The Annual CHSU Research Day Continues to Grow, Showcasing Local REsearch and Celebrating Award Winners
May 5, 2026
With about 140 poster and podium presentations, the 2026 CHSU Research Day held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, continues to grow each year. The annual conference is held on the California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine (CHSU-COM) campus and is free to attend.
CHSU Research Day showcased the research and scholarly activities of medical and pre-medical students, faculty, and local researchers. Clinicians, resident physicians, pharmacists, scientists, and faculty leading local Residency and Fellowship programs were also invited to participate. The collaborative event designed to advance research locally is hosted by the CHSU College of Osteopathic Medicine in partnership with the CHSU College of Biosciences and Health Professions Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences (MSBS) program.
The 2026 CHSU Research Day Abstract Booklet is available for downloading on the website and event photos available for viewing online.
2026 Research Day Keynote Speaker
The keynote speaker for the 2026 CHSU Research Day was Sukhjit Brar, MD, FAPA, a dual-board-certified adult and child psychiatrist with over a decade of experience in clinical practice and medical education. Dr. Brar’s presentation was titled, “Mental Health in the Digital Age: Research Insights and Pathways for Future Physicians.”
2026 CHSU Research Day Awards
CHSU Research Day includes a competition for the best poster and podium presentation for Students, Faculty, and Resident Physicians.
CHSU-COM OMS-I Awards (First-year medical students at CHSU-COM)
Poster #105
The Type B Dissection Gap in Marfan Syndrome: A Scoping Review of Emerging Biomarkers for Risk Stratification Beyond Aortic Diameter
Amar Essukhun, Sherese Richards, et al.
California Health Sciences University, Biomedical Education Department
Poster #115
Effect of Stress on Brain Neuroplasticity: Role of miRNAs
Simran Raina, Harnoor Sidhu, Harnoor Brar, et al.
California Health Sciences University, College of Osteopathic Medicine
Poster #130
From ECG to Apnea Detection: A Transparent Machine Learning Framework for Medical Education
Sarmad Ghazi, Diya Bhandari, Kendall Fischer, et al.
California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Clovis, CA
CHSU-COM OMS-II Awards (Second-year medical students at CHSU-COM)
Poster #71
Evaluating a Student‑Facilitated Medical Education Model to Improve Opioid Overdose Response Knowledge and Preparedness
Aarti Dixit, Brooke Guenther, Phil De Vera, et al.
California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Clovis, CA
Poster #104
Anatomical Variations of the Brachial Plexus: A Systematic Review of Cadaveric and Imaging Studies with Implications for Osteopathic Practice
Serena Chen, Sherese Richards, et al.
California Health Sciences University, Biomedical Education Department
Poster #94
Analyzing the Effect of Training CHSU‑COM Students on an Online Resource Directory
Jillian Day, Zachary Carling, Camden Nucum, et al.
California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Poster #126
Exploring High‑Frequency Ultrasound as an Adjunct for Standardized Longitudinal Assessment of Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus
Claire Schmidt, Noa Gorgas, Angel Wahbi, et al.
California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Poster
Mapping the Drivers of Rising 5150 Holds: The Role of 988 in Clovis, CA
Zeeshan Bautista, Julie Moon, Brett Hughes, et al.
California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine
CHSU-COM OMS-III (Third-year medical students at CHSU-COM)
Poster #28
Emerging Pharmacologic Therapies for the Management of Glaucoma: A Narrative Review
Alexandra Naicker, Jeffrey Toman, Negin Fadaee, et al.
California Health Sciences University
Poster #77
Evaluating the Association Between Caregiver IBS and Pediatric Constipation in the Central Valley
R. Beltran, A. Chakraborty, A. Naouai, et al.
California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Poster #94
Analyzing the Effect of Training CHSU‑COM Students on an Online Resource Directory
Jillian Day, Zachary Carling, Camden Nucum, et al.
California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Poster #102
NADPH Oxidase Biochemistry, Pathological Consequences, and Potential Therapeutic Applications
Chesna Pokharel, Callista Wu, Eddie J. Merino
California Health Sciences University, Clovis, CA
CHSU-COM OMS -IV (Fourth-year medical students at CHSU-COM)
Poster #52
7‑Hydroxymitragynine and Nicotine Pouch Withdrawal Syndrome: A Case Report
Akshay Sharma, Beena Nair, Sudhakar Pemminati, et al.
California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Clovis, CA
Poster #83
Early‑Onset Extrapyramidal Symptoms in an Adolescent Following Short‑Term Aripiprazole Treatment
S. Choi, A. Kaxon‑Rupp, Nazario Lopez, et al.
California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Clovis, CA
Poster #86
High‑Potency Cannabis–Related Psychosis in a Black Adolescent: Diagnostic Challenges and Transition Risk to Early‑Onset Schizophrenia
A. Kaxon‑Rupp, S. Choi, Nazario Lopez, et al.
California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine
MSBS Student Awards
Poster #63
Impact of Sleep Disorders and Sleep Deprivation on the Risk of Metabolic Syndrome and Diabetes in Young Adults Aged 18–25 Years
Sohum Acharya, Elizabeth Ayala, Taran Chahil, et al.
California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Poster #64
The Role of Gut Microbiome Composition in Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s Disease in Cesarean Section vs Vaginally Delivered Neonates
Jason Avalos, Jacob Ealand, Sukhdeep Kaur, et al.
California Health Sciences University College of Biosciences and Health Professions
Poster #73
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Early Breast Cancer and Leukemia Detection and Diagnosis
E. Afzali, S. Behra, M. Kight‑Truong, et al.
California Health Sciences University College of Biomedical Sciences and Health Professions
Resident Physician Awards
Poster #95
Structured Low‑Dose Aspirin Protocol Improves Screening, Prescribing and Maternal Outcomes
Nariman Almnini, Samhrutha Sripathi, Yvette Singh, et al.
Rio Bravo Family Medicine Residency Program, Bakersfield, CA
Poster
Tracheoinnominate Fistula Complicated by Bilateral Pneumothoraces and Diffuse Subcutaneous Emphysema: Case Report
Dina Shakran, Rick McPheeters, Uchechi Okey‑Dike, et al.
Kern Medical Center, Emergency Department
Poster #109
Mechanical Thrombectomy in Submassive Pulmonary Embolism with Severe Right Ventricular Strain: A Case Report
Brian Graham, Anil Reddy Anumandla, Tanveer Singh, et al.
Saint Agnes Medical Center
Poster #106
Barriers to Referral Delays in Rural Surgical Care: A Quality Improvement Approach
Matthew McDougal, Erika Kelly, Beatrice Weier, et al.
California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine
The 2027 CHSU Research Day is tentatively planned for Saturday, May 1, 2027. Refer to the CHSU Research Day webpage for further information and updates.