The Simmons University School of Sciences and Health Professions (SSHP) presented the STEM Colloquium 2026 on April 22. The event showcased student research, including oral and poster presentations. It was hosted by SSHP with sponsorship from The Office of Student Engagement, Success, and Diversity and a generous gift in memory of Cecile Leinwand Bronfin '63 from her family.
Remarks were delivered by Teresa Fung, a Ruby Winslow Linn Professor, director of the didactic program in dietetics, and the 2022 Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation Monsen Award winner.
A Day of Discovery and Undergraduate Presentations
Two dozen students gave oral presentations on a wide range of topics. These included the effects of maternal separation, PFAS (“forever”) chemicals, childhood trauma, and early-life antibiotic exposure on specific health metrics. Other topics covered the impact of gendered language, a new model for Parkinson’s Disease research, detecting algorithmic bias in public health risk prediction models, and the effect of public greenspace on academic performance on standardized tests in Massachusetts.
“The STEM Colloquium is one of my favorite days of the year,” said Assistant Professor Kelsea Gildawie. “It’s an opportunity for all of us to pause our hectic schedules and focus fully on the amazing work that our undergraduate researchers have been doing all year.”
The Paresky Conference Center and adjoining rooms were lined with poster presentations showcasing student research. Topics ranged from testing water quality and uses of focused ultrasound to experiences of grief and dementia.
“I am most fulfilled when I see my students smiling at the end of a successful podium presentation or chatting happily to intrigued peers at their posters,” added Gildawie. “My hope is that the STEM Colloquium is a day that our students can look back on with pride and use the memory of this accomplishment to move confidently into their future careers.”
