BCERC Conference 2009
By Farooq Ansari
Being given the opportunity to participate in a BCERC conference in California really changed my life. Presenting in such a professional atmosphere made the experience unforgettable. It was very interesting to be a part of such an exquisite level and area of research. By being present at the conference, I was able to learn what people and researchers are currently doing in order to decrease the spread of breast cancer. I also learned the significant and harmful effects of several chemicals in certain products. For example, a chemical compound that was discussed was Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA). This compound was interesting because this past summer I researched the compound Bisphenol A (BPA) and it was exciting to be able to learn about another derivative of the chemical.
Another interesting part of the conference was learning about the different research studies that are taking place around the world. For example, I learned about The Shanghai Breast Cancer Study, which is a population-based study taking place in Shanghai. I can take what I learned here and help inform others about this knowledge. I can do this through presentations or through basic colloquial techniques. I can use what I learned for my own personal life by not using products that contain these harmful chemicals and also keeping up-to-date and aware about new things that are coming out that can leave a harmful impact. I have even taken all the information that I learned and helped apply it to my family. For example, a new change that we took upon is not using plastic water bottles. Hopefully, I will be able to encourage others to follow such practices in order to better their health.
Altogether, the trip to California was memorable and something I will always be proud to look back upon. After the conference, we were fortunate enough to spend the weekend in San Francisco and tour famous attractions such the island of Alcatraz. All in all, it was a wonderful, informative experience that has impacted me in a life-changing way.
