“Today is a reminder that research is relentless, and so are we. We won’t stop, because we can’t,” said Joyce deJong, D.O., dean of the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MSUCOM). “Our patients still need answers. Our communities still deserve solutions. And our students, they’re watching how we choose to respond."
Research Day celebrates the many collaborations, findings and applications studied by MSU’s osteopathic community in pursuit of improved health outcomes and patient care.
Attendees enjoyed a morning keynote from Andrea Amalfitano, D.O., Ph.D., professor of Pediatrics, Microbiology, Genetics and Immunology at MSUCOM, who presented “Translational Research Experiences of a Physician-Scientist.” Following a day of oral and poster presentations, Research Day attendees enjoyed an afternoon keynote from Kathleen Collins, M.D., Ph.D., professor of internal medicine at the University of Michigan College of Medicine. Her keynote “Perspectives on my career, my research and the physician-scientist pathway” provided encouragement and life lessons, especially for students and other early-career researchers.
“I want you guys to hear this over and over again – don’t give up! Everybody who is in research and is funded by grants has gotten their papers rejected,” Dr. Collins said. “You get a thick skin, and you realize that you shouldn't really absorb some of this, but you do have to try to see the side of the criticisms and rise to the challenge.”
Winners were presented awards, including first-time conference presenter Tanvi Sharma, D.O. candidate, who earned first place for Oral Presentation by a Medical or Graduate Student for her presentation, “The function of inflammation in thoracic aneurysm progression to rupture in Marfan syndrome.”
“I’m incredibly grateful to receive this award! I truly couldn’t have done it without the immense support from my mentors and lab team,” Sharma said. “Events like Research Day remind me that science isn’t just about data – it’s about telling a story grounded in collaboration, curiosity and purpose. Some of my favorite moments were conversations with peers who helped me see my project in new ways. It keeps me on my toes and pushes me to dig for more answers. As an aspiring physician-scientist, I’m eager to continue bridging basic science with patient care through cardiovascular disease research.
“It's experiences like this one that deepen my passion for this path.”
Thomas Kim received the Dr. Amalfitano Excellence in Research Award. The award was named for Dr. Amalfitano, who is an alumnus of the college’s D.O.-Ph.D. program, in which Kim is currently enrolled.
“I am honored to receive the Dr. Amalfitano Excellence in Research Award,” said Kim. “Dr. Amalfitano is a role model for all of us in the D.O.-Ph.D. program, and I hope to make a positive impact in patient care through advancements in research one day.”
Kim, who gave an oral presentation titled “Pseudogenization of a resistance-nodulation-division (RND) efflux pump subunit underlies drug and cell envelope stress sensitivity in Brucella ovis,” said Research Day has impacted his development as a future physician-scientist because it provides a great opportunity for trainees to communicate their research and scholarly activity with their colleagues.
“It's also incredible to see the vast amounts of research that MSUCOM medical students and residents are conducting,” Kim continued. “I'm excited for next year's Research Day and I hope there is continued enthusiasm from students, residents and faculty to participate and share their work.