09/29/2026
https://announcements.clarkson.edu/2026/09/29/biochemistry-proteomics-lab-member-wins-travel-award/
Victor Tochukwu Njoku, a graduate student in Biochemistry & Proteomics Laboratories, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry attended the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE) 2026 Annual Conference, held in September 21 – 24, 2026, at the First Financial Center in Cincinnati, Ohio.
The annual conference brings together students, researchers, academic professionals, and industrial representatives and leaders across chemistry, chemical engineering, and related STEM disciplines from across the world. The 2026 Conference themed “Bold. Brilliance. Boundless.” featured poster and oral presentations, technical sessions, exhibitions, career fair, professional developments, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
Njoku presented his research on “Quantitative Serum Proteomics in Breast Cancer Identifies Blood Coagulation Factors as Dysregulated”. The research focuses on the targeted quantitative characterization of proteins that are dysregulated in breast cancer serum samples compared to age-matched healthy controls using Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM). The research is aimed at facilitating earlier breast cancer detection, improving risk stratification, and overall health outcome. The presentation provided an opportunity to share findings with the scientific community of student and industrial researchers, and industry professionals, receive task-oriented feedback and suggestions, and engage in meaningful discussions about the research.
The research presentation was evaluated by judges with professional backgrounds in the field and Njoku’s poster presentation competed alongside other Graduate students in the poster presentation category. Njoku received the ACS Student Exchange Award supported by the American Chemical Society (ACS) as the poster presentation winner for the Graduate category. This award is in recognition of an outstanding poster presentation that exemplified exceptional research, creativity, and academic excellence, and offers Full Travel Grant up to $2,000 to cover for the next ACS Spring 2027 National conference at New Orleans
Njoku attended the conference through an Advancing Science Conference Grant (ASCG), and support from the advisor, Dr. Costel C. Darie.
“Participating in the NOBCChE 2026 conference was an important opportunity to contribute to scientific dialogue, learn new things, strengthen research communication skills, and engage with a broader scientific community”, said Njoku. “Thinking of the whole experience, the road trip to and fro Cincinnati, the meaningful connections, the invaluable discussions and constructive feedback, I am truly grateful for the opportunity and look forward to applying these experiences to my continued growth as a researcher and scientist”, ended Njoku.
