About the School of Medicine Graduate Student Research Symposium - SOM GSRS
The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Graduate Student Research Symposium is an annual, student-led event dedicated to celebrating and showcasing the innovative biomedical research conducted by graduate students across the School of Medicine.
Hosted by the Biomedical Graduate Student Association (BGSA) , the symposium is now in its 31st year.
Organized by students, for students, the symposium provides a professional platform that mirrors the structure and rigor of national scientific conferences.
The symposium is sponsored by the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and organized by its graduate students, reflecting a long-standing commitment to scientific communication, academic growth, and community building.
31st School of Medicine Graduate Student Research Symposium Award Winners
31 Years of Symposium
Originally founded as the BGSA Symposium, the event began in the early 1990s as a student-led effort to foster scientific exchange within Pitt’s biomedical graduate programs. Over the past three decades, it has grown into the largest student-run research symposium in the School of Medicine, attracting hundreds of participants each year.
The symposium has hosted distinguished keynote speakers – including 3 Nobel Prize winners in Physiology or Medicine - fostered collaboration across departments, and celebrated the rising talent of early-career scientists.
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Meet the 31st Annual School of Medicine Graduate Student Research Symposium Organizing Committee and volunteer for the 2026 edition!
Symposium Co-Chairs: Allie Cermak and Emmy Brown
Logistics and Operations Co-Chairs: Matunde Okpaise, Angelina Kendi, Rachel Hvasta-Glori
Abstract and Awards: Amber Vandevender
Food and Beverage: Tori Keefauver
Budget and Finance: Erin O’Neill
Media and Branding: Lauren Cooke
Sustainability: Neha Mokhasi