Annie Dang’s Surprise Engagement After Attending OHBM International Meeting
Annie Dang had an unforgettable summer after traveling to Asia to attend the Organization for Human Brain Mapping (OHBM) International Meeting in South Korea and getting engaged a few weeks later in China.
Annie Dang is a fifth-year MD/PhD student and third-year graduate student in Radiological Sciences mentored by Dr. Peter Fox. In June, Annie attended the OHBM Meeting in Seoul. South Korea. The OHBM is the premier international meeting for brain imaging research. This year’s OHBM was Annie’s fifth time attending. She attended the conference with fellow GSBS MD/PhD students Joseph Goodson-Gregg and Jonathan Towne. At the conference, Annie had the opportunity to present her research, “Dissociation of Structural and Functional Changes in Alzheimer’s Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment.” Her research focuses on developing and validating network-based biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease.
“This conference was a great opportunity to meet other more experienced researchers in my field as well as get exposed to new ideas. I have been able to meet a couple of mentors through OHBM who have given me invaluable advice both about research and career as a whole,” Annie says. Annie’s favorite part of the conference was learning about the new developments in the Alzheimer’s research community and figuring out how her research contributes to what’s already known and currently being researched about the disease.
During the conference break times, Annie took a detour from the itinerary to explore Seoul. “Although I have previously lived in China for 6 years, I had never been to any other country in Asia before. Experiencing the South Korean culture and exploring its capital city was definitely a highlight,” says Annie.
After the conference, Annie stayed in Asia for two weeks to travel around. As the trip unfolded, Annie’s now fiancé surprised her by proposing on the last leg of their trip in China!
There was more joy and excitement a month after the surprise engagement when Annie was selected for the prestigious Heather Menzie Junior Graduate Student Award at the GSBS Convocation. Annie was selected for this award in recognition of her extensive research and exceptional leadership. She has published one first author paper, three co-author papers, thirty-four abstracts, and has made nine presentations. Beyond research, Annie is the president of the UT Health San Antonio Radiology Interest Group (RIG) and has served on the MD/PhD MSTP Admissions Committee attracting potential students to the University.
From research to romance to a remarkable graduate student honor, Annie’s summer was filled with discovery, love, and achievement.
Congratulations Annie!