UF College of Medicine hosts 15th annual Celebration of Research
Two days of events celebrate research-related art, showcase new investigations and honor exemplary scientists
March 13, 2025 — The University of Florida College of Medicine hosted its 15th annual Celebration of Research Feb. 24-25, upholding the college’s commitment to sharing knowledge and discoveries while cultivating successful, innovative researchers.
The festivities included presentations on groundbreaking research, exhibitions of artistic expression and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Research art showcased
Second-year UF medical student Elena Encinas, right, holding a second place award for her digitally painted art piece, titled “Starry Culture,” created using Adobe Illustrator and Canva AI tools.
Continuing with a recent tradition first established in 2023 , a research art reception returned to Celebration of Research. Fifteen artworks created by students, faculty and trainees were showcased, focused on the theme “Architects of Tomorrow: Bridging Creativity and Research for a Healthier Future.” Azra Bihorac, M.D., M.S., FCCM, FASN, the senior associate dean for research, awarded prizes to five artworks, and an artwork popular vote bracket-style competition was hosted on social media.
During the reception, interdisciplinary artist Marlon Barrios Solano demonstrated a series of performance art pieces that fused artificial intelligence, movement and meditation in an immersive experience. Art reception attendees had the chance to participate in one of the art installations, in which a camera set up in the Scott Commons copied a person’s movements to generate random AI imagery that emulated them.
Keynote speaker discusses what makes us human
Nenad Sestan, M.D., Ph.D., gives the keynote presentation during the 15th annual UF College of Medicine Celebration of Research, Feb. 25, 2025.
Nenad Sestan, M.D., Ph.D., the Harvey and Kate Cushing Professor of Neuroscience at the Yale University School of Medicine, joined as this year’s keynote speaker and presented, “Evolution and Development of the Prefrontal Cortex and Cognitive Networks: Exploring What Makes Us Human.” The talk touched on his research into the uniqueness of human brain circuit development, especially in the prefrontal cortex responsible for higher order thinking. He also explained how a better understanding of this brain region can lead to insights into neuropsychiatric disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.
Awardees honored
Multiple students, trainees and faculty were honored with awards related to their medical investigations and hard work during the two-day event. Learn more about the awards bestowed below:
- 2024 Oberndorf Clinical AI Scholars: Supported by longtime UF donors Lou and Rosemary Oberndorf, three medical students received awards to harness artificial intelligence for the advancement of medicine.
- College of Medicine faculty research awards: Five faculty members were recognized for their contributions to science and the impact of their mentorship on trainees.
- Poster session awards: Several undergraduate students, College of Medicine students, trainees and junior faculty received awards for the best posters across disciplines and career stages, selected among more than 500 poster submissions.
