SECOND ANNUAL
Research Week
May 12-16, 2025
Thank you to all who attended the second annual NUNM Research Week highlighting the exceptional achievements of NUNM researchers, students in the Master of Science in Clinical Research program, and professionals within the field of health research. All students, staff, and faculty members are invited to join – experience in research is not required! Research Week at the National University of Natural Medicine has the sole intention of building community within the field of research, providing networking opportunities, highlighting current innovative studies, and supporting the work of students through their educational journey.
May 12-16, 2025
NUNM Academic Building
Schedule of Events
Refreshments served and raffle entries for prizes at all events.
Monday, May 12
Lunch and Learn Presentation
Academic Building 107
Noon – 1 PM
Josh Goldenberg, ND
“Teaching Complementary and Integrative Health Students how to be Critical Evaluators of the Medical Literature through a Virtual Systematic Review Training Center”
1 – 2 PM
Dana Dharmakaya Colgan, PhD
“Ketogenic Metabolic Therapy for Long COVID and other infection-associated chronic illnesses”
Tuesday, May 13
Lunch and Learn Presentation
Academic Building 107
11- Noon
Brenna Bray, PhD
“Binge Eating Disorder is a Social Justice Issue! Findings from a Cross-Sectional Mixed-Methods Study of Expert Opinions and Experiences”
Noon – 1 PM
Matthew Hicks, ND, MSiMR
“Low-Income Group Psilocybin Assisted Therapy for Depression: A Feasibility Study
Wednesday, May 14
Lunch and Learn Presentation
Academic Building 310
Noon – 1 PM
Alex Cullen, ND, MSCR
“Introduction to Quantum Biology Literature”
1 – 2 PM
Erica Sharpe, PhD
“Yoga for Sleep and Relaxation”
Thursday, May 15
12:15 – 2 PM
Research Career Discussion Panel
Academic Building 107
Friday, May 16
All events are in Academic Building 107, unless noted
Oral Presentations | 1 – 3 PM
- Aubrey Leung: Free and Easy Wanderer: Clinical Applications of Xiao Yao San
- Danielle ZuZero: Craniosacral Therapy in the Context of Chronic Pain Management
- LaDaisy Turner and Lydia Akoto: Empowering Youth on the African Continent
Poster Symposium | 3 – 3:30 PM
- Patricia Filbin: Convergence Insufficiency Post TBI: A Systematic Review
- Payton Follestad: Ayahuasca Observational Pilot Study: Effects on Depression, Connectedness, Epigenetics and Microbiome
- Rudo Duri: Allium Sativum and Mental Health: A Scoping Review
Closing Celebration | 3:30 – 5:00 PM
- Social Mixer with Food and Mocktails Sponsored by Adapt Foods and NUNM Herb Society
- Poster Award Ceremony
- Attendance Raffle Prize Drawing
- Standard Process Table
NUNM Research Week is sponsored by NUNM, Helfgott Research Institute, Student Government Association, and Standard Process.
Researcher Highlights
Rudo Duri explores cognitive function and healing power of botanicals in research
Danielle ZuZero aims to strengthen craniosacral therapy research, build credibility in the field
Michelle Berg leaves finance to follow research, inspire solutions to complex conditions
Why attend Research Week at NUNM?
- For students: Research Week is an opportunity to network with professionals in the clinical research field, make connections for job opportunities, meet potential thesis committee members, practice presenting your research/thesis, learn about current research happenings, build your CV and enter the poster symposium!
- For non-research students: Get up to date on developing health research, and support fellow students.
- For faculty: Meet current research students and offer insight into what it’s like working in this field, to support NUNM students and their progress.
- For professionals: Share your experience with students and the NUNM community, network with future colleagues, and present your research.
2024 Research Week: Photo Gallery
Poster Symposium
NUNM students are invited to enter their scientific research poster to be displayed in the NUNM Academic Building throughout Research Week! Cash prizes will be awarded for first, second, and third place. Students will have the opportunity to accompany their poster during the Poster Symposium with an Award Ceremony to follow.
Can’t Make It In Person? Join Our Livestream!
If you’re unable to attend our Research Week events in person–we’ve got
you covered. Experience the excitement and knowledge-sharing from the
comfort of your own space by joining our livestream sessions.
NUNM will broadcast the events in real-time via Zoom, ensuring that you never
miss out on valuable insights and engaging discussions.
About the Helfgott Research Institute
NUNM’s Helfgott Research Institute is a professionally independent, non-profit research institute whose mission is to conduct rigorous, high-quality, research on the art and science of healing, specifically working to understand natural forms of medicine. Together, scientists from the fields of naturopathic medicine, Chinese medicine, acupuncture, immunology, and nutrition apply their expertise to the study of natural medicine.
Sponsors
Research Week is sponsored by NUNM, the Helfgott Research Institute,
Standard Process, and Student Government Association.
Past Events
Social Networking Mixer
Dr. Ryan Bradley, State of Research
May 3, 2024
Campus Tour
Clinical Research Program Discussion
with Dr. Ryan Bradley and Dr. Heather Zwickey
NUNM Student Research Presentations
Hannah Lemons: “Impacts of Maternal Exposures During the COVID-19 Pandemic on Pregnancy Outcomes and Offspring Development”
Johnny Lemau: “Beyond the Pain: Prolotherapy as a Transformative Treatment for Frozen Shoulder”
Patricia Filbin: Utilizing Ancient Breathing Techniques and Modern Day Technology to Improve Mental Health
Alex Cullen: “Describing Shen & Shen Ming via a Hybrid Quantum Computational Model”
Lydia Norby-Adams: “Altered Tryptophan Metabolism Following Micronutrients Intervention in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)”
LaDaisy Turner & Adam Patterson: “Global Health Student Fieldwork: Aiming to Connect Clinical Research with Global Health Issues”
Career Discussion Panel
Brice Thompson, ND, MS
Lynne Shinto, ND, MPH
Madeleine Tuson-Turner, ND, MSGH, MSiMR
Matthew Hicks, ND, MS
Nini Callan ND, MS
Ryan Bradley, ND, MPH
Research Poster Symposium
Alex Cullen: “Describing Shen & Shen Ming via a Hybrid Quantum Computational Model”
Danielle ZuZero: “Impact of Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement on Pain and Disability in Patients with Chronic Lumbosacral Radiculopathy: Results from an RCT”
Lydia Norby-Adams: “Altered Tryptophan Metabolism Following Micronutrients Intervention in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)”
Patricia Filbin: “Feasibility of Using a Meditation App in Adults with Anxiety Disorder”
Payton Follestad: “Ayahuasca Effects on Physical and Mental Health: An Observational Study”
Award Ceremony
1st: Payton Follestad
2nd: Lydia Norby Adams
3rd: Patricia Filbin
4th: Alex Cullen
April 30 – May 2, 2024
Lunch and Learn: Research Team Presentations
45-minute presentations followed by 15-minute Q&A
Tuesday: Ben Zimmerman, PhD
“Gota Kola’s effects on brain vascularity and aging”
Wednesday: Shirin Pourafshar, PhD, MSCR, RDN
“Nutrition and food science research as a part of supplement development with Standard Process”
Thursday: Lita Buttolph, PhD, DSOM, MS
“QiGong and Acupuncture in the treatment of neurological disorders”
Sponsors
Research Week 2024 was sponsored by NUNM, the Helfgott Research Institute, Student Government Association, and Standard Process.