LMU-Lexington and LMU-Corbin will be closed today (Friday 12/12/25) due to inclement weather.
Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine (LMU-DCOM) has named Student Doctors Makenna Hoover, OMS-II, and Sumner Tillman, OMS-III, as its 2025 Student Researchers of the Year. Hoover represents the Harrogate Campus and Tillman represents the Knoxville Campus.
The annual recognition honors students who demonstrate exceptional achievement in clinical, translational, or basic science research. According to Dr. Natalie Freeman, LMU-DCOM assistant dean of research, both students stood out in a highly competitive field.
"These two exceptional students have demonstrated highly competitive experiences and significant advancement in clinical, translational, or basic science research. Their contributions exemplify the excellence and dedication we value in osteopathic medical education," Freeman said.
Both Hoover and Tillman will now advance to compete for the AACOM National Student Researcher of the Year Award. The national program, created in 2015 by the AACOM Council of Osteopathic Student Government Presidents, recognizes osteopathic medical students whose work supports the mission of the osteopathic profession and COSGP.
Hoover said receiving the recognition is deeply meaningful for her.
"I have struggled with imposter syndrome, like many of my peers, often wondering whether I was truly good enough to be in these rooms," Hoover said. "Being named Student Researcher of the Year was more than an award. It was the first moment I allowed myself to see what others had seen in me all along. It is tangible proof that my growth, effort, and dedication were not accidents of luck, but the result of consistently showing up and earning my place at the table."
Hoover’s research centers on the oral microbiome and its influence on systemic health. She studies environmental exposures and lifestyle factors, including vaping, as well as potential therapeutic agents such as DMSO and DMSO₂. Her goal is to advance diagnostic tools and therapies that support holistic and patient-centered care.
She thanked her research mentor, Dr. Domenico Palazzolo, for his guidance and encouragement. She also shared her gratitude for her friends and family.
Tillman said the recognition reflects the work of many.
"The award is an incredible honor. It not only recognizes my work, but also the hard work of research teams and faculty support. It motivates me to further pursue scientific questions that improve patient care," she said.
Her research interests focus on osteopathic medical education and curriculum development, with an emphasis on helping future physicians better understand whole-person health. She also hopes to use her research experiences to support multidisciplinary collaboration and patient-centered care.
Tillman thanked the faculty members who supported her throughout her OPP Scholar year. Many of her research projects were completed during that time.
Freeman congratulated all applicants and noted the strength of this year’s submissions.
"We wish both students the very best as they compete at the national level, and thank all students who submitted applications this year," Freeman said.
The DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine is located on the campus of Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee, and at LMU-Knoxville in Knoxville, Tennessee. LMU-DCOM is an integral part of LMU’s values-based learning community and is dedicated to preparing the next generation of osteopathic physicians to provide health care in the often-underserved region of Appalachia and beyond. For more information about LMU-DCOM, call 1.800.325.0900, ext. 7082, email dcom@LMUnet.edu, or visit us online at http://med.LMUnet.edu.
