She is one of seven students across the country selected for the scholarship, which aims to cultivate the next generation of dental leaders who are committed to making positive changes in oral health. The scholarship supports dental students who exemplify exceptional leadership, service, academic achievement, and professional excellence.
Saad was presented with the scholarship on Monday, July 20, 2026, by ATSU-ASDOH Dean Desmond Gallagher, BDS, MA, FACD, and Janet Woldt, PhD, MS, associate dean, associate professor.
Summer Updates & Celebrations from the ATSU Libraries
Summertime brought a robust wave of activity across our three campus libraries. From national recognitions to welcoming our newest students, our team has been hard at work supporting the ATSU community. Here is a quick look at what we’ve been up to:
Conference Highlights & National Honors In May, library staff represented ATSU at the annual Medical Library Association (MLA) conference in Milwaukee, WI, presenting two posters, three papers, and three immersion sessions.
Special congratulations to the team behind the poster, “Beyond the Desk: Using a Targeted Email Campaign to Boost Student Engagement and Success in PA Clinical Rotations,” Hal Bright, Dot Winslow, and Laura Barkema, which earned Best Research Poster for the entire conference! Kudos to everyone who contributed and participated.
Welcoming Students & Supporting Research July was all about onboarding. We welcomed incoming students to the Arizona and Missouri campuses with a series of interactive orientation activities showcasing our core library services for students.
A friendly reminder for faculty and staff: our 3D Print Lab and Poster Printing Services remain fully operational and eager to support your academic projects. If you are focused on scholarship this term, take a moment to review our latest article on New Library Research Processes.
Faculty & Staff Achievements Please join us in celebrating a few major staff accomplishments:
Hal Bright published an article examining DO exam prep collections across COM libraries in JMLA.
Student AI Literacy Course Team (Julia Peters, Leslie Golamb, Dot Winslow, and Jessica Richardson) successfully authored and launched a new Student AI Literacy course for incoming ATSU students, made possible by an internal ATSU grant. Interested in enrolling your students? Reach out to your liaison librarian.
A Fond Farewell Finally, we want to extend a heartfelt farewell to Maud Mundava, our Assistant University Library Director, Missouri Campus Library Head, and liaison to MOSDOH and CGHS. Maud, you leave big shoes to fill, and your dedication has deeply impacted so many across ATSU. We wish you all the best in your next chapter!
Need Assistance?
Have questions or need support this term? Check out our FAQ Page, reach out directly to your liaison librarian, or connect with Hal Bright via chat or at hbright@atsu.edu.
Best, Hal Bright ATSU Libraries
New Tutorials Available: Strengthen Your Research Data Management Skills
Have federal grant requirements become overwhelming or time-consuming? The Library’s Research Data Management Services is pleased to introduce two new self-paced tutorials that simplify key research administration processes and help researchers meet evolving funding requirements.
Mastering the SciENcv Biosketch guides researchers through managing their digital research identity and using the SciENcv platform to create agency-compliant biosketches with confidence. The tutorial demonstrates how to automate publication imports, generate certified biosketch documents, and simplify the preparation process for grant applications.
Mastering Research Data Management (RDM) and the NIH Data Management and Sharing Policy provides a behind-the-scenes look at developing an effective Data Management and Sharing (DMS) Plan. Researchers will gain a clear understanding of each required plan element, learn how to apply them to NIH-funded projects, receive a hands-on demonstration of the DMPTool, and explore how the 2023 NIH DMS Plan aligns with the updated 2026 requirements.
Whether you’re preparing your first grant application or looking to stay current with NIH policy changes, these tutorials offer practical guidance and resources to support your research success.
Summer has brought exciting upgrades to the Arizona campus! In June, the library installed new study banquette seating, which has quickly become a student favorite for both collaborative projects and focused individual study.
During Orientation Week, the library proudly hosted the Student Information Fair, welcoming hundreds of incoming students. Attendees connected with key campus resources, learning about library services, student organizations, Enrollment Services, Alumni Affairs, and the many support systems available across the university. We look forward to keeping the momentum going when we host the Student Club Fair later in August!
Library Services Spotlight As you prep for upcoming projects, don’t forget that the library offers 3D printing, large-format poster printing, pay-for-print color printing, and high-resolution scanning services.
California Campus Library Updates
The California branch is excited that drywall has gone up in the new location. Library staff are planning out furniture layouts in anticipation of the mid-September move. We look forward to welcoming local second-year and incoming students to the new space.
Held in Columbia, Missouri, the Summit brought together stakeholders committed to supporting sustainable GME programs, and retaining physicians in Missouri’s urban, rural, and underserved communities.
Dana Nelson, MA, ATSU-KCOM Sponsoring Institution director and GME TAC coordinator, presented “Graduate Medical Education & Accreditation 101,” covering the fundamentals of GME, the role of the ACGME, the five stages of GME development, and key strategies for success.
Richard J. LaBaere II, DO, MPH, FAODME, associate dean, graduate medical education, presented “What the MO GME TAC Can Do for You,” highlighting the TAC’s goal to add 1,000 new physicians to Missouri by 2036 while detailing the specific support and resources the organization provides.
Additionally, Patricia Sexton, DHEd, associate dean, medical education, was on a panel about the role of Missouri medical schools in expanding the physician workforce and promoting primary care, and Brent Gonda, DO, ’25, ATSU-KCOM Northeast Regional Medical Center – NRMC Family Medicine Program, was on a panel of medical students, residents, and program directors to discuss strategies for residency recruitment and physician retention.
White coats have been worn for more than 100 years by physicians, and this formal ceremony recognizes students for reaching a milestone in their professional education, symbolizing and commemorating their commitment and responsibility to their chosen profession and future patients.
Kristin Blunk, EdD, MBA, assistant dean, academic affairs, presented the class of 2030, followed by Margaret Wilson, DO, ’82, dean and professor, ATSU-KCOM, and Cooper Doolin, OMS II, president, class of 2029, who provided introductions. Opening remarks were also delivered by Gaylah Sublette, MBA, president, Missouri campus.
Doolin and Dr. Blunk participated in the key transfer ceremony, presenting the symbolic key for the cabin of A.T. Still, DO, to Alexandra Kliethermes, OMS I, of the class of 2030. The key is a symbol of the University’s heritage, and also of the commitment current students have to supporting members of the incoming class.
Watch the full ceremony and check out more photos below!
A New Year, New Opportunities
A new academic year brings new opportunities to learn, discover, and thrive, and we are here to support you every step of the way. As we welcome our newest medical and dental students and reconnect with returning students, faculty, and staff, we’re excited to offer the resources, expertise, and services you need to succeed.
From expert research support and scholarly resources to quiet study spaces, workshops, and personalized consultations, the library is more than a place to study, it’s your partner in learning, teaching, research, and clinical excellence. Explore what’s new this fall and discover how we’re helping our campus community achieve more.
✓ Follow the library on social media for updates and events.
✓ Don’t wait until finals week to ask for help, we’re here year-round!
Making Connections: Information Fair 2026
The library team was pleased to participate in this year’s Information Fair, where we had the opportunity to meet incoming students and introduce them to the many services and resources available through the library.
From research support and study spaces to technology lending and evidence-based practice resources, our goal was to ensure students begin their academic journey with confidence and know where to turn when they need assistance.
Open House Reflections
Our recent Library Open House welcomed students, faculty, and staff from both KCOM and MOSDOH. Visitors toured library spaces, met library staff, explored available resources, and learned how the library supports teaching, learning, research, and clinical practice.
The event provided a wonderful opportunity to connect with our campus community and showcase both familiar and new services available throughout the year.
Innovation Spotlight: 3D Printing in Healthcare Education
Students and faculty can utilize 3D printing technology to support coursework, research projects, educational models, and creative problem-solving. As healthcare education continues to evolve, these tools provide exciting opportunities to enhance learning through hands-on experiences.
Did You Know?
Anatomical models can support visual learning.
Faculty can explore innovative teaching applications.
The White Coat Ceremony is a symbol of a student’s dedication to becoming a compassionate, competent healthcare professional. Characteristic of this ceremony is publicly swearing an oath acknowledging the students’ responsibility to their new profession and future patients.
Brittney Hulsey, DMSc, PA-C, ’15, program director and associate professor, welcomed the audience, followed by opening remarks from Ann Lee Burch, PT, EdD, MS, MPH, dean. The keynote address was given by Joel Olmstead, MS, PA-C, and Guillermo Flores, PA, ’27, president, Kettle Society, led students in the physician assistant oath.
Check out more photos and view the full ceremony below.
Additionally, the School welcomed 10 students who are members of the Advanced Standing International Dentist program, designed for internationally educated dentists who desire to earn their doctor of dental medicine (DMD) degree for practice in the U.S.
The White Coat Ceremony is a ritual practiced by many groups in the healing professions. It symbolizes the students’ commitment to the obligations of their new profession. Characteristic of this ceremony is publicly swearing an oath acknowledging the students’ responsibility to their new profession and future patients.
Kneka P. Smith, EdD, MPH, ’19, dean, and Ali Mohammad, D2, president, class of 2029, welcomed guests to the ceremony. Mohammad was joined by Brooke Robinson, MPA, director of Student Success, in transferring the symbolic key for the cabin of A.T. Still, DO, to Evelyn Durkee, D1, of the class of 2030. The key is a symbol of the University’s heritage and of the commitment current students have to supporting members of the incoming class.
Gaylah Sublette, MBA, president, Missouri campus, delivered the closing remarks.
Check out more photos and view the full ceremony below.
Whether you are an old hat at scoping or systematic reviews or dipping your toes into evidence synthesis with your first review, the Library is here to partner with you every step of the way.
To better serve our campus community, we have streamlined our research assistance processes and clarified our service models. If you are interested in collaborating with us or utilizing any of our research support services, simply complete our Research Assistance and Review Consultation Form, and one of our liaison librarians will reach out to get your project started.
Tailored Service Tiers
We recognize that different projects require different levels of library involvement. To meet these varied needs, the Library offers three distinct tiers of service:
Tier 1: Guidance Ideal for teams looking for expert advice while maintaining full hands-on control. Librarians provide education on methodologies (such as systematic or scoping reviews), help refine research topics, recommend databases, suggest edits to search strategies, and teach tools like Covidence. Librarians also review final methods sections and PRISMA diagrams.
Tier 2: Education with Co-Author A collaborative model balancing instruction and direct library support. Librarians co-create protocols, collaborate on search strategies, share database translation tasks, and teach search methods. Librarians also help write the search strategy and methods sections of protocols and manuscripts.
Tier 3: Co-Author A comprehensive partnership model. The library team assists with IRB processes (if applicable), and librarians fully develop, translate, and execute search strategies across all syntax environments and grey literature. Librarians export results into review software, locate and upload all full-text articles, and write the complete search strategy and methods sections for protocols and manuscripts.
Note for all tiers: Librarians assist with identifying journals within vendor agreements and offer tools for publication selection. For data visualization and paper editing, faculty-led teams are referred to Research Support.
Customized Workflows: Faculty/Staff vs. Students To ensure everyone receives the appropriate level of instruction and assistance, our workflows differ depending on whether the project is student-led or faculty/staff-led.
Faculty & Staff Workflow
Faculty and staff projects have access to Tiers 1, 2, and 3.
Initial Consult: The librarian meets with your team to discuss the project, clarify tier options, align expectations with review types, evaluate your research topic/question, and set a project timeline.
Team Meetings: Teams participate in 2 to 6 meetings (for Tiers 1 and 3) or 2 to 8 meetings (for Tier 2). These sessions review project stages, refine questions, build strategies, and guide tool usage (e.g., citation managers and Covidence).
Writing & Publication: Librarians assist with writing methods sections, review PRISMA diagrams, and verify journal vendor agreements
Student Workflow
To support student learning and skill development, students are offered Tier 1 services.
Initial Consult: The librarian guides students through choosing the correct review type, evaluating their research question, outlining timelines, and explaining the Tier 1 learning model.
Team Meetings: Across 2 to 6 scheduled meetings, the librarian reviews project stages, explains necessary revisions, demonstrates how to locate full-text articles, and introduces essential software tools.
Writing & Publications: Students write their own reviews and are encouraged to utilize the University Writing Center for edits. Librarians assist by checking vendor journal agreements, reviewing methods and PRISMA diagrams, and educating students on finding author guidelines and sample reviews.
Ready to Start Your Project?
We are excited to help elevate your research! If you’re not sure where to start, please view our Research Hub for information about the types of reviews we can assist with. To request support or schedule an initial consultation, please fill out the Research Assistance and Review Consultation Form, and a liaison librarian will be in touch.
