November 10, 2025

On November 6, 2025, the College of Medicine hosted its annual Discovery Day at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, offering attendees a full day to explore cutting-edge research shaping the future of clinical, translational and biomedical sciences.

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More than 400 posters highlighted the breadth of work conducted by doctoral and master’s students, medical and MD/PhD students, residents, clinical fellows and postdoctoral trainees. Nearly 150 faculty and alumni judges provided feedback, giving many presenters their first experience of what it’s like to share science at a national or international meeting. In addition, seven platform sessions allowed selected participants to present their research to an engaged audience and judges.

Attendees discovered the wide range of collaborations within the College community —from clinical and biomedical science to research technology and the use of AI in advancing care and education. Notably, almost 90 posters utilized TriNetX, a secure platform for analyzing clinical data, reflecting increased medical student engagement in research this year.

Charles B. Cairns, MD, Walter H. and Leonore Annenberg Dean, senior vice president of medical affairs, and senior vice president of Drexel Health Operations, welcomed attendees: “Discovery Day, which has grown exponentially since it began about 25 years ago, is vital to our mission of providing students with career-focused learning and extensive training in their chosen fields. I have no doubt that many meaningful connections and opportunities for collaboration have been uncovered today.”

Stephenson Keynote Lecture

This year’s Stephenson keynote lecturer was Boris Striepen, PhD, professor of pathobiology and the Mark Whittier and Lila Griswold Allam Professor of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Striepen presented his laboratory’s groundbreaking work on eradicating Cryptosporidium — a leading global cause of severe diarrhea and mortality in young children and immunocompromised individuals. His team pioneered molecular genetics and mouse models for the infection and leads interdisciplinary efforts to advance drug and vaccine development.

A Rewarding Experience

Students and faculty alike reflected on the value of Discovery Day.

“It’s fulfilling to present your work,” says Leo Samuels, MD ’27. “Discovery Day is a large social event where you connect with interesting people, learn about their science and explore collaborations. TriNetX has been an incredible asset for data analysis.”

Stephanie Kosashvili, MS Interdisciplinary Health Sciences ’26, who also presented at Discovery Day, highlighted the importance of mentoring, crediting Stephanie Matt, PhD, research assistant professor of pharmacology and physiology, for weekly guidance in the Gaskill Lab. Kosashvili recently presented her poster “Inflammatory Effects of Anticholinergic and Antidepressant Polypharmacy in Primary Human Macrophages” at the Mid-Atlantic Pharmacology Society Annual Meeting, noting she felt “completely prepared” thanks to strong support from her mentors.

Faculty also value Discovery Day, reaping benefits from attending and serving as judges. Brad Jameson, PhD, professor of biochemistry and molecular biology, says, “Second-year medical students are eager to dig into research. I enjoyed seeing their work, asking questions and connecting — it’s impressive and valuable.”

Recognition for Excellence

Judges honored participants with awards across multiple categories. The ceremony, emceed by Elisabeth Van Bockstaele, PhD, founding dean of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies, chief strategy officer, and senior vice provost for graduate studies, celebrated the winners.

Congratulations to all presenters and award recipients! See the full list of awardees on the Discovery Day website.