麻豆视频鈥檚 Biology Club and Beta Beta Beta (TriBeta) National Honor Society made an unforgettable impact at the 2025 Beta Beta Beta South Central Regional Convention, held from April 4 to 6 at the scenic Mt. Lebanon Camp in Cedar Hill, Texas. Under the guidance of Dr. Lisa Ellis and Dr. Curtis Henderson, the HCU delegation not only showcased impressive research but also brought home multiple prestigious awards.
Dr. Lisa Ellis, Associate Professor of Biology and Program Coordinator for Biology and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Dr. Curtis Henderson, Professor of Biology and Department Chair of Biology, co-sponsor HCU鈥檚 Biology Club and the Iota Omicron chapter of TriBeta. Dr. Ellis, who also serves as the South Central District II Director, oversees all Beta Beta Beta chapters in Texas, further strengthening HCU鈥檚 connection to the broader scientific community.
This year鈥檚 convention, which brought together ten chapters from Texas and Oklahoma, saw nearly 85 undergraduates and faculty members in attendance. It provided a platform for students to present their research, engage in meaningful conversations with peers, and gain insight into diverse fields of biology and biochemistry. Of the thirty-four student presentations鈥攂oth oral and poster鈥攏ine were given by HCU students, further underscoring the strong presence of HCU鈥檚 scientific community at the event.
Among those who represented HCU were Adithya Bhaskar, who delivered an insightful oral presentation on his research, and Sophia Andrade, Raymond Venice Cagumbay, Eduardo Lopez, Julian Luna, Martin Navarro Ballagan, Monika Ruiz, and Caroline Vo, who each presented posters detailing their original research projects. In addition, Lianna Garcia, Hannah Mathew, and Chapel Nease attended the convention, further contributing to HCU鈥檚 strong showing.
The HCU delegation also had the honor of serving as judges for the oral and poster presentations, with Dr. Ellis and Dr. Henderson both contributing their expertise to evaluate and encourage the hard work of fellow students.
As the convention drew to a close, the HCU chapter, Iota Omicron, was celebrated for its continued excellence, taking home several awards. The chapter was named the Outstanding Chapter of the Year for District II, an incredible achievement that highlights the dedication of HCU students and faculty. This prestigious honor marks the third time Iota Omicron has claimed this title, having previously won in 2016 and 2017.
In addition to the top chapter award, HCU students earned individual recognition for their research. Raymond Venice Cagumbay鈥檚 Chapter History E-Book secured 2nd place, a testament to his outstanding effort and attention to detail. Ray also earned 3rd place for his poster presentation, while Eduardo Lopez claimed the same honor in the same category for his research.
The standout moment for HCU came when Sophia Andrade was awarded 1st place for her poster presentation on her innovative research project. In recognition of her achievement, Sophia received a travel grant to present her research at the 2026 National Convention, marking a significant milestone in her academic career.
Dr. Ellis also received special recognition, being named Chapter Advisor of the Year, an award that honors her unwavering commitment to guiding and inspiring the students of HCU鈥檚 biology programs.
The convention proved to be a rewarding experience for all involved, as students and faculty alike had the opportunity to network, collaborate, and learn from their peers. In addition to the technical presentations, attendees enjoyed a thought-provoking guest speaker who shared insights on a career in Genetic Counseling鈥攁n inspiring talk that sparked new ideas and possibilities for the future careers of many HCU students.
The was an incredible success for HCU, providing students and faculty with a chance to shine, learn, and grow. It is clear that the spirit of inquiry and academic excellence continues to thrive at HCU, with TriBeta serving as a powerful vehicle for scientific exploration and achievement.