Research and Innovation Showcase 2026 Program
Pursuing excellence for lasting impacts that strengthen our communities
Thank you for coming together to reaffirm that innovation thrives when exceptional talent, bold ideas, and a culture of curiosity and collaboration unite with purpose. Together, through our commitment to research and innovation excellence, we aspire not only to meet the challenges of today but to shape the future. If you are posting updates on social media, please use #OhioStatelnnovates.
Welcoming Remarks
John M. Horack, Vice President for Research
Research and Creative Inquiry Spotlight Talks
Spotlight talk title
Zak Kassas, Professor, College of Engineering
Introduction: Cynthia Carnes, Senior Associate Vice President, Research Operations
Spotlight talk title
Carmen Quatman, Orthopedic Surgeon and Associate Professor, College of Medicine
Introduction: Name, Title
Spotlight talk title
Matthew Steinhauer, Ph.D. Student, College of Arts and Sciences
Introduction: Loren Wold, Senior Associate Vice President
Presentation of the Innovator of the Year Awards
Next Generation Innovator of the Year
Presenters: Name, Title
Early Career Innovator of the Year
Presenters: Paco Herson, Associate Vice President, Health Science Innovations and Kevin Taylor, Chief Innovation Officer
Innovator of the Year
Presenter: John M. Horack, Vice President for Research
Closing Remarks
John M. Horack, Vice President for Research
Please join us for a reception immediately following the showcase.
Meet our Spotlight Speakers
Zak Kassas
Zak Kassas is the TRC Endowed Chair in Intelligent Transportation Systems and a Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at The Ohio State University (OSU). He is the Director of the Autonomous Systems Perception, Intelligence, and Navigation (ASPIN) Laboratory. He is also the Director of the U.S. Department of Transportation Center: CARMEN.
Carmen Quatman
Carmen Quatman, MD, PhD, is an orthopedic surgeon at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. She also an associate professor of Department of Orthopaedics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine and has fellowship training in geriatric orthopedic trauma.
Matthew Steinhauer
At Ohio State, Steinhauer is researching how to build cutting-edge language learning experiences in virtual reality for those who may not be able to financially support the chance to study abroad.