Enhancing Undergraduate Research: From Interest to Impact

Mission Brain Research Symposium

Theme:
Enhancing Undergraduate Research: From Interest to Impact

Organized by:
Mission Brain MUST Chapter, also known as the Neuroscience Association of Uganda MUST CHAPTER

This symposium will focus on “Venturing into Research as an Undergraduate: Opportunities and Pathways”. It aims to guide undergraduate students on how to navigate the world of research, identify opportunities, and leverage research to advance their careers in academia and healthcare. Whether you’re just starting or looking to elevate your research journey, this event will provide practical insights and inspiration.

About Mission Brain MUST Chapter:
Mission Brain is an international organization dedicated to advancing neurosurgical education, research, and mentorship. Our vision is to empower young researchers and medical students by providing access to research mentorship, training, and global networking opportunities. We strive to create a research-driven culture that enhances medical innovation and evidence-based practice.

We are excited to feature a diverse lineup of guest speakers, including prominent leaders in neurosurgery, public health, and research. They will share their personal experiences, guide you on how to get started with research, and explore ways to overcome common challenges faced by undergraduate researchers.

Guest Speakers:

• Ms. Katusiime Beatrice – A nurse working with the neurosurgery division at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital and the Research Chair for Mission Brain Africa. She is a research mentor and coach with Micro Research Canada and a research scholar with Bass Connections at Duke University. For her MPH (Research Ethics), she investigated community perceptions and knowledge about vulnerability in research (paper under review). She is an NIH Fogarty Scholar (2019).
• Mubarak Jolayomi Mustapha – A student leader and researcher with expertise in public health, data science, and neurosurgery. He has held leadership roles in ILUMSA, organized career days, and co-directed the Research and Journey Club. With over 30 publications and 70+ citations, he has collaborated with Duke Global Neurosurgery and Neurology, the University of Texas Southwestern, Stanford, and Harvard. Notably, he is the first non-University of Ibadan medical student to join the Duke Bass Connections team.
• Kakande Reagan – A medical student at Mbarara University, passionate about Emergency Medicine and pre-hospital care. He is the President of MUSTEMIG (Mbarara University of Science and Technology Emergency Medicine Interest Group) and an active early-career researcher with a number of publications.
• Dr. Ssembatya Joseph – A neurosurgeon fellow and external advisor to Mission Brain MUST Chapter, Dr. Ssembatya is a top leader in Mission Brain Africa with a vast number of publications and an instrumental role in advancing neurosurgical education and research across Africa.
• Dr. Lugajju Charles – An expert in research with extensive experience in guiding medical students and researchers, Dr. Lugajju will share insights on how undergraduates can get started with research, particularly in the fields of healthcare and medical sciences.

Target Audience:
This session is intended for undergraduate students, medical trainees, young researchers, and faculty members interested in mentoring students in research.

Venturing into Research as an Undergraduate: Opportunities and Pathways
Engaging in research at the undergraduate level provides students with critical thinking skills, exposure to scientific inquiry, and a competitive edge for future academic and professional pursuits. However, many undergraduates face challenges such as limited mentorship, lack of funding, and uncertainty on where to start.

This symposium will address these barriers by providing practical steps on how to embark on research projects, secure funding, collaborate with experienced mentors, and publish findings. We will feature guest speakers who have successfully navigated research pathways and will share insights on how undergraduates can maximize their research potential.

Research is not just for postgraduate students; undergraduates can and should contribute to the scientific community. Let’s explore how to start, sustain, and succeed in research at this level.

Moderator:
Organized by Mission Brain MUST Chapter

Schedule/Program:

Details

Date: This Saturday, April 5, 2025
Time: 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Venue: PLT

Refreshments will be served!

Don’t miss out on this game-changing experience!