2024 Research Symposium: KCU hosts day of innovative research and scientific discoveries

Kansas City University (KCU) highlighted science as the different colleges took part in a day known for showcasing innovative research and scientific discoveries. The Research Symposium is a premier collaborative academic event attended by hundreds of students, faculty, staff and guests every year.

“This day showcases the kind of discoveries and innovation KCU faculty and students are delivering. It is really important for three reasons. First, our students are contributing to the scientific community. Second, it helps the students be more competitive for residency, which is important for their future careers. Third, it keeps our students engaged and on the leading edge of science,” said Ehab Sarsour, PhD, KCU associate professor of Basic Sciences and KCU Research Symposium Chair.

This year, 250 abstracts were submitted, which included research on the growing pediatric concerns of strep infection and appendicitis, adoption of vaping cessation methods by U.S. adolescents and retrospective analysis of pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease on patient mortality in Southwest Missouri. A total of 141 poster presentations took place on both campuses during the four-day event. Twenty-five College of Osteopathic Medicine students and 55 KCU-Graduate Medical Education (GME) residents presented virtually.

“It really gives us an opportunity to talk about our research and gain prospective from faculty and people from different backgrounds,” said Yasmeen Sawalha, first-year medical student.

The 2024 Research Symposium wrapped up with an award ceremony and a special luncheon.

KCU Student Research Symposium Award

· Makayla Swancutt, COM 2026

· Kimberley Beier, COM 2026

· Madeline Meyer, BIOS 2024

· Jessica Gerczynski, COM 2026

· Samuel Kalmus, PsyD 2027

· Mahan Hadjian, COM 2026

Yale U. Castlio, DO, Prize for Research

· Takara Newsome-Cuby, COM 2025

KCU Research Symposium Chair Award

· Emily Woolhiser, COM 2025

GME Award Winners

· Charles Dunn, MD

· Joseph Alexander Intriago, MD

· Victoria Dukharan, MD

Brad A. Amendt, PhD, professor of Anatomy and Cell Biology and Orthodontics at University of Iowa, served as keynote speaker. He presented his research entitled New Advances in Gene Therapy to Repair and Regenerate Craniofacial and Dental Tissues. Additional speakers included Brian Clark, PhD, Ohio University professor of Physiology; KCU alumnus Cornelius Thiels, DO, Mayo Clinic surgical oncologist; Shyamanga Borooah, PhD, University of California San Diego assistant professor of Clinical Opthamology; A. Baki Agbas, PhD, KCU professor of Biosciences; and Nataliya Kibiryeva, MD, KCU assistant professor of Biomedical Sciences and Biosciences. To learn more about the speakers and their presentations, click here.

The next KCU Research Symposium takes place April 1 – 4, 2025.