Climate change and health: Microbial threats and microbial solutions (part 1)
Registration closes 11:59PM November 10, 2023
(to cancel your registration please email weaverd@umich.edu)
All events are FREE and open to the public but please register so we can provide appropriate quantities of food. Thank you!
To prevent the spread of illness masks are encouraged. If you have symptoms of any kind, please keep everyone safe by staying home.
FRIDAY
9:00 AM - Sign In and light refreshments
Please pick up your nametag when you arrive and then enjoy light refreshments
9:15 AM - Opening Remarks
Betsy Foxman, PhD (Hunein F. and Hilda Maassab Endowed Professor of Epidemiology and Director of the Center for Molecular and Clinical Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases (MAC-EPID), Co-Director of the Integrated Training program in Microbial Systems (ITiMS))
9:30 AM - "Heat Stress, Thermal Adaptation and The Rise of Fungal Diseases"
Assistant Professor Molecular Genetics & Microbiology
Duke University
Introduced by Deesha Bhaumik
Rising temperatures and climate change are predicted to increase the incidence of fungal diseases and to cause new fungal pandemics. We study the genetic and molecular adaptations to heat stress that drive adaptation and evolution among disease-causing fungi.
10:30 AM - Break with snacks in Cornely Community Room (1680)
11:00 AM - "Harnessing microbiome solutions to climate change"
Professor of Ecology
University of California, Irvine
Introduced by Alex Song
Prof. Allison studies the role of microbes in soil carbon and nutrient cycling at molecular through global scales. He integrates mathematical models and empirical data to improve predictions of climate change feedbacks in the Earth system.
12:00 PM - Luncheon in Cornely Community Room (1680)
We try to be inclusive with our complimentary lunch but if you have dietary restrictions, please plan to bring your own food.
Our vegetarian lunch buffet is catered by Michigan Catering.
Seating can be found in the community room, the cafe to your left as you exit the community room, or in the lecture hall 1755.
This event is Zero Waste! All food, plates, cups, silverware, and napkins are compostable. Please place waste in the appropriate container.
1:30 PM - "A framework for illuminating the rules of microbiome response to climate change"
Associate Professor of Microbiology
Ohio State University
Introduced by Renisha Karki
Our lab engages in climate change microbiome science in the "genes-to-ecosystems" framework. We use molecular microbial ecology techniques and strong partnerships with biogeochemists, informaticians, and modelers to investigate how microbes respond to, and mediate, environments undergoing anthropogenic change. We're a diverse group of scientists, working together on a "systems-level" understanding of microbial community interactions with the environment. I also co-direct the NSF EMERGE Biology Integration Institute, a 100-scientist-strong group endeavoring to map the rules by which microbes are responding to climate change in a thawing Arctic peatland.
2:30-5:00 PM - The HME student poster session is not associated with the MAC-EPID symposium but we encourage anyone interested to attend at Palmer Commons.
Mark your calendar! Part 2 of this symposium is March 22, 2024
We are proud that since our first event in 2003, MAC-EPID symposia have been free and open to all!
Made possible by our student volunteers and our sponsors:
Integrated Training in Microbial Systems (ITiMS), Gudakunst Lectureship, Dept of Epidemiology, and Public Health.
As part of our commitment to public health and safety we use ecologically friendly products at our events when possible. Learn More