Pediatric Science Day
Pediatric Science Day is an annual event that celebrates Saint Louis University's pediatric research. The day-long symposium includes a keynote address from a visiting, distinguished pediatric physician-scientist, followed by research presentations and a reception.
Trainees at all levels — undergraduate and postgraduate students, residents and postdoctoral fellows — are encouraged to participate.
About the 19th Annual Pediatric Science Day
The 19th annual Pediatric Science Day was held on April 15, 2026, in the Danis Auditorium at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital.
Awards
Congratulations to the 19th Annual Pediatric Science Day winners for best AM and PM Platform presentation and best poster. Winners receive a $500 travel or publishing award.
- Best AM Platform Presentation: Gianna Cimarrusti-Jewhurst, a SLU medical student
- Principal Investigator: Adriana Montaño, Ph.D.
- Title: “Immunofluorescence Profiling Uncovers Key Structural Defects in Mucopolysaccharidoses Mouse Eyes”
- Best PM Platform Presentation: Amber Stefanski, a SLU medical student
- Principal Investigator: Kevin Chen, M.D.
- Title: “Increased Age at Primary Cleft Palate Repair is Associated with Worsened Five-Year Speech Outcomes”
- Best Poster: Cory Jonak, a pediatric resident
- Principal Investigator: Elaine Siegfried, M.D.
- Title: “A Novel Scoring Algorithm for Referral of Congenital Melanocytic Nevi by Primary Care Providers”
Keynote Speaker
Audrey R. Odom John, M.D., Ph.D., is the Stanley Plotkin Endowed Chair; chief of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia; and a professor of pediatrics and pathobiology at the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine and School of Veterinary Medicine, respectively.
John co-directs the CHOP Immunology and Infectious Diseases Research Initiative. Her research focuses on microbial metabolism, particularly in the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. John's translational interests include the development of new anti-infective agents to combat antimicrobial resistance, and non-invasive, breath-based diagnostics for pediatric infections.
John has received multiple honors, including the Young Investigator Award of the American Chemical Society – Infectious Diseases; the inaugural IDea Incubator Grand Prize from the Infectious Diseases Society of America; and the 2023 E. Mead Johnson Award from the Society for Pediatric Research.
Schedule of Events
Time: 8 to 9:15 a.m.
Presenter: Guest speaker
Time: 9:15 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Poster session: 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Breakfast, lunch, snacks and drinks will be provided throughout the event.
Time: 4 to 5:15 p.m.
The reception will include awards, photos and refreshments.