HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – More than 60 undergraduate students from colleges and universities across West Virginia showcased their summer biomedical research projects on Tuesday, July 29, during the 23rd Annual West Virginia IDeA Network for Biomedical Research Excellence (WV-INBRE) Summer Research Symposium, hosted by Marshall University at the DoubleTree Hotel in Huntington. 

The students, representing nearly every college and university in the state—including West Liberty University, West Virginia Wesleyan, Shepherd University, University of Charleston, Glenville State University, Bethany College, Davis & Elkins College and Marshall University—shared research conducted over the past nine weeks at their home institutions, West Virginia University or Marshall University. Their projects covered a range of pressing health topics, including cancer, heart disease, stroke, nicotine addiction and obesity. 

“The symposium highlights the remarkable contributions these students are making to biomedical research in West Virginia,” said Larry Grover, Ph.D., associate vice chair and professor of biomedical sciences at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine and summer program director for WV-INBRE. “Their work not only advances scientific understanding but also inspires future careers in research and healthcare.” 

WV-INBRE promotes biomedical research and training opportunities throughout the state. The program is supported by a grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH #P20GM103434) to Marshall University, in collaboration with West Virginia University and several other in-state colleges and universities. 

This year’s symposium featured a keynote address by Darryle D. Schoepp, Ph.D., research consultant and former executive and scientist with Merck and Eli Lilly. Schoepp’s presentation, “Discovery and Development of Neuroscience Therapeutics – Past and Present,” highlighted breakthroughs and challenges in developing treatments for neurological disorders and inspired attendees with insights from decades of experience in pharmaceutical research. 

The one-day symposium also featured oral and poster presentations from undergraduate student researchers and high school science teachers belonging to the Health Sciences & Technology Academy (HSTA). 

Photos are available at: https://jcesom.smugmug.com/Events/2025-Events/23rd-Annual-WV-INBRE-Research-Symposium 

Date Posted: Wednesday, July 30, 2025