Molecular biology PhD candidates honored

Dec. 14, 2022 – DENTON – Texas Woman's University PhD candidates Hala Samara and Mafia Mahabub Rumpa recently earned two presentation awards apiece at the International Forum on Research Excellence (IFoRE) 2022 of the Scientific Research Honor Society.

Samara and Rumpa, both working towards their degrees in molecular biology, presented their research in the forms of posters.

Samara's poster, "Functional Characterization of the Medicago truncatula Nodule-Specific PLAT Domain Protein NPD1," was awarded Superior presentation in agriculture, soil, and natural resources and Exceptional in agriculture and environmental challenges.

Rumpa's poster, “Maclura pomifera Plant Extracts Inhibit Proliferation and Induce Apoptosis in ER-positive Breast Cancer Cell Lines” was awarded Superior in cell biology and biochemistry and Superior in interdisciplinary research for challenges in biology and biochemistry.

The 2022 IFoRE took place in Alexandria, Va., and its theme was Science Convergence in an Inclusive and Diverse World. Attendees took part in sessions that explored the strength of scientific research when diverse minds converge and the challenges of increasing equity and inclusion in the research community.