Collaborative Research & Scholarly Activity
We solve problems better together than alone. Our research is strongest when we pursue discovery in diverse teams – within our college, alongside our communities and with our partners. Excellence in our research programs ultimately leads to improved health and quality of life for vulnerable populations in our state and throughout the nation and the world.
Research building named
In October 2023, the Ohio University (OHIO) Board of Trustees approved naming the new research facility the Heritage Translational Research Center (HTRC). This facility will be behind the Medical Education Center (MEC) and across from Heritage Hall. This ambitious facility will promote team science by bringing like-minded research teams together in one space, while enhancing the visibility of translational research efforts to students, throughout the University, and to the community and region.
Did you know?
25.6% of Heritage College students are engaged in research.
For 2023-24, Heritage College researchers received 12 grants from the National Institutes of Health, with a total revenue of $4,779,571.
25 Years of Collaboration
In FY 2023-24, the ITDI celebrated 25 years of collaboration with the Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador (PUCE). In July 2023, the ITDI conducted the Summer Training in Research and Service Learning program in Ecuador, with participation from 23 students from Ohio University and 23 students from PUCE.
25 years of collaboration
In FY 2023-24, the Infectious and Tropical Diseases Institute (ITDI) celebrated 25 years of collaboration with the Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador (PUCE). In July 2023, the ITDI conducted the Summer Training in Research and Service Learning program in Ecuador, with participation from 23 students from Ohio University and 23 students from PUCE.
Research Catalyst Program
FY 2023-24 was the first full year offering the Research Catalyst Program initiated by the Office of Research and Grants (ORG) staff and is now implemented in three other colleges within OHIO. Nineteen eligible participants charged $757,557 of salary and benefits to external grants (as compared to $601,480 of salary and benefits on grants in FY 2022-23). This resulted in incentive payouts of $250,423, investment in research support accounts of $87,814, and savings of $378,778 to the College. Savings to the College rose by more than 25% this year.
Second Health Scholars Research
Symposium held
The OHIO Health Collaborative hosted the second Health Scholars Research Symposium on Feb. 2, 2024. The OHIO Health Collaborative comprises of the College of Health Professions and Sciences, the Heritage College and the Voinovich School for Leadership and Public Service. The initiative employs cross-college collaborations to support the health and well-being of communities across Ohio, with a focus on social determinants of health. The Symposium showcased 57 research posters by OHIO students.
Statistical Core Unit
The Statistical Core for Health and Medicine provides statistical and research design services for students, faculty and staff of the College of Health Sciences and Professions and the Heritage College. During FY 2023-24, the Core received a total of 72 support requests, 59 of which were specific to the Heritage College.
Heritage College Faculty Members with an Osteopathic Heritage Foundations Research Endowment
Sonia M. Najjar, M.S., Ph.D., Osteopathic Heritage Foundation John J. Kopchick, Ph.D., Endowed Eminent Research Chair, 6/01/2018-6/30/2027
Brian Clark, Ph.D., Osteopathic Heritage Foundation Harold E. Clybourne, D.O., Endowed Research Chair, 3/01/2016-6/30/2025
Elizabeth A. Beverly, Ph.D., Heritage Endowed Professorship in Behavioral Diabetes, Osteopathic Heritage Foundation Ralph S. Licklider, D.O., Research Endowment, 7/01/2021-6/30/2027
Graciela Muniz-Terrera, Ph.D., Heritage Endowed Professorship in Health and Aging, Osteopathic Heritage Foundation Ralph S. Licklider, D.O., Research Endowment, 1/03/2022-6/30/2027
Vishwajeet Puri, Ph.D., Heritage Endowed Professorship in Diabetes, Osteopathic Heritage Foundation Ralph S. Licklider, D.O., Research Endowment, 7/01/2015-6/30/2027
Nathaniel Szewczyk, Ph.D., Heritage Endowed Professorship in Molecular Medicine, Osteopathic Heritage Foundation Ralph S. Licklider, D.O., Research Endowment, 9/01/2020-6/30/2024
Berkeley Franz, Ph.D., Heritage Faculty Endowed Fellowship in Behavioral Health, Osteopathic Heritage Foundation Ralph S. Licklider, D.O., Research Endowment, 7/01/2023-6/30/2025
Craig Nunemaker, Ph.D., Heritage Faculty Endowed Fellowship in Diabetes and Islet Biology, Osteopathic Heritage Foundation Ralph S. Licklider, D.O., Research Endowment, 7/01/2023-6/30/2025
Diabetes Fellowship Program celebrates 20 years
The Diabetes Fellowship program celebrated 20 years in 2024. The program was started by Heritage College faculty and now operates in partnership with OhioHealth. Fellows are trained to become diabetes specialists in primary care settings focusing on prevention, detection, and management of diabetes. Eighteen fellows have completed the program to date, with the nineteenth graduating later this year.