Research and Innovation Showcase 2026

burst of red light over a planetary horizon with outer space in the background burst of red light over a planetary horizon with outer space in the background

At Ohio State, our commitment to research and innovation excellence delivers insights that endure by advancing knowledge, guiding real‑world decisions across industries, and generating meaningful impact that strengthens communities near and far. Together, we aspire not only to meet the challenges of today but to shape the future with discoveries that uplift, empower, and inspire generations to come.

On Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at the Energy Advancement and Innovation Center we brought together researchers, scholars, visionary thinkers and teams of research administration to reaffirm a powerful truth: innovation flourishes when exceptional talent, bold ideas and a culture that encourages curiosity and partnership come together with purpose.

Hosted by the Enterprise for Research, Innovation and Knowledge (ERIK), the Research and Innovation Showcase highlights inspiring Spotlight Speakers who share their research passions, followed by the exciting announcements of Ohio State's Innovator of the Year awardees.

View photos from the event

Spotlight Speakers

College of Medicine
Physician, Associate Professor

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. Carmen delivered the talk Built for Chaos: Mastering Prevention & Recovery in High-Stakes Medicine

Meet Carmen Quatman
Carmen Quatman photographed in a medical center white coat Carmen Quatman photographed in a medical center white coat
College of Arts and Sciences
Doctoral student in Japanese Pedagogy

Matthew Steinhauer

At Ohio State, Matthew 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. Matthew delivered the talk Unleashing the Constraints of Language.

Meet Matthew Steinhauer
Matthew Steinhauer in front of a brick wall Matthew Steinhauer in front of a brick wall
College of Engineering
Professor

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. Zak delivered the talk A Look at the Stars: Navigation with Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellites

Meet Zak Kassas
Zak Kassas in a black blazer and button down shirt Zak Kassas in a black blazer and button down shirt

2026 Innovators of the Year

Innovator of the Year

Luiz Meirelles

Assistant Professor of Dentistry

Video transcript of Luiz Meirelles, Dental Imaging Research and Clinical Innovation

Meet Luiz Meirelles

Early Career Innovator of the Year

Akshay Sood

Physician, Assistant Professor, College of Medicine

View the transcript of Akshay Sood, Surgical Innovation and Translational Cancer Research

Meet Akshay Sood

Next Generation Innovator of the Year

Hannah Myers

Second Year Computer Science and Engineering Major, College of Engineering

View the transcript of Hannah Myers, Research on Mold Detection and Entrepreneurial Inspiration

Meet Hannah Myers
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Research and Innovation Showcase Overview
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Research and Innovation Showcase 2025