Thank You for Making Pruitt Graduate Research and Alumni Engagement Day a Success!
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated in our Pruitt Graduate Research and Alumni Engagement Day! The event was a resounding success, featuring student talks, an inspiring keynote speaker, engaging poster presentations, and valuable alumni discussions—all celebrating the outstanding research in our department and the broader BME community.
This celebration holds special significance as it coincides with the birthdate of Dr. J. Crayton Pruitt Sr., whose vision and generosity were instrumental in founding our department. Dr. Pruitt was always passionate about student achievements and research, making this event a fitting tribute to his legacy.
Congratulations to Our Award Winners!
🏆 Zoe Schaefer – Best Oral Presentation for her groundbreaking research on epigenetic signatures in BCG-mediated macrophage activation through multi-level proteomics.
🏆 Seowung Leem – Best Poster for using deep learning to analyze retinal structures and Alzheimer’s risk factors, advancing early detection and understanding of the disease.
🏅 Kevin Smith – Poster Runner-Up for optimizing REGvak for improved autoimmune disease therapy.
Keynote Address:
We were honored to have Dr. Greg Hudalla, Associate Professor, Integra LifeSciences Term Professor & Graduate Coordinator, who delivered an insightful talk on “Supramolecular Approaches for Biotherapeutic Delivery.”
Special Thanks to Our Alumni Speakers:
We extend our gratitude to our alumni who generously volunteered their time to mentor and share their journeys with our students:
- Carson Boogaart Diaz (BS, 2023), Orthobiologics Product Development Engineer I, Arthrex Inc.
- Albina Mikhaylova, Ph.D. (PhD, 2004), Assistant Director, Materials Science and Engineering Research Facility (MSERF), UNF
- Dr. Eric L. Rohrs (Ph.D., 2016), Director of Clinical Affairs, Exactech, Inc.
- Brian Romot (M.S., 2013), Staff Engineer, RD, Axogen.
Thank you again to everyone who made this day possible! Together, we continue to honor the spirit of discovery and excellence that defines our department.