Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) will host the 2026 Willcoxon Innovation in Health Sciences Summit on March 27 at the Taylor Performing Arts Center on the MSSU campus. The annual event brings together health care professionals, students, and community members to explore new technologies, research, and strategies shaping the future of health sciences.
The keynote address will be delivered by Dr. Mary Joy Garcia-Dia, program director for nursing informatics at New York Presbyterian Hospital, where she leads enterprise-wide digital information within the Institute for Nursing Excellence and Innovation. Her presentation, “The Evolution of Care Through Innovation,” will focus on the evolving role of informatics and digital transformation in advancing patient care and nursing practice.
Dr. Yayun Du, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering at Vanderbilt University, will present “From Bench-top to Bedside: Translating Wearable Technologies into Real-World Health Care Impact.” Her research centers on bridging engineering innovation with clinical applications to improve patient outcomes.
Dr. Crystal Lemmons, dean of the College of Health, Life Sciences and Education at MSSU, will provide an overview of the University’s health science mission and facilities, outlining how new programs are supporting the institution as a statewide leader in health-focused education.
Participants will also experience a virtual tour of campus facilities featuring immersive learning environments designed to prepare students for real-world clinical practice. During the luncheon session, Willcoxon Scholars, a cohort of undergraduate researchers, will present their current projects and answer questions.
The program will also feature panel discussions with national and regional health care leaders addressing topics such as meeting the unique challenges of rural health care.
This year’s summit carries added significance as MSSU highlights its recently expanded statewide mission, becoming Missouri’s first public university with a focused emphasis on health and life sciences, immersive learning and global education.
Online registration for the event closes on Friday, March 20. Learn more and register here.
Reference:
University Relations and Marketing
Missouri Southern State University
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