The 22nd Annual Medical Student Health Sciences Research Symposium returned on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023, in Stanton-Gerber Hall. CIIDI member Aaron Polichnowski, PhD, and Kathryn Duvall, MA, again directed the program that saw fifty-one students participate in mentored research activities.Students began their work during the summer and culminated their experience with poster presentations and competitions at the symposium.The top three posters in the basic science research, retrospective clinical/population health, and prospective clinical/population health divisions won monetary awards and certificates.
Dr. Polichnowski said, “The summer research program at Quillen is a valuable opportunity for students to engage in research. Quillen students immerse themselves in various research projects over the summer, which provides opportunities to gain practical, hands-on research experience, while also advancing knowledge in their respective fields. The symposium not only provides a platform for students to showcase their hard work, but also allows them to hone their abilities to communicate research and complex ideas to a diverse audience.”
The following students mentored by CIIDI members won prizes:
1st place: Suzanna Camp (mentor: Dr. Aaron Polichnowski, Dept. of Biomedical Sciences) tie with Hannah Smith, Basic Science Division 
3rd place: Hassan Syed (mentor: Dr. Eric Beaumont, Dept. of Biomedical Sciences) tie with Walker Nowell, Basic Science Division.
The following student participants were mentored by CIIDI members:
Josh Cutright Mentor: Dr. Tammy Ozment (Surgery)
Angela Chu Mentor: Dr. Jennifer Hall (Biomedical Sciences)
Patrick Means Mentor: Dr. Aaron Polichnowski (Biomedical Sciences)
CIIDI members Doug Thewke, PhD, Darshan Shah, MD, and Valentin Yakubenko, PhD, served as judges of the poster presentations.
A complete list of participants and division winners, along with their research projects and their mentors, can be found on the Symposium webpage.
Hassan Syed and Dr. Eric Beaumont
Josh Cutright and Dr. Tammy Ozment
Patrick Means and Dr. Aaron Polichnowski
Angela Chu