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CoMS-GSU 2026 Symposium

CoMS-GSU 2026 Symposium

CoMS-GSU Symposium

Microbial frontiers: from ecosystems to host-associated communities

The Center of Microbiome Science - Graduate Student Union (CoMS-GSU) is proud to announce its first-ever symposium: "Microbial Frontiers: From Ecosystems to Host-Associated Communities."

This event is designed specifically for students, trainees, and faculty across Ohio State to showcase current microbiome research, explore available campus resources, and foster interdisciplinary connections. Whether you are looking to share your latest findings or simply want to learn more about the vibrant microbiome network at OSU, we invite you to join us for a day of learning and collaboration.

Event Details

  • What: CoMS-GSU Symposium 2026
  • When: April 9, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Registration opens at 8:00 AM)
  • Where: Energy Advancement and Innovation Center (EAIC), Room 130
  • More Info: coms.osu.edu

Why Attend?

  • Discover Research: Hear about the diverse microbiome work happening right here at Ohio State.
  • Access Resources: Learn more about the specialized tools, networks, and resources available to OSU researchers.
  • Network: Mingle with peers and established scientists to share ideas and spark new collaborations.

We look forward to seeing you at the EAIC!

Meet our Keynote Speakers!

Dr. Alex Michaud

 

Alex Michaud, PhD, Assistant Professor
Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center
School of Earth Sciences
Ohio State University

Alex is microbial biogeochemist with research interests that lie at the intersection of microbial ecology, biogeochemistry, and glaciology. His work seeks to answer questions which quantify how changes to glaciers, ice sheets, lake ice, and permafrost impact microbial activity and biogeochemical cycles in aquatic ecosystems.

 

 

Dr. Skye Fishbein

 
Skye Fishbein, PhD, Assistant Professor
Microbial Infection and Immunity
College of Medicine
Ohio State University

The Fishbein Lab mission: uncover genotype-phenotype mechanisms in gut bacterial species that determine infection outcomes, identify dominant metabolic functions of the microbiome that alter infection outcomes, and develop high-resolution molecular biological and genetic methods for elucidating bacterial interactions in the human gut microbiome.

LOGISTICS

Call for Abstracts

We are excited to invite you to submit your abstract for our upcoming symposium! This is an opportunity to share your research, receive feedback, and connect with colleagues across disciplines.

How to Submit Your Abstract

Please use the submission link button below to send your completed abstract by March 19th.

If you have any questions, please contact the organizing committee at quiles.11@osu.edu

Submission Requirements  

  • Presenter Information: Full Name and Status (Undergraduate, Graduate, Postdoc, or Not a Trainee).
  • Presentation Preference: Please indicate Yes/No if you would like your abstract to be considered for a short talk.
  • Title & Authors: Provide a clear title. List all authors and underline the presenter's name.
  • Affiliations: Include the departmental and university/institutional affiliations for all authors.
  • Word Limit: Maximum 300 words.
  • Visuals: Text only. Please do not include diagrams, illustrations, or other graphic objects.
  • Template: No specific document template is required.

Your abstract will be evaluated based on the following criteria (4 points total):

  1. Background (1 pt): Provides adequate context for a broad scientific audience.
  2. Methods & Results (2 pts): A concise summary of methods and results (or an overview of the findings to be shared).
  3. Clarity (1 pt): The abstract is well-written, free of typos, and lacks awkward phrasing.

Poster Presentation Details

If your abstract is selected for a poster session:

  • Suggested Size: 48” Height x 36” Width.
  • Notification: Selected trainee poster presenters will be notified by April 2, 2026.

Center of Microbiome Science Graduate Student Union Symposium

Microbial Frontiers: Ecosystems to Host-associated Communities

April 9th, CoMS-GSU 

  • 8:00 - 9:00        Registration
  • 9:00 – 9:10       Welcome & Opening Remarks
  • 9:10 – 10:10      Keynote Speaker
    • Dr. Alex Michaud
    • 50 min talk
    • 10 for Q&A
  • 10:10 – 10:20    Coffee Break
    • Donuts
    • Coffee
    • Stretch
  • 10:20 – 11:20     Flash Talks
    • 6 talks
    • 8-9 mins each 
    • 1-2 min for transition (prep time)
  • 11:20 – 12:20   Lunch time
    • Qdoba catering
  • 12:20 – 1:20     Poster 
  • 1:20 – 2:20         Keynote Speaker
    • Dr. Skye Fishbein
    • 50 min talk
    • 10 for Q&A
  • 2:20 – 2:30        Coffee Break
    • Donuts
    • Coffee
    • Stretch
  • 2:30 – 3:30        Industry talk
    • Dr. Lexie Blalock
    • Star Lab
  • 3:30 – 4:00         Closing Remarks