St. Albert's Day 2024
Loyola University Celebrates 44th Annual St. Albert’s Day: A Showcase of Science and Community
On Thursday, November 7, 2024, Loyola University Chicago proudly hosted the 44th annual St. Albert’s Day, a signature event that highlighted the university's commitment to research, discovery, and the pursuit of knowledge. The celebration took place at Loyola University Chicago’s Health Sciences Campus in Maywood, followed by an evening Dinner & Dance. St. Albert’s Day commemorated the essential role research plays in Loyola’s mission, fostering connections across campus and beyond.
More than 300 researchers, including students, faculty, and staff, gathered to present their scientific posters, sharing research findings and insights spanning a wide range of disciplines. The event brought together participants from the Graduate School, Stritch School of Medicine, Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing, Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health, and Loyola’s Lake Shore Campus.
This day also brought together all the students, faculty and staff in a spirit of mutual collaboration. This cooperation allowed for a successful and high spirited celebration of scientific achievement.
A Platform for Emerging Researchers
St. Albert’s Day offered a unique opportunity for students at all stages of their academic journey to showcase their work. Attendees explored topics ranging from biochemistry and molecular biology to public health, neuroscience, cancer biology, and more.
Honoring Excellence with Awards and Recognition
A highlight of St. Albert’s Day was the awards ceremony, where Loyola celebrated exceptional contributions to scientific research. Top honors included Junior Scientist of the Year, Senior Scientist of the Year, and Faculty Member of the Year. There were also awards for students engaged in our Master’s, PhD, and Medical programs, each recognizing the extraordinary achievements of Loyola’s most distinguished researchers.
Master’s Student Category
- 1st Gustavo Serrato (Microbiology & Immunology program. Advisor: Abby Kroken)
- 2nd Kyla Hatton (Neuroscience program. Advisor: Derek Wainwright)
- 3rd Jared Long (Infectious Disease & Immunology program. Advisor: Prabhodh Abbineni)
PhD Student Category
- 1st Vignesh Krishnamoorthy (TIE) (Neuroscience. Advisor: Meharvan Singh)
- 1st Mudassir Ali (TIE) (Microbiology & Immunology track. Advisor: Susan Baker)
- 3rd Chanpreet Kaur (Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics track. Advisor: Kelly Langert)
Graduate Faculty of the Year
- Gonzalo Torres, Chair, Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Neuroscience
- Nominated by two tracks: Neuroscience, Molecular Pharmacology & Therapeutics
Button Design Contest
- 1st "Proud to be Multicellular" by Quin McLaughlin
- 2nd (tie) "Demure & Mindful Scientist"
- 2nd (tie) "Support Science"
- 3rd "Unicorn Scientist"
The St. Albert’s Day celebration concluded with a much-anticipated awards ceremony, honoring outstanding contributions in research across faculty and student categories. These awards recognized the dedication and scientific excellence demonstrated by Loyola’s vibrant research community.
In the faculty category, Dr. Gonzalo Torres, Chair of the Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Neuroscience, was awarded Graduate Faculty of the Year. Dr. Torres, nominated by both the Neuroscience and Molecular Pharmacology & Therapeutics tracks, was commended for his mentorship, leadership, and substantial contributions to advancing research at Loyola.
The PhD student category featured groundbreaking research from emerging scientists. Vignesh Krishnamoorthy, from the Neuroscience program under the mentorship of Dr. Meharvan Singh, and Mudassir Ali, from the Microbiology & Immunology track advised by Dr. Susan Baker, both tied for 1st place, each demonstrating innovative approaches in their respective fields. Chanpreet Kaur from the Molecular Pharmacology & Therapeutics track, mentored by Dr. Kelly Langert, secured 3rd place.
In the Master’s student category, Gustavo Serrato from the Microbiology & Immunology program, advised by Dr. Abby Kroken, achieved 1st place for his promising research contributions. Kyla Hatton, a student in the Neuroscience program with Dr. Derek Wainwright as her advisor, earned 2nd place for her work, followed by Jared Long from the Infectious Disease & Immunology program, under the guidance of Dr. Prabhodh Abbineni, who took 3rd place.
In addition to the research based awards St. Albert's Day also included a button and sticker design contest. Students in the graduate school submitted their own creations in celebration of the day. There were so many creative and fun designs that celebrate the spirit of creativity, science and ingenuity. The winner of the 2024 St. Albert's Day button design contest was designed by Quin McLaughlin with "Proud to Be Multicellular".
These awards celebrated both individual achievements and the collaborative spirit of Loyola’s research community, honoring students and faculty who are pushing boundaries and driving meaningful discoveries. Each recipient exemplified the dedication, expertise, and spirit of inquiry that define Loyola University’s commitment to science and research.
Students at the St. Albert's Day poster session.
Students presenting at the 2024 St. Albert's Day poster session.
Biomedical Sciences at Loyola University Chicago
Events like St. Albert's Day—filled with inspiring presentations, awards, and collaborative discussions—are integral to advancing our students' journey in Biomedical Sciences.
If you're driven to make a meaningful impact in the field, we invite you to explore the exceptional programs at Loyola University Chicago. Learn how our community of scientists and resources can help you achieve academic excellence and fuel your passion for scientific discovery.
Loyola University Celebrates 44th Annual St. Albert’s Day: A Showcase of Science and Community
On Thursday, November 7, 2024, Loyola University Chicago proudly hosted the 44th annual St. Albert’s Day, a signature event that highlighted the university's commitment to research, discovery, and the pursuit of knowledge. The celebration took place at Loyola University Chicago’s Health Sciences Campus in Maywood, followed by an evening Dinner & Dance. St. Albert’s Day commemorated the essential role research plays in Loyola’s mission, fostering connections across campus and beyond.
More than 300 researchers, including students, faculty, and staff, gathered to present their scientific posters, sharing research findings and insights spanning a wide range of disciplines. The event brought together participants from the Graduate School, Stritch School of Medicine, Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing, Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health, and Loyola’s Lake Shore Campus.
This day also brought together all the students, faculty and staff in a spirit of mutual collaboration. This cooperation allowed for a successful and high spirited celebration of scientific achievement.
A Platform for Emerging Researchers
St. Albert’s Day offered a unique opportunity for students at all stages of their academic journey to showcase their work. Attendees explored topics ranging from biochemistry and molecular biology to public health, neuroscience, cancer biology, and more.
Honoring Excellence with Awards and Recognition
A highlight of St. Albert’s Day was the awards ceremony, where Loyola celebrated exceptional contributions to scientific research. Top honors included Junior Scientist of the Year, Senior Scientist of the Year, and Faculty Member of the Year. There were also awards for students engaged in our Master’s, PhD, and Medical programs, each recognizing the extraordinary achievements of Loyola’s most distinguished researchers.
The St. Albert’s Day celebration concluded with a much-anticipated awards ceremony, honoring outstanding contributions in research across faculty and student categories. These awards recognized the dedication and scientific excellence demonstrated by Loyola’s vibrant research community.
In the faculty category, Dr. Gonzalo Torres, Chair of the Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Neuroscience, was awarded Graduate Faculty of the Year. Dr. Torres, nominated by both the Neuroscience and Molecular Pharmacology & Therapeutics tracks, was commended for his mentorship, leadership, and substantial contributions to advancing research at Loyola.
The PhD student category featured groundbreaking research from emerging scientists. Vignesh Krishnamoorthy, from the Neuroscience program under the mentorship of Dr. Meharvan Singh, and Mudassir Ali, from the Microbiology & Immunology track advised by Dr. Susan Baker, both tied for 1st place, each demonstrating innovative approaches in their respective fields. Chanpreet Kaur from the Molecular Pharmacology & Therapeutics track, mentored by Dr. Kelly Langert, secured 3rd place.
In the Master’s student category, Gustavo Serrato from the Microbiology & Immunology program, advised by Dr. Abby Kroken, achieved 1st place for his promising research contributions. Kyla Hatton, a student in the Neuroscience program with Dr. Derek Wainwright as her advisor, earned 2nd place for her work, followed by Jared Long from the Infectious Disease & Immunology program, under the guidance of Dr. Prabhodh Abbineni, who took 3rd place.
In addition to the research based awards St. Albert's Day also included a button and sticker design contest. Students in the graduate school submitted their own creations in celebration of the day. There were so many creative and fun designs that celebrate the spirit of creativity, science and ingenuity. The winner of the 2024 St. Albert's Day button design contest was designed by Quin McLaughlin with "Proud to Be Multicellular".
These awards celebrated both individual achievements and the collaborative spirit of Loyola’s research community, honoring students and faculty who are pushing boundaries and driving meaningful discoveries. Each recipient exemplified the dedication, expertise, and spirit of inquiry that define Loyola University’s commitment to science and research.
Biomedical Sciences at Loyola University Chicago
Events like St. Albert's Day—filled with inspiring presentations, awards, and collaborative discussions—are integral to advancing our students' journey in Biomedical Sciences.
If you're driven to make a meaningful impact in the field, we invite you to explore the exceptional programs at Loyola University Chicago. Learn how our community of scientists and resources can help you achieve academic excellence and fuel your passion for scientific discovery.