BMCC Biotechnology Major Presents Research at New England Science Symposium at Harvard

Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC/CUNY) Biotechnology major Ariel Salvador presented his research, The Properties of Moringa that Promote Sea Urchin Egg Viability, at the New England Science Symposium (NESS) held at Harvard University in Boston on March 30.

“When I found out I’d be presenting my research at NESS, I was ecstatic,” said Salvador, who was mentored on his research by BMCC Science Professor Lalitha Jayant. “I never imagined I would have the chance to present at Harvard Medical School.”

Salvador was one of 10 BMCC who traveled to Boston for NESS, as well as the Biomedical Science Careers Student Conference (BSCP), the weekend of March 28. Eight of those students are members of BMCC ASAP. The trip was made possible through the Morgan Stanley Institute for Inclusion Career Exploration Grant.

ASAP Career Specialist Beth Cooperman, who organized the trip and accompanied the students to Boston, said the experience of participating in both conferences builds confidence, expands ambition, and helps students see what’s possible for their own academic and career futures.

“Opportunities like the BSCP and NESS are truly life-changing for our students,” said Cooperman. “These experiences invite students into prestigious academic spaces where diversity isn’t just present—but celebrated.”

As part of the trip, the students also toured Harvard Medical School’s Countway Medical Library, where they explored its vast collection and experienced the Anatomage Simulator Table, a hands-on virtual dissection tool.

Each of the students selected to attend the conferences went through a structured application process. In the months leading up to the event, ASAP led bi-weekly meetings to build community, prepare for networking, and discuss strategies for managing long conference days—including self-care and stamina.

Science for Health major Sarah Elhassan called the experience in Boston “life-changing,” adding that the diversity at the BSCP was inspiring.

“Seeing the founder of BSCP—a woman of color—left me feeling inspired. But then, seeing the keynote speakers and award recipients also being women of color—I had never felt so seen,” said Elhassan. “Being in a room filled with people who have decades of experience in highly successful careers, all eager to share their wisdom, felt like an opportunity no genie could grant. Between attending panels and engaging in one-on-one conversations with advisors matched to my career aspirations…”

In addition to Salvador and Elhassan, the following students attended the conferences in Boston: Mir Farjana (Biotechnology), Aiman Khan (Public Health), Miguel Araujo (Science), Vasumati Polavarapu (Science), Hamsa Alsoudy (Science), Evelyn Teutle (Science), Aliche Gunness (Science), and Yasmim Dukle Lopes (Science for Health).

Cooperman says the group closed the trip with a reflective dinner before returning to New York City as a team transformed. She said the conferences reinforced the students’ confidence, networking skills, and aspirations in biomedical science.

From Business to Pursuing Science at BMCC

Aspirations in science are what brought NESS presenter Ariel Salvador from the agricultural town of Morgan Hill, California, to New York City and BMCC.

“My background is actually in economics, and my focus has been on how we can feed the world sustainably—especially with a growing population,” said Salvador. “What drew me to biotechnology was learning about how animal proteins are being produced via genetically modified yeast, and how it could be part of the solution for a more sustainable food system.”

He said his time at BMCC has been life-changing, giving him a second chance to nurture his inner scientist. In addition to his mentor, Professor Jayant, Salvador says he’s grateful for the support he’s received from the Office of Research, the BMCC Foundation Fund, and the CUNY Research Scholars Program.

“A special shout-out to Dr. Odaelys Pollard and Venita Andrews for their continued support and dedication at the Office of Research, enabling students to pursue meaningful research opportunities,” said Salvador.

“I want to pursue graduate school to continue growing as a scientist and honing my research skills,” he said. “In the end, I know I’ve got that entrepreneurial spirit, and down the road, I want to blend my science and business background to start my own company and make a meaningful impact on society.”