More than 500 students, residents, trainees, faculty and leaders came together for the 35th annual Research Day, the largest research-focused event at the 鶹AV and the keynote celebration of health sciences research at the four 鶹AV Health colleges.
This year’s event set a new record for poster presentations, showcasing the boundless enthusiasm for research at 鶹AV Health and reflecting the university’s standing as a preeminent national public research institution and a member of the American Association of Universities.
The event began with a keynote lecture by Dr. Erica Herzog, associate dean for medical student research and the John Slade Ely Professor of Internal Medicine at Yale University School of Medicine. A distinguished physician-scientist, Herzog has significantly advanced the understanding of pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic lung disease characterized by scarring and thickening of lung tissue, which impairs oxygen exchange.
During her presentation on nerve-lung interactions in pulmonary fibrosis, Herzog took time to encourage students to pursue the research ideas that excite them and follow those ideas wherever they lead.
“Don’t be afraid to follow your creative ideas—you never know what you will find. One day, you might encounter serendipity and help someone,” Herzog said. “Think creatively, think outside the box, and we will all move forward together.”
鶹AV President Rhea Law and , executive vice president of 鶹AV Health and dean of the , echoed similar sentiments in their remarks, expressing admiration for the breadth of research showcased at the event.
“This is my favorite day of the year. I am amazed at the variety and quality of scientific projects on display today,” Lockwood said.

COPH students presenting at 鶹AV Health Research Day. (Photo by Elissa Santos)
Following the keynote lecture, attendees explored hundreds of posters lining the walls of the Marshall Student Center, exchanging ideas and gaining insight into research investigations conducted by their peers. A select group of students from the colleges of public health, nursing, medicine and pharmacy were invited to present at the 15th Annual Joseph Krzanowski 鶹AV Health Invited Oral Presentations.
The day concluded with a festive awards ceremony, recognizing the most outstanding projects and celebrating the innovation and dedication of the 鶹AV Health research community.

COPH students presenting at 鶹AV Health Research Day. (Photo by Elissa Santos)
鶹AV College of Public Health award winners
-
The Basic Science Research Award: COPH Masters Student Research
- Zachary Sanders, MPH student
-
The Clinical & Translation Research Award: COPH Masters Student Research
- Itze Cabral, MPH student
-
Health Services Research Award: COPH Masters Student Research
- Gabriella Hinks, MPH student
-
COPH Doctoral Student Research
- Mackenzie Maggio, PhD student
-
COPH Undergraduate Student Research
- Aminata Thiam, BSHS student
- Community-Based Research Award
- Manisha Katwal, BSPH student
Reposted from 鶹AV Health News.