Monday, August 10, 2026
When the students wrapped up activities in the classroom in mid-May, the faculty members continued their hard work as the Liberty University Center for Medical & Health Sciences (CMHS) participated in the Faculty Research and Scholarship Symposium on May 18-20 inside the Liberty Mountain Conference Center.
The CMHS brings together the university’s medical and health science programs to create dynamic student-focused learning environments where collaboration and innovation thrive. These programs include the Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine (LUCOM), School of Nursing, School of Behavioral Sciences, and the School of Health Sciences and faculty research and scholarly activity from each program was featured at this year’s symposium.
The symposium was developed as a collaborative effort across the four CMHS programs with the intention of highlighting the research and scholarship being performed by the faculty, and identifying opportunities for innovation and collaboration. Joseph Gigliotti, Ph.D., Director of Research at LUCOM, functioned as the symposium moderator and was very encouraged by the engagement and participation in the event.
“I am thankful for how well the program went this year and believe that participants left the symposium informed and encouraged,” Gigliotti said. “It was a great experience working collaboratively with research representatives from each CMHS program and the wonderful Liberty University staff and facility partners who made this event happen.”
The symposium began on Monday morning as approximately 35 faculty members arrived for breakfast and fellowship before the symposium began. All four CMHS programs were represented in the symposium with faculty presenting research and scholarly activity on topics that ranged from using artificial intelligence (AI) to improve grading, to the role of viral DNA in animal models of breast cancer.
“The CMHS symposium generated renewed momentum for interdisciplinary collaboration, networking, and reflection on past, present, and future opportunities at Liberty University (LU),” Professor of Nursing Rachel Joseph, Ph.D., CCRN said. “Since the current hot topic is artificial intelligence (AI), the keynote speaker was well-positioned to share firsthand insights on establishing an innovative center within Northern Ohio Medical School (NOMED). Several presentations aligned with the theme of AI, while sessions on nutrition and holistic health offered valuable perspectives. Meaningful fellowship, shared meals, and new professional connections are expected to foster future collaborative scholarship across disciplines,” she finished.
The event featured keynote speaker Philip Turk, Ph.D., who spoke on Monday afternoon. Turk is the Director of the Clinical and Transitional Research Institute and the Program Director for Health Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at NOMED. His presentation was titled “AI in Biomedical Education and Research: From Anxiety to Institutional Capability,” and he emphasized the need for educational programs to become intentional about the use and governance of AI.
“AI adoption is no longer primarily a computer or technology problem. It is a leadership, faculty development, governance, curriculum, and research problem. It is not “Will AI arrive?” but “Who will shape its use?””
Aside from the faculty presentations, both days included presentations from Liberty University administrative offices and programs that support faculty and student research and scholarly activity. This year’s event included presentations from the Institutional Review Board, the Fulbright Program, The Office of Sponsored Programs, and the LU Library. Tuesday’s keynote speakers included representatives from the LU School of Engineering and LU School of Education, who provided an overview of research and scholarly activity occurring within their programs.
“This symposium has set the stage for enhanced interdisciplinary engagement, deeper insights, and increased scholarly productivity among faculty,” Joseph added. “Collaboration in such initiatives requires intentional time and preparation; therefore, strategic planning will be essential to sustain and expand collaboration. These efforts support a holistic academic vision and equip faculty champions to develop the next generation of champions for Christ in the age of AI. I am excited about the past year and looking forward to a broader collaboration in the coming years.”
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