Clemson bioengineering student attends NIH conference

Published: November 16, 2011

By Evan Lybrand

CLEMSON — Jonathan Kuo of Snellville, Ga., a Clemson University Ph.D. student in bioengineering, attended the sixth annual National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Graduate Student Research Conference. 

One hundred fifty advanced graduate students attended the recent conference in Bethesda, Md., to meet NIH scientists and learn about the NIH Intramural Research Program. The program is the largest biomedical research-focused institution, with several facilities around the country. 

The conference included a chance for attendees to speak with post-doctoral fellows, presentations by conference participants and sessions about the Intramural Research Program.

Kuo, who earned his undergraduate degree form Cornell University, was selected based on his research and how it would fit into the NIH program. Kuo’s research examines the degeneration of cartilage discs in joints and what causes their failure. He is using 3-D computer models to test his theory that disc degeneration is caused by the amount of nutrients joints can receive.

“I feel that this conference will be a good opportunity to meet many of my peers, learn about research opportunities available at the NIH and build a solid foundation for my future in academia,” said Kuo.

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