Andrew Thompson ’19 Wins Outstanding Presenter's Award

Andrew Thompson ’19 spent his summer working on a project that typically only pre-med or graduate students would undertake, in conjunction with a teaching hospital. He created a scientific abstract presentation on research performed by Dr.Violeta Popov, a gastroenterologist with New York University. The research Dr. Popov and her team conducted pertained to Billiary Disease and the impact of bariatric surgery. Andrew’s role was to synthesize the data and the research process into an abstract to be presented in a professional poster at the Annual Scientific Meeting and Postgraduate Course of the American College of Gastroenterology in Washington, DC.

What’s more impressive than a rising senior spending his summer working in this type of medical research? It’s when he wins an Outstanding Presenter Award for his efforts. Andrew admits, presenting before judge sat the conference was “terrifying.” He said, “I knew that I had to represent Dr. Popov and what she worked so hard to do, and I felt both honored and terrified to be given such a responsibility. I was there with notable competitors from Harvard and Stanford, and I thought, ‘these people went to school for this, while I’m just this novice.’” But Andrew’s impressive work on the display itself, as well as his understanding and presentation of the research caught the judges’ attention. The presentation earned a Presidential Award for the quality of the research and the abstract, and an Outstanding Presenter Award for Andrew’s explanation of the project to judges.

Andrew isn’t 100% certain what’s next for him as he explores colleges. He’s strongly considering following in his parents’ footsteps to pursue a career in medicine. Whatever direction he chooses, his experience working this summer alongside Dr. Popov and presenting with such success at a nationalconference definitely strengthens his resume as he considers his options. Congratulations, Andrew!