The inaugural MSU Health Equity Symposium will be held October 25, 2024, at the MSU Kellogg Conference and Hotel Center. This symposium aims to bring together researchers from MSU, MSU Extension, and health partners including Henry Ford Health and Corewell Health, to advance transdisciplinary research projects aligned with MSU's 2030 strategic plan goals, particularly those addressing health equity and social determinants of health.
Keynote speakers and panelists will motivate MSU researchers to further contribute to the mission of advancing health equity. This symposium will serve as a platform for researchers to share insights, develop collaborations on innovative projects, and foster meaningful connections. The goal of this symposium is to inspire participants to drive positive change in health equity research. Breakfast and lunch will be provided.
The event is at capacity. To be added to the waiting list, or to let us know if your plans have changed so we can open your seat to the waiting list, please reach out to bakijata@msu.edu.
9:00 | Symposium begins |
9:05 | Opening remarks |
9:10 | Table activity |
9:45 | Welcome remarks |
10:00 | Keynote Address: Health Disparities in Michigan, Dr. Sarah Lyon-Callo, Senior Deputy Director, Public Health Administration, Michigan Department of Health & Human Services |
10:35 | Keynote Address: Dr. Richard T. Benson, Director, Office of Global Health and Health Disparities in the NINDS Division of Clinical Research, National Institutes of Health |
11:05 | Break |
11:15 | Panel Discussion, moderated by Olorunseun O. Ogunwobi, Barnett Rosenberg Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Chairperson, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology |
12:00 | Lunch, with remarks by Doug Gage, Vice President for Research and Innovation |
1:05 | Introduction to afternoon work session |
1:15 | Working tables |
2:45 | Working tables report out |
3:00 | Looking Ahead and Closing Remarks |
3:30 | Symposium Ends |
Health Equity Symposium Planning Committee
Judy Arnetz | Associate Chair for Research, Department of Family Medicine, College of Human Medicine |
Tanya Bakija | Events and Special Projects Coordinator, Research and Innovation |
Susan Buchholz | Associate Dean for Research, College of Nursing |
Cheryl Eschbach | Director, Health & Nutrition Institute, MSU Extension |
Marita Gilbert | Associate Dean, Diversity & Campus Inclusion, College of Osteopathic Medicine |
Joan Ilardo | Director of Research Initiatives, College of Human Medicine |
Nicole Jones | Assistant Professor, Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health, College of Human Medicine; Director for the Flint Registry |
Henry Lim | Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice Committee Vice Chair, Henry Ford Health Senior Vice President of Academic Programs |
Miles McNall | Director for Community-Engaged Research, Office for Public Engagement and Scholarship, University Outreach and Engagement |
Olorunseun "Seun" Ogunwobi | Chair, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Human Medicine |
Cara Poland | Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine |
Renee Shepherd | Project Manager, MSU Health Sciences |
Fei Sun | Professor, Health and Aging Certificate Program Coordinator, School of Social Work, College of Social Science |
Heatherlun Uphold | Assistant Professor, Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health, College of Human Medicine |
Irving Vega | Associate Professor, Department of Translational Neuroscience, College of Human Medicine, Committee Chair |
Daniel Vélez Ortiz | Associate Professor, School of Social Work, College of Social Science |
Denise White-Perkins | Director, Healthcare Equity Initiatives, Office of System Diversity Equity and Inclusion; Vice Chair of Academic Affairs, Department of Family Medicine, Henry Ford Health |
Kimberlydawn Wisdom | Senior Vice President of Community Health & Equity, Chief Wellness & Diversity Officer, Henry Ford Health |
Michigan State University is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services, and activities. Accommodation for persons with disabilities may be requested by contacting (517) 355-0306 or bakijata@msu.edu.