Graham, N.C. - When Alamance Community College biotechnology student Michael Nelson steps onto the stage at the 2026 Emerging Researchers National Conference in STEM, he won’t just represent his peers, he’ll represent the future of innovation.
Co-hosted by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) STEM Education Directorate, this conference will bring together some of the nation’s brightest emerging scientists, engineers, and innovators. Among them, Nelson will join a select group of community college students from across the country to share their journeys in the rapidly evolving world of science, technology, and workforce education.
“I’m deeply honored to have been nominated and accepted to the ERC, and I’m thrilled to attend in March,” said Nelson. “I earned my B.S. in Industrial Design from App State with a focus on medical product design and manufacturing, and later worked on projects ranging from a portable nebulizing inhaler to clean-room setup and PPE production.”
Nelson’s invitation comes as part of a student spotlight panel organized by New America’s Future of Work & Innovation Economy Initiative, which oversees a strategic partnership with NSF called the Accelerator for Community Colleges in the Innovation Economy. The panel is designed to give students a platform to discuss their hands-on experiences learning and working in what experts call “sunrise industries”—fields like regenerative medicine, biotechnology, and other emerging technologies reshaping the future of work.
“Returning to biotech education and research at ACC has been a joy every day. Being able to walk through the ERC and meet people dedicated to their research is something I will always be grateful for,” Nelson states. “I want to thank Michelle Sabaoun for nominating me, ACC for supporting the Biotech program, and everyone involved in the ERC.”
ACC’s selection for the Accelerator reflects its role as a key workforce partner to the NSF Regenerative Medicine Engine in North Carolina. That connection places students like Michael at the intersection of education and industry—where classroom learning meets real-world application, and where tomorrow’s innovative discoveries begin.
About Alamance Community College
Founded in 1958, Alamance Community College (ACC) serves more than 10,000 students annually through curriculum, continuing education, and workforce development programs. Located in Graham, NC, ACC is a cornerstone of education and economic development for Alamance County and the surrounding region. With a focus on innovation, accessibility, and student success, the College prepares graduates to be workforce-ready and empowers learners of all ages to achieve their educational and career goals.