By Katherine Branchman/ASU
ASU Forensic Biology Students Earn National Travel Awards, Extending 12-Year Legacy of Research Excellence
Three Alabama State University Forensic Biology students have received prestigious travel awards to attend the Emerging Researchers National (ERN) Conference in STEM, one of the nation's leading conferences for undergraduate and graduate researchers.
The conference will be held March 4-6, 2027, in Atlanta, Georgia, where students from across the country will present research, engage with leading scientists, and explore opportunities for academic and professional advancement.
The ASU students selected to receive travel awards are:
- Delilah Woods for her research project, Exploring Postmortem Stress Response Gene Expression in the Human Uterus
- Ariana James for her research project, Biological Sex-Associated Variation in the Postmortem Human Heart Microbiome
- Lizbeth Ocana for her research project, Postmortem Liver Gene Expression and RNA Quality Following Traumatic Injury
The awards recognize outstanding research achievement and provide funding for students to present their work on a national stage. Their selection reflects the quality of research being conducted within Alabama State University's Forensic Biology program and the University's commitment to fostering innovation through hands-on scientific inquiry.
The achievement also marks a significant milestone for the program. For 12 consecutive years, students mentored by Dr. Gulnaz Javan have earned travel awards to attend the ERN Conference, demonstrating a sustained record of excellence in undergraduate research and scientific scholarship.
Through their research, the students are contributing to a growing body of forensic science knowledge while gaining valuable experience in designing studies, analyzing data, and presenting scientific findings. Their work explores critical questions related to postmortem biological processes, helping advance understanding in areas that continue to be important within the forensic science community.
The ERN Conference provides an opportunity for emerging researchers to share discoveries, collaborate with peers and faculty from institutions nationwide, and build professional networks that support future graduate studies and careers in STEM fields.
The continued success of students in Dr. Gulnaz Javan's research program reflects Alabama State University's investment in innovation, discovery, and experiential learning. By engaging students in meaningful research opportunities, ASU is helping develop future scientists who will contribute new ideas, address complex challenges, and shape the future of their fields.
As Delilah Woods, Ariana James, and Lizbeth Ocana prepare to represent Alabama State University at the national conference, they continue a tradition of research excellence that has become a hallmark of the University's forensic biology program. Their achievements underscore how ASU's commitment to innovation and scholarly exploration continues to create opportunities for students to make meaningful contributions to science while preparing to meet the challenges of tomorrow.