In November 2024, two College of Engineering PhD students, Nazanin Nafisi (ME) and Dora Balog (BME) served as judges at the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCSMS). The ABRCMS is one of the premier multidisciplinary conferences for supporting all communities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, including those historically excluded in these fields.
Nafisi earned her master’s degree in bioengineering and biomedical engineering at the University of Tehran. Currently, she is a PhD candidate in Mechanical Engineering, where her research focuses on the biomechanics of bone fracture healing. Specifically, she studies how various conditions influence the healing process, seeking to uncover insights that could lead to improved treatments.
Participating in ABRCMS 2024 as both an exhibitor and a poster judge was an incredibly rewarding experience. It gave me the chance to engage with the impressive work of undergraduate students from diverse institutions and represent my college on a national platform. This experience also allowed me to contribute to fostering a supportive and inclusive academic community, which is a cause I am deeply passionate about.” – Nazanin Nafisi
Balog earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Novi Sad, Serbia. In her PhD research in Biomedical Engineering, she uses computational neuroscience models of layer 5 pyramidal neurons to study how neuromodulators, such as acetylcholine and norepinephrine, shape neuronal computations and influence attention.
“Nazanin and Dora are outstanding ambassadors for the College of Engineering and Boston University, engaging with hundreds of prospective graduate students, said Pamela Audeh, Assistant Dean of Outreach, Diversity, and Inclusion. “Their personal connections and genuine enthusiasm made such an impact that students were encouraging their friends to speak with them—often leading to lines of eager attendees. Their ability to provide both in-depth academic insights and a welcoming environment exemplifies the best of BU Engineering.”
How did you get involved/find out about the ABRCMS organization?
Balog: I first heard about the ABRCMS conference though the Graduate Women in Science and Engineering (GWISE) organization, where I serve on the board as the Director of Operations. When I saw a call for student volunteers to attend the conference in Pittsburgh and share their graduate school experiences with prospective students, I jumped at the opportunity. This was my first time attending a conference of this type, and I loved connecting with aspiring scientists and sharing insights about my program as a representative for the College of Engineering.
Nafisi: I found out about the ABRCMS conference through the GWISE community at Boston University when they were seeking volunteers to serve as exhibitors for the BU College of Engineering. Before the conference, ABRCMS offered an additional opportunity to serve as a poster judge, which I eagerly accepted. I had the privilege of judging posters in the Math, Physics, and Engineering fields.
What are some ways to enhance minority participation in engineering?
Nafisi: Enhancing minority participation in engineering requires a multifaceted approach that addresses barriers and fosters inclusivity. At GWISE, we support diversity through mentorship programs, outreach events, networking opportunities, and advocacy efforts to create a welcoming environment. Additionally, strategies such as early STEM education, targeted scholarships, recruitment and retention programs, cultural competency training, diverse representation in leadership, and industry partnerships can further bridge gaps and inspire underrepresented students to pursue and thrive in engineering careers.
Balog: Freely expressing interest in a research field as a minority often depends on having external support for one’s scientific endeavors. As an international student, I have experienced firsthand the challenges of securing funding due to limited opportunities. Providing departmental support for those who are not eligible for federal grants would be a meaningful step toward creating a more equitable environment for minorities. I believe cultivating a sense of community and encouraging emotionally intelligent support can make a significant difference. It’s time to shift towards a more collaborative and inclusive approach, where we uplift and learn from one another.
What are your post-PhD plans?
Balog: My future career goal is to become a leading industry researcher at the forefront of computational neuroscience while serving as an advocate for women and other underrepresented communities in STEM. In my scientific role, I aim to innovate tools that integrate neuroscience and artificial intelligence to provide tracking algorithms of specific neuromodulators to help detect the onset of mental illness. A crucial step in creating high quality algorithms will be getting data from female subjects, who have been traditionally underrepresented in scientific studies.
Nafisi: Looking ahead, I plan to join an R&D team as a scientist in industry after completing my PhD. I am eager to apply my skills and knowledge to solve real-world problems, develop innovative technologies, and contribute to improving lives, even if it’s on a small scale. My long-term vision is to create transformative advancements in biomechanics and mentor the next generation of engineers, empowering them to drive progress at the intersection of science, engineering, and medicine.