Congratulations to all of the researchers selected to participate in Research Day 2020. Nearly a hundred posters were submitted, dozens of judges reviewed them and award winners were selected — all online. View the 2020 Award winners here.

View the program here:

Research Day 2020 Program

Other research posters included:

Primary Author; *James Scholar; **Craig Fellow

Poster # All Authors Primary Author Status Category Project Title Primary Author Institution
1 Obakanyin Akinfosile, Divya Rani-Bijukumar MS in Medical Biotechnology Student Basic Science Cell-accelerated corrosion at THR interfaces: Understanding CoCrMo wear particle-induced macrophage polarization University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
2 Diane Alkatout, Dalton Morris, Divya Bijukumar, Enrique Ceppi, Siva Mamidi, Peiyi Tsai, Meng-Huang Wu, Alejandro Espinoza-Orias, Mathew Mathew Medical Student Basic Science Does porosity matter in the corrosion and tribocorrosion kinetics of 3D printed Ti implants? University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
3 Reem Bagabas, Sasha Shafikhani, Mohamed Mohamed, Ruchi Roy MS in Medical Biotechnology Student Basic Science Role of Apoptotic Compensatory Proliferation Signaling (ACPS) In Wound Healing Rush University Medical Center, Department of Medicine
4 Joseph Bernal, Leslyn Hanakahi, Madeline Dzikowski Undergraduate Student Basic Science Effects of 4-HNE on Topoisomerase-1-containing Yeast Cells University of Illinois at Chicago
5 Eric Chai, Zhenyu Chen, Yongchao Mou, Xue-Jun Li MS in Medical Biotechnology Student Basic Science Studying axonal defects of spastic paraplegia 11 cortical projection neurons University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
6 Zhenyu Chen, Xue-Jun Li Postdoctoral Research Associate Basic Science Mitochondrial fission inhibitor rescues axonal degeneration in human stem cell models of hereditary spastic paraplegia University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
7 Shreya Deb, Edward Miliavski, Joseph Berei, Neelu Puri MS in Medical Biotechnology Student Basic Science The Effects of Smoking on Telomere Length, Induction of Oncogenic Stress and Chronic Inflammatory Responses University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
8 Joshua Dein*, Yongchao Mou, Xue-Jun Li Medical Student Basic Science Effect of MFN2 knockdown on mitochondrial function and cell survival in human spinal motor neurons University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
9 Madeline Dzikowski, Leslyn Hanakahi MS in Medical Biotechnology Student Basic Science Investigating a Possible Link Between CRISPR/Cas9 and R-Loop Formation University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
10 David Fischer, Divya Bijukumar, Kai Chung, Alejandro A. Espinoza Orías, Robin Pourzal, Richard van Arkel, Mathew Mathew Medical Student Basic Science Corrosion Risk Assessment of Additively Manufactured Ti6Al4V for Implants University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
11 Regina Giovanni, Untung Ari Wibowo, Hermawan Judawisastra, Anggraini Barlian, Divya Bijukumar MS in Medical Biotechnology Student Basic Science Growth of Human Dermal Fibroblasts on Polyvinyl Alcohol-Silk Fibroin Nanofiber Scaffold University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
12 Sneha Sushilkumar Halwasia, Abhinav Chatterjee, Priyadarshini Vishwanathan, Nehal Singh, Aoshuang Chen, Guoxing Zheng, Andrew Canciamille, Archana Shankar, Anjhana Hariharasubramanian MS in Medical Biotechnology Student Basic Science Role of Anti-HMGB1 IgM in Regulating the Sexual Dimorphism In Diabetes in NOD mice University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
13 Cayla Kleeman, Leslyn Hanakahi MS in Medical Biotechnology Student Basic Science Effects of CYREN on End Joining Properties of XLF University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
14 Alejandro Magana, Divya Bijukumar, Mathew Mathew, Sarah Hagarty MS in Medical Biotechnology Student Basic Science Enhancement of adipose cell viability and functionality using amniotic membrane derived growth factors University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
15 Vikas Manjunath, Maureen McCoy, Paul Chastain, Joshua Jacobs, Ebru Oral, Mathew Mathew, Divya Bijukumar Medical Student Basic Science Vitamin E alters the effects of CoCrMo degradation products on DNA replication fork initiation and progression University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
16 Jacob Manthe, Dalton Morris, Diane Alkatout, Kai-Yuan Chen, Divya Bijukumar, Mark Barba, Robin Pourzal, Mathew Mathew MS in Medical Biotechnology Student Basic Science The shift in Fretting-Corrosion Damage Mode at THR Modular Junction: Role of Microstructure and Infection University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
17 Valeria Melendez Hebib, Vishal Khatri, Nikhil Chauhan, Prasanna Kumar Somasundaram Baskar, Sean Gray, Darrick Carter, Ramaswamy Kalyanasundaram MS in Medical Biotechnology Student Basic Science Evaluation of the potency and efficacy of a human lymphatic filariasis vaccine, rBmHAXT (LFGuardTM) University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
18 Sydney Meris, Ravindra Badhe, Divya Bijukumar, Wei Li, Christine Wu, Qian Xie, Mathew Mathew MS in Medical Biotechnology Student Basic Science An Electrochemical Co-therapy Technique for Improved Efficacy of Root Canal Treatments University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
19 Yongchao Mou, Xue-Jun Li Postdoctoral Research Associate Basic Science Atlastin 1 mutations impair lipid droplets in human astroglial cells University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
20 Arvind Raj Vishnu Palani, Gnanasekar Munirathinam MS in Medical Biotechnology Student Basic Science Novel Combination of Nitric Oxide-Donating Aspirin Ncx4040 and Abiraterone for the Treatment of Prostate Cancer University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
21 Santa Diana Peledis, Vishal Khatri, Nikhil Chauhan, Ramaswamy Kalyanasundaram MS in Medical Biotechnology Student Basic Science Evaluation of rBmHAXT as a prophylactic vaccine for Dirofilaria Immitis infection in canines University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
22 Kavya Sri Racherla, Nabiha Haleema Khan, Sanjana Singh, Neelu Puri MS in Medical Biotechnology Student Basic Science Role of PRMT-1 and p120-catenin in mediating EMT and Osimertinib resistance in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
23 Pamela Reyes, Ravindra Badhe, Divya Bijukumar, Mathew Mathew MS in Medical Biotechnology Student Basic Science New dynamic hip simulator-microfluidic bioreactor system (DHMB) for in-situ monitoring of implant performance and toxicity University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
24 Hillary Shah, Velavan Bakthavachalam, Stephen Motika, Paul Hergenrother, Gnanasekar Munirathinam MS in Medical Biotechnology Student Basic Science Evaluation of ferroptocide (FTC) as a potential treatment for prostate cancer cells University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
25 Preksha Shahagadkar, Arvind Raj Vishnu Palani, Gnanasekar Munirathinam MS in Medical Biotechnology Student Basic Science Screening of potential drugs for treating Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
26 Aisha Shajee, Nicholas Lombardo, Mark Biagi Pharmacy Student Basic Science In vitro activity of imipenem-relebactam alone and in combination with fosfomycin against imipenem-nonsusceptible Pseudomonas aeruginosa UIC College of Pharmacy Rockford
27 Nehal Singh, Vishal Khatri, Andrew Canciamille, Priyadharshini Viswanathan, Sneha Halwasia, Archana Shankar, Aoshuang Chen, Guoxing Zheng MS in Medical Biotechnology Student Basic Science Identification of Human B Cells Producing Anti-HMGB1 IgM Antibody University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
28 Prasanna Kumar Somasundaram Baskar, Vishal Khatri, Nikhil Chauhan, Valeria Melendez Hebib, Connie Vitali, Ramaswamy Kalyanasundaram MS in Medical Biotechnology Student Basic Science Evaluating the Therapeutic Potential of Filarial Cystatin and Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor-2 as combinational therapy on DSS-Induced Colitis in Mice University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
29 Priyadharshini Viswanathan, Nikhil Chauhan, Sneha Halwasia, Nehal Singh, Aoshuang Chen, Guoxing Zheng MS in Medical Biotechnology Student Basic Science Generation of B-1 Cells-Derived Anti-HMGB1 IgM Monoclonal Antibody University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
30 Mona Vudutha, Pranav Volety, Gnanasekar Munirathinam MS in Medical Biotechnology Student Basic Science Elevating the reactive oxygen species threshold in prostate cancer stem cells using VK3-OCH3 as a strategy to target Prostate cancer University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
31 Christy Behnam, Owen Kramer, Michelle Bain, Marylee Braniecki Medical Student Case Report A Case of Acral Pseudolymphomatous Angiokeratoma of Children Masked by Eczema University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
32 Christy Behnam, Charles Welford Medical Student Case Report Non-Myocardial Ischemia ST Elevation: A Case of Pancreatitis-Induced ST Elevation University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
33 Madeline Bell, Antoun Al Khabbaz Medical Student Case Report Conservative Management of Clostridial Sepsis Following Spontaneous Abortion with Preserved Fertility University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
34 Jonathan Knisley, Jarod Shelton, Shawn Wallery Medical Student Case Report Central cord syndrome from hyperextension after self-manipulation of the cervical spine University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
35 Victoria Kuritza*, Hiralal Maheshwari Medical Student Case Report Metformin for Reactive Hypoglycemia: A Case Series University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
36 Brittany Lala, Antoun Al Khabbaz Medical Student Case Report Presentation and Management of Hidradenitis Suppurativa During Pregnancy: A Case Report University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
37 Divya Mani, Tarek Harb, John Holden Family Medicine Resident Case Report Preventing Fatal Arrhythmias During Peripartum Period in Maternal Brugada Syndrome University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
38 Mischelle Nelson, Roger Greenlaw Medical Student Case Report Plant Protein Diet and Kidney Function: Can lifestyle change prevent the need for dialysis? University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
39 Stanley Noll Family Medicine Resident Case Report No Collateral Damage: Exercise and Collateral Coronary Circulation in CAD St. Louis University School of Medicine Southwest Illinois Family Medicine Residency
40 Saagar Pamulapati, Mark Zarnke Medical Student Case Report Neural Sheath Tumor of Left Ulnar Nerve Excision University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
41 Leah Patton, David Deutsch Medical Student Case Report Pyloric Balloon Dilation to Treat Recurrent Pyloric Stenosis: A Case Report University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
42 Parshva Shah, Kamalpreet Dhaliwal, Sonia Randhawa Medical Student Case Report Pasteurella multocida Prosthetic Joint Infection: A rare case leading to septic shock University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
43 Aelia Akbar, Holly Kramer MPH Student Clinical Racial differences in urinary incontinence prevalence and associated bother: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis Loyola University Medical Center
44 Justin Bailey, Oren Feldman-Schultz, Allison Beggin, Tara Gill, Annalyse Kohley, Aftab Merchant, Sam Pope, Sunil Patel Medical Student Clinical Observational Study on the Prevalence of Autoimmune Disorders in Helicobacter Pylori Positive Population. University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
45 Aaron Brenner*, Gabrielle Kuhn, Brittany Lala, Brian Bear Medical Student Clinical Carpometacarpal Joint Non-Operative Therapy University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
46 Preet Dhillon*, Farhad Farokhi Medical Student Clinical Comparison of ENTRESTO® vs ACE Inhibitors in Ventricular Arrhythmia Incidence in Heart Failure Patients University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
47 Oren Feldman-Schultz**, Allison Beggin, Tara Gill, Justin Bailey, Annalyse Kohley, Sunil Patel, Sam Pope, Aftab Merchant Medical Student Clinical Increased Prevalence of Asthma in Helicobacter Pylori Positive Adult Patients Attending Rockford Gastroenterology Clinic – A Five-Year Observational Study University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
48 Daniel Heller, Flavio Garcia, Brady Williams, Evan Polce, Shane Nho, Jorge Chala Medical Student Clinical Preparation Methods and Clinical Outcomes of Platelet Rich Plasma for Intra-articular Hip Disorders University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
49 Akash Khurana, Chandrashekhar Thukral Medical Student Clinical Practice Patterns in the Management of Celiac Disease in a Large Community Based GI Clinic: a Retrospective Study Analyzing Adherence to National Guidelines University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
50 Serena Korkmaz, Lisa Letorneau, Rochelle Naylor, Siri Atma Greeley Medical Student Clinical Investigating Medical Treatments of Participants with Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY) caused by Insulin Gene Mutations (INS) in a US Cohort University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
51 Jessica Luo*, Christina Tsai, Kayeromi Gomez, Manorama Khare, Mathew Mathew, Sarah Hagarty, Sara Alharthi, Alejandro Magana Medical Student Clinical Adipocyte viability after standard method liposuction harvest, collection, and variable treatment for fat transfer: manual syringe plunger vs roller pump University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
52 Rachel Miller**, Sherry Falsetti Medical Student Clinical Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Chronic Comorbidities in a Primary Care Setting University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
53 Emily Nepomuceno**, Kathryn Saulcy, Jillian Kaskavage Medical Student Clinical Assessment of provider variation in pediatric concussion diagnosis and management in emergency department, urgent care, and primary care practice settings University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
54 Saagar Pamulapati, Mitul Vakharia, Aftab Merchant Medical Student Clinical Randomized Controlled Trial of IOL Orientation for Dysphotopsia University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
55 Ravikumar Patel, Marianne Pop, Timothy Murrey, John Nitiss Pharmacy Student Clinical Cost Effectiveness Comparison between Trough and Area Under the Curve dosing for Vancomycin UIC College of Pharmacy Rockford
56 Leah Patton*, Shalini Kumar, Alesia Jones Medical Student Clinical The Role of Resiliency and Adult Health in Patients with a History of Adverse Childhood Experiences University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
57 Umber Waheed**, Roger Greenlaw, Sherry Falsetti Medical Student Clinical On the Prevalence of Autoimmune Disease Markers in a Working Population & its Relationship to Wellness University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
58 Keely Zunker, Brandie Messer, Dawn Mosher, Richard McLaughlin DNP Student Clinical Simulation-Based Learning, Anxiety, and Self-Confidence Saint Anthony College of Nursing
59 Joseph Berei, Adam Eckburg, Monica Saravana Vela, Neelu Puri Medical Student Community Promotion of Low-Dose Computed Tomography for Early-Stage Lung Cancer Detection University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
60 Jacqueline Cabrera, Elizabeth Myers, Brandie Messer, Matthew Dalstrom, Jennifer Beck DNP Student Community Improving Breastfeeding Rates: Text Messaging Saint Anthony College of Nursing
61 Corey Hazekamp, Sana Yousuf, Kelli Day, Mary Kate Daly, Karen Sheehan Medical Student Community Eviction and Pediatric Health Outcomes in Chicago University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
62 Vanessa Jerger, Catherine Pichardo, Joanna Olazar, Jeanette Olazar, Karriem Watson, Katherine Tossas-Milligan, Lisa Aponte-Soto, Jesse Plascak, Yamile Molina Medical Student Community An Evaluation of Neighborhood Factors and Diabetes in Latina Patients at Federally Qualified Health Centers University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
63 Angela Siebold, Brandie Messer, Matthew Dalstrom DNP Student Community Implementation of Interactive Educational Program on Bullying in Fourth Grade Students Saint Anthony College of Nursing
64 Joshua Baalman, Hana Hinkle RMED Rural Medicine Rural Youth Perspectives on Adolescent Health: A Survey and Focus Group Study University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
65 Matthew Baechle, Hana Hinkle RMED Rural Medicine Health Literacy and Chronic Disease Management University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
66 Justin Bailey, Jarod Shelton, Martin MacDowell RMED Rural Medicine The attitudes and behaviors of general surgeons for rural practice: A survey of Illinois ACS members University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
67 Whitney Bennett, Mary DeFrance, Martin MacDowell RPHARM/RMED Rural Medicine Electronic Cigarette Usage at Stillman Valley High School UIC College of Pharmacy Rockford / University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
68 Emily Beskar, Jarod Shelton, Martin MacDowell RPHARM/RMED Rural Medicine Effectiveness of nutrition programs in Ford County, Illinois UIC College of Pharmacy Rockford / University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
69 Aaron Brenner, Michael Glasser RMED Rural Medicine Assessing Prescription Opioid Use and Education in Rural Illinois University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
70 Nadia Churchill-Gilstrap, Martin MacDowell RMED Rural Medicine Enacting and Assessing Local High School’s Mindfulness and Relaxation Initiative University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
71 Victoria Costello, Martin MacDowell RMED Rural Medicine Behavioral Health Education for Adolescents University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
72 Brooke Dean, Neely Harris, Martin MacDowell RMED Rural Medicine Investigating the benefits and feasibility of implementing a Telepsych Center into a rural community University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
73 Brad Dulee, Martin MacDowell, Ashlea Canady RMED Rural Medicine Non-opioid utilization reduces opioid requirements for outpatient laparoscopic procedures: a retrospective chart review. University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
74 Aubrey Graham, Hana Hinkle RMED Rural Medicine End of Life Decision Making in a Rural Area University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
75 Carly Gridley, Michael Glasser RMED Rural Medicine Assessment of Rural Women’s Knowledge about the Importance of Prenatal Care and Preventive Cancer Screening University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
76 Douglas Grove, Martin MacDowell RMED Rural Medicine Opioid Addiction and Recovery in Rural Southern Illinois University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
77 Neely Harris, Brooke Dean, Martin MacDowell RMED Rural Medicine Assessing the need for Mental Health Care in a rural community and surveying the population to identify stigmas University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
78 Neely Harris*, Alesia Jones RMED Rural Medicine Understanding the needs and barriers in a rural area: Mental health and substance abuse needs assessment in a rural community University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
79 Tyler Johnson, Hana Hinkle RMED Rural Medicine Use of Preventative Screening Form and Effects on Patient Health Literacy University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
80 Jonathan Knisley, Jarod Shelton, Martin MacDowell RMED Rural Medicine The growing need of rural emergency medicine physicians University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
81 Annita Mathew, Amanda Johnson, Martin MacDowell RPHARM/RMED Rural Medicine Using Reminiscence Therapy to Combat Geriatric Depression UIC College of Pharmacy Rockford / University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
82 Clay McGeehan, Hana Hinkle RMED Rural Medicine A community-based approach to improve AED and CPR education in a rural population University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
83 Kyle Osborn, Martin MacDowell RMED Rural Medicine Elevated Blood Lead Levels in Galesburg, Illinois- Where are these Children Living and What do Their Parents Know About Lead? University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
84 Leah Patton, Michael Glasser RMED Rural Medicine Melanoma early detection in rural communities through self-screening and patient education University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
85 Katelyn Peters, Hana Hinkle RMED Rural Medicine Improving Care for The Disabled Within Rural Communities University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
86 Erin Roberts, Bryan Zobeck, Martin MacDowell RPHARM Rural Medicine Rural respiratory antibiotic prescribing appropriateness in outpatients UIC College of Pharmacy Rockford
87 Junaid Sandozi, Martin MacDowell RMED Rural Medicine Assessment of the potential utilization of telepsychiatry services in Livingston County Illinois University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
88 Jarod Shelton, Justin Bailey, Martin MacDowell RMED Rural Medicine Rural surgery workforce assessment: A survey of Midwestern states University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
89 Jarod Shelton, Jonathan Knisley, Martin MacDowell RMED Rural Medicine The importance of surgeon-patient communication in rural surgical clinics University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
90 Derek Sonnenberg, Michael Glasser RMED Rural Medicine Community participation and risk for depressive symptoms in rural Illinois University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
91 Gabriel Swords, Cassidy Joy-Saini, Martin MacDowell RMED/RPHARM Rural Medicine Evaluating stroke education methodology in a rural community University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford / UIC College of Pharmacy Rockford
92 Troy Watson, Martin MacDowell RMED Rural Medicine Assessing the effect of patient education in the primary care setting on patient’s willingness to undergo polysomnography testing University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
93 Kaitlin Weisshappel, Michael Glasser RMED Rural Medicine The Effects of Horse Culture Classes on the Mental Health of Youth University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
94 Erin Wheeler, Martin MacDowell RMED Rural Medicine Assessment of diabetes-related issues in a rural primary care practice University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford