Phi Zeta Research Emphasis Day

Where

Presentations in the Auditorium

Posters in the Auditorium and on the first- and second-floors in the hallways around the Courtyard.

Keynote Speaker

Srinand Sreevatsan, BVSc, MVSc, MPH, Ph.D., Dean, University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine

Srinand Sreevatsan, BVSc, MVSc, MPH, Ph.D., is dean of the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine. The goal of his research is to advance an understanding of pathogen-host interactions through a systems approach. By using advanced technologies like genome sequencing and functional genomics, the interdisciplinary research strategy aims to uncover new insights into zoonotic pathogen infections. Studying the interactions and interplay of many levels of biological information systems enables researchers to understand and cure complex infectious diseases. Dr. Sreevatsan’s scientific inquiry focuses on the worlds’ greatest infectious diseases such as those caused by mycobacteria, prions, and influenza A. This work provides a scientific basis for improved disease surveillance and mitigation through development of improved diagnostic tests and methods for microbial identification/tracking, as well as developing new generations of antimicrobial vaccines and therapeutics.

Dr. Sreevatsan’s work on mycobacteria began in 1995 with investigations on the molecular basis of drug resistance in the M. tuberculosis complex. Building on that experience, he added newer technologies to improve the resolution of understanding pathogenesis in the natural host. His work has contributed significantly to the understanding of genomic diversity in mycobacteria, mycobacterium-host interactions in natural infections, serum biomarkers of mycobacterial infections and their response to treatment, iron physiology in mycobacteria, and microbial population structure and functioning in pathogen-induced environments. These findings have been funded by USDA and published in high impact and widely read journals including, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Nature Medicine, Analyst, BMC Microbiology, BMC Genomics, Journal of Clinical Microbiology, PLoS One, Microbes and Infection, Frontiers in Cellular Microbiology, and more.

Studies on influenza virus ecology and evolution involve the investigation of viral population structures in avian and swine populations and their contribution to the emergence of novel subtypes. This work feeds into the evaluation of host specific immune responses, extensive viral diversity and development of universal vaccines. His work on influenza viruses received funding by the USDA and NIH. Findings have been published in PLoS One, EMI, Virology, and the Journal of Clinical Microbiology.

Program

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Friday, April 25, 2025

2024 Phi Zeta Awards