On December 4, Des Moines University opened its doors to the community and hosted the fifth annual DMU Research Symposium. The Symposium boasted record-breaking participation with over 550 attendees and nearly 70 presenters. Guests included graduate and undergraduate students, residents, health care professionals and researchers from DMU and the local scientific medical community. Several universities and institutions throughout Iowa also participated, including Drake University, Iowa State University, Grinnell College, Grand View University and Mercy College of Health Sciences.
The Symposium featured world-renowned keynote speaker Michael Osterholm, Ph.D., M.P.H., McKnight Presidential Endowed Chair and director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Osterholm’s presentation, “The Ebola Epidemic: Where We’ve Been, Where We’re At and Where We’re Going”, filled DMU’s auditorium and two overflow lecture halls; more than doubling the previous year’s lecture attendance. Dr. Osterholm began his presentation by telling his listeners, “I know less about Ebola today than I did six months ago; and anybody in the Ebola world that doesn’t honestly say that, be careful about anything they may offer you as fact.” His experience, knowledge, and wit captivated the audience for the entirety of his presentation, which concluded with an engaging question and answer session. An article has been published in the Des Moines Register recognizing the event.
As in past years, the keynote address was followed by oral and poster presentations where researchers showcased their scholarly activity. Five oral presenters were assessed on their submitted abstracts, performance and ability to accurately and sufficiently answer questions regarding their research. 62 poster presenters were evaluated on technical, visual and presentation aspects, as well as their courteousness, communication and professionalism. These expositions were comprised of topics pertaining to public health, biomedical sciences, movement science and health education. Presenting authors included undergraduate students participating in the mentored student research program, DMU students performing research related to their education, and other undergraduate and graduate programs in the surrounding area, including post-doctoral candidates, residents, clinicians and more.
“The research projects and programs that were presented at this year’s symposium were truly impressive. The discoveries we are making in research today will impact the scientific and health care community well into the future,” says Dr. Jeff Gray, Vice President for Research, in his reflection of the event.
Sincere congratulations to all 10 winners in the various research categories. A special thanks to Continuing Medical Education, the Office of Research, and numerous participating departments at Des Moines University for your hard work and dedication to making the fifth annual DMU Research Symposium an overwhelming success!
View pictures taken at the Symposium and watch the keynote address by Dr. Osterholm.
