Brian Diaz, a graduate student in the University of Florida College of Pharmacy’s Department of Pharmaceutics, earned the Wiley Journal Top One Poster Award at the International Society for Extracellular Vesicles annual meeting in Puerto Rico, April 22-26.
Diaz was one of five poster award recipients selected from nearly 500 submissions representing 50 countries. As part of the recognition, he was invited to give a two-minute presentation summarizing his research during the poster session.
Diaz uses simulated microgravity to study how cells communicate and adapt in extreme conditions, in collaboration with the NASA Kennedy Space Center Microgravity Simulation Support Facility. By examining extracellular vesicles, which are tiny particles that carry signals between cells, his research aims to uncover new biological mechanisms and provide insight into diseases such as aging and cancer.
“Winning this poster award is incredibly meaningful because it recognizes the scientific impact of my work and my ability to communicate complex ideas clearly,” Diaz said. “This recognition also belongs to our entire team, and it motivates us to continue advancing this work, especially given its potential applications in both space biology and human health.”
For Diaz, who is from Puerto Rico, earning the award on home soil carried special significance.
“It was special to bring my research back home and be recognized by an international community that saw me grow,” Diaz said. “It also reinforces my commitment to inspiring and supporting students from Puerto Rico to pursue careers in science.”
Diaz is mentored by Mei He, Ph.D., an associate professor of pharmaceutics in the UF College of Pharmacy. Funding for the research was provided by the National Institutes of Health’s National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences.