On November 11, the 15th annual Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research Symposium took place at the Kirksville, Missouri campus, integrating both in-person and virtual elements. Embracing the theme "Reignite the Spark," the symposium focused on nurturing our passion for advancing biomedical knowledge and enhancing the well-being of individuals worldwide. Hosted by the A.T. Still Research Institute (ATSRI), the event featured Dr. Dennis Black from LeBonheur Methodist in Memphis, Tennessee, as the keynote speaker.

The symposium brought together students, faculty, alumni, residents, and staff from ATSU, Still OPTI, Northeast Regional Medical Center, Rocky Vista University, Truman State University, and Kirksville High School. A total of over 170 individuals participated in person or virtually. The occasion showcased 90 oral and poster presentations, with approximately 70 presented in person and 20 virtually. Among them, 82 presentations highlighted the research efforts of over 50 ATSU students, along with contributions from 8 faculty and staff members representing various schools and programs.

Congratulations to our 2023 winners

Overall Student Competition Winner

• Author: Emily Koenig, Erin Silliman (A.T. Still University, School of Osteopathic Medicine Arizona )
• Sponsor: John Hu (A.T. Still University)
• Project: Fatal outcome of pediatric immune thrombocytopenia: an autopsy case report

First Runner Up, Overall Student Competition Winner

• Author: Jillian Smith (RVU/STILL OPTI )
• Sponsor: Ken Ramey (RVU, Still OPTI)
• Project: Effects of Osteopathic Manipulation on Longstanding Peripheral Neuropathy

Jack Magruder Research Award - (undergraduate student award)

• Author: Zoe Vetter (Truman State University)
• Sponsor: Bill Miller (Truman State University)
• Project: Disrupting the KIX/c-Myb complex as a potential leukemia treatment

Neil J. Sargentini Memorial Award - (basic science graduate student award)

• Author: Samantha Akers (A.T. Still University) Sofia Pomeroy (A.T. Still University) Alexis Klinner
• Sponsor: David Middlemas (A.T. Still University)
• Project: Hot plate nociception: Ketamine dose-response relationships at 45ºC

Clinical Graduate Student Research Award

• • Author: Alisha Relan (A.T. Still University)
• Sponsor: Caroline VanSickle (A.T. Still University; Des Moines University)
• Project: The Effects of Age, Sex, and Parturition on Human Bony Pelvic Morphology

Max Gutensohn Award - (resident or post-doctoral fellow award)

• Author: Brock Davis (NRMC/STILL OPTI)
• Sponsor: David Cleaver (Cleaver Dermatology)
• Project: Unique Visual Progression of Palliative Treatment of scalp SCC

Best Oral Presentation

• Author: Jonah Jerabek, Samantha DeLuca (A.T. Still University ) Megan
• Sponsor: Valena Fiscus (A.T. Still University)
• Project: Improving Rural Access to Health with Community Health Needs Assessments