Students Shine at American Heart Association HSI Scholars Symposium
The symposium, held in Dallas, Texas, brought together talented undergraduate research students from across the nation to highlight the passion of the scholars in combating healthcare disparities and promoting health equity
Posted in: CSAM Research, CSAM Students
The American Heart Association (AHA) recently held its annual HSI (Hispanic-Serving Institutions) Research Symposium, where students from Montclair State University showcased their research projects alongside other AHA HSI Scholars from across the nation.
Among the attendees were outstanding students from Montclair State, including Karla Gallardo, Nicole Rodriguez Ortiz, Melvin Rodriguez, Citlaly Hernandez, Ivana Culic, Edwin Luna Gonzalez, Fabricio Justiniano, and Oriannys Infante. These students, under the mentorship of faculty members from CSAM and CCHL, presented their research projects with polish and enthusiasm.
The symposium included a series of scientific and professional development activities. Of note, a panel discussion moderated by Francesca Martinez, the National Director of Health Equity for the AHA included as a panelist CSAM graduate student Melissa Spigelman (MS in Molecular Biology), who shared insights on the future of health equity alongside Larissa De Souza, the President of the Latin Medical Student Association, and Manuel Cintron, who recently celebrated becoming an MD.
Students During Their Poster Sessions
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Fabricio Justiniano with his poster at the 2024 AHA Scholars Program Research Symposium
Nicole Rodriguez Ortiz with her poster at the 2024 AHA Scholars Program Research Symposium
Citlaly Hernandez with her poster at the 2024 AHA Scholars Program Research Symposium
Edwin Luna-Gonzalez with his poster at the 2024 AHA Scholars Program Research Symposium
Ivana Culic with her poster at the 2024 AHA Scholars Program Research Symposium
Melvin Rodriguez and Melissa Spigelman with their poster at the 2024 AHA Scholars Program Research Symposium
Karla Gallardo with her poster at the 2024 AHA Scholars Program Research Symposium
Oriannys Infante with her poster at the 2024 AHA Scholars Program Research Symposium
During the discussion, Ms. Spigelman emphasized the importance of increasing representation in STEM fields to alleviate healthcare disparities. She encouraged current and future scholars to pursue advanced degrees, highlighting the role they play in shaping the future of healthcare, urging them to use their voices as catalysts for change, starting from the present moment. Her remarks emphasized self-compassion, the acceptance of imperfection, and the importance of a supportive community.
The AHA Scholars Program stands as a beacon of hope and demonstrating progress in the societal goal of health equity. By empowering students like the exceptional research scholars at Montclair State University, they are building a brighter, more inclusive, future in healthcare.
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Ivana Culic talking about her poster at the 2024 AHA Scholars Program Research Symposium
Ivana Culic at the awards ceremony for the 2024 AHA Scholars Program Research Symposium
Ivana Culic receiving a medal at the 2024 AHA Scholars Program Research Symposium
