculum at MCPHS, Dr. Weeks experienced hands on learning throughout her research that molded her into the healthcare leader that she is today.

The first conference for the Center for Undergraduate Research showcased the enriched experiences and insight MCPHS undergraduate students gain through their education.

For more information about the center, please contact Dr. Keri Griffin, the Director of the Center for Undergrad Research at keri.griffin@mcphs.edu.