This week, Research Ambassador Summayah El Azzioui gives a firsthand account of her experiences attending a national research conference. —----------------------------------------------------------- I stood in the registration line in the crowded conference center, feeling a surge of both excitement and nervousness. I had traveled from Emory’s campus to Anaheim, California to attend the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Scientists (ABRCMS). ABRCMS is designed to support underrepresented minorities in biomedical disciplines. It was my first time attending a national research conference and I had no idea what to expect for the next couple of days. The first day was filled with lecture sessions hosted by leading experts in research. Some sessions showcased innovative and thought-provoking findings on a wide range of topics. I also attended professional development sessions, including one weighing the pros and cons of MD/PhD programs. I had the unique opportunity to tal...