UNL Microbiology Research Symposium
The Microbiology Achievement through Research and Valuable Experiential Learning (MARVEL) started in 2021 with the goal of supporting the academic success and building community for undergraduate students in the Microbiology Program at UNL. The MARVEL Program organizes two events annually including a workshop and the UNL Microbiology Research Symposium each fall semester.
The 5th Annual UNL Microbiology Research Symposium is scheduled for Friday, December 5th, 2025 in the Nebraska Union on UNL City Campus. The keynote speakers will begin at 3pm in the Swanson Auditorium followed by undergraduate, graduate and post doc poster presentations in the Centennial Ballroom at 4pm until 6pm. Light refreshments will be furnished. Register to attend.
This year's keynote speakers are:
Dr. Gemma Reguera, Professor of Microbiology, Genetics & Immunology at Michigan State University.
Title: “Reimagining microbial interactions for a sustainable future”
Through their control of the biogeochemical cycling of carbon, nitrogen and other elements, microbes impact planetary processes at a global scale and offer solutions for advancing social and economic prosperity. Our research reimagines microbial interactions with metals and minerals to address challenges in resource recovery, energy production, and environmental resilience. By integrating microbiology, materials science, and biotechnology, we uncover mechanisms of mineralization and electron transfer that enable circular use of natural resources. This talk will highlight microbial physiologies and engineered systems that illustrate how fundamental discoveries can be translated into scalable solutions for environmental sustainability and economic growth.
Dr. Lindsey Crawford, Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Title: “Viral Control of Stem Cell Fate: How a Chronic Human Herpesvirus Regulates Pathogenesis, Immunity, and Hematopoiesis”
The Crawford lab is broadly interested in how viruses control hematopoietic stem cell fate (virus-host interactions at the foundation of immune system development). Current projects focus on how chronic viruses, including the common herpesvirus HCMV, infect hematopoietic stem cells and control differentiation, and the interplay of these cellular pathways with viral with latency and reactivation. The lab uses a combination of molecular virology and biochemistry approaches with new stem cell and humanized mouse models to address fundamental questions in virology, immunology, and stem cell biology.
Poster registration is OPEN NOW through December 1, 2025.
We Are Gold Certified!
Our Commitment to Sustainability
We are proud to announce that the upcoming 5th Annual UNL Microbiology Research Symposium is a Certified Sustainable UNL Event at the Gold level! We are showing our commitment to sustainability by prioritizing sustainability in the event’s communication and waste efforts. Please join us in making a difference and promoting sustainability by bringing a reusable water bottle or coffee cup to reduce plastic and paper waste.
If you need any accommodations to be able to participate in the event fully, please let us know via email (microbiology@unl.edu) or at the time of the Symposium.