2026 MSBS Commencement Ceremony
May 8
2:00 pm
The Commencement Ceremony will congratulate the Class of 2026 Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences (MSBS) graduates for earning their degree. The event will be livestreamed for those unable to visit campus. Join us as we celebrate the graduation of the Class of 2026.
On This Page
Livestream
At 2 p.m. on May 8, watch the Commencement Ceremony for WVSOM’s Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences program live as the MSBS Class of 2026 takes its place in WVSOM’s longstanding tradition of excellence. Until then, enjoy these highlights from last year’s combined D.O. and MSBS Commencement Ceremony.
WVSOM Administrative Officers
- James W. Nemitz, Ph.D. — President
- Gail Swarm, D.O. — Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean/Chief Academic Officer
- Drema M. Hill, Ph.D. — Vice President of Community Engagement/Chief Operations Officer
- Leslie W. Bicksler, MSW — Vice President of Human Resources/Chief Human Resources Officer
- Justin T. McAllister, MFA — Vice President of Finance and Facilities/Chief Financial Officer
- A. Machelle Linsenmeyer, Ed.D. — Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness/Chief Information Officer
- Don Smith — Associate Vice President of Government and External Relations/Chief Communications Officer
- Marina Diioia, Ph.D. — Associate Dean of Graduate Programs
- Aaron Phillips, Ph.D. — Associate Dean of Student Affairs
Founders
- Carlton G. Apgar, D.O.
- O.J. Bailes, D.O.
- Donald C. Newell Sr., D.O.
- Frank Wallington, D.O.
Karen Wines, M.S.
Karen S. Wines, M.S., has served as a WVSOM faculty member since 2012. She teaches gross anatomy and histology in the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine and Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences programs and has had leadership roles supporting anatomy education, academic coaching and student success.
Wines has developed and directed anatomy–based outreach and pipeline programs that provide immersive, hands–on learning experiences for high school, undergraduate and allied health students across West Virginia and the region. Her work reflects a deep commitment to educational access, mentorship and helping learners envision themselves as future health professionals. Her scholarship in anatomy education and outreach includes peer–reviewed publications and presentations at national professional meetings.
Raised in rural Ohio, Wines earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from the University of Mount Union and completed a Master of Science degree in anatomy at Wright State University, with a focus on higher education. Her path to academia included work in research and clinical settings, as well as owning and operating a massage therapy practice — experiences that shape her practical, student–centered approach to teaching and mentorship.
An advocate for lifelong learning and service, Wines is passionate about guiding students as they navigate their professional journeys. She finds inspiration in the outdoors — hiking trails, paddling local waters or observing nature from her kitchen window — and proudly calls West Virginia her home.
Program
- The Processional
- Introduction of National Anthem Speaker — Brian Griffith, Ph.D. — Faculty Marshal — Professor, Biomedical Sciences
-
*The National Anthem — Isabella March — MSBS Class of 2026
*The audience will please rise if able. - Call to Order — Brian Griffith, Ph.D.
- Welcome and Introduction of Guests — James W. Nemitz, Ph.D. — President
- Greetings from the WVSOM Board of Governors — Courtney Eleazer, Ph.D. — Secretary — Associate Professor, Biomedical Sciences
- Introduction of Keynote Speaker — Gail Swarm, D.O. — Interim Vice President, Academic Affairs and Dean/Chief Academic Officer
- Commencement Address — Karen Wines, M.S. — Instructor, Graduate Programs
- Presentation of Candidates for the Degree of Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences — Marina Diioia, Ph.D. — Associate Dean, Graduate Programs
-
Presentation of Diplomas — Karen Wines, M.S.
Assisted by: Jennifer Seams — Registrar - Closing — Gail Swarm, D.O.
- The Recessional
This event is streamed live.
A reception will take place on the first floor of the WVSOM Student Center.
Candidates for Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences
Beatrice Odunayo Akinditan
Akron, OH
Daniah Ziad Al Zaidi
Coral Springs, FL
Kyla Joy Burns
Flagstaff, AZ
Christian Bryson Chumbley
Jonesborough, TN
Andrew Paul Cook
Summersville, WV
Olivia Heather Deem
Evans, WV
McKenzie Ann Dotson
Summersville, WV
Nichols Bernard Evans
South Charleston, WV
Blake William Flunchum
Fincastle, VA
William Brian Gabbert
Lewisburg, WV
Marcus Alexander Hahn
Petersburg, WV
Rana Rafik Haidar
Dearborn Heights, MI
MaKenzie Arminda Harness
Delbarton, WV
Amanda Erin Hensley
Harts, WV
Daniil Artemovich Imanov
Lancaster, PA
Maria Irfan
Charleston, WV
Adam Richard Johnson
Crawley, WV
Jinyoung Kim
Hamden, CT
Shayla Eileen Leeson
Bridgeport, WV
Jayden Paulette Lindsey
Fairmont, WV
Gabriel Reece Little
Huntington, WV
Contstantinos Christos Loullis
Salado, TX
Maria Nicole Mace
Webster Springs, WV
Mariam Wasem Lewes B. Mansour
York, PA
Isabella Leigh March
Elizabeth, WV
Caleb William Eugene Maxson
Ravenswood, WV
Adam Dean McMillion
Frankford, WV
Bree Anne Moll
Huntington, WV
Chaysee Layne Maree Putnam
Morgantown, WV
Akash Reddy Ranabothu
Grand Rapids, MI
Shenique Renessa Reid
Fort Washington, MD
Catharine Marie Romeo
White Sulphur Springs, WV
Isabell Jacqueline Roop
Beckley, WV
Chandler Lee Russell
Bluefield, WV
Param Ganesh Shah
Burlington, NC
Taylor Rayne Sharp
Monroe, GA
Abdullah Zaheer Siddiqui
Fruitland, MD
Gracie Jo Smith
Sandyville, WV
Tehya Paige Smith
Prince, WV
Philip Nathaniel Spencer
Peterstown, WV
Olivia Lauren Tabit
Daniels, WV
Courtney Nicole Tilley
Pineville, WV
Emma Elizabeth Umstot
Charleston, WV
Avery Mckena Walker
Ripley, WV
Angel Sue Wood
Wayne, WV
These are candidates for the May 8, 2026, graduation at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine.
This document is not to be considered an official record that degrees have been awarded.