HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – More than 200 students and post-doctoral, residents and fellows participated in the 36th Annual Marshall University Health Sciences Research Day Friday, Nov. 1, at Marshall University Medical Center.  

Organized and sponsored by the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, the Health Sciences Research Day also partners with the School of Pharmacy and the College of Health Professions to highlight original research and educational innovations by undergraduate, medical, pharmacy, nursing and other health professions students, as well as graduate students and postdoctoral trainees in medicine, biomedical sciences, and clinical and translational sciences.  

“Marshall’s annual research day has become a regional event featuring more than 170 scientific presentations by individuals from Marshall University, West Virginia University, West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine and Vandalia Health,” said Uma Sundaram, M.D., vice dean for research and graduate education at the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. “The outstanding quality of the work of our students, trainees and faculty reflects the commitment of our academic medical system to improving health outcomes for all West Virginians.” 

This year’s keynote address was delivered by Gary Desir, M.D., chair of the department of internal medicine at Yale University School of Medicine. Desir discussed Renalase, a multi-functional signaling molecule that plays a role in gastrointestinal disease. 

The one-day symposium also featured oral and poster presentations in clinical science, basic science, case studies, medical education and quality improvement. Faculty members served as judges and selected the best abstracts.  

Winners of the 2024 Marshall University Health Sciences Research Day are listed below. 

The inaugural Dr. John Karickhoff Medical Innovation Award for Best Overall Research Day Presentation was given to second-year medical student Rebecca Hicks for her abstract entitled: Evaluating the preservation and quantification of three viral RNA pathogens From a Collection and Transport System for Rapid Point-of-Care Diagnostic Tests. The award includes a financial gift.

“As a proud alumnus of Marshall University and 85 years old, I want to show my appreciation to Marshall for providing me the most important educational opportunities that led to my successful life as an ophthalmologist,” said John Karickhoff, M.D., who recently endowed this new award for an innovation that impacts medical care. 

Oral Presentation Winners 

• Best Undergraduate Student: Ethan Bowens, College of Health Professions (Mentor: Dr. Toma Kumika)  

• Best Medical Student: Rebecca Hicks (Mentor: Dr. Dan Brazeau) 

• Best Graduate Student: Eliane Tsopmegha (Mentor: Dr. Uma Sundaram) 

• Best Post-Graduate: Zakaria Alagha, MD, (Mentor: Amro Al-Astal)
   

Poster Presentation Winners 

• Best Medical Student: Justin West (Mentor: Dr. Jessica Buerck) 

• Best Graduate Student: Maafi Islam (Mentor Dr. Sandrine Pierre) 

• Best MD / PhD Student: Vijaya Lakshmi Sundaram (Mentor: Dr. Soudamni Singh) 

• Best Post-Graduate: Lauren Rakes, MD (Mentor: Dr. Jay Naegele) 

PHOTO CAPTION: Second-year Marshall University medical student Rebecca Hicks receives the Dr. John Karickhoff Medical Innovation Award for the Best Overall Research Day Presentation at the 2024 Marshall University Health Sciences Research Day this month by School of Medicine Dean Dr. David Gozal and Vice Dean for Research and Graduate Education Dr. Uma Sundaram.   

ADDITIONAL RESEARCH DAY PHOTOS: https://jcesom.smugmug.com/Events/2024-Events/Research-Day 

RESEARCH DAY PROGRAM: health-sciences-research-day-program-2024.pdf 

Date Posted: Monday, November 4, 2024