Graduate Research Forum highlights innovation in Basic Medical Sciences
Posted on April 27, 2026 by Marketing and Communications
The Whiddon College of Medicine hosted its annual Graduate Research Forum, organized by the Basic Medical Sciences (BMS) Graduate Student Organization in partnership with the Office of Research, Education and Training. Held April 14, the event brought together faculty, staff, students and researchers to showcase the work of BMS Ph.D. students and postdoctoral fellows.
The forum featured a series of poster presentations and oral sessions, highlighting research across a range of biomedical disciplines. Topics reflected the scope of ongoing work within the college, from foundational science to studies with translational relevance to human health and disease. The event provided attendees with an opportunity to engage with presenters and explore current research initiatives within the program.
Recognition of research excellence was a central component of the forum. Two travel awards were presented to support conference participation and continued scholarly development. Poster awards were also presented in both the Graduate Student and Postdoctoral categories, recognizing excellence in research design, presentation and scientific impact.
Travel Award recipients:
- Natruit Bhatt, Neuroscience, Dr. Valentina Grishko Memorial Travel Award
- Brianna Mitchell, Infectious Disease and Host Defense, Samuel J. Strada Travel and Enhancement Award
Graduate Student Poster Award winner:
- Sarah Macon-Foley, Infectious Disease and Host Defense
Postdoctoral Poster Award winner:
- Abby Boyd, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
These awards highlight the high caliber of research being conducted within the college and reflect a continued commitment to supporting trainee development.
Support for the event was provided by Thermo Fisher Scientific, which sponsored the poster awards, and the University of South Alabama Medical Alumni Association, which provided coffee and pastries for attendees.
Robert Barrington, Ph.D., director of the Office of Research, Education and Training, said the Graduate Research Forum reflects the collaborative, supportive culture of the Whiddon College of Medicine’s Basic Medical Sciences Graduate Program.
“By providing a space for students and postdoctoral fellows to share their work and highlight their achievements, the forum reinforces the college’s mission to cultivate the next generation of scientists and leaders in biomedical research,” he said.
The Whiddon College of Medicine invites the community to continue celebrating research and innovation at the 2026 Research Day on Friday, July 24.