To celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s legacy of Human Rights, the Department of Microbiology and Immunology organized daily departmental and College of Medicine-wide discussions. 

On Tuesday and Wednesday of Human Rights Week, the department’s invited speaker Dr. Matt Anderson from the Ohio State University not only presented his fascinating research on genetic systems of the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans but talked about his journey as a Native American scientist and his work with Indigenous-led science and empowerment programs. Students from the Meskwaki Settlement High School as well as undergraduates, graduate students, staff, and faculty from across the University of Iowa campus participated in an enlightening conversation on the Native American contributions to science.

On Thursday, Dr. Jason Barker from Internal Medicine lead a deliberation of race versus ancestry in science, medicine, and medical education via zoom. 

Later that evening members of the department, College of Medicine, and teachers from the Iowa City Community School District discussed the film “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” and the role of race in medicine and medical ethics. 

On Friday of Human Rights week, 40+ people from the College of Medicine and local non-profit organizations considered ways that scientific and medical professionals might help their local community through STEM education, mentorship, and other Outreach activities. On Saturday, members of the College of Medicine had opportunities to volunteer at Houses into Homes, a local organization which provides beds and household items for people exiting domestic violence, homelessness, or other crisis situations.