Research Symposium Archives

Keynote: Dr. Tracy Jirikowic

Tracy Jirikowic has over 30 years experience in occupational therapy with expertise in pediatric neurodevelopment and interventions for children and youth with developmental disabilities. Dr. Jirikowic has special research and clinical interests in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) and holds a clinical appointment with the University of Washington Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Diagnostic and Prevention Network. Her research activities include development of an early identification and intervention model for children with FASD, understanding sensory processing in children with FASD, and examining community-based interventions that promote social participation, health, and well-being for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She also holds a current appointment as Co-Director for the PhD in Rehabilitation Science Program in the UW Department of Rehabilitation Medicine.

Keynote Topic: Supporting Children with Prenatal Substance Exposure and their Families: Perspectives and Pathways for Promoting Strengths and Resilience

In this keynote address, Dr. Jirikowic will highlight prominent developmental needs of children impacted by prenatal alcohol and substance exposure and responsive interventions that support children and their caregivers. Current and emerging evidence-based approaches will be described that include elements of FASD-informed care and child and family-centered strategies that promote early intervention, positive behavior support and community participation.

2025 Winners

Empirical Research

• First Place: Mapping the Topography of the Articular Cartilage of the Radial Head, Austin Evanovich, OMS-IV; Emma Saint-Preux, OMS-II; Natalie Yoshioka, PhD
• Second Place: The Utility of Sports Physicals in Screening for Pediatric Hypertension, Emily C Simmons, OMS3, Peyton Lipp, OMS2, Matt Cortner, OMS2, Ashton Chen, DO, Petr Cigner, MBBS
• Third Place: Deep Learning Improves the Identification of Secondary Osteons in a Maiasaura Dataset, Spencer Brown, OMS2; Christian Heck, PhD

Case Reports

• First Place: Delayed Diagnosis of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer in a 36-year-old Postpartum Female Without Known Risk Factors, Ana M Chang, PhD, OMS3; Joslyn Johnson, OMS3; Anna Song, OMS2; Johan Velo, MS, OMS2; Beneshia Robinson, OMS3, RN, MA; Esther Hyun, JD; Albert Brady, MD, FACP, FACOI
• Second Place: Gastric Lactobezoar in a 2-Month-Old A Case Study, Caitlynn Smith-McGregor, OMSIII; Evan Romrell, MD
• Third Place: Cardiomegaly with an Absent Septal Leaflet of the Tricuspid Valve A Cadaveric Case Report, Darrow Felsted, OMSII; Kyle Bergfalk, OMSII; Alex King, OMSII; Christian Heck, PhD

Literature Reviews

• First Place: The Relationship Between Infant Mortality and Carnitine Palmitoyl-Transferase Type 1A (CPT1A P479L) Arctic Variant Genetic Mutation A Literature Review, Megan Kenner, OMS II; D.S. Kurin, PhD; Christian Heck, PhD
• Second Place: Risk Factors Influencing Axillofemoral Bypass Outcomes, Niv Bhide, OMS II; Caila Tongco, OMS II; Hayden Gorham, OMS II; Christian Heck, PhD
• Third Place: Exploring the Impact of Technology-Based Interventions on Adolescent Sexual Education and Decision-Making, Ashlee Cain, OMSII; Maddie Gallagher, OMSII; Janelle Mapes, PhD

Quality Improvement

• First Place: The Path to Residency Insights from Medical School Statistics and Career Outcomes in PNWU Alumni, Matt Cortner, OMS-II; Hannah Cornwell, OMS-II; Schafer Paladichuk, OMS-IV; Emily Oestreich, PhD; Ronald Walser, DPT

2025 Day-of Program

2025 Abstract Program

Lightning Talks/Research Updates/Awards

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2024 Research Symposium

Keynote: Dr. Kathleen Carlson

Dr. Kathleen Carlson is an injury epidemiologist and professor of public health at the Oregon Health and Science University-Portland State University School of Public Health; she is also a core investigator with the VA Portland Health Care System. Dr. Carlson teaches and mentors MPH and PhD students in epidemiology. She has conducted research on multiple types of injury and violence issues for 20 years and is currently leading regional and national initiatives focused on firearm injury prevention. Dr. Carlson serves on the board of directors for the Society for Advancement of Violence and Injury Research and as Chair-elect of the Injury Control and Emergency Health Services section of the American Public Health Association. 

Keynote Topic: Using the Tools of Public Health to Reduce the Toll of Firearm Injuries and Violence 

Injuries and violence are predictable and, thus, they are preventable — by monitoring patterns to identify causes and high-risk groups, developing multifaceted strategies to reduce risk, scientifically evaluating the strategies, and supporting and scaling up those that work. Using the tools of public health to reduce firearm-related injuries and violence is no different. This presentation will describe the epidemiology of firearm injuries and violence and will use a socio-ecologic lens to discuss causes and outcomes of these injuries among individuals, families, and our communities. It will then describe public health responses to this epidemic, including new initiatives to build a public health infrastructure for firearm injury and firearm violence prevention.

Empirical 

• First place
  • 38. Comparing Measured Q-angle to 3D Modeled Trabecular Meshwork via Micro-CT in Cadaveric Patella, Montana Hawksford, OMS IV; Joseph Mullen, OMS III; Shalis Danayan, OMS III; Amanda L. Smith, PhD 
• Second place 
  • 06. Finite Element Analysis of Neonatal Cranial Strain Patterns in Relation to the Caldwell-Moloy Pelvic Classification System, Sage S. Sorensen, OMS IV; Katherine J. Eastin OMS II; Amanda L. Smith PhD 
• Third Place 
  • 57. Aggregation vs. Disaggregation of Race Groups in the National Health Interview Survey: Identifying Disparities in Disease Prevalence in 65-85-year-old Asian American Subgroups, Munif Chowdhury, OMS-II; Joslyn Johnson, OMS-II; Hannah Prakasam, OMS-II; Steven Day, PhD; Kathaleen Briggs Early, PhD, RDN, CDCES 

Case Reports 

• First Place 
  • 08. Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy as Management for Chronic Pelvic Pain: A Case Report, Jamie Steach, OMS IV, Anita Showalter, DO, MA, FACOOG 
• Second Place 
  • 19. Postmortem Perspectives on Superior Vena Cava Syndrome: Unraveling Collateral Venous Formation, Montana Hawksford, OMS IV: Sage Sorensen, OMS IV; Schafer Paladichuk, OMS III; Benjamin Soderling, OMS I; Christian Heck, PhD 
• Third Place 
  • 61. Incidental Finding of Superior Mesenteric Vein Branch Thrombus in the Setting of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: A Case Report, Joslyn Johnson, OMSII; Ana M. Chang, PhD, OMSII; Anna Song, OMSI; Trevor Duncan, OMSII; Jatniel Rodriguez, OMSII; Liezel Lenhart, OMSIV; and Jacob Templin, DO 

Literature Reviews 

• First Place 
  • 50. Cultivating Self-Compassion: A Review of Psychiatric Mechanisms behind Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy, Jorge Chalit, OMSII; Lauren Morgan, MA, OMSII; Christian Heck, PhD 
• Second Place 
  • 05. Screening and Identification of Human Trafficking in Family Medicine: A Literature Review, Jamie Steach, OMS IV;  Jami Flick, PhD, OTR/L 
• Third Place 
  • 21. Are Men Missing Out? Benefits that Women may have Acquired via HPV Vaccination, Kelsey Edwards PNWU OMS III, Carol Ghaffari PNWU OMS III, Dr. Russell Maier MD FAAFP

Abstract Program 2024

2024 Research Symposium Program

Lightning Talks

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2023 Research Symposium

Empirical Research

• First Place for $400: Finite Element Analysis of Masticatory Strains in Pediatric and Adult Crania, by Hannah Little, OMS4; Justin A. Ledogar, PhD; Amanda L. Smith, PhD
• Second Place for $300: Pimozide promotes apoptosis in the MCF7 Breast Cancer Cell Line, by Will Henzler, OMSII; Kristen Senior, OMSII; Janelle Mapes, PhD
• Third Place for $200: Foundational Metrics of the Greater Omentum: A Cadaveric Study, by Liezel Lenhart, OMS4; Ronald Walser, DPT

Literature Reviews

• First Place for $400: Disproportionate Risk Factors Associated with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer in Non-Smoking Female Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islanders, by Amelia T. Huynh, OMSII; Jinzheng Li, OMSII; Khoa Pham OMSII; Megan Benfield, MLIS, MHI; Janelle Mapes, PhD
• Second Place for $300: Telemedicine Services and Access to Primary Care in Rural and Underserved Areas, by Vanessa Ferguson, MAMS; Oswaldo Moreno, MAMS; Amy Pisan, MAMS
• Third Place for $200: Whole-Food, Plant-based Diet to Treat and Prevent Illness in Adult Patients: A Literature Review, by Isabel Richter, MAMS; Wyatt Borman, MAMS

Quality Improvement       

• First Place for $400: Pap Smear Screening Rates and Barriers in Women with Opiate Use Disorder, by Sabrina Do, OMS2; Amer El-Haddad, MD

Case Reports

• First Place for $400: Aberrant Right Subclavian Artery Presentation in a Cadaver, by Kristen Senior, OMS II; Tyler Lulich, OMS II; Estevan Yepez, OMS II; Ericka Von Hoy, OMS II; Ronald Walser, DPT

Read through full abstracts for projects featured in the Symposium in our digital program.

Keynote: Patrik Johansson

Patrik Johansson, M.D., M.P.H. is an Associate Professor at Washington State University’s (WSU) Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, where he directs the Northwest Health Education Research Outcomes Network (NW HERON), WSU’s practice-based research network. As the director of the NW HERON, he leads a network which is devoted to improving the health and healthcare of tribal and rural communities across the state of Washington. Building on an existing network of healthcare facilities that have forged affiliation agreements with Washington State University, the NW HERON has access to more than 200 healthcare facilities ranging from solo primary care practitioners to large, multi-site healthcare systems, including American Indian-serving primary care practices. A past provider with Boston’s Urban Indian Health Program, he has a broad background in public health and primary care, with special emphasis on American Indian health disparities. Using community-based participatory research methods with rural and American Indian communities, his research focuses on health disparities related to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias and associated risk factors. 

Dr. Johansson is the co-PI on the Wabanaki Native American Research Center for Health (1 S06GM142115-01), along with Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness (WPHW), a Tribal public health district in the state of Maine. WPHW, a tribal organization established in 2011 by a joint tribal resolution, provides public health services to the 4 federally recognized tribes in Maine. This four-year, $4.5 million center grant aims to estimate the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease related dementias and mild cognitive impairment among Wabanaki tribal citizens aged 55 and older to determine current and future economic costs associated with these conditions. It also supports the development of a public health course for undergraduate students and establishment of a Wabanaki Public Health District research review board. 

He has received a number of awards for his work with underserved communities, including the Harvard School of Public Health Albert Schweitzer Award and the Harvard Medical School Dean’s Community Service Award. In April of 2011 he was appointed by President Barack Obama to serve on the Advisory Group on Prevention, Health Promotion, and Integrative and Public Health. 

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2022 Research Symposium

Original Research Award Winners

• 1^st place, $500: Investigating the Impact of fMRI Pre-Processing Methods on Candidate Biomarkers for Neurological Disorders – Sadie Walter, OMSII; Ian Bledsoe, MD; Sarah Wang, PhD; Anthony Lee, MD, PhD; Doris Wang, MD, PhD; Melanie Morrison, PhD
• 2^nd place, $250: The relationship between Fibroblast Growth Factor 1 (FGF1) and insulin signaling in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus – Jennifer Wong, OMSII; Nicole Richardson, PhD; Jarrad Scarlett, MD, PhD

Literature Reviews Award Winners

• 1^st place, $400: Self-Reported Episodes of Mental Health in Relation to Urban Green Spaces: A Literature Review – Katelyn Banks, MAMSc; Scott Brown, MAMSc; Carly Trogstad, MAMSc
• 2^nd place, $200: Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease among Hispanics in the United States – Lenett Trueblood, MAMSc; Cynthia Acevedo, MAMSc; Maricarmen Garcia Pena, MAMSc

Case Report Award Winners

• 1^st place, $300: Lobular Endocervical Glandular Hyperplasia Discovered in a Recently Postpartum Female – Amira Shaikh, OMS3; Keely Robino, OMS3; Michael Brunsman, MD
• Three-way tie for 2^nd place, $150 to each project:
  • First Trimester Cesarean Scar Implantation Ectopic Pregnancy: Case Report – Oak Sonfist, OMS3; Neil Ponder, DO
  • Cogwheel Grooves on Patellofemoral Articular Surfaces in a Cadaver – Schafer Paladichuk, OMS1; Alex Gonzaga, OMS1, Jonathan Lindsey, OMS1; Ronald Walser, DPT
  • Transcalvarial parenchymal herniation in the setting of advanced grade Moya Moya disease and morbid obesity – Jarl Thysell, OMS2; Matias Costa, MD

Keynote Address by Dr. Beth Pyatak, University of Southern California

https://player.vimeo.com/video/700478270?h=c9bcb23c70&badge=0&autopause=0&player_id=0&app_id=58479

Dr. Beth Pyatak gave the Keynote Address titled, ‘Innovative Approaches to Managing Chronic Conditions.’ Dr. Pyatak, PhD, OTR/L, CDCES, FAOTA is an occupational scientist, occupational therapist, and certified diabetes educator. She is an Associate Professor at the University of Southern California. She directs the Lifestyle Redesign for Chronic Conditions research lab for USC. Her research interests include type 1 and type 2 diabetes, supporting transition and chronic condition management for emerging adults, and addressing health inequities among socially disadvantaged and medically underserved populations. Read more about her on her USC faculty page.

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2021 Virtual Research Symposium

President’s Scholarly Activity Awards – given to oral presenters:

1st Place: ‘Health Inequities Among Persons of Color During the SARS-CoV-2 Outbreak: A Scoping Review’ by Polly Wiltz, OMS3; Mary Bradsky, OMS3; Talya Jeffrey, OMS3; Gabby Bilyeu, OMS3; Anita Cleary, MLIS; and Kathy Briggs Early, PhD

2nd Place: ‘Resident Burnout: The Impact of Isolation and Social Connectedness’ by Lauren Burton, DO, PGY-1 and Tyler Lawrence, PhD

Dean’s Scholarly Activity Award – given to poster presenters:

1st Place: ‘Occurrence and Characterization of Anterior Patella Morphology in Cadavers’ by Charly M. Jensen, OMS4; Timothy Holmes, OMS1; Robert Raskey, OMS1; and Ronald Walser, DPT

2nd Place: ‘Early-Onset Retroperitoneal Dedifferentiated Liposarcoma: A Case Report’ by Anne Deleon, OMS3 and Ian Smith, OMS3, Matthew Jacobsson, DO; and Tommy Brown, MD

3rd Place: ‘An Atypical Presentation of Presumed Multidermatomal Herpes Zoster’ by Phillip Hasenbalg, OMS3 and Jeremy Ginoza, DO

4th Place: ‘Erythema Ab Igne: A Case Study’ by Kaitlin Kaluzny, OMS1; Michael Scott, DO, MPH; James Keene, DO, PhD; and Holly Novion, MA

2021 Virtual Research Symposium

2020 Virtual Research Symposium

2019 Academic Day & Research Symposium

2018 Academic Day

2017 Academic Day