A tradition of discovery: Loyola gathers for 45th St. Albert’s Day research symposium

On Thursday, November 6, researchers from Loyola University Chicago gathered at the Health Sciences Campus to showcase their work, share their findings, and learn from colleagues at the 45th annual St. Albert’s Day research symposium.

The yearly event celebrates research conducted by students across the University, including those from the Graduate School, the Stritch School of Medicine, the Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing, and the Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health.

The daylong program featured a blessing, remarks from University leadership, awards, competitions, and a display of 363 posters.

“My father had a long career in academic medicine, and it was a regular topic of conversation and presence in our family life,” President Mark C. Reed shared in his opening remarks. “St. Albert was a philosopher and scientist. His influence was carried forward by his students, the most prominent being Thomas Aquinas. Three centuries later, St. Ignatius Loyola and the Jesuits would embrace scientific inquiry and discovery as integral to their pursuit of finding God in all things.”

There were 16 oral presentations by medical and graduate students showcasing research that explored a deeper understanding of various disease states and identified potential new treatments for diseases that range from cancer to brain injury to mental disorders.

Medical students, graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, medical residents, and fellows presented posters showcasing the cutting-edge programs of research led by faculty within Stritch. The topics spanned across a range of specialties, including cardiovascular, neuroscience, microbiology and immunology, surgery, ophthalmology, pulmonology, and obstetrics.

“The breadth of work shared at St. Albert’s Day demonstrates the integral role research, mentorship, and collaboration play in the development of Stritch-educated physicians and scientists,” said Stritch Dean Sam J. Marzo. “These research opportunities help our students gain a better understanding of underlying mechanisms of disease and how to translate scientific discoveries into treatments that improve patient outcomes.”

The dozen posters presented by students from the Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health shed light on critical topics in health informatics and public health, from the use of machine learning models in emergency medicine to therapeutic inertia in the treatment of hypertension and chronic kidney disease.

“Our student researchers exemplify Parkinson’s goal to expand knowledge to improve human health in all of its complexity,” said Pamela Xaverius, Parkinson’s associate dean for research and scholarship. “St. Albert’s Day helps push our students out of their comfort zones and into the nuances of research. It is a true high-impact learning opportunity.”

Several Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing graduate students, as well as a Stritch student volunteering on a study led by a Loyola nurse scientist, presented posters. Their research ranged from improving the retention of African American women in research studies to factors associated with fatigue in ischemic stroke survivors.

“The variety of health sciences disciplines represented at St. Albert’s Day helps graduate students see how interdisciplinary approaches to research can enhance the design, implementation, and reach of their own work,” said Todd Ruppar, Loyola Nursing’s associate dean for research and scholarly innovation.

“The passion and excitement surrounding the presentations on St. Albert’s Day is a palpable illustration of how our faculty, staff and students, through their innovative programs of research, are committed to making the world a better place,” said Meharvan (Sonny) Singh, vice dean of research for Stritch and vice provost for research for the University. “We’re actually running out of presentation space to showcase the growing volume of cutting-edge research that takes place. What a great problem to have! This, in my view, highlights our commitment to solving the complex and contemporary challenges affecting our society’s health and well-being.”