VCOM 2021 Annual Report

RESEARCH

VCOM-Virginia Via Research Recognition Day

T he 16th annual Via Research Recognition Day at VCOM-Virginia was held on Friday, February 26, 2021, virtually due to COVID-19 restrictions. Keynote speaker Barney S. Graham, MD, PhD, Deputy Director, Vaccine Research Center, NIAID, NIH, and Chief, Viral Pathogenesis Laboratory, has developed novel vaccines for RSV, influenza, Zika and coronaviruses, including an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine being distributed under Emergency Use Authorization. Dr. Graham lectured on Rapid (and Precise) pathogenesis, mechanisms of immunity and pandemic preparedness. He directs basic laboratory research, contributes to the pipeline of new VRC vaccines, and provides oversight of candidate VRC vaccines and antibodies in advanced development, including HIV, Ebola, and Chikungunya. His laboratory explores the structural basis for antibody-mediated viral neutralization, investigates basic mechanisms by which T cells affect viral clearance and immunopathology. Plenary Speaker, P. Gunnar Brolinson, DO, FAOASM, FAAFP, FACOFP, Vice Provost for Research at VCOM, lectured on The State of Research at VCOM. COVID-19 vaccine development. His primary interests are vaccine development for viral diseases, viral

The poster sessions and poster competition judging was held over zoom using breakout rooms for each category of submissions. Participants were recognized for their research achievements in the areas of biomedical, clinical, educational and resident research. The day closed with the competition awards ceremony. Blaise Costa, MPharm, PhD, Associate Professor for Pharmacology, received the third annual award for VCOM- Virginia’s Researcher of the Year for his contributions to the College’s research efforts. In order to be selected for this honor, the researcher must maintain an extramurally funded research program, proven scholarly output, successfully leverage REAP funding into extramural awards and actively engage students in research programs. ■ Guest Speakers Keynote Lecture: Leading Rapid (and Precise) COVID-19 Vaccine Development Barney S. Graham, MD, PhD Deputy Director, NAID Vaccine Research Center Plenary Lecture: The State of Research at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Gunnar Brolinson, DO, FAOASM, FAAFP, FACOFP Vice Provost for Research at VCOM

P. Gunnar Brolinson, DO, FAOASM, FAAFP, FACOFP - Plenary Lecture

Barney S. Graham, MD, PhD Keynote Speaker

Blaise Costa, MPharm, PhD VCOM-Virginia Researcher of the Year

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