Research Day
The Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine (LUCOM) Research Day is an annual once-a-year meeting that celebrates the research endeavors of Liberty University students and faculty, as well as healthcare professionals from regional academic institutions and practice sites. The event provides a forum to disseminate their findings with oral and poster presentations that facilitate interactions and promote new collaborations between participating institutions. As a Research Day participant, you can learn about advances in various fields such as osteopathic manipulation, infectious diseases, physiology, and psychology while discovering ways to develop your research questions.
Medical students, residents, and undergraduates who conduct research under a LUCOM biomedical or clinical faculty member may present their data.
LUCOM students and resident participants are eligible to compete for Best Poster and Best Oral presentations. Additionally, oral and poster presentations from students outside of LUCOM are encouraged and desired to foster interactions among LUCOM and surrounding institutions.
Research Day is held at Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine, located inside the Center for Medical and Health Sciences on the campus of Liberty University. The address is 306 Liberty View Lane, Lynchburg, Va. 24502.
Questions should be submitted to LUCOM’s Center for Research by email to LUCOMResearchDay@liberty.edu.
How do you participate in Research Day?
The next Research Day will be held on Friday, January 9, 2026 from 12-5 p.m. As a Research Day participant, you may submit a poster to share your research and display your findings. Please note the deadlines below and the links for information and participation.
Important Deadlines:
- Abstract Submission (Closed)
- Meeting registration (October 1 – **December 12, 2025)
- **Register by or before Dec. 3 to request a free polo
- Poster submission (December 10, 2025)
Abstract Submission Form
Registration
2026 Research Day Winners
Best Oral Presentation – “A Novel Application of OMM to the Accessory Nerve in Treatment Resistant Cervicogenic Headaches”
Author/Presenter: L. Spencer Fitch, DO (PGY-2)
Mentor: Dr. Mark D. Unger
Best Poster Presentation, Basic Science Research – “A DASH Complex Ortholog Mediates pH Adaptation and Virulence in Cryptococcus neoformans”
Author/Presenter: Rebekah A. Satalino
Mentor: Dr. Michael S. Price
Best Poster Presentation, Case Report – “Resolution of Infant Torticollis with OMT”
Author/Presenter: Sarah Byrd Rice (OMS-III)
Mentor: Dr. Arlene O’Donnell
Best Poster Presentation, Clinical Research – “Gestational Diabetes Mellitus vs Pre-Gestational Diabetes and Pre-Eclampsia: A Retrospective Study Comparing the Incidence of Pre-Eclampsia in Insulin Treated and Diet Controlled Patients”
Author/Presenter: Ciera Miller (OMS-III) and Nicole Muhlenbruck (OMS-III)
Mentor: Dr. Anita Register
Best Poster Presentation, Educational Research – “Developing a Central Histology Lab to Support Academic Research”
Author/Presenter: Matthew Karpel (OMS-II)
Mentor: Dr. Betsy Schloo
Best Poster Presentation, Systematic Review/Meta-analysis – “Association Between ctDNA Levels and Stage III Melanoma Prognosis: A Systematic Literature Review”
Author/Presenter: Deborah Shim (OMS-II), Enoch Pan (OMS-II), Yanghwa Hong (OMS-II)
Mentor: Dr. Joomee Shim
Liberty University faculty participating in Research Day as presenters are expected to disclose any real or apparent conflicts of interest related to the research being presented to LUCOMResearchDay@liberty.edu.