2026 Tri-I Molecular Mycology and Pathogenesis Training Program Symposium
The registration is open for the 2026 Tri-I Molecular Mycology and Pathogenesis Training Program Symposium. We have an exciting lineup of speakers this year. Please use the link to register to attend the symposium which will be held in 103 Bryan Research Building on July 13th. This year, we will have a virtual option. Please let us know when registering if you will be attending in person or virtually. Please forward this to anyone that may be interested in attending.
REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED.
MONDAY, JULY 13
8:45 AM-5:00 PM
Bryan Research Building
Room 103, 311 Research Drive
Duke University
Speakers to include:
Dr. Reid Longley
North Carolina State University
Dr. Sheng-Yang He
Duke University
Dr. Nick Buchler
North Carolina State University
Dr. Caiti Heil
North Carolina State University
Dr. Julie Steinbrink
Duke University
Dr. Mari Shinohara
Duke University
Tri-Institutional Molecular Mycology and Pathogenesis Training Program
Symposium Schedule July 13, 2026
8:30 AM - 8:50 AM Coffee and Pastries
8:50 AM - 9:00 AM Welcome and Introduction
Session I: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
| Time | Speaker |
|---|---|
| 9:00 AM - 9:45 AM | Bacterial–fungal interactions shape fungal function Dr. Reid Longley, North Carolina State University |
| 9:45 AM - 10:00 AM | Evolutionary genomics of the frog-killing chytrid Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis: short-read insights from the Sequence Read Archive Dr. Patrick Kelly, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill |
| 10:00 AM - 10:15 AM | An ancient gene duplication is implicated in virulence and functional divergence in the human pathogen Histoplasma Dr. Vicky Sepúlveda, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill |
| 10:15 AM - 11:00 AM | From natural variation to host colonization in the dimorphic fungus Aureobasidium pullulans Dr. Sheng-Yang He, Duke University |
11:00 AM - 11:20 AM Morning Break
Session II: 11:20 AM - 1:20 PM
| Time | Speaker |
|---|---|
| 11:20 AM - 12:05 PM | Caught in the act of rewiring: mapping cross-talk between ancient and fungal cell cycle pathways in a chytrid Dr. Nick Buchler, North Carolina State University |
| 12:05 PM - 12:20 PM | Cell cycle regulation and polyploidy in Cryptococcus neoformans Dr. Claudia Petrucco, Duke University |
| 12:20 PM – 12:35 PM | Microscopy-driven phenomics uncovers DOP1 in C. neoformans Dr. Eddie Caro, Duke University |
| 12:35 PM - 1:20 PM | Signatures of domestication in Saccharomyces cerevisiae Dr. Caiti Heil, North Carolina State University |
1:20 PM - 2:30 PM Lunch
Session III: 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
| Time | Speaker |
|---|---|
| 2:30 PM - 3:15 PM | The evolving landscape of fungal diagnostics: barriers and Opportunities Dr. Julie Steinbrink, Duke University |
| 3:15 PM - 3:30 PM | Ubiquitin mediated stress adaptation in Cryptococcus neoformans Dr. Alejandro Antonia, Duke University |
| 3:30 PM - 3:45 PM | DNA methylation (5mC) and H3K9me2 govern genome stability and virulence in Cryptococcus neoformans Connor Larmore, Duke University |
| 3:45 PM - 4:30 PM | Host immune recognition of Cryptococcus infection: who detects fungi first? Dr. Mari Shinohara, Duke University |
4:30 PM - 4:45 PM Closing
5:30 PM - 8:30 PM Event at Hi-Wire Brewing: Light dinner and drinks courtesy of Dr. Joseph Heitman
Address: 800 Taylor St #9-150, Durham, NC 27701