NIC Students Dominate The INBRE Conference

North Idaho College students won numerous awards at the Research Conference of the Idaho Idea Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) that took place at the Best Western University Inn, last month.

This, as part of the Idaho INBRE Program, which offers 10-week fellowships for students interested in biomedical research.

Students from NIC, Lewis- Clark State College and the University of Idaho presented a project describing the process they realized in order to answer their research questions and all the work they accomplished during the internship.

As a result, in the industry intern division NIC students Steve Van Horn, Aaron Drapeau and Loni Taber took home first, second and third place respectively.

In the undergraduate research project division, Lauren Merlino won first place and Catherine Brands took up second place.

“This is one of the best opportunities NIC has to offer.” Merlino said. “I have learned a lot of skills through exceptional teachers at NIC. I spent my summer working in a wonderful lab with very supportive, engaging people.”

The winners will now compete in the Institutional Development Award (IDeA) Conference with other participants from Montana, Wyoming, New Mexico, Alaska, Nevada and Hawaii on October 12 to 14.

“My flights are booked and rooms are reserved and I am psyched.”Merlino said. “This conference is going to be huge. I am excited to learn from others research, the seminars, and for the opportunity to present my own research. It will be amazing to hear from well-established scientists on various topics in research.”

NIC students at the Research Conference. Photo cred: NIC News Room