Congratulations to BME undergraduate students Max Rozenblum and Marco Melgar who each won presentation awards in the engineering category at the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS).

Max Rozenblum presented, “Microscopic Movies: a New Approach for Defining Cell Dynamics in Angiogenesis.” His research provides a new opportunity to ask time-dependent questions about blood vessel growth, and their interface with lymphatic vessels, macrophages, and interstitial cells. His research aims to understand how to modulate the rate of angiogenesis (blood vessel growth) in hope that it would be used as a natural therapeutic to diseases characterized by lack of blood vessels (Coronary Artery Disease), or inversely an excess (various cancers).

Marco Melgar presented, “Identifying Traumatic Brain Injury Related Biomarkers.” His research identifies biomarkers related to Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). The current evaluation of TBI is based on subjective symptoms such as headaches, dizziness and memory problems, but there is not an objective way to evaluate a TBI. His research aims to create a blood test that can detect TBI, thereby preventing subsequent injuries to the brain. An improved understanding of this condition may lead to the development of better treatments for TBI.

Now in its twentieth year, ABRCMS is one of the largest, professional conferences for underrepresented minority students, military veterans, and persons with disabilities to pursue advanced training in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The conference features over 1,700 student poster and oral presentations, along with scientific, professional development and networking sessions.

Congratulations, Max and Marco!