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Student Research Day Showcases Innovation and Discovery at SHSU-COM

November 12, 2025 By Brittany Foreman
COM Student presenting
SHSU-COM hosted its fifth annual Student Research Day, highlighting the depth of student-led research and scholarship across the college.

Student Research Day Showcases Innovation and Discovery at SHSU-COM

The Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (SHSU-COM) recently hosted its fifth annual Student Research Day, highlighting the depth of student-led research and scholarship across the college. 

This year, 46 student research projects were selected for presentation, representing a wide range of biomedical, clinical, osteopathic and community health topics. The event brought together students, faculty mentors and visiting guests for an afternoon focused on innovation, mentorship and discovery, reinforcing the college’s mission to advance primary care and serve the people of Texas through research, education and service.  

COM student

“Student Research Day is a snapshot of who we are as a college,” said Patrick Davis, PhD, director of research. “Our student doctors ask practical questions, design thoughtful studies and translate results into better care. The mentorship on display, paired with our mission to improve access to primary care in Texas, is what makes this day special.”   

SHSU-COM was honored to welcome Jay H. Shubrook, DO, who joined virtually to deliver the keynote address. Shubrook encouraged students to view research as an essential part of lifelong medical practice and highlighted the role of scientific curiosity in improving patient outcomes. 

Awards were presented to outstanding student projects in multiple categories: 

Podium Presentations 

  • 1st Place: Carolyn Enochs, Elucidating the Phenotype of Mullegama-Klein-Martinez Syndrome 
  • 2nd Place: Sharon Biju, Discovery of Novel Pyridazine Derivatives as α₂-Adrenergic Modulators using Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Systems 
  • 3rd Place: Samual Covington, Effect of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine on Cardiovascular Parameters 

Biomedical Sciences 

  • Saivachan Ponnapalli, Prediction Models for Lung Cancer by Smokers and Non-Smokers 

Clinical Medicine & Community Health 

  • Kyndal Kutac, The Influence of Menstrual Cycle Phase, Hormonal Contraceptive Use, and Training Load on Wellness and Performance Metrics in Female Collegiate Lacrosse Players 

Osteopathic Medicine & Medical Education 

  • Ansh Mittra, Evolving Perceptions of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine in Clinical Practice Across Medical School Years 

Virtual Presentation 

  • Kehui Teoh, Thyroid Autoimmunity and Reproductive Outcomes: Insights from the All of Us Research Program 

In addition to Student Research Day, SHSU-COM’s Department of Research coordinated a Case Report Competition, open to all OMS II-IV student doctors. Submissions were reviewed and scored by a five-member panel of physicians from the Department of Primary Care and Clinical Medicine.  

Case Report Competition Winners 

  • 1st Place: Meghasree Ganapuram, Calciphylaxis Following Parathyroidectomy (CKD Stage 4 by Cystatin C-GFR) 
  • 2nd Place: Caroline Podvin, Lupus Postpartum Cardiomyopathy Complicated by Tamponade: A Case Study  
  • 3rd Place: Jimmy Phan, Airway Management Challenges with Uncertain TE Fistula Location in Esophageal Cancer 

Student Research Day and the Case Report Competition highlight the strong culture of mentorship and discovery at SHSU-COM, where students and faculty work together to advance knowledge that benefits patients and communities across Texas. 

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