Augusta University reported on Apr. 15 that more than 200 researchers participated in its 41st annual Graduate Research Day, marking the highest level of involvement to date for the event.
The increased participation underscores the university’s ongoing commitment to expanding research opportunities across disciplines. The event brought together graduate students and postdoctoral fellows from all eleven colleges and schools at Augusta University, with activities held on two floors of the Robert B. Greenblatt, M.D. Library for the first time.
Jennifer Sullivan, PhD, dean of The Graduate School, said, “I think it’s just an amazing testament to the growth that we’ve had at the institution and the commitment to growing research. As the health sciences campus of the University System of Georgia, we have strong research programs.” Sullivan added that showcasing work from a range of fields helps illustrate what research means at Augusta University: “There’s educational research, there’s human and social sciences research. There’s public health research, biomedical research…we have expertise and students who are really delving into lots of the problems we’re facing as a nation and in Georgia to help advance our understanding and come up with new solutions.”
Graduate students are encouraged to participate regardless of their experience level. “We could have a sixth- or seventh-year student participating next to a student who’s really only been doing research for one or two semesters,” Sullivan said. “Both of those students will have a wonderful story at the end…and will be able to see how their research can develop over time.”
Lucas Yearwood, a third-year PhD student researching bone loss and aging in the McGee-Lawrence Lab, described Graduate Research Day as an important opportunity: “It gives us an opportunity to practice our research and get experience conversing with people about what you’re studying,” Yearwood said. He advised peers: “I would say just jump right in…That’s how you become better. That’s how you become a professional in the field…”
Jeanie Abney attended this year as widow of Thomas Abney, PhD—who created Graduate Research Day more than four decades ago—and reflected on her late husband’s legacy: “He was an unassuming person…But I think he would just be very proud of the small idea he had that has grown into such a large event – and even bigger than last year I’m told.” She established a memorial scholarship after his death in 2024.
This year’s keynote speaker was David Glass, MD—a vice president at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals—who leads work on aging-related disorders while also teaching at Harvard Medical School and Columbia University.
An awards luncheon is scheduled for late April at Douglas Barnard Amphitheater on Summerville Campus where winners will be announced.
