UAB Biomedical Sciences opens a new website students Rebecca Vales and Chloe Roth were selected to co-present at the Breaking the Boundaries: Reimagining Research and Clinical Practice for a Healthier Tomorrow in New Orleans, LA. This conference highlights the importance of addressing challenges the health care industry currently faces. Vales and Roth’s research was the only undergraduate submission chosen for presentation and was highlighted during the session, "NextGen: Lightning Talks."
The symposium, which took place from June 9-10, 2025, is funded by the Doris Duke Foundation opens a new website, with oversight by the UAB Center for Clinical and Translational Science opens a new website (CCTS).
Vales enjoyed attending the symposium and building relationships with other researchers, academics, and students. “This unique experience allowed Chloe and me to draw on our background in public health research and our passion for community service and health to propose an innovation aimed at addressing the challenges researchers face, while improving health outcomes for marginalized communities,” Vales stated, reflecting on the experience.
Over the past year, Vales and Roth have engaged in community-based research under the supervision of Biotechnology faculty member, Kimberly McCall, Ph.D, MPA, and Jordin Lane, PhD, from the School of Public Health. Together, they gained real-world experience and a deeper understanding of ethical standards and regulatory compliance in their academic research.
Their presentation, titled “Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges: Co-Creating Community Research Networks,” explored the work of undergraduate research trainees and the importance of community-based research initiatives. Topics included prioritizing transparency and trust, in addition to building a sustainable research model that would lead to longevity of the research collaborative.
“As trainees, Rebecca and I had the opportunity to share our ideas and concerns while receiving thoughtful and constructive feedback,” Roth stated. “The symposium reinforced the importance of research and the need to build trust with the communities we aim to serve, all while striving to create meaningful and lasting change!”
The conference hosted 80 attendees over the two-day period. With keynote speakers, networking opportunities, and more, the two BMD students were able to learn more about their field and meet like-minded researchers.
“Thanks to the expert preparation provided by our UAB and CCTS administrators, we delivered a successful presentation to researchers, physicians, and business representatives,” said Vales, “This was a transformative experience that provided me with valuable connections and skills I will carry with me throughout my research and medical career."
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