Albany State University (ASU) is proud to announce that Amaya Williams, a junior majoring in chemistry with a minor in biology, has won the prestigious Top Presenter Award at the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS) in Pittsburgh, PA. Out of more than 3,000 students nationwide, Amaya’s poster presentation stood out as one of the best in the competition.

Her innovative research, titled "The Synergistic Effects of Faith-Based Engagement and Nurse Navigation in Increasing Prostate Cancer Screenings Among African American Men," tackles critical health disparities in prostate cancer outcomes. Conducted during her year-long internship funded by the Morehouse School of Medicine and hosted at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, Amaya’s project explores modern strategies to improve cancer screening rates in under-represented communities.

Amaya credits much of her success to the mentorship of Dr. Anta'Sha Jones and Dr. John Williams from ASU's Natural Science Department. Their support has been integral to her growth as a researcher and professional.

In addition to receiving the Top Presenter Award, Amaya was awarded a full travel scholarship to attend the conference, where she represented Albany State University with pride. Her achievement not only emphasizes her dedication to impactful research but also highlights her commitment to addressing health disparities in rural communities.

This recognition is a testament to Amaya’s hard work, passion, and potential as a rising leader in the biomedical field. Congratulations, Amaya!