Elise attended the 2024 NUCR conference and shared her experience. 

"In April 2024, I had the opportunity to attend the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) in Long Beach, California. At the conference, I presented my current research using natural silkworm silk as a biomaterial to create 3D structures. 

The standard way to use silk as a biomaterial is to use a regenerative approach and boil silk cocoons to create a viscous liquid 3D solution. However, this approach is time, water, energy, and material-consuming and compromises the mechanical properties. In light of this, my research aims to directly use the natural silk in the silkworms’ glands through dissection and surgical operations. This approach is more sustainable and could potentially retain more mechanical properties. 

Additionally, in attending this conference, I learned about the undergraduate research community as a whole. Walking around the conference and learning about others’ research projects made me realize that keeping an open mind is necessary. So many different aspects of other projects have the potential to impact my research. I also met many people from all over the country and made connections with fellow students and professors. My knowledge was tested, and due to that, it grew exponentially. I will remember my time in Long Beach, and I am very thankful for all the support I have received and continue to receive. "