Six students in Indiana University of Pennsylvania’s College of Health Sciences participated in an international conference in China on medicine and health through the US-China Youth Program on Health Sciences and Culture, and an IUP faculty member was an invited presenter for the conference.
Lei Hao, associate professor in IUP’s Department of Allied and Public Health and coordinator of the Medical Imaging and Medical Laboratory Science program, organized and coordinated the students’ participation in the program and presented “From Science to Practice: Insights on the Balance of Omega-6/Omega-3 Ratios for Health Management” at the conference.
This is the first time that IUP students have been invited to be part of the event, which was held in August and based in Henan Province, China.
IUP participants in the Third Central Plains International Conference on Scientific and Technological Innovation in Traditional Chinese Medicine were, from left, Elizabeth Palmer, Calista Adomnik, Omid Keyhani, Lei Hao, Madison Gribbin, and Alyssa Kremposky (student Olivia Gambill is missing from the photo).
The students who attended the program include medical imaging majors Omid Keyhani and Alyssa Kremposky; speech-language pathology majors Calista Adomnik, Madison Gribbin, and Elizabeth Palmer; and food and nutrition major Olivia Gambill.
The event was sponsored by the Henan Modern Agriculture and Future Food Research Association, which covered all costs for the students.
The conference, the Third Central Plains International Conference on Scientific and Technological Innovation in Traditional Chinese Medicine, was based at Henan University in Henan Province, China. The conference theme was “Frontier Exploration and Industrial Transformation of Intelligent Biomanufacturing in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)” and was attended by policymakers, experts in TCM, scholars, industrial leaders, and international organization representatives, offering a forum for the exchange of thoughts on TCM’s heritage, development, and innovations. It included keynote and plenary talks from renowned speakers and presentations on related topics.
The event was developed to provide a professional development opportunity for students majoring in health professions and to foster meaningful connections between future health leaders from the United States and China. The program was also designed to provide students with a deeper understanding of traditional Chinese medicine, public health innovation, and global health systems.
“This was an extraordinary opportunity for our students to engage in global health dialogue and gain firsthand experience with international innovation and idea exchange,” said Hilliary Creely, interim dean of the College of Health Sciences. “I am grateful to Dr. Hao for his leadership in creating this experience, and proud of the students who represented IUP with such professionalism and curiosity. Partnerships like this enrich our college and open new doors for collaboration that will benefit our students, faculty, and communities for years to come.”
“Our department is committed to providing students with experiences that broaden their perspectives on health and well-being,” IUP Department of Allied and Public Health Chair Lori Lombard said. “Opportunities like this one allow them to connect classroom learning to real-world contexts, and I am so proud of the way they represented both our department and the university.”
“Our students were wonderful representatives of IUP,” Hao said. “Not only did they learn a great deal from this experience, but the Chinese participants also learned from them, creating a true exchange of knowledge and culture. This opportunity will benefit our students both in their academic studies and as they prepare for their future careers in healthcare.”
About the Student Participants
Calista Adomnik — “Having a first-hand experience in a country I have never been to will truly help me excel as a speech-language pathologist. Learning and understanding cultures that we aren’t directly intertwined with will always help our clientele feel more comfortable and connected with us. This trip has not only changed my perspective, but it has also given me the opportunity to continue to grow in my career field in a cultural aspect!”
At IUP, Adomnik is a member of the National Student Speech and Language Hearing Association, Best Buddies, and American Sign Language Club. From Cairnbrook, Somerset County, she is the daughter of Michelle Adomnik and Frank Adomnik and is a 2023 graduate of Shade Junior/Senior High School.
Olivia Gambill — “This trip was an invaluable opportunity to learn more about food medicine homology, network with people across the globe, and better understand the interdisciplinary efforts regarding food and public health.”
Gambill, of East Stroudsburg, a 2025 IUP bachelor’s degree graduate, is in the master’s in dietetics program. As an undergraduate, she was a member of the Cook Honors College and was a dean’s list student. She is a student leader in the Student Association of Nutrition and Dietetics and is the founder of the Student Association of Healthcare Simulations.
Madison Gribbin — “Being able to represent IUP in China was a surreal and unforgettable experience. I’m extremely grateful that I was able to take part in this opportunity. Thank you to Henan University for sponsoring us and making this trip possible. Also, thank you to IUP and Professor Lei Hao for coordinating this trip. Finally, huge shoutout to my family for helping me pay for my trip and cheering me on the entire time!”
Gribbin is a dean’s list student and member of the IUP Marching Band. From Portage, she is the daughter of Ryan Gribbin and Kristen Gribbin and a 2023 graduate of Portage Area School District.
Omid Keyhani — “Along with seeing the incredible greatness of Chinese history, beauty, and warmth of their culture, I was greatly inspired by their kindness and generous hospitality. It was amazing to meet new people with different backgrounds and learn from them. I see great potential for opportunities to grow from this. I am very thankful to both our host and IUP, who made this great experience happen.”
Keyhani, from Indiana, is a 2021 graduate of Radnor High School.
Alyssa Kremposky — “Visiting China, trying new foods, and immersing myself in a whole new culture and history was an unforgettable experience. It inspired me to plan adventures across the globe, and I am truly grateful to IUP for making this opportunity possible.”
She is a dean’s list student and a member of Alpha Sigma Tau sorority, Order of Omega, Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society, and IUP’s Panhellenic Council. From Connellsville, she is a 2023 graduate of Connellsville Area High School.
Elizabeth Palmer — “During my trip to China, I gained a much deeper appreciation for other cultures and the beauty of diversity. This experience taught me the value of communication, adaptability, and open-mindedness. Each one of these skills will help me in both my studies and future career as a speech-language pathologist. This trip not only broadened my cultural perspective but also deepened my passion to help others find their voice.
She is the recipient of a Sutton Scholarship, is a dean’s list student, is secretary of National Student Speech Language Hearing Association, is co-president of Big Hearts Little Hands, and is a student worker at the Hadley Union Building Fitness Center. She earned early admission to IUP’s graduate studies. From Curwensville, she is the daughter of Heather Coons and is a 2023 graduate of Curwensville Area High School.
The program goals included enhancing cross-cultural understanding by actively engaging with Chinese students, educators, and professionals in a variety of social and educational settings; offering an opportunity for the IUP students to experience Chinese culture firsthand through visits to historical landmarks, cultural institutions, and traditional communities in Henan Province; gaining exposure to traditional Chinese medicine and its cultural significance in Chinese society and healthcare practices; recognizing the role of history, philosophy, and tradition in shaping Chinese approaches to health, wellness, and daily life; developing cultural humility and global awareness for future health professionals working with diverse populations; building interpersonal and intercultural communication skills through group discussions, collaborative activities, and guided reflection; and recognizing the similarities and differences between American and Chinese cultures and values.
“China is known for its holistic approach to health and wellness, especially through TCM, a practice rooted in centuries of observation, herbal therapy, acupuncture, and mind-body balance,” Hao said. “Henan Province, located in central China, is known as the cradle of Chinese civilization. As the site of ancient capitals, cultural landmarks, and modern innovation, Henan provided a unique setting to explore the intersection of tradition and progress, and was a perfect location for the program,” he said.
In addition to the conference sessions, students visited and toured sites, including the National Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement at Jinming Campus, Henan University; the 100-year-old historic Minglun campus of Henan University and Iron Pagoda Park; Dah Song Wuxia City; the National R&D Center for Edible Fungus Processing Technology; the Kaifeng Museum and Kaifeng Urban Planning Exhibition Hall; the Henan Museum; and Yellow River Cultural Park, Yellow River Geology Museum, and Wulong Peak; and attended a performance of Henan Opera.
Since its founding in 1875, IUP has evolved from a teacher-training institution into a doctoral research university recognized for its commitment to student success and achievement. As IUP celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2025 and through the Impact 150 comprehensive campaign, the university honors a legacy of educational excellence while looking to its next 150 years of student success, innovation, leadership in healthcare education, and public service.