The 4th Scientific Conference of Mongolian Researchers in the USA, 2026

October 17-18, 2026

Sacramento, California

4th Scientific Conference of Mongolian Researchers in the USA

The Society of Mongolian Researchers in the USA (SMRU) successfully brought together researchers, scientists, academics, students, and professionals for the 4th Scientific Conference of Mongolian Researchers in the USA, held October 17–18, 2026, in Sacramento, California. Hosted at the University of California, Davis, the conference provided a platform for sharing scientific discoveries, exchanging knowledge across disciplines, developing professional connections, and fostering collaboration within the Mongolian research and professional community.

As the first Scientific Conferences held on the West Coast, this year's gathering brought together more than 90 participants and marked an important milestone in the Society's continued growth and commitment to connecting Mongolian researchers and professionals across the United States and internationally.

The conference featured 2 guest speakers, 10 oral presentations, 11 poster presentations covering a broad range of fields, including medicine, natural sciences, engineering, economics, finance, social sciences, artificial intelligence, and education, highlighting the value of interdisciplinary exchange and collaboration. The program also included 4 interactive workshops on research and innovation in the AI era, U.S. hiring strategies and career development, the transition from graduate school to professional life, and career advancement in research, academia, and healthcare.

A distinctive feature of the conference was the opportunity for high school students and university students to present their research alongside experienced researchers and professors. By bringing together researchers across generations, the conference fosters a culture of mentorship, encourages young people’s engagement in research, and supports the development of the next generation of researchers.

SMRU extends its heartfelt appreciation to all speakers, presenters, workshop facilitators, participants, volunteers, sponsors, and organizing committee members for their contributions to the success of the 4th Scientific Conference. Special recognition goes to Dr. E. Anuurad, Associate Dean for Research at the UC Davis School of Medicine, and Dr. B. Enkhmaa, Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine, for their valuable contributions to making this initiative possible.

Together, let’s continue sharing knowledge and empowering the future. We look forward to continuing to strengthen our research community and expanding opportunities for collaboration, learning, and professional growth.

Facts from the 4th Scientific Conference

Over 100 scientists, researchers, students and their families
2 Invited talks
10 oral presentations
4 workshops
11 poster presentations

Click the Conference Booklet to explore the full conference program, including presentations, workshops, and speaker information.

In the News:

4th Scientific Conference Highlights

Opening Remarks

B. Gantumur, PhD
Vice President, Society of Mongolian Researchers in the USA
J. Soyolmaa
Consul General, Consulate General of Mongolia in San Francisco
E. Anuurad, MD, PhD, MAS
Assistant Dean for Research, School of Medicine, Office of Research, UC Davis

Invited Talks

Distinguished invited speakers shared their expertise and research insights, highlighting advances in targeted therapies to reduce cardiovascular disease risk associated with lipoprotein(a) and the relationship between financial development, energy production, and foreign investment in emerging economies.

T. Ariuna, PhD
Director of MBA Programs and Associate Professor of Economics, Labovitz School of Business and Economics, University of Minnesota Duluth
Examining the Impact of Financial Development on Energy Production in Emerging Economies
B. Enkhmaa, MD, PhD, MAS, FAHA
Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, UC Davis School of Medicine
Lipoprotein(a) and Cardiovascular Risk: From Curiosity to Therapeutic Target.
Moderators
Gansuvd Balgansuren, MD, PhD - Director, Clinical Immunogenetics Laboratory, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Dolgor Baatar, MD, PhD - Professor, Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine

Access the Presentation Video Recordings (members only, coming soon)

Oral Presentations

Oral presentations featured research conducted by scholars, scientists, and emerging researchers across multiple disciplines. Presenters shared their research questions, methodologies, findings, and potential implications for science, technology, healthcare, and society.

B. Tsogbadrakh, MD, PhD /Northwestern University/
Паркинсоны өвчний 6-OHDA болон MitoPark загваруудын суурийн зангилааны шууд бус замын үйл ажиллагааны прогрессив алдагдал
N. Bat-Erdene, MD, MS /University of Minnesota/
Cryopreservation of Organs by Vitrification and Nanowarming
B. Bat-Orgil, BA /Oracle, Columbia University/
Graph Neural Network Models for Retail Basket Recommendation Prediction
Kh. Azzaya, PhD /Dow Chemical/
Understanding solution-state aggregation and assembly of conjugated polymers for morphology control of organic solar cells
B. Erdenechimeg, MD, PhD /Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai/
A Rapid and Robust Method for Generating Loss-of-Function Alleles in Pluripotent Stem Cells
G. Uyemaa, MS /George Washington University/
A Deep Learning Framework for Dzud Prediction: Vulnerability Mapping in Mongolia Using NASA and ESA Satellite Data
M. Bolormaa, MD, MMS /University of Pennsylvania/
Exploring the Role of Notch in PIGA-HSPC Expansion at Steady State and in Stressed Hematopoiesis Associated With Immune Bone Marrow Injury
Moderators
G. Narangerel, MD, PhD /Johns Hopkins University/
B. Ganchiimeg, MD, PhD /Ragon Institute of Mass General Hospital MIT and Harvard/
Moderators
Prof. T. Demidmaa, MD, PhD /UT Tyler School of Medicine/
A. Otgonzaya, MD, PhD /University of Iowa/
Questions and Answers

Access the Presentation Video Recordings (members only, coming soon)

Poster Presentations

Poster sessions offered an interactive setting for researchers and students to present their work, discuss findings, receive feedback, and connect with colleagues who share similar research interests.

B. Bilegt, MS /Northeastern University/

The relationship between handgrip strength and cognitive ability among Mongolian older adult by urban-rural areas: findings from the WHO SAGE survey

G. Erdenetsatsral, MD, MBA /Marymount University/

Artificial Intelligence for the early detection of zoonotic disease outbreaks: A systematic review

L. Khosbayar, MD, PhD /University of Colorado/

Amphiregulin Regulates Epithelial Progenitor Dynamics in Lung Adenocarcinoma Premalignancy

N. Otgonzaya, MD, /Эх Нярай Эмэгтэйчүүдийн Үндэсний Төв-II/

2023–2024 онд төрсөн төрөлх пневмонитой нярайн шалтгаан, хүчин зүйл, эмчилгээний үр дүнг судлах нь

S. Munkh-Ochir, BA /University of Cincinnati/

The Role of Social Media in Shaping “Herder“ Identity in Mongolia

Moderators

B. Battuya, PhD /AbbVie Inc./

B. Khaliunaa, PhD /Indiana University Health/

Access Video Recordings (members only, coming soon)

Workshops

Workshops provided opportunities for participants to strengthen their research skills, learn practical approaches, and explore professional and career development strategies. These sessions also encouraged knowledge exchange between experienced professionals and early-career researchers.

WORKSHOP 1: Charting a Path as an Educator

Prof. T. Demidmaa, MD, PhD /UT Tyler School of Medicine/

Prof. Ch. Tugsjargal, PhD /Loyola University Maryland/

WORKSHOP 2 Part 1: Mongolians in the USA

/Хойд Америкийн Цахим Өртөө Холбоо ТББ/

B. Bulganbayar, MS

WORKSHOP 2: Part 2: Prevalence of Hepatitis B, C, and D Virus Infections Among Mongolian Immigrants in Chicago, USA /Mongolian Health Association in Chicago/

N. Nyamsuren, MD, M. Altanzaya, MD

WORKSHOP 3: How to Navigate NIH Grant Writing: From Mechanisms to Strategy in a Changing Funding Landscape

Prof. B. Batbileg, PhD /ADA Forsyth Institute/

G. Narangerel, MD, PhD /Johns Hopkins University/

WORKSHOP 4: Mastering Job Search in Industry

B. Battuya, PhD /AbbVie Inc./

G. Ariungerel, MD, PhD /EagleForce Associates Inc./

WORKSHOP 5: College Applications - Crafting Strong Essays and Securing Financial Aid

B. Khongorzul, MS /Learning Specialist, Educator, College Counselor, Learning Design and Technology, Stanford, CA/

WORKSHOP 6: Career Paths in Diagnostic Genetics and Becoming a Physician in the USA

B. Khaliunaa, PhD /Indiana University of Health/

B. Nomin, MD /University of Alabama at Birmingham/

Access the Workshop Video Recordings (members only)

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Honorary Consul of Mongolia in Minnesota Enkhbileg Ts. (Billy); Terra Express, led by Altangerel D.; Dr. Indra P.; former Consul General of Mongolia in San Francisco Munkhbaatar B.; the UC Davis School of Medicine; and Professors Anuurad E. and Enkhmaa B. for their financial and other forms of support for the conference.

Thank you again for supporting future young scientists!