Feb. 9-13, 2026

WesternU Research Symposium

showcases student innovation

The third annual WesternU Research Symposium brought together a diverse array of disciplines and research topics in a showcase of students’ scientific exploration.

The symposium, organized by the Western University of Health Sciences Office of Research and Biotechnology on Jan. 30, 2026, featured five oral presentations and 47 posters. Dr. Christine M. Gall, distinguished professor and chair of the Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology at UC Irvine, served as the keynote speaker.

“I am very pleased to see that so many trainees and students are integrating research into their career trajectory and curriculum,” said WesternU Senior Vice President for Research & Biotechnology Andrea Giuffrida, PhD, MBA. “This is a fantastic choice because research is not just about increasing our knowledge, submitting for publication, and collecting data. It’s a fantastic exercise to develop a lot of different skills - analytical skills, to develop leadership, all these skills will be extremely important for your career in the future no matter whether you decide to become a researcher yourself or something completely different.”

Click here to read the full story.

American Fundraising Professionals’ Oregon Southwest Washington chapter recognizes WesternU supporter and philanthropist Jeff Heatherington

The Association of Fundraising Professionals’ Oregon and Southwest Washington Chapter recently honored Jeff Heatherington, LHD (Hon.), for his considerable philanthropic support to Western University of Health Sciences (WesternU) and other regional nonprofit organizations.

Heatherington received the Outstanding Philanthropist Award, which honors individuals whose generosity, support, and vision have significantly strengthened the nonprofit sector with major gifts and sustained philanthropic leadership.

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COMP news

Thierra Nalley, PhD, of COMP, and colleagues published a research article describing new postcranial fossils of the extinct human relatives Paranthropus robustus and Homo erectus from a 2-million-year-old site in South Africa: Orr CM, Baker SE, Hobbs TE, Lague MR, Leece AB, Martin JM, Nalley TK, Patel BA, Prang TC, Schwartz GT, Tocheri MW, Strait DS, Herries AIR. 2026. Hominin postcranial remains from Drimolen Main Quarry, South Africa. The Anatomical Record. https://doi.org/10.1002/ar.70141.

Dr. Brion Benninger, Executive Director of the Medical Anatomy Center (MAC), provided research projects and successfully mentored six COMP-Northwest DO students and one master’s student who had their research accepted via a blind peer reviewed process and presented at the combined European Association of Clinical Anatomists (EACA) & International Symposium of Clinical and Applied Anatomy (ISCAA) in Rouen, France. The oral platform presentations were well received and delivered by the students below. Ryan Hess received accolades for his presentation.

Ryan Hess, Joshua McCluskey and Brion Benninger. “Novel Preparation and Ultrasound Challenges Distal Ulnar Collateral Ligament Anterior Bundle Attachment Renamed Medial Elbow Complex Improving Clinical and Education Arenas.”

Allison Ingle and Brion Benninger. “Applying Gluteal Dissection Protocol Building a Mental Template for Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Techniques and Sonoanatomy Identification of Gluteal-Piriformis-Sciatic Region using GAX-Specimen vs Formalin-Fixed Deceased Donors.”

Ethan Fulsher, Joey Yankee, Ryan Hess and Brion Benninger. “Integrating Shoulder Anatomy Dissection from GAX-Specimen vs Formalin-Fixed Deceased-Donors Identifying Rotator Crescent.”

Ryan Zahed and Brion Benninger. “Novel Innovative Tissue Stain Enhances Reveals Peripheral Nerves from Cross Sectional Imaging.”

Clarissa Hand and Brion Benninger. “Cervical Spine Reorganized as Occipital, Cervical and Transitional Vertebrae.”

WesternU Night with the Ontario Reign

Please note the game starts at 7 p.m.

The Ontario Reign is our local professional ice hockey team (American Hockey League/AHL) that plays in the Toyota Arena.

This is a special event open to all WesternU students, alumni, faculty, staff, and their families. Join us for an unforgettable evening of connection, entertainment, high-energy Reign hockey action, plus a fun '90s Night theme! Don't miss this chance to celebrate your WesternU pride.

Event Details:

· What: WesternU Night with the Ontario Reign vs. Henderson Silver Knights

· When: Friday, March 6, 2026

· Time: Game starts at 7 p.m.

· Where: Toyota Arena – 4000 Ontario Center, Ontario, CA

· Special Event Highlights:

· Exciting hockey action

· Enjoy a '90s Night theme

· Group photo on the ice!

Ticket Information: Special pricing available to WesternU community (while supplies last)

· Prices: Ranging from $21.05 - $29.12

· Purchase Tickets Here