Seven students from the School of Applied Computational Sciences (SACS) participated in the 70th Annual Research Day, held March 4–5. The event highlights innovative research by students, staff, residents, and postdoctoral associates across Meharry Medical College.
Sade Graves, an M.S. biomedical data science student, represented SACS in the “Oral Presentations of Outstanding Abstracts” session. Only one student from each Meharry school is invited to participate in this specific session.
As a nervous public speaker, this opportunity pushed me out of my comfort zone — in the best way,” Graves said.
She noted that the experience was defined by the support she received from the school community.
“Representing SACS on that stage reminded me that I'm not just here for myself. I'm here because people believe in me,” Graves said. “People like my mentors, the dean, my lab mates, and my family.”
Members of the Population Informatics Lab supported Graves throughout the process.
“My classmates Mike Paul, Judith Dike, Jaylin Dyson, Destiny Pounds, and Victoria Franklin were there and made it feel shared and less intimidating,” she said. “Telling my family was the best part. They've always believed in me, even when I didn't.”
Following her presentation, Graves answered questions from Meharry President James E.K. Hildreth, Sr., Ph.D., M.D., and Nicole C. Kleinstreuer, Ph.D., the NIH deputy director for program coordination, planning, and strategic initiative. It was a moment Graves had prepared for extensively.
“I have to give God the glory because none of this happens without Him,” Graves said.
She credited her lab mates, Judith Dike and Destiny Pounds, for acting as a practice audience, and Victoria Franklin for helping her anticipate professional questions.
“I reviewed my 50-plus literature review papers,” she added. “Dr. Levin prepared me for certain questions, especially around confounding variables. Dr. Cao made sure each slide was clear and told a story.”
In addition to a thoughtful question, Dr. Kleinstreuer offered a professional connection that could prove vital as Graves begins the Ph.D. biomedical data science program this fall.
“She offered a connection with an NIH geospatial analysis lab that could help extend my study in ways I hadn't even considered,” Graves said. “That moment reminded me that preparation meets opportunity when God orders your steps.”
In addition to Graves, seven other SACS students participated in the symposium through virtual or in-person poster presentations.
Michael Paul received the first-place prize for SACS poster presentations.
“I’m truly honored to have received first place in the poster competition for my school,” said Paul. “Beyond presenting my work, I really enjoyed learning about the innovative research happening across campus, hearing from the speakers, and connecting with fellow Meharry students, faculty, and staff. It was an inspiring couple of days filled with learning and collaboration, and I’m already looking forward to next year’s event!”
In-person poster presentations.
First place: Michael Paul, Ph.D. Data Science
Second place: Jaylin Dyson, Ph.D. Data Science
Third place: Judith Dike, Ph.D. Data Science
Noah Whittenbarger, Ph.D. Biomedical Data Science
Virtual poster presentations.
Jaclyn Claiborne, Ph.D. Data Science
Pamela Djan, Ph.D. Biomedical Data Science
