Research Day Participation Continues Upward Climb

Attendance jumps more than 58 percent from 2022

OXFORD, Miss. – The University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy’s 2024 Research Day saw a significant jump in participation from just two years ago.

Hosted by the pharmacy school, the Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Rho Chi, this year’s event showcased 95 poster submissions, a 58 percent increase from 60 posters in 2022.

The forum highlights and celebrates cutting-edge research and the scholarship of students, post-docs, residents, faculty, scientists, staff, alumni, preceptors and industry partners. Submissions can include organization research capabilities and aspirations from divisions, large special projects or laboratories and individual or small group research.

“Research Day is an opportunity for the School of Pharmacy to share its work with the greater university community and to foster collaboration with departments across campus,” said Erin Holmes, professor of pharmacy administration. “I am especially proud of our undergraduate, graduate and student pharmacist researchers for representing our labs and research groups in such a positive way.”

The long-running annual event was formerly held in the fall until last year when the pharmacy school’s Office of Research and Graduate Programs moved the event to the spring semester, a change to which they attribute the rise in participation.

For the first time, this year’s Research Day also featured a student poster competition with cash prizes. Graduate student winners were: Arman Arabshomali, first place; Amelia Craze, second place; and Tareq Saquib, third place. Undergraduate and professional student winners were: Maysen Brokaw, first place; Astra (Su) Hahm, second place; and Rebecca Ozborn, third place.

“Over the years, I’ve spoken to many people who reach out to our office with questions on research, although many times they are general research questions that don’t particularly pertain to work being done at the school,” said Melissa King, program manager for the Office of Research and Graduate Programs. “When I’ve asked them how they reached our office, they have often told me that when they think of Ole Miss and research, the School of Pharmacy immediately comes to mind.

“I think that’s a wonderful reputation to have as a school and events like Research Day will continue to reinforce that connection.”

By Natalie Ehrhardt