Olivia Simcox, a second-year osteopathic medical student at Marian University’s Wood College of Osteopathic Medicine, has been named the 2025–26 Student Researcher of the Year by the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons Medical Student Section.
The national honor recognizes one medical student annually for exceptional achievement in osteopathic surgical research. Simcox was selected from a pool of monthly honorees representing colleges of osteopathic medicine across the country. She was first recognized as the organization’s Student Researcher of the Month in December 2025 before earning the top distinction at the group’s spring conference.
Simcox received the award in recognition of her strong scholarly contributions and consistent engagement in research, including presenting at multiple national ACOS conferences. She also earned a $1,000 prize.
In addition to her research accomplishments, Simcox has served as president of Marian’s ACOS student chapter during the 2025–26 academic year. Building on that leadership, she has been selected to serve as communications chair on the ACOS-MSS national executive committee, where she will help guide the organization’s outreach and engagement efforts.
Her recognition highlights the growing impact of Marian University students in advancing osteopathic surgical research on a national stage.