Angela Hairston, a Senior Chemistry major from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, recently attended the 255th American Chemical Society National Meeting and Exposition during March 18-22, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The 255th American Chemical Science National Meeting and Exposition allows chemical engineers, academicians, graduate and undergraduate students and other related professionals to present new multidisciplinary research, hear the latest information in their areas of professional interest and network with colleagues. Hairston presented on March 19, 2018 from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm.
During the exposition, Hairston presented research she conducted at the 2017 Research Experience for Undergraduate Programs at the University of Alabama. She participated with the Elizabeth T. Papish anti-cancer research group where she conducted research entitled, “Utilizing Light Sensitive Ruthenium Complexes to Target Cancer” which is an anti-cancer research that provides an alternative for the current platinum-based chemotherapy. She chose to conduct anti-cancer research because close family relatives were diagnosed with pancreatic and bladder cancer. Because Hairston personally witnessed their struggle, she wants to help find the next cancer cure to help alleviate those detrimental side effects. By attending the exposition, she was able to gain tons of new science knowledge as well as gain confidence with communication skills when presenting her research. Being able to network was also a positive aspect of attending the exposition. “I was able to connect with many prestigious schools and rekindle friendships with other collegiate scientists,” she stated.
Hairston would advise any chemist, scientist or stem majors to attend the American Chemical Society National Meeting and Exposition in future years because it gives great insight and expands your ability to properly communicate with professionals and present scientific research.