From science to the arts: Ohio State scholars present inventive research

Discovering new cancer treatments, making the arts more accessible to people with disabilities and incorporating artificial intelligence in manufacturing were among the topics that Ohio State University graduate students and postdoctoral scholars explored during the Edward F. Hayes Advanced Research Forum. The 39th annual event was held recently at the Ohio Union.

The forum is named in memory of Hayes, who served as Ohio State’s vice president for research and professor of chemistry in the 1990s. He also created the university’s Undergraduate Research Forum and was instrumental in launching the Research Park of Science and Technology on west campus, which is now the Carmenton district. 

The purpose of the forum is to fulfill the university’s mission of research and community engagement, said Mary Stromberger, dean of the Graduate School and vice provost.  

“It provides a unique platform for our scholars to present their research, engage in intellectual exchanges and receive recognition for their outstanding contributions,” she said. “This forum not only highlights the breadth and depth of research across various disciplines but also fosters a collaborative environment where ideas and innovation can flourish.”

This year, the forum distributed $17,000 in awards to the presentations that received top scores from judges, who included professors, graduate students and postdoctoral scholars.

“These awards underscore the graduate community’s dedication to supporting and recognizing the hard work and achievements of our scholars,” Stromberger said.

The forum was co-sponsored by the Council of Graduate Students, the Graduate School, the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs and the Enterprise for Research, Innovation and Knowledge, with additional support from the Office of Student Life.

This year’s first-place winners each received $600 prizes for their oral presentations.

Winners included Zoey November, a graduate student in dance, whose presentation focused on making the performing arts more accessible for people with disabilities through the innovative design of subtitles.  

Raven Vella, a graduate student in biomedical sciences, won for a presentation about how to use machine learning software to develop more effective cancer treatments. 

Kaue Riffel, a postdoctoral scholar in welding engineering, won for a presentation using artificial intelligence to streamline manufacturing operations.

For a complete list of winners and more information, visit the forum’s website.