On August 23, 2024, the Microbiology and Immunology Department held its annual retreat at The Heights Rooftop Ballroom & Patio in Iowa City. The event featured a series of engaging sessions, including keynote speeches, poster presentations, and trainee talks.

Keynote and Sessions: Dr. Keke Fairfax from the University of Utah delivered the keynote which included the role of a helminth parasite, Schistosoma manosoni, in modulating host immune development. The morning continued with a poster session,  showcasing a variety of research topics from graduate students, postdocs and staff, followed by trainee talks on innovative studies.

The afternoon included more trainee talks, a break with games, and new faculty presentations by Aimee Potter, PhD, Jeremiah Johnson, PhD, Filiz Korkmaz, PhD and Thomas Kehl-Fie, PhD. Dr. Gail Bishop provided insights on reviewing scientific manuscripts, and a kombucha tasting from Hedge Apple, a local business, which added a unique twist to the day.

The day was rounded out with a reception and the announcement of poster awards, which went to Peng Shao, PhD, Assistant Research Scientist (Noah Butler lab) and Marla Shaffer, Microbiology Graduate student (Rich Roller lab). 

This was a fun and engaging experience for our department!  We would like to thank the administrative staff and event organizers for all of their hard work.