BCERC Conference 2009

By Travis Fishstein

Following my internship at the Fox Chase Cancer in Philadelphia, granted by the HBCAC Students and Scientists Environmental Research Program, I had the distinct opportunity to attend the BCERC conference in Sausalito, California. At the conference, I was able to meet with world-renowned scientists in the field of Breast Cancer Environmental Research and reunite with my mentors from the past summer. The conference was conducted in a very professional manner and offered the latest findings on environmental agents which may induce the risk of breast cancer in humans.

For the first two days, we attended forums which were presented in both question and answer format, and formal research presentations. Following the forums, I had the privilege to present the research I conducted over the summer in Dr. Jose Russo’s lab. At this poster presentation, I was welcomed among world-renowned scientists and their colleagues who came to both observe and share the latest in breast cancer research. Those who viewed my research had very valuable criticisms, suggestions for further research, and praised my efforts made in the field. The conference was a great experience and I am honored to have attended and contributed to such a prestigious event at such a young age.

Overall, it was an absolute honor to have been invited to the BCERC conference. The level of professionalism was like none other. From the moment we arrived, my colleagues and I were welcomed and treated like any of the other scientists in attendance. Despite being high school students, we were greatly respected by the scientific community. The information presented at the forums was world class, and gave a great look at the way in which combating breast cancer is changing in today’s society. The experience was absolutely amazing in an intellectual perspective, and a degree of maturity accompanied it as well. It was humbling to present research which I am so passionate about in front of scientists to whom I respect and admire. I truly believe that the BCERC conference will remain a defining moment in my life for years to come and influence my future scientific pursuits; for my experience, I am grateful.