Students on the Move |
CSTEP Student, Brett Renaud, Earns National Award at Joint Physics Conference
Brett Renaud has been recognized nationally for his exceptional research, winning the Outstanding Poster Presentation Award at the 2025 National Society of Black Physicists/National Society of Hispanic Physicists (NSBP/NSHP) Joint Conference.
A 3rd year physics major, Renaud’s success embodies the CSTEP mission of increasing access for economically disadvantaged students in scientific and technical fields. He is also a Destler/Johnson Rochester City Scholar and a 2025-26 MOCHA member.
Beyond Boundaries: Physics for the Future
The 2025 Joint Conference, held in San Jose, California, November 19-23, themed "Beyond Boundaries: Physics for the Future of Workforce and Research Development (P-FOWARD)," brought together leading minds for four days of technical seminars, educational sessions, and networking. Renaud's poster presentation stood out among a competitive field of student researchers, demonstrating his commitment to high-level academic inquiry. 
Roles of AGN in Galaxy Mergers and Interactions: Advancing Future Research
His award-winning research, titled "Roles of AGN in Galaxy Mergers and Interactions" explores complex phenomena at the frontiers of astrophysics, specifically looking at Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN). His work directly contributed to the conference's theme by showcasing cutting-edge research being conducted by the next generation of physicists.
This achievement highlights his dedication to high-level academic inquiry and his intellectual curiosity. It exemplifies the success of the CSTEP program in preparing students for employment in scientific fields and further graduate studies. Supporting student participation in research and conferences is a vital task, ensuring our scholars gain critical exposure and professional development in their fields.
Renaud's prestigious award validates his hard work and intellectual curiosity as he works toward ambitious goals in astrophysics, such as discovering more about black holes and other universes.
STEM Conferences
We are excited to share some highlights from two recent STEM conferences: The Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo (FNCE) held October 11–14, 2025 in Nashville, TN, and the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Scientists (ABRCMS) held November 19-22, 2025 in San Antonio, TX. After attending outstanding presentations and engaging with a wide network of peers and professionals with funding from the McNair Scholars Program, Michelle Barr (fourth-year nutrition science BS/MS Accelerated Programs, CSTEP member, McNair Scholar) and Talayeh Delis (fifth-year biomedical science major, CSTEP member, McNair Scholar) returned with an inspiring and impactful experience.
Most notably, attending the conference alongside her faculty mentor Bolaji Thomas provided valuable clarity and direction that helped Delis identify both the academic program and institution she aspires to pursue in the next stage of her studies. Reflecting on this experience, Delis shared, “ABRCMS reminded me that my journey has purpose. It showed me that no matter where you start, you can grow into spaces that once felt out of reach. I left the conference inspired and committed to becoming a scientist who not only contributes to research but also helps create a more inclusive and supportive scientific future.”
Barr was particularly inspired by the extensive career opportunities that dietitians and nutritionists can pursue across various sectors. She shared that her faculty mentor Brenda Abu, who is currently serving as the president of New York State Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (NYSAND) this year, arranged a gathering for all dietitians and dietetic students on Sunday night of the conference. “My biggest takeaway was the opportunity to connect with so many dietitians who generously shared their experiences and contact information,” Michelle reflected.
Experiences like ABRCMS and FNCE play a powerful role in advancing intellectual inquiry and strategic preparation for academic and applied career trajectories. We commend both of these students for making the most of the conference opportunities and are thrilled to support them as they continue on this promising path and we celebrate your growth and achievements!
Submitted by McNair/CSTEP