North Columbus News

Ohio State University hosted the 39th annual Edward F. Hayes Advanced Research Forum, featuring topics such as new cancer treatments, arts accessibility for people with disabilities, and artificial intelligence in manufacturing. Graduate students and postdoctoral scholars presented their research at the Ohio Union.

The forum is named after Edward F. Hayes, a former vice president for research and professor of chemistry at Ohio State, who played a significant role in developing the university's research initiatives. According to Mary Stromberger, dean of the Graduate School, the forum aims to "fulfill the university’s mission of research and community engagement.”

Stromberger stated, “It provides a unique platform for our scholars to present their research, engage in intellectual exchanges and receive recognition for their outstanding contributions.” The event not only spotlights diverse research but also encourages collaboration, she added.

A total of $17,000 in awards was given to presentations that received top scores from judges. “These awards underscore the graduate community’s dedication to supporting and recognizing the hard work and achievements of our scholars,” said Stromberger.

This year, first-place winners received $600 for their oral presentations. Notable winners included Zoey November, a dance graduate student; Raven Vella, a biomedical sciences graduate student; and Kaue Riffel, a postdoctoral scholar in welding engineering. Each winner presented research in their respective fields, ranging from designing accessible performing arts subtitles to developing more effective cancer treatments, to streamlining manufacturing operations through artificial intelligence.

The forum was supported by the Council of Graduate Students, the Graduate School, and other university entities. For additional information and a full list of winners, interested parties can visit the forum's official website.