NEOvations announces new leadership team and bold community-centered vision

NEOvations Bench to Bedside, Northeast Ohio Medical University's premier student-led innovation initiative, proudly announces its new leadership team for 2025-2026. With a strong mix of returning experience and new energy, this year’s team is ready to expand the program's reach both within NEOMED and throughout the surrounding communities.

Leadership Team:

• President: Mitchell Bailey (M2)
• Vice President: Abigail Schwenk (M2)
• Treasurer: Mike DiSabato (PhD)
• Director of Communications: Arnav Singh (M1)
• Directors of Engineering and Prototype Development: Adam Grden (M1) and Nafees Sathik (M1)
• Director of Operations: Yena Kong (M2)
• Director of Clinical Outreach: Meredith Farrell (M2)
• Director of Outreach (Out of State): Shahabeddin Yazdanpanah (M2)
• Director of Student Outreach: Trevor Wentworth (M1)
• Director of Professional Outreach: Bobby Smallwood (M1)

Additional student leaders and collaborators are also stepping into roles to support the program’s continued growth and development.

One of the team’s main priorities this year is to strengthen collaboration across all colleges at NEOMED. There is a strong push to involve more members of the NEOMED community, including students, faculty and staff beyond the College of Medicine and the College of Graduate Studies. According to President Mitchell Bailey, "Innovation thrives on diverse perspectives. By inviting broader participation, we hope to create stronger, more comprehensive solutions to real healthcare challenges."

The team is also looking outward, with plans to engage the Rootstown, Ravenna, Kent and Akron communities in a new public event focused on health education. This initiative will provide accessible information about common medical conditions and showcase how NEOvations Bench to Bedside teams are working to address these problems through creative, team-based innovation.

NEOvations Bench to Bedside continues to play an important role in advancing NEOMED’s mission, especially in supporting the University’s core pillar of innovation. The leadership team is eager to welcome new participants who are passionate about improving healthcare and making a lasting impact. Whether you're a student with a great idea, a faculty member interested in mentoring or a community partner looking to collaborate, NEOvations Bench to Bedside is ready to work with you.

For more updates or to get involved, follow NEOvations Bench to Bedside on LinkedIn, Instagram or contact the team at neovations@neomed.edu.

- submitted by Mitchell Bailey (M2)