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"The Story Behind the Science” will guide you in using storytelling to communicate research clearly, engage broader audiences, highlight impact and build trust across disciplines.

Skills You'll Gain

Presentation skills, science storytelling, public engagement.

Eligibility

Community college, undergraduate and postbaccalaureate students in the microbial sciences.

Learning Goals

1. Identify key elements of effective narrative structure used in science communication.
2. Draft a brief, audience-specific research story that includes personal motivation, findings and real-world impact.
3. Evaluate the clarity and engagement of a scientific narrative using provided communication criteria.

Speakers 

• Aretha Fiebig, Ph.D., Associate Professor at Michigan State University.
• Nicole Kelp, Ph.D., Assistant Professor at Colorado State University.
• Maeve McLaughlin, Ph.D., Associate Professor at University of Michigan-Flint.

“Visualizing Research: Guiding Principles for High-Impact Poster Design” will guide you in designing impactful scientific posters, using BioRender and Canva, with tips to enhance your presentations and boost confidence. 

Skills You'll Gain

Scientific poster design, graphic design tools, poster organization.

Eligibility

Community college, undergraduate and postbaccalaureate students in the microbial sciences.

Learning Goals

1. Identify the key components of a scientific poster (using the standard poster rubric) and learn how to effectively incorporate necessary items into your poster. 
2. Design a visually engaging and well-organized poster layout using tools like BioRender and Canva. 
3. Evaluate poster examples to determine visual effectiveness, clarity of communication and flow of scientific information. 

Speakers

• Traci Kinkel, Ph.D., Senior Instructor at Colorado State University.

“Design Revisions & Feedback” will help undergraduate students refine their scientific posters through design principles, peer discussion and personalized feedback—perfect for upcoming conferences, presentations and academic events. Bring your questions and drafts for hands-on support. 

Skills You’ll Gain 

Research messaging, layout improvement, concise formatting. 

Eligibility 

Community college, undergraduate and postbaccalaureate students in the microbial sciences.

Learning Goals 

1. Apply visual design principles to improve poster layout and clarity based on structured feedback. 
2. Enhance communication of research through effective visuals and concise text. 
3. Prepare posters for academic conferences and presentations. 
4. Develop confidence in presenting and discussing poster content.  

Speakers 

• Harley Harris, Ph.D., Medical Microbiology Fellow at the University of Utah. 
• Ivelisse Irizarry, Ph.D., Assistant Professor at Inter American University of Puerto Rico Metropolitan Campus. 
• Traci Kinkel, Ph.D, Senior Instructor at Colorado State University. 
• Caitlin Light, Ph.D., Assistant Director and Researcher at Binghamton University.
• Ben Stein, Ph.D., Assistant Professor at College of the Holy Cross.

"Grow Your Network Like a Culture: Strategic Connections in Microbiology ” will equip you with evidence-based strategies to cultivate professional relationships, optimize digital platforms and engage effectively with collaborators and employers across all scientific settings. 

Skills You'll Gain

Informational interview techniques, scientific partnerships, postdoc/career connection strategies. 

Eligibility

Graduate students (master’s and Ph.D. levels) in the microbial sciences.

Learning Goals

1. Craft a professional self-introduction tailored to scientific settings.
2. Build relationships with PIs, collaborators and industry contacts.
3. Navigate microbiology-specific events like 91Â鶹¾«Æ·Microbe.
4. Use LinkedIn, ResearchGate and other tools to grow your visibility.
5. Approach informational interviews and follow-up conversations with confidence.

Speakers

• Adronisha Frazier, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Associate at San Joaquin Delta.
• Shawn Freed, Jr., Ph.D., Postdoctoral Scientist at University of Nebraska.
• Alex Kang, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Fellow at Houston Methodist Research Institute.
• Kyle Leistikow, Ph.D., Research Manager—CORE Innovation at Microbial Discovery College.
• Sinalo Mani, Ph.D., Principal Scientist at Agricultural Research Council.
• Francis, Muchaamba, BVS., DVM, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Scientists at Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene.
• Juan L. Rivera-Correa, Ph.D., Assistant Professor at New York City College of Technology.
• Fátima Rodríguez, Ph.D., Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud.

“AI in Scientific Writing and Publishing: Balancing Efficiency and Integrity” will explore how AI is transforming scientific writing and help you learn how to apply AI tools effectively, develop practical strategies to enhance manuscripts, while maintaining the standards of scientific rigor, ethics and credibility in the publishing process. 

Skills You'll Gain

Ethical use of AI in authorship, scientific integrity, AI-enhanced research tools.    

Eligibility

Graduate students (master’s and Ph.D. levels) in the microbial sciences.

Learning Goals

1. Apply ethical best practices for AI use in manuscript writing.
2. Recognize appropriate versus problematic use of AI in scientific writing.
3. Understand how journals assess AI-assisted work, why disclosure matters and the importance of transparency.

Speakers 

• Aashi Chaturvedi, Ph.D., Program Officer for Ethics and Integrity at American Society for Microbiology.

“Communicating Science to the Public: Opportunities and Challenges of Science Communication” will explore various approaches to public science communication and examine challenges faced by educators, policymakers and researchers in the microbial sciences. It will also offer best practices to help postdocs lead initiatives that foster increased public engagements in microbiology, both domestically and internationally.

Skills You'll Gain

Science communication, public engagement and strategic communication planning.

Eligibility

Postdoctoral scientists in the microbial sciences.

Learning Goals

1. Understand the growing impact of science and technology in an increasingly globalized world.
2. Recognize how science contributes to nation-building and societal progress.
3. Explore effective ways to communicate science to the public and non-expert audiences.
4. Identify key challenges in improving science literacy across sectors.
5. Learn best practices in science communication for local and global outreach.
6. Develop strategies to engage the public with scientific research.
7. Reflect on the scientist’s role in connecting science with society.

Speakers 

• Pradeep Nair, Ph.D., FRGS, FRAS, Professor and Director Research at Central University of Himachal Pradesh.

“AI in Scientific Writing and Publishing: Balancing Efficiency and Integrity” will explore how AI is transforming scientific writing and help you learn how to apply AI tools effectively, develop practical strategies to enhance manuscripts, while maintaining the standards of scientific rigor, ethics and credibility in the publishing process.

Skills You'll Gain

Ethical use of AI in authorship, scientific integrity, AI-enhanced research tools. 

Eligibility

Postdoctoral scientists in the microbial sciences.

Learning Goals

1. Apply ethical best practices for AI use in manuscript writing.
2. Recognize appropriate versus problematic use of AI in scientific writing.
3. Understand how journals assess AI-assisted work, why disclosure matters and the importance of transparency.

Speakers 

• Aashi Chaturvedi, Ph.D., Program Officer for Ethics and Integrity at American Society for Microbiology.

“Beyond the Research: Communicating Across Channels” will guide postdocs in effectively sharing their science through strategic communication—writing for funders, using social media, engaging the press and public outreach. Panelists will share key insights and successful approaches during their own postdoctoral paths. 

Skills You’ll Gain 

Science outreach techniques, cross-platform communication strategies, media & press engagement.   

Eligibility 

Postdoctoral scientists in the microbial sciences.

Learning Goals 

1. Discuss best practices for tailoring grant proposals to align with funder priorities.
2. Compare communication strategies across channels, including talks, posters, blogs, and social media.
3. Discuss when and how to engage with the media and public outlets about their research.
4. Speakers will reflect on the benefits and risks of using social media as a postdoctoral researcher.
5. Speakers will share lessons learned from others’ communication successes and missteps during the postdoc phase.

Speakers 

• Aimee M. Hollander, Ph.D., Director of HMS Curriculum Fellows Program at Harvard Medical School.
• Sangeeta Khare, Ph.D., Principal Investigator/Research Microbiologist OCS/NCTR/OR/DM at the US Food and Drug Administration. 
• Sriram Kumar, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Fellow at the Institute of Virology-Münster. 
• Ruvini Pathirana, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Microbiology at Texas A&M International University. 
• Juan Rivera-Correa, Ph.D., Assistant Professor at CUNY City Tech. 
• Davida E. Smyth, Ph.D., Professor and Interim Director for Research Development and Administration at Texas A&M University-San Antonio.

“Clocking In: Strategies for Managing Your Time in Microbiology,” will guide you in using storytelling to communicate research clearly, engage broader audiences, highlight impact and build trust across disciplines. 

Skills You'll Gain

Task prioritization, goal setting, productivity tools.

Eligibility

Community college, undergraduate students, postbaccalaureates, graduate students and postdoctoral scientists in the microbial sciences.

Learning Goals

1. Practical strategies for prioritizing tasks, balancing lab work, academics, career planning and life demands.
2. Techniques to reduce procrastination and maintain motivation throughout the day.
3. Guidance on adapting time management approach, as responsibilities evolve.
4. Recommendations for tools, apps and methods that support effective scheduling and track progress.
5. Insights from microbiologists on what works for them and what hasn’t.

Speakers 

• Debashis Banerjee, Ph.D., Assistant Professor at Atmiya University.
• Lekshmi K. Edison, M.S., Ph.D., PGDBi, MB(ASCP)CM, Postdoctoral Associate at University of Florida.
• Lindsey Burbank, Ph.D., Research Plant Pathologist at Agricultural Research Service.
• Kristen Smith, Ph.D., D(ABMM), Medical Advisor Lead, bioMérieux.
• Ashish William, MBBS, M.D., M(ASCPi)CM, SM(ASCPi)CM, Specialist in Microbiology at Deep Chand Bandhu Hospital.

“Navigating Uncertainty in Research: From Ambiguity to Action” will provide you with strategies in navigating research challenges—such as funding uncertainty, technical setbacks, team dynamics and how to overcome uncertainty in scientific environments.

Skills You'll Gain

Conflict management, problem solving, team communication.

Eligibility

Community college, undergraduate students, postbaccalaureates, graduate students and postdoctoral scientists in the microbial sciences.

Learning Goals

1. Identify key areas of uncertainty and complexity that microbiologists will likely experience during their research careers.
2. Identify approaches that can be used to mitigate these complexities. 
3. Determine some strategies that you can use to overcome the uncertainty and complexity that you are experiencing. 

Speakers 

• Samuel Alvarez Arguedas, Ph.D., Assistant Instructor at UT Southwestern Medical Center.
• Atanu Banerjee, Ph.D., Assistant Professor at Amity University Haryana.
• Katrina Counihan, Ph.D., Research Microbiologist at U.S. Department of Agriculture.
• Steven Foley, Ph.D., Director of the Division of Microbiology at Food and Drug Administration.
• Vicente Gomez-Alvarez, Ph.D., Principal Investigator at U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
• Ti Lu, Ph.D., Assistant Research Professor at University of Missouri. 

“Decode the Sequence” explores how bioinformaticians across sectors use coding, pipelines and collaboration to solve major microbiology questions. Trainees will learn core bioinformatic skills, gain actionable tips for entering the field, build key competencies and discover resources to start or advance their own bioinformatics journey. 

Skills You’ll Gain 

Data analysis and interpretation, core bioinformatic tools, scripting skills development. 

Eligibility 

Community college, undergraduate students, postbaccalaureates, graduate students and postdoctoral scientists in the microbial sciences.

Learning Goals 

1. Explore tools, pipelines and programming languages bioinformaticians rely on. 
2. Learn practical ways to build skills, even as a student. 
3. Discover the core skills required to build (and succeed in) bioinformatics roles. 
4. Understand how bioinformaticians solve complex data challenges using their skillsets. 
5. Learn who bioinformaticians collaborate with—from lab teams to clinicians and the importance thereof. 
6. Get curated resources to help you level up. 

Speakers 

• Kevin Libuit, M.S., VP of Operations at Theiagen Genomics. 
• Lorena Pantano, Ph.D., Director of Bioinformatics at Harvard University.