From interdisciplinary partnerships to emerging discoveries, collaboration took center stage at the 11th annual Western University of Health Sciences Oregon Research Symposium. The event, held Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, included more than 45 poster presentations and five oral presentations.

The Research Symposium featured two keynote addresses: Oregon Health and Sciences University Professor David Farrell, PhD, FAHA, who delivered “The Road to a Research Career is Non-Linear,” and University of Oregon Associate Professor Ian Greenhouse, PhD, who presented “Why Study Motor Control?” Both speakers encouraged students to pursue research topics that genuinely interest them and emphasized that nontraditional or winding career paths are a natural part of the research journey. 

Cascades West Innovation Hub sponsored a biotech mixer designed to foster networking and interprofessional teamwork. Local entrepreneurs and businesses working in biotechnology connected with students and faculty to discuss current advancements in technology and to explore opportunities for future partnerships.

Click here to read the full story. 

Fourth-year podiatric medical students recently traveled to Rosemont, Ill. for the Centralized Residency Interview Program (CRIP). They interviewed with podiatric medical and surgical residencies from throughout the country as they prepare for Match Day, graduation and residency.

Taking part in this process were Western University of Health Sciences College of Podiatric Medicine faculty leading a new Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Residency with Reconstructive Rearfoot/Ankle Certification (PMSR/RRA) program at Riverside University Health System.

CPM Assistant Professor Joseph Park, DPM, FACFAS, serves as residency director. CPM Associate Professor and Continuing Education Director Adrienne Estes, DPM ’13, MS, FACFAS, DABPM, serves as assistant residency director. The first resident in this new program will begin July 1, 2026.

Click here to read the full story.

Matt Wedel, PhD, of COMP and CPM, and colleagues published a new paper on the obscure dinosaur Dystrophaeus: Foster, J.R., Trujillo, K.C., Irmis, R.B., Wedel, M.J., Chamberlain, K., Gillette, D.D., and McMullen, S.K. 2026. History, age, and stratigraphy of the type locality of Dystrophaeus viaemalae (Sauropoda) in the lower Morrison Formation of southeastern Utah. New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science Bulletin.

Click here to read this open access paper.

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!

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

9 a.m. to 2:50 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17

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.