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Heather Wilkins of Haysville, Kan was one of 8 students honored for their oral presentation at the 13th annual Kansas IDeA (Institutional Development Awards) Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (K-INBRE) symposium Jan. 17-18 in Topeka, Kan.

All oral presenters are awarded for their participation, with first place receiving $500, second place $250, third place $150, and honorable mentions $100. Heather Wilkins, a post doc in neurology at the University of Kansas Medical Center, was awarded $500 for her scientific research oral presentation, Bioenergetic Influence of Amyloid beta Generation. Dr. Wilkins’ faculty mentor is Dr. Russel Swerdlow, a Professor at the University of Kansas Medical Center.”

The K-INBRE initiative is to identify and recruit promising undergraduate college science students into careers in biomedical research in Kansas. Students work in laboratories alongside scientist mentors to develop research projects. These projects give students early “hands-on” experience in putting the scientific method into practice

“This program is an excellent example of the great science blooming in Kansas,” says Doug Wright, Principal Investigator for K-INBRE and professor of anatomy and cell biology at KU Medical Center. “With the help of our partner institutions, we hope to continue the development and recruitment of biomedical researchers in Kansas.”

The annual K-INBRE Symposium brings together a network of students, faculty and staff from 10 campuses in Kansas and northern Oklahoma: The University of Kansas Medical Center (lead school), Emporia State University, Fort Hays State University, Haskell Indian Nations University, Kansas State University, Langston University, Pittsburg State University, University of Kansas-Lawrence, Washburn University, and Wichita State University.

“The symposium is a great opportunity for students to learn how to package and present their hard work and exceptional research to their peers and mentors,” said Wright.