Department Hosts Inaugural Research Symposium
Event Showcased Research of Students, Residents and Trainees
The Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology hosted its first Research Symposium on December 8. The day-long symposium featured oral presentations and poster presentations by students, residents and trainees on a range of topics, including peanut allergies, traumatic stress, thyroid cancer and the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in ticks. Chandra Shekhar Bakshi, D.V.M., Ph.D., professor of pathology, microbiology and immunology, delivered the keynote address.
Humayun Islam, M.D., Ph.D., clinical professor and chair of the Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, opened the program. ”We are thrilled to host this first departmental research symposium featuring these outstanding research projects underway by our faculty, students, residents and trainees,” said Dr. Islam. “When I was a young researcher, I had the privilege of presenting at a research day such as this, and I had long hoped to create a similar platform for new young investigators. Today’s event is that platform and I look forward to hosting this symposium yearly to showcase the important research advances taking place in the Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology.”
During his keynote address, Dr. Bakshi spoke on his research into the highly infectious bacteria Francisella tularensis, a potential bioterror agent. Dr. Bakshi, an internationally known expert on the bacteria, has had his research on the immunopathogenesis of Francisella tularensis funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for the past 18 years.
The day concluded with an awards ceremony recognizing the best research projects. Award winners included:
Oral Presentations:
First place: Arax Tanelian, Ph.D. candidate
Second place: Anish Maskey, Ph.D. candidate
Third place: Tara Jarboe, Ph.D. candidate
Poster Presentations:
First place: Michelle Carnazza, Ph.D. candidate
Second place (tie): Kaci Kopec, Ph.D. candidate, and Emanuel Mordechaev, SOM Class of 2024
Third place: Ibrahim Musa, Ph.D. candidate
