Upcoming Events

The Dean’s Seminar Series on Infectious Disease Modeling is co-hosted by the Department of Environmental Health Science, Department of Epidemiology, and ICAP at Columbia Mailman School of Public Health. This seminar series features experts presenting the latest research in infectious disease modeling and epidemiology from various disciplines. This series will be online only. Attending over Zoom requires registration. Affiliates outside of Columbia are welcome to attend via Zoom. This series is presented by Dr. Grewn Knight, Associate Professor, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK.  Seminar Title: How important is antibiotic use to antibiotic resistance? Abstract:  Antibiotics are a cornerstone of modern medicine but also the agents of their own downfall in that their use drives the global public health problem that is antimicrobial resistance (AMR). However, quantifying the relationship between AMR and antibiotic exposure is difficult, requiring an understanding of the complex interactions between selection pressure and AMR transmission. Mathematical models are powerful tools for dissecting these complexities, allowing us to explore various concepts and synthesize data across different levels of biological and clinical organization. In this talk, I will present my interdisciplinary research aiming to quantify the impact of antibiotic selection on resistance, beginning with an outline of the general structure of compartmental transmission models of AMR, emphasizing the common assumptions that underpin these models. Following this, I will discuss data from Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), which challenge conventional expectations about the effects of antibiotics. To address these discrepancies, I will demonstrate the value of integrating modelling with laboratory research, highlighting the critical role of single data systems and the potential double-edged sword of (bacterio)phage therapy as a solution to combat AMR. Furthermore, I will present ecological analyses that align with the GOSH data, using disaggregated data on how AMR varies by age and sex to reveal new complexities in selection by antibiotics. This interdisciplinary talk will underscore the unexpected, complex, and context-specific nature of antibiotic effects, illustrating the importance of using different levels of modelling and data analysis to tackle AMR. For the speakers and dates of the future events, please check our website.

The Columbia University Northern Plains Superfund Research Program is hosting all of its researchers and trainees for updates and flash talks. Please come by to learn about all the great things we've done and all the great things we're going to do! 

The Principal Investigator (PI) Crash Course is a two-day intensive boot camp of seminars, discussions, and hands-on activity sessions to provide exposure to fundamental leadership and management skills and tools needed for success in your lab. This two-day intensive crash course integrates the principle skills that future and new PIs did not develop during their post-doctoral training, but will be necessary to survive as a new Lab leader and manager. Whether you are a doctoral student, postdoc, new PI, or looking to start your own lab, as a lab leader you will immediately be confronted on daily basis by a variety of situations that you must be prepared to handle. This crash course will provide you the tools you need to start your lab on the right foot. By the end of the workshop, participants will be familiar with the following topics: Negotiation skills for a new position/promotion/collaboration/publication Staffing skills for job posts/candidate screening/interviews/hiring Leadership and mentoring skills in the Lab People management: day-to-day/conflict resolution/misconduct/promotions/layoffs Time management: balancing research, teaching, service/when & how to say No Project management: planning/tracking progress/meeting deadlines/introduction to management software Network creation and maintenance: mentors/collaborators/supporters Real-life lab leader success stories and best tips from early-stage and experienced investigators Audience and Requirements Senior post-doctoral students and associate research scientists from any institution about to start their independent position search are particularly welcome to attend, and we strongly encourage new and recent PIs to participate as it is never too late to get an overview of the survival skills that you will need throughout your career. Additional Information Subscribe for updates on new Crash Course details and registration deadlines. Contact the PI Crash Course team. Capacity is limited. Paid registration is required to attend.