Taylor Camossi and Fellow Students Attend Discover BMB Biochemistry Conference

Taylor Camossi, a senior at Westfield State University majoring in biology with minors in both chemistry and biochemistry, recently delved into her passion for biochemistry at the Discover BMB conference in San Antonio. Sponsored by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB), the conference is queued with workshops, seminars, and presentations of various aspects of biochemistry, creating a supportive and collaborative environment for students and faculty of varying expertise.

Camossi, who also leads the residential assistants in New Hall and was a cheerleader during her first three years at the university, initially had reservations about chemistry but discovered her passion for it through her major's required courses. On the first day of class, at the announcement of this conference, Camossi unexpectedly asked Dr. Roderico Acevedo, Assistant Professor of Chemical and Physical Sciences, “Can we go with you?”

“I don’t even know why I asked,” she added. “I was just sitting there and wondered, what are the odds? Professor Acevedo went to see President Thompson later on, and they spoke about it along with the provost, and off we went.”

The conference, attended by approximately 15,000 people, featured 1,500 poster presentations along with workshops, and seminars which covered various aspects of biochemistry. Camossi not only attended the presentations but also networked with professionals from institutions such as Ohio State University, the University of Austin, the Haigis Lab in Boston, and representatives from Mayne Pharma and Pfizer.

Some of the research engaged with bringing applications of practical research into the classroom for things like genetic testing. Camossi also attended the conference’s Women’s Walk and connected with students from various universities across the country. Because the president of the conference is a woman, Camossi described the gathering as very “woman-led,” with emphasis on empowering women in a workforce that has historically been dominated by men.

In addition to Camossi, fellow Westfield State students Sultan Hussein, Salam Zaitoun, Erika Mata and Isabella Catao presented their work, showcasing their efforts and progress with virtual reality applications in biochemistry. The “Virtual Reality Breakfast” was a showcase on the technology as an introduction to what’s possible in classroom settings.

“All five of us were hands-on in working with educators that were already in the biochemistry industry, but had no experience with VR,” Camossi said. “In VR, you can see everything in 3D. You can get everybody in one room and see each other, hear each other. We taught the educators how to troubleshoot through issues and use these things in their own classrooms. We’re also in the process of making tutorial videos for not only incoming students, but to people at these conferences as well.”

“I am so proud of our students,” Acevedo said. “Our students led the VR demonstrations at the Virtual Reality breakfast by BioMolViz. Each of our students helped over 40 participants and faculty learn about the capabilities that VR offer in the classroom. Thank you to the University for funding our students' travel and more importantly, for believing in our students' potential to be leaders.”

In looking towards the future, the conference may have influenced Camossi to pursue career options outside of her interest in dermatology, which has always appealed to her. Now, she’s open to the possibility of not only pursuing dermatology, but also continuing her education in graduate school for public administration.

Camossi encourages students to be curious and ask questions, emphasizing the importance of exploring passions and seeking answers in academia and beyond. “Never be silent,” she encourages. “Ask the questions you’re afraid to ask, and the ones nobody else is asking.”