Curran Henson, a University of Arkansas biomedical engineering student, attended the Winthrop Rockefeller Nanotechnology for Healthcare Conference on Dec. 2. While there, he helped Radwan Al Faouri, a research assistant professor, present graphene research, which focused on determining the adhesive force between graphene and E. coli. Said Henson, "Presenting research for the first time was a little nerve-wracking, but after the butterflies in my stomach settled, it was very rewarding. It made me proud to share an achievement I've accomplished during my academic career at the U. of A."

In addition to presenting research with Al Faouri, Henson had the opportunity to hear several noteworthy speakers, among them the university's own associate professor Morten Jensen, who discussed the use of nanomaterials to help regenerate cardiovascular tissue. Henson also enjoyed the presentation made by Jacob Berlin of the Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, located in Duarte, California, who discussed the use of nanoparticles in the treatment of brain cancer.

Ultimately, Henson noted, conferences like this one serve as vital networking events for students.

"Conferences," he said, "give attendees the opportunity to stay engaged in current work in the field of nanotechnology, and to make connections with academics across the country." As such, Henson recommends that each University of Arkansas student should do their best to attend a conference in their respective discipline during their four years in college. It's through conferencing, he explained, that students can have, "the opportunity to really see what is out there, and get a taste of the current advancements and research being done in their fields of study."

To read more about Henson's conference experience, visit the Biomedical Engineering Department blog.