May 2023 CDU Newsletter
Page 12
Urban Health Institute Research Day a Success
The CDU Urban Health Institute ( UHI ), in association with W . M Keck Foundation , held a special event on campus to share , showcase , and celebrate student research . UHI ’ s mission to maximize the university ’ s efforts to substantially improve the health status of underserved communities through supporting biomedical and behavioral research was on full display .
The event kicked off in the LSRNE Courtyard with a welcome message from Dr . Duclie Kermah , Director of UHI ’ s Student Research Core . This was followed by opening remarks from Caroline Farodolu , UHI Interim Director . Also on hand as the Keynote Speaker was Dr . Gudata S . Hinika , world-renowned surgeon and Head of Trauma ,
General and Critical Care Surgery at Dignity Health California Hospital Medical Center .
The day centered around student research , which began with a pair of featured presentations . First up was Vanessa Jackson , whose research on the Role of CARF in Downstream Effect on Insulin in Hepatocytes won the event ’ s Dr . Erik Fleming Award of Excellence in Health Disparities . This was followed with a team presentation by students Vanessa Jackson , Alondra Pena , Haily Jahromi , Baily Murphy , and Waleed Janjua , who discussed their research on The Effects of Perinatal Exposure to Third-Hand Smoke on Offspring Cognitive , BNeuronal , and Cerebrovascular Development .
One of the highlights of the day
was a poster session where attendees were able to read about new student research through poster presentations that included opportunities to interact directly with the student researchers . The LSRNE Lobby was filled with more than two dozen research overviews on subjects that included diabetes , breast cancer , racism , pancreatic cancer , adolescent cardiac functions , mental health , and much more . The day wrapped up with a reception following closing remarks from Dr . Keosha Partlow , Associate Provost of Student Affairs .
Overall the event was an outstanding display of student innovation and dedication to some of the toughest medical and health care challenges .