Microbiology and Immunology Forum
The Microbiology and Immunology Forum (MCBI 7480) is an integral part of the graduate training program in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology in which students develop their skills in presenting research findings in a standard seminar format. All students are required to give a formal seminar once each semester on a topic from current research literature or their own research. The Forum is attended by all departmental faculty, postdoctoral fellows, students, and research staff who participate in discussion and critical review of the presentation.
Thursdays 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. (unless otherwise noted)
2E-100
August 27, 2026
“Plasminogen activator protease (Pla): Established and novel regulatory pathways”
Elizabeth Van Order, Doctoral Student, Microbiology & Immunology
September 10, 2026
“Examination of a Bordetella Contact-Dependent Delivery System and its Contribution to Pathogenicity”
Lyssa Barr, Doctoral Student, Microbiology & Immunology
September 17, 2026
“Defining the role of translational GTPase BipA in Yersinia pestis”
Diya Patel, Doctoral Candidate, Microbiology & Immunology
September 24, 2026
“Investigating Host Transcription Factors Regulating HIV-1 Transcription in Tissue-Resident Memory T Cells”
Kai Li, Doctoral Candidate, Microbiology & Immunology
October 1, 2026
“Deciphering the miR-29c-3p/TET3 regulatory axis within SARS-CoV-2 pathology”
Abigail Dickerson, Doctoral Candidate, Microbiology & Immunology
October 8, 2026
“More than meets the membrane: functional complementarity of Brucella group 3 OMPs”
Jodi Ogle, Doctoral Candidate, Microbiology & Immunology
October 15, 2026
“Autologous self-antigen presentation and TGF-β promote long-term stability and expansion of APC-like human T cells”
Sunny Sneed, Doctoral Candidate, Microbiology & Immunology
October 22, 2026 – DISSERTATION
“The quorum-sensing regulator VjbR antagonizes MucR repression of the gene encoding the trimeric autotransporter adhesin BtaE in Brucella abortus 2308 in response to a biologically relevant stimulus in vitro”
Connor Cribb, Doctoral Candidate, Microbiology & Immunology
October 29, 2026
“TBA”
Gabriel Gibson, Doctoral Student, Microbiology & Immunology
Individuals with disabilities, requesting accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), should contact the Department for Disability Support Services at 252-328-6799 (V) or 252-328-0899 (TTY).