Joint Research Conference

MUSM Joint Research Conference

The annual Mercer University School of Medicine Joint Research Conference brings together faculty and students from MUSM and the School of Pharmacy for a collaborative, interprofessional research symposium to present the latest developments in Mercer health-related research. It includes posters and oral presentations from students and faculty, and a keynote address.

smiling woman stands in front of research poster

2025 Annual Joint Research Conference

The 2025 Annual Joint Research Conference hosted by Mercer’s School of Medicine and College of Pharmacy will be held on the four campuses on Friday, October 31, 2025. The Conference provides an excellent opportunity for faculty to showcase their work and for students to gain experience in dissemination of research findings. Awards will be given for faculty and student research in both the oral and poster presentation categories.

If you have any questions, please direct them to Dr. Iuliia Zhuravlova at zhuravlova_i@mercer.edu.

2025 Joint Research Conference Agenda

Opening Session — 9:30 am

  • 9:30 am – 9:35 am | Introduction, Dr. Iullia Zhuravlova
  • 9:30 am – 9:45 am | Welcome address and Research awards, Dr. Richard McCann
  • 9:45 am – 10:30 am | Keynote lecture, Medical students’ contributions to surgery with Dr. Don K. Nakayama
2025 Joint Research Conference Abstract Booklet

Oral Presentations — 10:30 am

  • Session 1 – 10:30 am – 11:10 am
    1. Atlanta: Evaluation of Microparticulate Polymyxin B as a Potential Vaccine Adjuvant, presented by Mahek Gulani
    2. Columbus: A Novel Model of Human Retinal Degeneration: Direct Neuronal Conversion of Human Fibroblasts into Photoreceptors, presented by Arsha Moorthy
    3. Macon: Decoding Cisplatin Resistance Mechanisms in Ovarian Cancer, presented by Aditya Vayalapalli
    4. Savannah: Student Engagement and Performance with Formative Assessments in Preclinical Medical Education, presented by Tyler Grace Hattaway
  • Session 2 – 11:20 am – 12:40 pm 
    1. Atlanta: Targeting free-fatty acid receptor-4 to modulate cholesterol-induced macrophage activation in atherosclerosis, presented by Razan L. Teyani
    2. Columbus: Assessing the Performance of ChatGPT (GPT-4o) as a Study Tool in Radiological Imaging in Medical Education, presented by Brittany Hawkins and Sam Wu
    3. Macon: Implementing a PDSA-Based Pain Protocol to Elevate Middle Georgia Pediatric Sickle Cell Care to National Standards, presented by Oluwatimileyin Aderinokun, Anthonia Aralu, Lily Movagharnia
    4. Savannah: Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase Regulates the Immunosuppressive Function of Human Rectum-Derived MSCs on T Cell, presented by Hwamok Choi
    5. Atlanta: Indole-3-Acetic Acid Attenuates LPS-Induced Endothelial Activation and Vascular Inflammation via NF-κB Pathway Inhibition, presented by Nazia Hoque, PhD
    6. Columbus: Does Geographic Disadvantage Increase Lower Extremity Amputation Risk in Georgia?, presented by Armarion Stegall
    7. Macon: Ethics in Practice: A Clinical Ethics Guide to Georgia Law for Medical Students, presented by Caroline Scarborough
    8. Savannah: Improving Colorectal Cancer Screening Rates at a Family Medicine Clinic: Patient Perspective, presented by Kenzington Deal

Lunch break and poster set up — 12:40 pm

 

Poster presentations — 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm

 

Event sponsor