A discussion on research, new strains, testing, neurological challenges and vaccines.

 
We are living in the time of COVID-19, a disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). For almost a year, we’ve witnessed the relentless spread of the disease as it affected young and old around the world. Our health, our families, our homes, our lives, our economy, our very way of life – all turned upside down.

Now, there is light at the end of a very dark tunnel.

We invite you to join us on Thursday, Feb. 4 to hear from researchers at UCI’s School of Biological Sciences and of Public Health and from DiaSorin Molecular LLC as they discuss developments in their areas of expertise and findings in the battle against COVID-19. John Gerace of DiaSorin will talk about the challenges of delivering and testing for COVID-19, how they overcame those challenges, and what that means for the public. Professor Noymer will discuss population health, epidemiology and the impact of vaccines. Professor Lane will review the neurological aspects of the disease, and Professor Buchmeier will cover the origin and evolution of coronaviruses and what that means to humanity. Additionally, Professor Messaoudi will share immunological insights about the SARS-CoV-2 virus and vaccines. BioSci’s Dean Frank LaFerla will moderate the discussion.  

Audience members will then have the opportunity to ask the panel questions during the Q&A session.

  
Hosted by

The School of Biological Sciences is a premier center of biological education and research. Multidisciplinary research and academic opportunities exist in the areas of health-related issues such as cancer and infectious diseases, developmental biology and genetics, environmental and evolutionary studies, mechanisms of gene expression, neurodegeneration, learning and memory disorders, structural biology, stem cell therapies, and science education.

 
Event Panelists

Frank LaFerla, PhD
Moderator, Dean and Chancellor’s Professor
 

Andrew Noymer, PhD
Associate Professor, Department of Population Health and Disease Prevention
 

Ilhem Messaoudi, PhD
Director, Center for Virus Research; Professor, Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry.
 

John Gerace
President, DiaSorin Molecular LLC.
 

Michael J. Buchmeier, PhD
Associate Director, Center for Virus Research; Professor, Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
 

Thomas E. Lane, PhD
Chancellor’s Professor, Department of Neurobiology and Behavior.