Future of Fungi: Solutions, Trends, & Challenges

Join NIAMRRE on Thursday, September 11, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. CT for a virtual panel discussion with leading experts in mycology and infectious disease. Hear from Dr. Tom Chiller, former Senior Advisor for strategy, DFWED for the CDC and current Chief Medical Officer and VP Strategic Innovations at IMMY, Dr. Karren Norris, Professor of Infectious Diseases at the University of Georgia, and Dr. Steven Harris, Department Chair, Plant Pathology, Entomology, and Microbiology at Iowa State University as they explore emerging trends, challenges, and solutions in fungal disease from a One Health perspective. Register now

Attend this virtual event to discover:

• Critical challenges in the diagnostics and management of fungal infections
• Novel solutions in technology and prevention
• Emerging trends and behavior change regarding fungal disease

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this vital conversation. Register today and take a step towards understanding the fascinating world of fungi and their impact on health

Featured Speakers 

Dr. Steven Harris possesses almost 40 years of experience working on the physiology, genetics, molecular biology, cell biology, and genomics of yeasts and filamentous fungi. As an independent investigator, his research program has sought to understand the mechanisms underlying hyphal morphogenesis and septum formation in the model filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans as well as other members of the genera Aspergillus and Penicillium. More recent efforts have focused on characterization of adaptations that enable fungi to colonize extreme environments. The latter project includes extensive field surveys focused on the isolation and identification of extremotolerant fungi. His research program has been supported by funding from NSF, NASA, and the Canadian agencies NSERC, CIHR, and CFI. Dr. Harris also has considerable experience teaching biology and mycology courses to an audience largely composed of pre-health majors. He currently serves as a Department Chair with a research appointment.

Dr. Karen Norris, is professor of Infectious Diseases and the Charles H. Wheatley Chair in Immunology & Translational Biomedical Research at the Center for Vaccines and Immunology at the University of Georgia. Her laboratory has developed and is testing a broadly protective vaccine and immunotherapeutic agents to prevent and treat fungal infections, including pulmonary aspergillosis and invasive candidiasis. She holds patents for related technologies and her work has led to the establishment of NXT Biologics, Inc, a company whose goal is the advancement of life-saving vaccines and immunotherapies for fungal diseases.

Dr. Tom Chiller led the CDC’s Mycotic Diseases Branch for over two decades, shaping the global response to life-threatening fungal infections like Candida auris and cryptococcal meningitis. From launching the FungiSurv surveillance system to securing fungal pathogens’ inclusion on WHO’s priority pathogen list, his impact has been monumental. Dr. Chiller sits on the Member Board of Trustees for the Global Action For Fungal Infections (GAFFI). Now, he joins IMMY as the Chief Medical Officer and VP Strategic Innovations to accelerate their mission of Improving Health & Saving Lives with affordable, accessible fungal diagnostics worldwide.