iMPACT

The conquest of deadly bacteria, the discovery of a new phytoplankton species to study climate change and the quest to identify the host factors that help tuberculosis and HIV pathogens to invade and propagate—these are just some of the topics that will be explored at the upcoming Microbiology Student Association Research Symposium.

The range and breadth of research topics will surely have something for everyone passionate about the life sciences and curious about the future trends of microbiology research. Join us at the MSA Research Symposium to hear about cutting-edge research discoveries and innovations as well as their impact on human and environmental health on Saturday, April 8, 2017, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. in Kearney Hall at Oregon State University. A poster session will be held from 4-5 p.m.

Nine scientists from five universities and research centers will explore topics that showcase their research in the areas of ocean ecology and marine bacteria, bacterial genetics, parasites and infectious diseases, environmental microbiology and the use of oncogenomics to battle aggressive cancers and other fascinating topics. The speakers at the colloquium are scientists and academics from Oregon State, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland State University, Southern Oregon University and Western Washington University.

OSU Microbiology Professor Bruce Geller will deliver the keynote address, “Developing Antibacterial Drugs for Superbugs.” His recent research has garnered significant attention throughout the globe for successfully showing a method to overcome antibiotic resistance in deadly bacteria, which pose an enormous threat to human health.

Dr. Fikadu Tafesse from OHSU will speak on “The Lipid Matrix at the host-pathogen interface.” Dr. Rahul Raghavan of PSU will give a talk, titled, “Evolution of tick-associated pathogens and endosymbionts.”

The symposium will provide an excellent opportunity to network and learn about exciting research being done at neighboring institutions. This is a free event and students are welcome to stay for the entire day or to attend specific talks of interest. Please see below for more details.