OSURA: 2026 Annual Conference

Tamar Chute, archivist, The Ohio State University. The University Archives collects artifacts connected to the university's history. Can you identify what these artifacts are? What stories could they tell? Learn about the artifacts, and the history behind them at this session! 

Scott Lissner, ADA coordinator, The Ohio State University. Impairment and disability are inherent in the human condition and society; they are reflected in both over the collective time scale of human history and the individual scale as we age. This session will examine how society’s evolving models and expectations of disability are reflected in individual attitudes and expectations across the life span. 

Nathan Craig, associate professor, Fisher College of Business. This talk gives leaders a practical framework for understanding AI: what it is, where it works well, where it breaks down and what that means for adoption. It highlights the difference between initial applications and system transformation, and reviews recent research on AI’s broader impact on work, organizations and society. 

Jenny Mundwiler, Home Helpers of Delaware. This session is designed to help you or your loved ones stay safe, independent and supported wherever they call home. Topics will include in-home care planning, home safety modifications, wellness strategies, legal and financial planning, and supportive care services along with local resources to help individuals age confidently and comfortably.

Terri Higgins, outreach volunteer, Honor Flight Columbus. The Honor Flight Network began with one flight in Springfield, Ohio in 2005. Today it includes more than 130 hubs across 45 states and has flown over 315,000 veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit the memorials dedicated to their service. This session will explore the history, growth, mission and continued impact of Honor Flight. 

Jessica Roshon, certified eldercare attorney, Taps Sutton & Roshon. It is never too early to start planning for your legacy. Eldercare attorney Jessica Roshan will discuss Wills and Trusts, probate and non-probate property, estate planning documents, long-term care and Medicaid planning, and VA Pension benefits. 

Mike Hogan, associate professor, Ohio State Extension. Restricted to a small space for gardening? Learn how container gardening can bring the same environmental and human health benefits of gardening to your deck, patio, or front doorstep.

Gregory Rose, associate professor emeritus. The 1850 Census was the first to ask inhabitants to identify their state or country of birth. Data from that census permit identification of the origins of Euro-American and African American colonial settlers in each county of the Old Northwest Territory (Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan) and mapping their distribution at midpoint of the 19th century.

Rustin Moore, DVM, Dean, College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Moore will share his passion, perspective and expertise about the human-animal bond. He has published two books, Unleashing the Bond (2025) and Unlocking the Bond (2026).  (If you happen to own one of his books, he will be happy to sign it after the session.) 

Stephen M. Gavazzi, director, CHRR; Professor, Education and Human Ecology. Drawing on the Morrill Act 250: Reinterpreting the Public Research University Compact, this presentation argues that public universities must treat trust, access and practical education as measurable outcomes – not just historical aspirations. Discussion will focus on a pragmatic five‑pillar framework that helps institutions demonstrate value, strengthen civic resilience and reestablish their legitimacy in a polarized, AI‑shaped era. 

Arya Mariam Roy, MD, medical oncologist. An AI-enabled digital pathology is used to identify novel biomarkers and develop recurrence risk prediction algorithms for invasive lobular carcinoma — an understudied and biologically distinct subtype of breast cancer. This work characterizes tumor biology and uncovers clinically relevant features not readily captured by conventional methods. It has the potential to improve risk stratification and enable more personalized treatment strategies. 

Brad Lepper, curator of archaeology, The Ohio History Connection. Serpent Mound in Adams County, Ohio, is one of the largest and most spectacular earthen sculptures in the world. The age of the serpent is a subject of current debate.  Although much about Serpent Mound is still shrouded in mystery, ancient cave paintings in Missouri may provide a key to unlocking some of its secrets. 

Steve Basford, author, Ohio State Football Statistician, and former staff. ESPN's 10 Greatest Rivalries lists Ohio State vs Michigan football as the top rivalry in all of sports, ahead of those such as Auburn vs Alabama football, North Carolina vs Duke basketball, and Red Sox vs Yankees baseball. Learn about the evolution of this rivalry, from 1897 to the present. Be prepared for some pop quizzes! 

Sarah Ramey, director, Perennial Movement Group. In this interactive session, participants will learn about the physical, social and creative benefits of dance at every life stage. Perennial Movement Group offers dance classes and performance opportunities for adults over 50. Professor Ramey will share her dance work with older adults and discuss how dance supports healthy aging. 

Christina Elliott, STRS Ohio. STRS Ohio Member Benefits Update

TBA, OPERS. Topics of interest to OPERS recipients

Challenge Level 1 – Light, some stairs, elevator available (will pause about halfway through to rest and allow for questions).

The tour of this famous facility will include a look at field equipment and archival materials, some laboratories, the core cutting rooms and polar rock repository. 

Challenge Level 2 – Moderate walking 

During our lab tour we will discuss the collaboration Starlab Space Station and VISTA (Voyager Institute for Space Technology and Advancement) science park, two projects we are building here at Ohio State. 

Voyager Technologies and Ohio State are collaborating to build VISTA, an ecosystem for entrepreneurial startups, universities, public and private corporations and major government organizations — domestic and international — to advance in-space research, science and manufacturing.

Challenge Level 1 – Light 

Come view the beautiful WOSU Headquarters, including: the Ross Community Studio, an open 2,200 square foot engagement space; an expanded newsroom; broadcast studios; a performance studio; and a state-of-the art media learning lab.