Houston Christian University’s Iota Omicron Chapter of the Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society (TriBeta) was recognized with multiple awards at the 2026 SouthCentral Regional Convention held April 10–12.
The regional convention offers students the opportunity to present original research, engage with peers and faculty and grow professionally through scientific discussion and collaboration. The recognition of HCU’s Iota Omicron chapter reflects the group’s commitment to academic excellence, research and community-building.
Dr. Lisa Ellis, HCU Associate Professor of Biology in the College of Science & Engineering, and fifteen students attended the annual event where the chapter’s collective achievements, programming and student engagement were honored among the region’s top chapters.
HCU students earned multiple individual honors. Collin Posadas and Martin Navarro Ballagan each received first place for their poster presentations while Jeevan Thoppil earned second place. Eduardo Lopez Quintero delivered an oral presentation of his research and Abigail Inocian won first place for designing the Chapter History E-Book. With these awards, Iota Omicron was the runner-up to the District II Chapter of the Year award.
“One of the reasons I love teaching at HCU so much is because of the ability to truly get to know all of our science students whether or not I teach them in class. I see them grow from freshmen to seniors and to know the time and effort they put into their courses, and their research makes the awards they win at this convention even more special,” said Dr. Ellis.
At this annual convention, students develop as scientists by presenting their own research, engaging with questions from faculty and staff, and critically evaluating the work of their peers through thoughtful discussion. They also gain insight from a keynote speaker on topics such as graduate or health profession programs, scientific literacy, and career development. In addition, HCU students strengthen their chapter community by collaborating and generating ideas for the coming year’s activities.
HCU’s continued success at the TriBeta convention underscores the University’s strong emphasis on the development of future scientists and promotion of undergraduate research.