WEST DES MOINES, IOWA (December 18, 2024) — Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences celebrated the exceptional achievements of its student researchers at the 2024 Research Symposium, highlighting innovative work across a range of health-care and scientific disciplines. The event showcased the critical role of student-driven research in advancing medical knowledge and improving patient outcomes.
The following students earned top honors for their outstanding poster and oral presentations:
Outstanding Poster Presentation:
1st Place: Jessica Blindauer (’27) DO MSA, of Minneapolis, Minnesota — Analysis of Renal Perfusion and Tissue Oxygenation in Pre-Clinical Models of Sleep Apnea with Estrogen Loss
2nd Place (tie): Brandon Merritt (’27) DO, of West Des Moines, Iowa — Reconstructions and Quantitative Volumetry of the Coyote Brain (Canis latrans)
2nd Place (tie): Sheridan Westphal (’27) DO, of Wausau, Wisconsin — A Preliminary Photogrammetry Protocol for 3D Anatomy Capture and Analysis
3rd Place: Meghan Gast (’28) MSA, of West Des Moines, Iowa — Redefining Minimum Kerf Width and Evaluating Its Utility in Estimating Blade Set Width
Outstanding Oral Presentation:
1st Place (tie): James O'Brien (’27) DO, of Creve Coeur, Missouri - Small Molecule Inhibition of BMP2K-Inducible Kinase (BMP2K) Regulates Autophagy
1st Place (tie): Caleb Rhoads (’27) DO, of Grimes Iowa — Factors Released by Trichomonas Vaginalis Suppress Herpes Simplex Virus Replication
The annual symposium, themed Path Forward: Technology-Driven and Patient-Centered, provided a platform for students, faculty, and members of the scientific community to share their research and connect across disciplines.
Located in West Des Moines, part of Iowa's capital metro, Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences offers tem graduate-level professional-degree programs in anatomy, biomedical sciences, health-care administration, occupational therapy, osteopathic medicine, physical therapy, physician-assistant studies, podiatric medicine, and public health. Founded in 1898, the institution offers superior academics in a collaborative environment. DMU students' scores on national examinations, pass-rates on board certifications, and match-rates for medical residency programs are consistently higher than national averages and rates at peer institutions.
