III. Annual Leonard A. Levy Research Symposium 2025
On behalf of Larkin University, it is my honor to welcome you to the Third Annual Leonard A. Levy Research Symposium. This event stands as a proud tradition—celebrating the creativity, dedication, and collaboration that drive discovery at Larkin University.
The past year has been a remarkable one for our institution. We welcomed our first class in the Physician Assistant program, completed our inaugural Summer Research Program, and enrolled the largest post-pandemic cohorts yet in both our Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences programs. These milestones reflect the continued growth of our academic and research enterprise.
We have also strengthened our research foundation through the establishment of the LU Office of Research and the appointment of Dr. Shrestha as Research Manager, enhancing the infrastructure that supports our faculty and student scholars. The Leonard A. Levy Research Symposium highlights the breadth of biomedical, pharmaceutical, and clinical research across our community and welcomes contributions from our partners at Florida International University, Barry University and Nova Southeastern University. Together, we celebrate inquiry, innovation, and shared learning.
This year’s program introduces an exciting new tradition—the “Larkin University Researcher of the Year” Award—and features a keynote address by Dr. Francisco Fernandez-Lima, Professor at FIU. As we gather today, may we continue to advance the spirit of discovery that defines Larkin University and strengthens our collective pursuit of knowledge.
Welcome to the Third Annual Leonard A. Levy Research Symposium!
Sincerely,
Rudi H. Ettrich, RNDr., MSc., Ph.D.
President/CEO
Larkin University
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
“Biological Mass Spectrometry:
From Small Molecules to Mega Dalton Complexes”
Francisco Fernandez-Lima, Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Florida International University
SPEAKERS
Zuzana Zajickova, Ph.D.
Professor of Chemistry
College of Arts and Science
Barry University
Thomas A. Edwards, Ph.D.
Professor
College of Biomedical Sciences
Larkin University
Dedeepya Pasupuleti, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
College of Pharmacy
Larkin University
Kristal Potter, Pharm.D.
Assistant Professor
College of Pharmacy
Larkin University
Rajendra Pangeni, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
College of Osteopathic Medicine
Nova Southeastern University
Priscilla Ryder, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
College of Pharmacy
Larkin University
Umar-Farouk Mamani, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
College of Pharmacy
Larkin University
Aarajana Shrestha, Ph.D.
Researcher
Office of Research
Larkin University
About Dr. Leonard A. Levy
Dr. Leonard A. Levy, D.P.M., M.P.H. (1935-2023) was born in New York. graduated of Thomas Jefferson High School, New York University, NY College of Podiatric Medicine, and Columbia University, where he was the first podiatrist to receive an M.P.H. degree. A lifelong leader and tireless champion of innovation in medical education, beginning as dean and later president of the California College of Podiatric Medicine, he also held senior positions at SUNY Stony Brook, University of Texas-Houston, and was founding dean of the College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery at the University of Osteopathic Medicine and Health Sciences in Des Moines, Iowa. A Fulbright Scholar at Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia, he maintained relationships there with faculty and exchange students. He retired in 2016 as professor emeritus from Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Even in retirement, he continued writing, lecturing and mentoring in the health professions and served on the Larkin University Board of Trustees where he led the research committee that developed research strategic planning. Over his long-lasting career he played an influential role in the lives of many of us and will forever be remembered as part of the legacy of Larkin University. As a recognition of his influence of the shape of our University, the LU Research Lab was named in his honor Leonard A Levy Research Laboratory.
Symposium Sponsor
The Annual Leonard A. Levy Research Symposium is made possible by a generous donation by Eleonore Levy
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND THE FULL PROGRAM CLICK HERE
