Speakers
The symposium features a diverse lineup of speakers, including leading experts in infectious diseases, microbiology, epidemiology, and global health. The symposium aims to foster interdisciplinary dialogue to explore innovative solutions for global health challenges.
Special Pre-Symposium Event: Honoring Dr. Bob Tesh
We are excited to offer a special pre-symposium event on September 16th honoring Dr. Bob Tesh, virologist and former director of UTMB's World Reference Center of Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses. This special half-day session includes scientific discussions and a keynote dinner recognizing Dr. Tesh’s lasting contributions to virology and tropical medicine. Registration is encouraged.
Agenda
Tuesday September 16, 2025
Special Pre-Symposium Event - Honoring Dr. Bob Tesh
Dinner & Keynote
Wednesday September 17, 2025
Welcome & Breakfast
Block 1 - Emerging Bacterial Diseases
- Keynote - Albert Ko, MD Yale School of Public Health
- Presentation - John Crump, MD Duke University
- Presentation - Marylin Hidalgo, PhD Pontificia Universidad Javeriana
- Presentation - Stephen Dumler, MD USUHS
- Roundtable Exercise - Melinda Tanabe, MD UTMB
Lunch
Block 2 - Pathogenesis and Prevention of Emerging Viral Diseases
- Presentation - Steve Whitehead, PhD NIH
- Presentation - Bobo Paessler, DVM, PhD, UTMB
- Roundtable Exercise - Patricia Aguilar, PhD UTMB
Poster Session
Dinner & Keynote
- Keynote - Anna Durbin, MD, Johns Hopkins University
Thursday September 18, 2025
Breakfast
Tours of UTMB GNL & BCU
Block 3 - Emerging Vector-borne Diseases
- Presentation - Gerardo Alverez-Hernandez, PhD, U. Sonora
- Presentation - William de Souza, PhD U. Kentucky
- Roundtable Exercise - Patricia Aguilar, PhD UTMB
Lunch
Block 4 - Molecular Diagnostics for Emerging Infectious Diseases
- Keynote - Gavin Cloherty, PhD, Abbott Pandemic Coalition
- Presentation - Maureen Laroche, PhD, UTMB
- Roundtable Exercise - Miguel Cabada, MD UTMB
Poster Session
Friday September 19, 2025
Breakfast
Block 5 - Vaccines for Emerging Infectious Diseases
- Keynote - TBD
- Presentation - Tom Evans, MD
- Presentation - Anne Rimoin, PhD UCLA
Trainee Presentations and Awards
UTMB Tours
Galveston National Laboratory
The Galveston National Laboratory (GNL) is one of only two federally funded Biosafety Level 4 research laboratories within an academic institution. This state-of-the-art, high-containment facility conducts research on some of the world’s most dangerous pathogens and plays a crucial role in the global fight against infectious diseases. It is located on the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) campus and operates under the Institute for Human Infections and Immunity.
Tours will be organized by CTD-SPECTRE Symposium Team.
Biocontainment Care Unit
The Biocontainment Care Unit (BCU) at UTMB is one of 13 federally funded Regional Emerging and Special Pathogens Treatment Centers, serving a five-state region known as HHS Region IV. This specialized healthcare facility is designed to treat patients affected by highly infectious diseases.
The unit consists of six rooms, each with full intensive care capabilities. It is equipped with a dedicated laboratory, advanced negative pressure systems, a pass-through autoclave for sterilizing equipment, and a controlled entrance that separates it from the main hospital’s emergency area. These features ensure the highest level of care while maintaining strict safety and containment measures.