McCall, along with her colleague Jordin Lane, Ph.D., in the School of Public Health, was awarded the 2025 Best Research for their poster presentation on Engaging Minds: The Role of Students in Community Research and Regulatory Affairs.

“The recognition at the Gulf-South Summit affirms the power of student engagement in research and regulatory affairs,” said McCall, “Our findings demonstrate how collaborative learning and community partnerships not only enhance education but also drive meaningful impact. It’s inspiring to see students grow as leaders while contributing to real-world change.”

The goal of the Gulf South Summit is to promote networking among practitioners, research, ethical practices, reciprocal campus-community partnerships, sustainable programs, and a culture of engagement and public awareness through service-learning and other forms of civic engagement. Colleagues from universities, institutions, and professional organizations gather to share knowledge and network across fields.

Membership in the Gulf-South Summit Executive Committee consists of representatives from the following 12 states, including Alabama, North Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and more.

To learn more about UAB Biotechnology, their research, students, and faculty, visit the Biotechnology website.