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.

"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)

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

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."

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

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

1. Microbiology & Molecular Genetics -Adami, Chris

2. MMG - Adami Lab

3. College of Natural Sciences - Chris Adami

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

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

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

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 

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.