2026 IGNITE SYMPOSIUM
Sparking Inspiration and Collaboration
Make plans to join us for the 3rd Annual IGNITE Research Symposium, April 15, 2026, from 3:00-6:00PM at the Student Union Starlight Terrace Room 465.
This event brings together researchers from colleges and institutions who share a strong interest in public health, nutrition, human performance and fostering collaborations. Our goal is to connect individuals across disciplines, creating opportunities to "IGNITE" new relationships and spark innovative research collaborations
The 2026 IGNITE Symposium will feature new presenters and interactive discussions, while also welcoming back past participants who have carried the torch for unique and successful cross-collaborations.
Space is limited, so we encourage you to RSVP by submitting your info. Additional details will be shared closer to the event. We look forward to seeing you there!
Schedule
Wednesday, April 15, 3:00-6:00 PM
Starlight Terrace Room 465
Student Union - OSU Stillwater
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Lance Walker and Dr. Kenneth Sewell
Time: Introduction and Welcome
Location: Rick and Gail Muncrief Executive Director, Human Performance and Nutrition Research Institute / OSU Vice President for Research
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Brett Carver, "How 'bout some Orange Power in your Flour?"
Time: 3:10
Location: Regents Professor, Wheat Genetics & Breeding, Ferguson College of Agriculture
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Nila Pradhananga, "Extension to Scale Food and Nutrition Security"
Time: 3:15
Location: Assistant Professor of Nutritional Sciences / OSU FCS State Extension Specialist
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Rachel Liebe, "Centering Community Voices in Exploring the Mental Health Dimension of Food Insecurity"
Time: 3:20
Location: Assistant Professor - Nutritional Sciences CEHS
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Justin Moss and Sophia Darrow, "Food as Medicine: A Horticultural Perspective"
Time: 3:25
Location: Professor and Department Head Horticulture & Landscape Architecture / Student Farm - Ferguson College of Agriculture
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Brian Whitacre, "Technology and Rural Health Care"
Time: 3:30
Location: Professor, Rural Health & Economics, Ferguson College of Agriculture
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Brooke Tuttle, "Where Science Meets Service: Bridging Research and Practice to Promote Health and Resilience for Oklahomans"
Time: 3:35
Location: Director, OSU Center for Family Resilience
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Chuck Lester, "Igniting Action: Moving from Discovery to Real-World Impact"
Time: 3:40
Location: Assistant Director, OSU Wellness
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Break
Time: 3:45-3:55 PM
Location: Refreshments Available
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Andrew Alexander, "IMAT and Skeletal Muscle Health and Performance"
Time: 3:55
Location: Assistant Professor, Biomarker Research - KAHR
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Collin Bowersock, "Taking Health to the MAAX"
Time: 4:00
Location: Principal Scientist - HPNRI
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Jerome Hausselle, Harshvardhan Singh and Jason Miller, "Empowering Human Movement Across the Lifespan Through Convergence Science"
Time: 4:05
Location: Assistant Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering / Implementation Scientist - HPNRI / Assistant Professor - KAHR
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Matt Bird and Jill Joyce, "Assessing Clinical and Performance Outcomes: A Repository-Based Approach to Health Surveillance and Insight"
Time: 4:10
Location: Performance Scientist - HPNRI / Associate Professor Nutritional Sciences CEHS
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Ali Boolani and HPNRI Researchers, "HPNRI Research Lab: From Capability to Possibility"
Time: 4:20
Location: Associate Director for Research & Strategic Initiatives - HPNRI
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Pathways to Affiliation
Time: 4:35
Location:
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Closing Remarks
Time: 4:50
Location:
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Networking
Time: 5:00 - 6:00
Location:
Ignite Symposium Objectives
Highlight OSU Research
Showcase innovative, interdisciplinary research across Oklahoma State University that advances human performance, nutrition and applied health sciences. Provide a fast-paced platform for faculty to elevate emerging ideas, translational science and collaborative opportunities.
Foster Collaboration
Create intentional space for cross-college dialogue and discovery. Strengthen connections among researchers, centers, Extension and clinical partners to catalyze new interdisciplinary projects and competitive funding proposals.
Expand Research Networks
Facilitate meaningful networking among faculty, research staff and institutional leaders to identify shared interests, complimentary expertise and opportunities for joint initiatives.
Identity Pathways for Affiliation
Introduce opportunities for formal engagement with HPNRI, including faculty status, research partnerships, Extension collaboration and participation in future initiatives and grant development efforts.