MAC-EPID News

Please submit news items to MAC-EPIDNews@umich.edu such as published papers, dissertation defense dates, or anything you want the MAC-EPID community to know.

In memory of Jess Millar

We have lost a cherished member of our community, Jess Millar died recently (spring 2024) after battling long covid.  Jess was an active member of the scientific community at the University of Michigan.  From 2017 to 2022 they earned a PhD in Bioinformatics, an M.P.H. in Hospital & Molecular Epidemiology, an M.S. in Bioinformatics and a certificate in Computational Discovery & Engineering from U of M.  They also had an M.S. in Biology and in Statistics from Portland State University.   They shared their love of science with a sense of humor and generosity that was genuine.  

"I loved their funny t-shirts and ugly Christmas sweaters with scientific themes and jokes!  They were a pleasure to know, and I am so sorry they’re no longer with us."  remembers Anna Cronenwett (U-M staff).

"They were always willing to help others and revelled in all the opportunities available to them at Michigan." ~Betsy Foxman


Denise Kushner, one of Jess's mentors, posted a tribute to them online along with some photos.


Jess Millar's Dissertation


Here is an interview with them about their research.


Image found on Jess Millar's X and Google profiles.

Deesha Bhaumik's PhD Oral Defense May 6 (hybrid)

"Investigating the Microbial, Dietary, and Social Factors of Oral Health"

Date: May 6, 2024

Time: 1:00 pm

Location: Room 1152, Thomas Francis, Jr. School of Public Health II (1420 Washington Heights)

For those who are unable to attend in person, you are invited to participate via Zoom:  https://umich.zoom.us/j/94645614527 (Passcode: 158047)

Foxman elected fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology

Dr. Foxman is one of 65 fellow elected to the society in 2024.  "Fellows of the American Academy of Microbiology, the honorific leadership group within the American Society for Microbiology, are elected annually through a highly selective, peer-review process, based on their records of scientific achievement and original contributions that have advanced microbiology."

Learn more

Counter-Culture: The art and science of microbes

Friday, March 31, 2023, 7:00 p.m. (following the MAC-EPID symposium)

Central Campus Classroom Building Auditorium (#1420) 

Live streamed.

"The existence of the microbial universe calls us to creativity. Whether harnessing the carbon-capturing power of blue-green algae or compelling society to care about something too small to see, art is often the answer. Join us for a panel discussion on the importance of science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM) collaborations in understanding and spreading awareness about microbial systems. This Farrand Lecture will bring together three U-M professionals who have captured the magnificence of the microbial world through art and design

Moderated by April Baer, host of Michigan Radio’s Stateside program.

Jim Cogswell, Arthur F. Thurnau Professor and professor of Art & Design in the Penny W. Stamps School of Art & Design, creator of the Unseen Worlds vinyl mural

Erica Gardner, PhD student in the U-M Department of Chemical Engineering, co-creator of the Microbial Masterpieces project

Anthony Vecchiarelli, assistant professor in the U-M Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology and the researcher behind UMMNH’s Algae and the Climate Crisis exhibit.

The Farrand Lecture is a featured event in the museum’s Microverse theme semester."

CHIP applications due Feb 13, 2023

Certificate in Health Care Infection Prevention & Control (CHIP) has paid internships available at local hospitals. This is an excellent opportunity for graduate students to apply their public health training in a hospital setting. 

Applications due February 13, 2023

"FIGHTING EXTINCTION: THE ROLE OF EPISTASIS IN THE SURVIVAL OF POPULATIONS" Feb 7

ITiMS is hosting Dr. Christoph Adami, a Professor for Microbiology and Molecular Genetics & Physics and Astronomy at Michigan State, on Tuesday, Feb 7.  There will be a student lunch beginning at 11:00 then he will give a presentation titled "Fighting extinction: The role of epistasis in the survival of populations" at noon. 

More information about Dr. Adami


Please let Anna Cronenwett (weaverd@umich.edu) if you plan to attend.

Freida Blostein Dissertation Defense, Oct 28

Mark your calendars!   Freida Blostein will defend her dissertation "Salivary omics measurements as biomarkers for epidemiological analysis" on October 28th, 2:30pm.  

Room 3755, School of Public Health I

1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109

Zoom Link: https://tinyurl.com/yc8xcre3


fever, a novel by Dr. Janet Gilsdorf

In 1984, in the small Brazilian village of Promissão, young children begin to fuss, their eyes turn pink and rashes blossom on their skin. Soon, they are dead. Fever is the story of Dr. Sidonie Royal’s quest to find the cause of this mysterious disease. More information about the book is here.

Available from your local, independent bookseller or wherever you purchase books.

Spread the word…

Janet Gilsdorf

former MAC-EPID co-director

ESPID2021 content available. "Forgotten Wisdom - the Most Influential Studies You Need to Have Heard of"

Inspiring talks presented by senior infectious disease epidemiologists at ESPID 2021.  1 hour and several short talks.  Enjoy here until August 29, 2021!

Speakers: Ron Dagan, Maria Tsolia, Hermione Lyall, Ronald de Groot, Adam Finn,  James Cherry 

Emily Martin awarded president's award for public engagement 

"Martin received multiple nominations for her surveillance and engagement work throughout the COVID-19 pandemic with the University of Michigan community, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s office and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, as well as the many panels and forums she participated in to share critical information and guidance on slowing the spread of the virus. "

(Excerpt taken from https://publicengagement.umich.edu/martin-dewar-receive-2020-public-engagement-awards/)

ITiMS podcast coming in January!

The first three episodes of 'Crobecast make up a mini-series called "Get the Dirt on Soil" where ITiMS students explore the soil crisis through games and conversations. They cover microbial research as well as government and business roles.