CHS Representatives Honored at CCTS Spring Conference

By Ryan Clark
CHS Communications Director

Researchers and students from the University of Kentucky College of Health Sciences earned multiple honors at the 21st annual CCTS Spring Conference, underscoring the college’s growing impact in clinical and translational science.

Held March 31 at Central Bank Center, the conference drew nearly 1,300 attendees, including researchers, clinicians, students and community members, making it one of the largest translational science gatherings hosted by a single institution. This year’s theme, focused on artificial intelligence in healthcare, brought together experts to explore how emerging technologies are shaping clinical care, research and innovation.

Among the highlights for the College of Health Sciences were abstract awards earned by students in the Rehabilitation and Health Sciences PhD program, including Lizzy Orhnberger, Ellie Renkert and Jamal Thruston.

Thruston also placed second in the conference’s One-Minute Poster Pitch Competition, a fast-paced event that challenges researchers to present their work in just 60 seconds.

“It felt wonderful,” Thruston said. “I really wanted to win the competition, and to have won top three out of almost 30 individuals, I felt extremely joyful and grateful.”

His presentation focused on evaluating the validity and reliability of a modified plyometric pushup using portable force plates — research aimed at developing efficient and safe performance testing for military service members.

“The purpose of this study was to provide an additional test that can be used for military purposes to assess what I like to call tactical athletes in a quick, safe and efficient manner,” he said.

Undergraduate researchers from the College also earned top proposal honors for their respective research projects presented during the conference, with Paige Rezner taking first place, second going to Maiya Bhandari (a triple major in neuroscience, Human Health Sciences on the pre-medicine track and Public Health) and third to Olivia Wilkins (a Human Health Sciences major on the pre-Physical Therapy track).

In addition to student achievements, Kirby P. Mayer, DPT, PhD and an associate professor in the College of Health Sciences, was recognized with a CCTS Mentor Recognition Award. The honor highlights faculty members who have made significant impacts on the development of emerging researchers.

The annual conference serves as a cornerstone of the University of Kentucky Center for Clinical and Translational Science’s mission to accelerate discoveries and foster collaboration across disciplines. The 2026 program featured keynote speakers, 70 podium presentations and more than 400 poster presentations spanning a wide range of health-related fields.

College leaders say the recognition across multiple levels — from undergraduate students to faculty mentors — reflects the strength of research and training within the College of Health Sciences and its commitment to advancing healthcare through innovation and education.