Wake Forest University’s annual URECA student research day celebrated a diverse array of undergraduate research projects, drawing participation from 140 students and over 120 faculty mentors. The projects, showcased in both posters and oral presentations, spanned topics from Evan Harris’s exploration of the Hindu religion in Bali to Jocelyn Huang’s investigation into the impacts of fire on vegetation. However, among the standout presentations was that of Sydney Reimer, a junior chemistry major from Berkeley, California. Through her summer research at Wake Downtown, Reimer delved deep into how treatment drugs penetrate and eventually eradicate cancer cells. Her work, co-mentored by Uli Bierbach, a professor in the Chemistry department, and Erin Henslee from the Engineering department, underscored the importance of collaboration and mentorship in the research process.
URECA Day, a significant event at Wake Forest, emphasized the crucial role of faculty mentorship, fostering a collaborative environment for students and mentors alike. Notably, Uli Bierbach, recognized for excellence in mentoring, shared his pride in seeing the development of young scientists, particularly highlighting the potential in moving small molecules from lab studies to clinical trials for cancer treatment. The day also spotlighted oral presentations from select students, covering a range of subjects from theatre to health sciences. The event serves as a testament to Wake Forest’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of researchers and scholars.