MSMS Research Symposium
By Jenniffer Licero Campbell, PhD
In an effort to build a diverse and competent biomedical workforce able to address issues in underserved and underrepresented communities, the Master of Science in Medical Sciences (MSMS) program, part of the College of Health Sciences, hosted the MSMS Research Symposium on April 17, 2023. The symposium is an opportunity to promote student development and training by providing a space where MSMS students can showcase their research work. View photos on Facebook.
The quality of the 18 scientific presentations and posters reflects the commitment and intentionality of the students and mentors. In presenting their work, the 31 participating students were able to enhance the public’s understanding of ongoing clinical, translational, and public health research at WesternU. Out of the 18 posters presented, three posters were awarded first, second and third place and six of the students received research scholarships for their work.
The event also featured keynote speaker Dr. Jerry Flores. Dr. Flores is an assistant research professor in the Center for Neuroscience Research at Loma Linda University School of Medicine. His presentation on immune responses during hemorrhagic stroke exposed the students to exciting and cutting-edge translational research tackling a condition which severely impacts patient quality of life and necessitates novel and safe treatment modalities.
The research symposium is part of the MSMS program’s greater goal of producing a diverse population of lifelong learners and leaders who can tackle challenges in health care and generate partnerships that will positively impact and champion health equity in underserved areas. The program looks forward to further collaborations with mentors across the campus to continue enhancing student learning and exposure to the rich variety of research at WesternU.
Research Scholarship Awards:
1st place: Chiaki Takebayashi and Fouad Hajjar “Ready (head)set Go!! Virtual Reality Immersive Simulation for Interprofessional Education” (Mentor: Professor Tammie Keller Johnson)
2nd place: Tiffany Tadros and Mel Claude Cerrillo “The Role of Enkephalins in Food Intake, Binge Eating, And Devaluation of Regular Diet” (Mentor: Dr. Kabriullah Lutfy)
3rd place: Jakia Islan and Charlott Ruby Dixon “Characteristics of Resistance Training Programs Targeting Improvements in Health Outcomes in Postmenopausal Women: A Scoping Review Protocol” (Mentor: Dr. Anu M. Räisänen)
