Undergraduate Research in Natural and Clinical Science and Technology Journal
type: channel
description: The Undergraduate Research in Natural and Clinical Science and Technology (URNCST) [pronounced "earnest"] Journal is a leading open access, Scopus-indexed, and international peer-reviewed publication for undergraduate research. The journal publishes abstracts for undergraduate conferences and case competitions and promotes innovative undergraduate research education initiatives. Are you looking to gain or share undergraduate research opportunities? Join our 3k+ member international Facebook group community today!
publisher: Undergraduate Research in Natural and Clinical Science and Technology (URNCST) Journal
language: en-US
publication name: Undergraduate Research in Natural and Clinical Science and Technology Journal
issn: 2561-5637
items: The Impact of Social Media on Vaccine-Related Legislation Following Measles Outbreaks
items: A Multidataset Investigation of Resting-State and Event-Related EEG Correlates of Major Depressive Disorder
items: Investigating the Role of H3K27me3 Demethylation in VEGFA Gene Activation Following Acute Exercise in Human Skeletal Muscle
items: The Dual Role of Microglial Synaptic Pruning in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Schizophrenia: A Literature Review
items: Temporal and Spatial Dynamics of Enteric Glial Cell Involvement in Parkinson’s Disease: A Literature Review
items: Reframing Skeletal Muscle Angiogenesis: A Determinant, Not a Consequence, of Hypertrophic Adaptation to Resistance Training
items: How do Dual GLP-1/GIP Receptor Agonists Differ from GLP-1 Agonists for Diabetes Management: A Systematic Review
items: Prognostic Features and Clinical Outcomes Across Breast Cancer Subtypes Defined by Hormone Receptor and HER2 Status: A Literature Review
items: Systematic Review of Quality Improvement Interventions on Surgical Safety Checklists
items: Autism Spectrum Disorder and Associated Gastrointestinal Issues
items: WISE National Conference 2026
items: 7th Annual Neuro Health Awareness Conference (NHAC) Abstract Book
items: The 10th Annual CCNM Research Day: Student Research & Innovation in Naturopathic Medicine
items: Proceedings of the 2026 Queen’s University Undergraduate Bladder Cancer Case Competition

The Impact of Social Media on Vaccine-Related Legislation Following Measles Outbreaks
type: item
description: Introduction: Vaccine exemptions are on the rise in many states. Exemptions to vaccine requirements can lead to a breakdown in herd immunity, allowing viruses like measles to propagate easily through a population. In response to recent measles outbreaks, many states have passed vaccine-related legislation. Methods: This study seeks to describe the discourse on social media related to state’s vaccine-related legislation, and how it may influence the policy cycle. Specifically, social media data were retrospectively collected from four states: California, New York, Arizona and Texas to understand the interplay between public discourse on X and the outcome of each bill. Analyses were performed to determine if sentiment can be used to predict recent vaccine-related legislation and how legislators interact with the general public via X. Results: Sentiment analysis on discussion of vaccine-related legislation during the specified policy window, and a chi-squared analysis revealed that public sentiment as measured on X was not related to the outcome of the proposed legislation. Discussion: It seems that X is not a platform that influences the policy cycle regarding vaccine-related legislation, particularly the formulation stage where stakeholders can communicate alternative solutions Conclusion: While public sentiment on X does not seem to influence the outcome of vaccine-related legislation, it is interesting to further explore what actions can be taken by the general public that will substantially influence the outcome of legislation important to stakeholders.
creator: Carina Goodart
creator: Elise Bolin
creator: Amber McCord
creator: Allie Smith
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Carina Goodart, Elise Bolin, Amber McCord, Allie Smith https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-03-31
publication date: 2026-03-31
starting page: 1
ending page: 9
doi: 10.26685/urncst.817

A Multidataset Investigation of Resting-State and Event-Related EEG Correlates of Major Depressive Disorder
type: item
description: Introduction: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a prevalent psychiatric condition which lacks reliable biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment. Electroencephalography (EEG) offers a non-invasive, cost-effective method to identify potential biomarkers of MDD. However, findings vary widely across studies due to differences in patient populations, analytic methods, and brain states. To investigate these issues, this study evaluates the consistency and reproducibility of EEG biomarkers of MDD across two datasets with both resting-state and task-based data. Methods: We analyzed EEG data from two publicly available datasets of healthy controls and MDD patients. The MODMA dataset provided resting-state EEG data; the Cavanagh dataset included both resting-state and task-based data. Spectral power was extracted for canonical frequency bands, and task-evoked components were computed from feedback-locked event-related potentials (ERP). Group-level comparisons and brain-behaviour correlations were assessed using t-tests, Spearman correlations, and FDR correction. Results: In the MODMA dataset, MDD patients showed increased beta power and reduced alpha power in frontal and temporal regions, with beta power having the strongest positive correlation with depression severity. In the Cavanagh dataset, spectral and ERP amplitudes did not differ significantly between MDD and control groups. Reward-Positivity (RewP) amplitudes were reduced in MDD patients, and time-frequency analyses showed altered theta and delta responses. However, none of the findings were significant after FDR correction. Cross-dataset comparisons revealed significant variability in spectral profiles, particularly in the beta band. Discussion: Our findings highlight the challenges in identifying consistent EEG biomarkers of MDD across datasets and brain states. While trends in beta power and RewP amplitudes aligned with prior literature, they failed to replicate across datasets or remain significant after FDR corre…
creator: Kevin Sogoli
creator: Muhammad Faiq Faizy
creator: Roger Guirguis
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Kevin Sogoli, Muhammad Faiq Faizy, Roger Guirguis https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-04-02
publication date: 2026-04-02
starting page: 1
ending page: 13
doi: 10.26685/urncst.963

Investigating the Role of H3K27me3 Demethylation in VEGFA Gene Activation Following Acute Exercise in Human Skeletal Muscle
type: item
description: Skeletal muscle adapts to endurance exercise by tissular remodelling such as angiogenesis, the growth of novel capillaries, a response largely mediated by transcriptional activation of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF). While VEGF expression is classically regulated by the hypoxia-inducible transcription factor (HIF), recent evidence in endothelial cells suggests that epigenetic mechanisms—specifically, the removal of the repressive histone mark H3K27me3—also play a key role in activating this angiogenic gene. It remains unclear however, whether skeletal muscle myocytes utilize similar chromatin-based regulation for VEGF transcription during exercise. This study proposal aims to determine whether acute endurance exercise in humans induces epigenetic remodeling at the VEGFA promoter in skeletal muscle through H3K27me3 demethylation, and whether this is accompanied by upregulation of histone demethylases. Recreationally active male and female participants will complete 60 minutes of treadmill running at 70–80% of their maximal oxygen uptake. Muscle biopsies will be collected from the vastus lateralis at baseline, immediately post-exercise, and 1- and 3-hours post-exercise. Chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by quantitative-PCR (ChIP-qPCR) will be used to assess H3K27me3 enrichment at the VEGFA promoter. VEGFA mRNA expression will be measured via real-time quantitative PCR, and protein expression of the histone demethylases JMJD3 (KDM6B) and KDM4B will be quantified by immunoblotting. Our hypothesized results include a time-dependent decrease in H3K27me3 enrichment at the VEGFA promoter post-exercise, with significant reductions at 1 and 3 hours. This will be paralleled by increased VEGFA mRNA expression and a rapid and sustained upregulation of JMJD3 and KDM4B protein levels. These results would suggest that myocytes may employ a conserved epigenetic mechanism, previously observed in endothelial cells, to regulate VEGFA expression in response to exercise…
creator: Zita Suranyi
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Zita Suranyi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-04-09
publication date: 2026-04-09
starting page: 1
ending page: 10
doi: 10.26685/urncst.936

The Dual Role of Microglial Synaptic Pruning in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Schizophrenia: A Literature Review
type: item
description: This review investigates the dual roles of microglial synaptic pruning dysfunction in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia. While ASD is characterized by insufficient synaptic pruning leading to synaptic overabundance, schizophrenia exhibits excessive pruning and synaptic loss. This review aims to synthesize current knowledge on these distinct roles and clarify their associations with divergent behavioral phenotypes, ultimately contributing to identifying new research questions and potential therapeutic targets. Peer-reviewed literature from 2000-2025 was identified and analyzed using open-access databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Articles were selected based on relevance to microglial synaptic pruning in mammalian models of ASD and schizophrenia, focusing on synaptic markers, electrophysiological recordings, and complement cascade expression. Exclusion criteria included non-mammalian models, primary focus on other disorders, opinion articles and editorials, and use of purely in vitro evidence. In ASD, findings consistently indicate increased synaptic density and immature dendritic spines, particularly in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), temporal lobe, and cingulate cortex, linked to sensory hypersensitivity and social deficits. Electrophysiological studies show network hyperexcitability and excitation/inhibition imbalance. The classical complement cascade's role is less clear, with evidence pointing to dysfunction in the CX3CR1- CX3CL1 signaling axis impairing pruning instead. Conversely, schizophrenia exhibits reduced synaptic density in regions like the PFC and hippocampus. Electrophysiological recordings reveal decreased excitatory postsynaptic currents and widespread hypoconnectivity. Strong evidence implicates excessive classical complement cascade activation, especially C4 gene variants, in driving synaptic loss in schizophrenia. These findings highlight a striking neurobiological opposition: ASD appears to involve too little prunin…
creator: Haley Willem
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Haley Willem https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-05-25
publication date: 2026-05-25
starting page: 1
ending page: 10
doi: 10.26685/urncst.940

Temporal and Spatial Dynamics of Enteric Glial Cell Involvement in Parkinson’s Disease: A Literature Review
type: item
description: Introduction: Enteric glial cells (EGCs) are critical regulators of gastrointestinal (GI) homeostasis and are implicated in early Parkinson’s disease (PD) pathogenesis. Disruption of EGCs can trigger gut inflammation and propagation of pathological α-synuclein (α-syn) to the central nervous system (CNS). Investigating both the temporal dynamics of EGC activity across stages and spatial differences among gut regions is essential to identify when and where their shift from protective to pathological roles occurs. This review addresses these dynamics to understand PD progression better and propose EGC-targeted strategies. Methods: A systematic search in May 2025 of PubMed and Google Scholar (Jan 2012–Apr 2025) yielded 842 articles. Prioritizing primary research on enteric glial cells in Parkinson’s disease and excluding reviews or unrelated studies, 26 articles ultimately met the inclusion criteria for this review. Results: Regarding temporal dynamics, animal models demonstrate that EGC activation and inflammation emerge in the prodromal phase, preceding motor deficits. Subacute toxin models exhibit variable glial stress responses, whereas chronic and protopathic models illustrate neurochemical remodeling and the potential spread of pathology from the ENS to the CNS. Spatially, animal studies indicate region-specific vulnerability: the gastric myenteric plexus exhibits early α-syn accumulation; the distal ileum and proximal colon display oxidative stress and neurotransmitter imbalances; and the sigmoid colon shows TRL4-mediated inflammation. In parallel, human clinical findings corroborate distinct regional alterations, particularly in the duodenum, characterized by reactive gliosis and α-syn aggregates, and the ascending colon, where elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines correlated with increased expression of reactive glial marker GFAP and the developmental marker Sox-10. Discussion: The results support the hypothesis of PD pathology originating in the gut, with EGCs p…
creator: Soyoung Kim
creator: Jeongmin Park
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Soyoung Kim, Jeongmin Park https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-05-22
publication date: 2026-05-22
starting page: 1
ending page: 10
doi: 10.26685/urncst.965

Reframing Skeletal Muscle Angiogenesis: A Determinant, Not a Consequence, of Hypertrophic Adaptation to Resistance Training
type: item
description: Introduction: Exercise-induced skeletal muscle angiogenesis is governed by regulators such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and thrombospondin 1 (TSP-1) and is classically attributed to aerobic training. While aerobic exercise is well established as a key driver of capillary adaptation, the purpose of capillary expansion during resistance training remains unclear. This review evaluates angiogenic regulation and evaluates whether vascular remodeling functions as a permissive, active contributor to muscle hypertrophy. Methods: Literature was identified through PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar using terms related to skeletal muscle angiogenesis, resistance exercise, VEGF, and TSP-1with studies from 2015 onward prioritized alongside key seminal papers. As a narrative review, studies were selected for relevance to the research objectives rather than predefined inclusion criteria, allowing a comprehensive synthesis of mechanisms underlying vascular adaptation. Results: Endurance exercise stimulates angiogenesis through mechanical and metabolic signals, with myofiber-derived VEGF acting as the essential driver of endothelial activation and capillary growth. This response is shaped by fiber-type hypoxia, endothelial metabolism, and the VEGF and TSP-1 balance. Resistance exercise also engages VEGF-dependent pathways, and myofiber-specific VEGF deletion demonstrates that preserving the capillary network is necessary for full hypertrophic adaptation. Angiogenesis can precede or scale with muscle growth, and baseline capillarization strongly predicts hypertrophic potential, indicating that vascular remodeling functions as a permissive mechanism supporting adaptation. Discussion: Detraining rapidly shifts muscle toward an anti-angiogenic state, with early suppression of VEGF and increases in TSP-1 preceding controlled, partially reversible capillary rarefaction. Aging further limits angiogenic potential by reducing baseline capillarization and blunting VEGF respons…
creator: Lily D. Bauman
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Lily D. Bauman https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-05-02
publication date: 2026-05-02
starting page: 1
ending page: 8
doi: 10.26685/urncst.1012

How do Dual GLP-1/GIP Receptor Agonists Differ from GLP-1 Agonists for Diabetes Management: A Systematic Review
type: item
description: Introduction: Type 2 diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder driven by insulin resistance and impaired β-cell function. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have become central to diabetes management by improving insulin secretion, reducing glucagon, promoting weight loss, and lowering cardiovascular risk. Dual GLP-1/glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonists, such as tirzepatide, represent an emerging therapeutic class designed to enhance metabolic outcomes by activating complementary incretin pathways. This review evaluates how dual GLP-1/GIP agonists differ from GLP-1 RAs in mechanism, efficacy, safety, and therapeutic potential. Methods: A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library to identify randomized trials, meta-analyses, and observational studies published from 2010 to 2025. Studies included adults with type 2 diabetes and directly compared dual GLP-1/GIP agonists with GLP-1 RAs. Primary outcomes were hemoglobin A1c reduction and weight change; secondary outcomes included safety, cardiovascular measures, and β-cell function. Results: Across phase 3 trials, dual agonists achieved greater reductions in hemoglobin A1c (up to 2.4%) and body weight (up to 22%) compared to GLP-1 RAs. These effects reflect synergistic actions on insulin secretion, glucagon suppression, appetite regulation, and adipocyte metabolism. Dual agonists also demonstrated higher rates of normoglycemia and durable glycemic control, with gastrointestinal side effects similar to GLP-1 RAs. Preliminary data suggest improvements in blood pressure, lipid levels, and inflammatory markers, although dedicated cardiovascular outcome trials remain ongoing. Beyond diabetes, dual agonists show therapeutic potential in obesity, obstructive sleep apnea, and steatohepatitis Discussion: Dual GLP-1/GIP agonists differ from GLP-1 RAs by activating two incretin pathways, resulting in superior glucose lowering, more pronounced wei…
creator: Prisha Bhat
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Prisha Bhat https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-04-16
publication date: 2026-04-16
starting page: 1
ending page: 8
doi: 10.26685/urncst.1029

Prognostic Features and Clinical Outcomes Across Breast Cancer Subtypes Defined by Hormone Receptor and HER2 Status: A Literature Review
type: item
description: Introduction: Hormone-responsive breast cancer biologically varies from hormone-unresponsive breast cancer in treatment response. Hormone-responsive breast cancers are characterized by estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR) receptors that, upon activation, alter gene expression and promote tumor growth. The presence of these receptors highlights ideal targets for treatments that block or lower hormone levels. In contrast, hormone-unresponsive breast cancers lack these receptors, exhibit insensitivity to endocrine therapy, and display poorer prognoses. Understanding the differences between hormone-responsive and unresponsive breast cancer presents crucial implications for developing effective treatment strategies, improving patient outcomes. Methods: A literature review was conducted using PubMed to identify English-language, peer-reviewed studies published between 2014 and 2025 examining breast cancer subtypes based on ER, PR, and HER2 status. Clinical trials, population-based cohort studies, and subtype-specific analyses evaluating prognosis, metastatic potential, or treatment responsiveness were included. Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the qualitative synthesis. Results: Hormone receptor-positive tumours expressing ER and PR demonstrated the most favourable outcomes, with slower metastasis and lower proliferative activity compared to receptor-negative tumours. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) demonstrated the most aggressive biological course, characterized by increased metastatic potential and reduced responsiveness to endocrine therapy. Evidence from recent clinical trials indicates that in advanced TNBC, therapeutic benefit is primarily limited to immunotherapy-based combination strategies. While HER2 expression reflects a more aggressive biology, its presence enables targeted therapeutic intervention associated with improved patient outcomes. Discussion: Differences in subtype biology, metastatic behaviour and treatment respon…
creator: Justine Nicoll
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Justine Nicoll https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-04-22
publication date: 2026-04-22
starting page: 1
ending page: 6
doi: 10.26685/urncst.1042

Systematic Review of Quality Improvement Interventions on Surgical Safety Checklists
type: item
description: Introduction: Postoperative mortality is a significant global burden, partially driven by preventable perioperative errors, caused by human factors that contribute to preventable harm. The World Health Organization’s Surgical Safety Checklist (SSC) was introduced to reduce preventable harm during surgery and to improve surgical outcomes. Despite it being implemented across many healthcare systems, compliance and effective use of the SSC remains inconsistent. This systematic review aims to synthesize recent evidence on quality improvement interventions (QII) that target SSC implementation, identify strategies, and evaluate their impact on checklist utilization and related outcomes. Methods: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Cochrane Handbook and reported following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. A literature search was performed using MEDLINE and PsycInfo, which limited the studies to those published between 2015 and 2025. Data was extracted using a standardized form, and study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Checklist for Qualitative Research. Results: 23 studies published between 2015 and 2025 were included in this systematic review. The studies varied in design, sample size, units of analysis, and were conducted across a broad range of surgical specialties. QII included educational and training initiatives, audit and feedback mechanisms, mentorship programs, simulation-based interventions, and the introduction of modified checklist tools. Most interventions targeted all three phases of the SSC. Improved checklist compliance was the most frequently reported outcome. Fewer studies evaluated patient-centered outcomes. Discussion: The findings indicate that QII are generally effective in improving implementation and the use of the SSC across diverse surgical settings. However, the evidence base is limited by heterogeneity in intervention types, outcome measures, and study designs, with most studies relying on observat…
creator: Lovejeet K. Manger
creator: Emma Zhang
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Lovejeet Kaur Manger, Emma Zhang https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-05-22
publication date: 2026-05-22
starting page: 1
ending page: 13
doi: 10.26685/urncst.1047

Autism Spectrum Disorder and Associated Gastrointestinal Issues
type: item
description: Introduction and Definition: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a “collection of conditions regarding brain development”; it presents with a diverse spectrum of characteristics and severity. It is well documented that people with ASD face gastrointestinal (GI) issues at a much higher frequency than the neurotypical population. This can drastically reduce their physical quality of life as well as hinder many social situations. The etiology is complex with multiple factors centred around the gut-brain axis. Presentation & Impact: The GI issues faced by those with ASD commonly include nausea, chronic constipation, diarrhoea, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), chronic flatulence, gut inflammation, ulcers, and more. These problems carry extra baggage as they often lead to further distressing reactions. For example, posturing, self-harm, and outbursts are regularly reported – especially as those with ASD struggle to articulate the pain/issue. In the long term, GI issues affect mood, learning, as well as sleep (which can exacerbate the previous behaviours, particularly aggression). From a social perspective, this can impede on the social life of those with ASD. Etiology: The gut-brain axis – the two-way influences between the gut microbiome and the brain – seems to be at the core of most GI issues. People with ASD often have gut dysbiosis: an imbalance in their gut bacteria. While there is an excess of pathogenic bacteria, there is a lack of beneficial ones as well as a decrease in bacterial diversity. Other issues commonly associated with ASD contribute to this: digestive enzyme deficiencies (such as absence of lactase), selective eating (for example, with eating sensory issues), medication, and more. The issue of selective eating itself causes many of the GI symptoms; an unbalanced diet can cause diarrhoea, constipation, reflux, and intestinal motility issues. Treatment & Management: Treatments are usually behavioural. For children, clinicians work with parents to in…
creator: Winston Tan
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Winston Tan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-05-22
publication date: 2026-05-22
starting page: 1
ending page: 6
doi: 10.26685/urncst.1023

WISE National Conference 2026
type: item
description: The 2026 Women in Science and Engineering National Conference took place at the Westin Harbour Castle in downtown Toronto on January 17-18. It welcomed several hundred student, research, and industry participants across all STEM disciplines. Student delegates were invited to submit abstracts describing their research for publication in collaboration with URNCST. The resulting collection spanning life science, physical science, and engineering work is featured here. Echoes of Adversity: The Prevalence and Associations of Invisible Symptoms with Adverse Childhood Experiences, Attachment Style, Self-Compassion, and Care Preferences in People with Multiple Sclerosis. Caitlin Evran [1], Jillian Scandiffio [2], Robert Simpson [3] [1] University of Toronto St. George, Toronto, Ontario [2] St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Ontario [3] Department of Neurology, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Ontario Undergraduate Author Email: Caitlin.evran@mail.utoronto.ca Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory neurodegenerative disorder characterised by the destruction of the sheath that insulates neurons in the central nervous system. Over 90,000 Canadians live with MS, one of the highest prevalences worldwide. People with MS (PwMS) tend to suffer from scarcely researched ‘invisible symptoms’ including vision problems, muscle weakness, tingling, numbness, bladder control problems, dizziness, and trouble with cognition. Many environmental and demographic factors are linked with disease onset, progression, and symptom severity, but recent studies suggest that there is an association between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and MS. Further research is urgently needed to explore this relationship in more detail, because if there is a high prevalence of ACEs in people with MS, this has important implications for health service design and delivery, meaning providers should be trained to deliver trauma-informed treatments that are effective in this population. Research Question: W…
creator: Zia Owens
creator: Radia Salam
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Zia Owens, Radia Salam https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-05-19
publication date: 2026-05-19
starting page: A1
ending page: A6
doi: 10.26685/urncst.1060

7th Annual Neuro Health Awareness Conference (NHAC) Abstract Book
type: item
description: The Neuro Health Awareness Conference (NHAC) is an initiative organized by the University of Ottawa Multiple Sclerosis Club (UOMSC), a student-led organization committed to raising awareness about multiple sclerosis and broader neurological health through education, advocacy, fundraising, and community engagement. UOMSC works to create opportunities for students and the wider community to learn about neurological disorders, connect with researchers and healthcare professionals, and support individuals affected by these conditions. Through events like this conference, the club aims to foster meaningful conversations around brain health, neuroscience research, patient experiences, and innovation in care. The conference brings together students, researchers, clinicians, advocates, and individuals with lived experience for a day of keynote talks, panel discussions, and networking opportunities centered on neurohealth. In addition to promoting education and dialogue, the NHAC also supports an important charitable mission, with proceeds being donated to the MS Canada and the University of Ottawa Brain and Mind Research Institute to help advance multiple sclerosis support, neurological research, and innovation in brain health. By combining awareness, collaboration, and philanthropy, the conference reflects UOMSC’s dedication to making a meaningful impact both on campus and in the broader community.
creator: Jordan J. Yin
creator: Maggie Divok
creator: Gillian Kresan
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Jordan J. Yin, Maggie Divok, Gillian Kresan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-05-06
publication date: 2026-05-06
starting page: A1
ending page: A6
doi: 10.26685/urncst.1086

The 10th Annual CCNM Research Day: Student Research & Innovation in Naturopathic Medicine
type: item
description: The following are abstracts from the research competition at the 10th annual CCNM Research Day hosted by the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in New Westminster, BC, Canada and Toronto, ON, Canada. The conference celebrates high quality student–faculty research collaborations, showcased as poster presentations.
creator: Prabhjot Chohan
creator: Jensen Pletch
creator: Faith Stoesz
creator: Mariangela Bagnato
creator: Monique Aucoin
creator: Kieran Cooley
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Prabhjot Chohan, Jensen Pletch, Faith Stoesz, Mariangela Bagnato, Monique Aucoin, Kieran Cooley https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-03-25
publication date: 2026-03-25
starting page: A1
ending page: A10
doi: 10.26685/urncst.1069

Proceedings of the 2026 Queen’s University Undergraduate Bladder Cancer Case Competition
type: item
description: The Queen’s University Undergraduate Bladder Cancer Research Case Competition, organized by the nonprofit organization Queen’s Awareness of Bladder Cancer Club (QABC), provides university students with the opportunity to conduct research and raise awareness of bladder cancer. Guided by university student mentors with prior research experience, participants are introduced to the fundamentals of scientific analysis and academic writing while receiving personalized mentorship fostering both professional and personal growth. The 2026 program brought together students with interests in bladder cancer to learn from notable oncologists like Dr. Charles Graham and Dr. D. Robert Siemens, allowing students to pursue projects in bladder cancer. During the case competition, participants proposed research projects, which are presented in this abstract book as a reflection of their intellectual curiosity. Following the competition, a panel of professionals evaluated the student projects, providing expert feedback and selecting only the top-tier submissions for final recognition. By creating accessible and supportive pathways into research, QABC aims to bridge the gap between youth and scientific engagement, inspiring the next generation of researchers, healthcare providers, and innovators. Moving forward, the Research Case Competition will continue to grow and adapt, incorporating feedback from participants and mentors to strengthen its impact.
creator: Daniel Jafari
creator: Alan Mourah
creator: Gary Zhuo
creator: Marco Kee
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Daniel Jafari, Alan Mourah, Gary Zhuo, Marco Kee https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
date: 2026-04-06
publication date: 2026-04-06
starting page: A1
ending page: A3
doi: 10.26685/urncst.1085