Western University of Health Sciences College of Podiatric Medicine students learned about the importance of advocating for their profession at “Rising Voices for Podiatric Medicine,” an engaging and collaborative American Podiatric Medical Students’ Association (APMSA) Advocacy Forum designed to inspire and equip the next generation of leaders in podiatric medicine.

The event, held Dec. 19, 2025 on the WesternU California campus, featured American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Board member Holly Spohn-Gross, DPM, California Podiatric Medical Association President and CPM Associate Professor Arman Kirakosian, DPM, CPM Professor Stephen Wan, DPM, FACFAS, CPMA Executive Director Michael Cornelison, DPM, FACFAS, and CPMA Legislative Counsel Ryan Spencer, MA, MBA.

“As podiatric students, we are incredibly fortunate to be at a school that values our voices and encourages our involvement with legislative efforts. Having the opportunity to help shape not only our profession but our future livelihood, even before we are licensed, is something I do not take lightly,” said CPM student Carrissa Smith, MSMS, RN, BSN, who is the Task Force Lead of the WesternU APMSA Legislative Committee. “In every class at WesternU, I see remarkable leaders—students who are thoughtful, driven, compassionate, and deeply invested in the future of podiatric medicine. The energy, curiosity, and commitment in this room are truly inspiring. Our speakers today reflect that same spirit by empowering us and reminding us that legislative advocacy is not something we wait for—it begins with students who care enough to engage. I am proud to stand among such an extraordinary group of future physicians and look forward to the meaningful impact we will create together as we move forward in our careers and continue to advance our profession.”

Read the full story: WesternU College of Podiatric Medicine’s ‘Rising Voices’ inspires students to advocate for their profession | WesternU News

COMP Assistant Professor Vikrant Rai, MBBS, MS, PhD, is one of 12 applicants to be selected for the nCounter Multiomics Grant. The nCounter instrument is a mid-plex (~800 targets), non-enzymatic, quantitative direct detection platform for protein, RNA, or miRNA. A lot of researchers appreciate its lack of amplification bias, quick turnaround time, and simple data analysis (the output is just gene or protein counts in a spreadsheet which can be analyzed in our freeware). Bruker Spatial Biology has developed and launched a same-sample multiomic workflow this fall and, to raise awareness, is sponsoring a 12 sample multiomic project.

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: Doors open 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

Come out, cheer on the Ontario Reign, and celebrate the WesternU community! We can't wait to see you there!

Click flier to view larger.

Marketing and Communications is holding an open studio portrait day in Pomona:

9 a.m. to 3:20 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22

Please sign up for a timeslot that works for your schedule if you would like a new studio portrait.

We will schedule additional portrait days for those who cannot come to the studio on this day.