GREAT Symposium Opens Doors to Global Opportunities

For graduate students looking to expand their research beyond the lab and explore real-world impact, the Graduate Research Education and Technology (GREAT) Symposium continues to be a powerful launchpad.

Maryam Firouzi, a PhD student in Pharmaceutical Sciences, experienced that firsthand when she received the 2025 Oklahoma Bioscience Travel Award through the GREAT Symposium. The award enabled her to attend the BIO International Convention, one of the world’s largest gatherings of biotechnology and pharmaceutical leaders.

“Thanks to the GREAT Symposium at the Graduate College, I got the chance to attend the BIO International Conference, and it was a valuable experience for me,” Firouzi said. “With my PharmD background, I could see not just the science but also how the innovations are designed to meet patient needs and fit into the healthcare system.”

At BIO, Firouzi connected with representatives from top biotech and pharmaceutical companies, learned how scientific ideas evolve into startups, and gained insight into a wide range of career pathways. The experience helped her better understand how her combined pharmacy training and PhD research fit into the broader innovation ecosystem.

“I also felt proud seeing how much innovative work is happening in the biotech and startup community in Oklahoma,” she added. “It gave me a better sense of how my education and research training together fit into the bigger picture.”

Firouzi’s momentum extends well beyond the conference. She was recently notified that her first manuscript has been accepted for publication in the journal Small—a significant milestone for any doctoral student. She also earned first place in the graduate student poster competition at the Cell Biology Symposium, further highlighting the strength and impact of her research.

Her advice to fellow graduate students is simple: get involved.

“I recommend this conference to any student who wants to explore opportunities, make connections, and see how their work can have an impact outside the lab,” Firouzi said.

Students interested in similar opportunities are encouraged to participate in the upcoming 2026 GREAT Symposium, which will be held April 6–8, 2026, at the Bird Library. Registration for abstract submissions will open soon, offering graduate students the chance to showcase their research, build professional skills, and compete for travel awards and other recognition.