Fall 2023 Microbiology Seminar Series

DATE	SPEAKER	INSTITUTE	SEMINAR TITLE
AUGUST 28	Heidi Goodrich-Blair	Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee	Semester Welcome
SEPTEMBER 4	LABOR DAY (NO SEMINAR)
SEPTEMBER 11	Jill Mikucki	Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee	How preoccupation with a unique icy ecosystem led to the quest to explore other worlds
SEPTEMBER 18	Chunlei Su	Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee	A journey from epidemiology to molecular diversity to population genetics of Toxoplasma gondii
SEPTEMBER 25	Erik Zinser	Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee	Zinser Lab’s Greatest Hits, Volume 2
OCTOBER 2	Tim Sparer	Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee	Cytomegaloviruses: They get around! The role of viral chemokines in CMV spread
OCTOBER 9	Jeb Barrett	Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech	Weather whiplash in a terrestrial polar ecosystem following the March 2022 Antarctic weather anomaly
OCTOBER 16	Brandon Kim	Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama	Identity Crisis: The Blood Brain Barrier and Infection
OCTOBER 23	Petra Levin	Department of Biology, Washington University in St. Louis	The Environment Shapes the Cell
OCTOBER 30	Francis Alonzo	Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Illinois Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine	Control of innate immunity by Staphylococcus aureus
NOVEMBER 6	Michael Bertucci	Department of Chemistry, Lafayette College	Characterizing and Modulating Bacterial Quorum Sensing Systems Using Synthetic Peptides & Preparing for an Academic Career at a PUI
NOVEMBER 13	Adam Wong	Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida	Microbial modulation of host behavior: insights from Drosophila
NOVEMBER 20	Willm Martens-Habbena	Fort Lauderdale Research & Education Center, University of Florida	Genomic and physiological insights into the in situ metabolism of nitrifying bacteria and archaea in soil
NOVEMBER 27	Candice Halbert	Department of Chemistry, University of Tennessee	Following the path of STEM, while developing your passion
DECEMBER 4	Amber Benezra	Science, Technology & Society Faculty, Stevens Institute of Technology	The Social Microbiome: What Anthropology, Race, and Equity Have to do with Microbes

Code of Conduct for UTK Microbiology Seminars and Colloquia

The Department of Microbiology encourages the open exchange of scientific ideas. Seminars are a forum for the speaker to present their ideas and to allow attendees to learn through engaged listening and questioning. We want our seminars and colloquiums to be an inclusive environment in which all participants feel that their presence is welcome and their contributions valued. Thus, by joining Department-hosted colloquia and seminars, we expect participants to adhere to the following code of conduct:

• All attendees will behave professionally, treating speakers and other attendees respectfully (demonstrating the understanding that the event is important; to be polite or honor someone) and considerately (in a way that shows that you are always thinking of other people’s wishes and feelings). Professional conduct includes thoughtful appreciation of the ways in which power and status affect how people express themselves and how they interpret what is said. This is especially important to consider when speakers are job candidates, trainees, students. Professional conduct also includes punctual arrival and respect for the speaker by eliminating distractions, such as limiting active use of laptops, tablets or phones except for activities related to presentation (i.e., taking notes or providing electronic feedback).

• Constructive interaction between the speaker and the audience is expected. Speakers should try to present their material in an understandable way, taking into account the diverse levels of expertise in the audience. All audience members are encouraged to respectfully ask constructive questions that lead to a broader and deeper understanding of the speaker’s points or help the audience member clarify concepts or points of confusion. Difficult and probing questions that require critical thinking by both the speaker and audience are encouraged and are, in part, why scientists present their work in seminars and colloquiums. This code of conduct simply asks that you posit your questions in a respectful manner.
• Persistent questioning or dialog limits others from participating and should not be pursued during the talk. If an attendee is not satisfied with the speaker’s response to their question or comment, or the question requires a more complex response, then they should reserve follow-up for later discussion to allow the speaker to present their ideas and for other attendees to contribute questions or comments.
• Discussion between attendees during a seminar should be kept to a minimum. This includes side discussions between two people in the audience, as even whispered exchanges can be loud enough to distract nearby participants. The seminar is primarily a vehicle for the speaker to communicate with the audience.
• Intimidation of any participant (speaker or audience member) through inappropriate, aggressive, confrontational, or derogatory (showing a disrespectful attitude) comments or questions is not acceptable, even if you disagree with the points being made by the other person.
• The host of the seminar speaker is formally in charge of the seminar. This includes reminding audience members of the department’s expectations concerning their conduct. However, all participants present should be mindful of this code of conduct and should help to ensure that it is followed.

This code does not supersede UT Student or Faculty Codes of Conduct