TODAY: August

Official News Publication for Loma Linda University Health

August 2016

Volume 29, No. 8

Health Disparities Research Symposium recognizes young researchers and their contributions By Larry Kidder

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he Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine (CHDMM)—a collaborative effort between Loma Linda University School of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health—recognized 83 up-and-coming health science researchers during its 16th Annual Health Disparities Research Symposium. The symposium, held Wednesday, August 3, at the LLU Wong Kerlee International Conference Center, showcased the research projects of young people ranging from high school through post-graduate. “These poster presentations rival any I’ve seen at scientific meetings around the world,” remarked Roger Hadley, MD, dean of LLU School of Medicine. “These young people are presenting cutting-edge findings with a level of sophistication beyond their years.” “Our program has two major objectives,” said Marino De Leon, PhD, director of CHDMM, in opening remarks. “We want to both increase the amount of research into minority health issues and grow the numbers of minority health science researchers. We’ve provided 614 internships since we received our first NIH grant nearly two decades ago.” Gayle Slaughter, PhD, senior associate dean for graduate education and diversity, and professor of molecular and cellular biology, Baylor College of Medicine, in Houston, presented afternoon and evening keynote addresses. Slaughter shared her personal journey into research, beginning with a childhood epiphany while walking to school on a dirt road in rural Louisiana. At that very moment, she decided she wanted to do something that would make a difference in the world. She credits her life experiences—both

The 16th Annual Health Disparities Research Symposium recognized the cutting-edge research of 83 up-andcoming young scientists, ranging from high school to post-graduate. They are shown with their faculty mentors, program staff, and the keynote speaker.

positive and challenging—for preparing her for her current role as a champion of young scientists from all socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds. At Baylor, she has led in the creation of a number of nationally recognized development programs for young scientists—beginning as early as middle school—designed to develop them into competent and confident scientists. Her words were encouraging to the 2016 cohort of young scientists, their family members, and their faculty mentors. “You may experience times where the way forward is not clear,” she told them, “but be faithful and persevere. God has a plan for you.” The symposium concluded with recognition for the 83 participants in the 2016 program. Faculty leaders and mentors, as well as keynote speaker Slaughter, congratulated student interns for completing their programs. A wide range of students interns served on the various research teams, including:

 Undergraduate Training Program—18 university students  Medical Training Program— 8 medical students  Initiative for Maximizing Student Development—15 PhD students  Behavioral health research—

4 university students  Public health research—4 university students  Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship—9 university students  Guest participants—10 undergraduate, PhD, volunteer, medical students

More than 3,000 attend All Star Appreciation Game at San Manuel Stadium

 Apprenticeship Bridge to College—15 high school students More than 3,000 fans—including a number of Loma Linda University Health employees—were on hand for the annual All Star Appreciation Game at San Manuel Stadium, held Monday, July 18.

By Briana Pastorino

T Sabrina Rainsbury-Silva, a student at Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Corona, California, explains her research to several symposium guests during the afternoon poster session.

he Inland Empire 66ers failed to bring home a victory against the Lake Elsinore Storm, but it was a win for the fans who cheered them on. More than 3,000 people attended the game on July 18, which was All Star Appreciation night for staff, volunteers, and students of Loma Linda University Health. Members of the Loma Linda family were treated to up to six tickets to share with family and friends to enjoy the summer baseball game. “We care about and appreciate those

individuals who work so hard for us and their education,” said Kerry Heinrich, JD, CEO, Loma Linda University Medical Center. “There needs to be a balance in everyone’s life, and this is one way we hope our Loma Linda family can achieve that as part of living a whole life.” The game kicked off with a first pitch thrown by Children’s Hospital chief nursing officer Helen Staples-Evans, DNP, MS, RN, the first female to throw the first pitch in the 15-year history of All Star Appreciation. Recent Loma Linda Academy graduate Corinne Atita, 18, performed the Continued on page 2

Many Strengths. One Mission.

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