STCC students share passion for research at UMass conference

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – From cutting-edge topics in artificial intelligence and climate change to green cities and plant biology, Springfield Technical Community College students recently joined more than 800 peers from across Massachusetts to present their research at the annual Massachusetts Undergraduate Research Conference at UMass Amherst.

For many of the 35 STCC students who participated, the conference was not only a culmination of a semester’s worth of hard work, but it was also a transformational academic milestone that showcased the college’s commitment to providing real-world learning opportunities. Four of the students – Liz Lee, Isabella Rodriguez, Evan Cardenales and Aczel Reyes – recently reflected on the experience.

Liz Lee, a Ludlow resident who hopes to one day be a paramedic, presented her research on the use of artificial intelligence in the early detection and prevention of breast cancer. For Lee, the topic was deeply personal.

“I have several family members and friends that are currently going through breast cancer, and I personally am at high risk, so early detection is something personal for me,” Lee said.

While the setting at UMass was higher stakes– with faculty from numerous colleges and hundreds of attendees asking pointed questions – Lee said the experience was rewarding. “You had to really know your research in order to give those answers back,” she said. “Just being able to share that passion and spread awareness – that was the most rewarding part.”

Isabella Rodriguez, a Health Science student from West Brookfield, focused her project on early heat wave warning systems and their impact on human health.

Inspired by her late great-grandmother, Rodriguez said the project allowed her to explore how climate change affects vulnerable populations. “I'm a very empathetic person,” she said. “There are so many preventable things we can try to do as a community to help mitigate the toll of how climate change is affecting everybody.”

Eventually I’d like to go on and present my research at other events. This was a really good experience. Aczel Reyes, STCC student

Despite initial anxiety about public speaking, Rodriguez found confidence through preparation in her anatomy and physiology class at STCC. “We got a lot of feedback from our classmates and our professor,” she said. “That was very helpful.”

Psychology major Evan Cardenales of Springfield explored the health benefits of integrating green spaces into urban environments. His research focused on how trees and plants in cities can improve mental and physical health outcomes, especially in densely populated areas.

“It was a little bit nerve-wracking at first,” said Cardenales, a first-time presenter. “But once I started presenting, it was really fun. Just being there and being able to present my project – that was rewarding.”

Biology student Aczel Reyes, of Springfield, shared his research on how plants respond to heat stress at the cellular level, an important topic in the face of climate change. His project delved into the proteins synthesized by plants to survive high temperatures.

“Eventually I’d like to go on and present my research at other events,” Reyes said. “So, this was a really good experience. It was nice being able to kind of get a feel for that.”

Reyes, who plans to transfer to UMass Amherst to study environmental toxicology, said he was familiar with the UMass campus from performing music there in high school. This time, however, was different. “It was nice being there again, but presenting my research.”

All four students credited STCC, and biology professor Dr. Reena Randhir, for giving them the foundation and confidence to participate in the statewide research event.

Dr. Randhir, who mentored the students, champions undergraduate research as a powerful learning tool. As part of the portfolio assessment, the research poster project encourages reflection, self-discovery and mastery of complex biology concepts. When integrated into the course curriculum, this assessment challenges students to think critically, study peer-reviewed research papers and effectively communicate their findings.

“This opportunity to present at the UMass Undergraduate Research Conference was incredible for our students,” Randhir said. “They were exposed to research from other community colleges, local colleges and universities, which was truly inspiring. Some of our students even decided to pursue further education at UMass. Administrators welcomed and praised their work, and many brought their families. It was especially moving to see children watching their parents present. They were so proud.”

“Opportunities like the UMass Undergraduate Research Conference are incredibly valuable,” said. Dr. Christopher Thuot, Vice President of Academic Affairs at STCC. “They allow our students to showcase their hard work, build confidence and see the broader academic community they are a part of. Events like these help students envision the next steps in their academic and professional journeys.”

Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.

About Springfield Technical Community College

STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu

• See All News