Marian University’s Wood College of Osteopathic Medicine (MU-WCOM) has named Samuel Baule, OMS-III, as its 2026 Student Researcher of the Year, recognizing his exceptional dedication to scholarly inquiry and academic excellence.
Selected from an impressive pool of applicants representing all four years of the program, Baule distinguished himself through a highly competitive review process conducted by the MU-WCOM selection committee. His research portfolio reflects both depth and breadth, with seven peer-reviewed publications in respected journals, including Acta Neuropathologica Communications and eNeuro.
Baule’s published work spans a wide range of clinical and scientific topics, from neuronal cell death and soft tissue manipulation to rare conditions such as gallbladder volvulus. In addition to his publications, he has presented research findings at numerous national conferences, earning second place in the Best Scientific Poster Presentation category at the Annual Clinical Assembly of Osteopathic Surgeons in September.
More recently, Baule authored an article published in Cureus within the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons’ general surgery section, examining the competitiveness of osteopathic medical students matching into general surgery residencies over the past five years. This resource may be particularly valuable for students preparing for the residency application process.
The MU-WCOM community is invited to join in congratulating Samuel Baule on this well-deserved honor. As the college’s Student Researcher of the Year, he will advance for consideration for the COSGP National Student Researcher of the Year Award, with results expected to be announced in the coming weeks.