NYC Gazette

Students from Columbia University's Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons were recognized for their research excellence at two events, the MD-MS Research Symposium and the Student Research Day.

On March 28, nine students from the Class of 2025 presented their master's thesis research. The program allows students to conduct original research to prepare them as leaders in medicine. Participants in this event include Emily Gordon, Ritt Givens, Kavya Rajesh, Jinjie Ling, Paul Lewis, Damian Teasley, Matan Malka, Wisdom Yevudza, Hart Fogel, and Anil Lalwani, associate dean for student research. Lauren Tucker was another participant not present in the photo.

The college held its Student Research Day on April 2. Sixty-five medical students presented research posters to peers, faculty, and leadership. Anil Lalwani commented on the students' "excellence, alongside the remarkable scientific research led by our faculty and their dedication to mentoring."

Awards were given in four categories: MD/PhD, Research Year, Scholarly Project, and Summer Research. Ten students received honors. The winners included Chisom Enwere, Noah Chen, Nathaniel Rolfe, Varun Sudunagunta, Ritt Givens, Michelle Shui, Zachary Levin, Steven O. Marx, Gift Owolabi, and Lauren Burgett.

Steven O. Marx received the 2025 Scholarly Projects Program Faculty Mentor of the Year award, recognizing his exceptional mentorship. Marx holds the position of Herbert and Florence Irving Professor of Cardiology and director of the cardiovascular fellowship program.

The award-winning research projects included topics such as tumor colonization, arrhythmia treatments, pelvic exam training, chromatin dynamics in erythroid cells, and cerebral ischemia.

Anil Lalwani emphasized the importance of faculty mentorship in student research: “The quality of research showcased by VP&S medical school students mirrors their excellence, alongside the remarkable scientific research led by our faculty and their dedication to mentoring.”