ndrew 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 judges
at 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
Outstanding Presenter
Andrew Thompson ’19
STRONG IS:
Representing the work of Dr. Popov
and her team without letting
doubt or the fear of failure
hinder me. —Andrew Thompson ’19
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 national
conference definitely strengthens his resume as he considers his options.
Congratulations, Andrew!
4 www.xbhs.com