On April 10, 2025, the Center for Data-Driven Drug Development and Treatment Assessment (DATA), an NSF Industry-University Cooperative Research Center (IUCRC), held its third Spring meeting, in Ann Arbor, MI. Hosted at the University of Michigan (U-M), DATA creates and fosters scientific partnerships between industry, government, and academia, focusing on drug discovery that is based on data and tools such as modeling, AI and machine learning.

Have you ever wondered about the hidden microbial world inside your gut? Dive into the fascinating study of the molecules that fuel our energy or learn how a high fiber diet can do wonders for your gut. From the life-saving early detection of colon cancer to finding possible treatments for inflammatory bowel diseases and C diff. infection, M&I cutting-edge research is transforming our understanding of the biology that impacts our health and is shaping the future of healthcare.

With support from the Knights Templar Eye Foundation Career-Starter Research Grant, Fengrong Wang, Ph.D., will focus her research on the molecular biology underlying long-term infection from the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, and for which there is currently no treatment.

Darian Santana, Ph.D., received the Department of Microbiology and Immunology (M&I) 2024 MacNeal Award for his Ph.D. dissertation titled “A Candida auris-specific adhesin, Scf1, governs surface association, colonization, and virulence."

People with diabetes often have a host of other conditions including cardiovascular disease and kidney disease driven by inflammation. On today's episode, we talk with Dr. Katherine Gallagher, professor of surgery, professor of microbiology and immunology, and the Leland Ira Doan Research Professor of Vascular Surgery at U of M, who is looking at how epigenetics - the influence of environmental factors and behaviors impact on gene expression - might explain changes in the immune system in people with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other conditions related to inflammation.

Effective April 1, 2025, Dr. Adam Lauring, M.D., Ph.D., will serve as Chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases in the Department of Internal Medicine Dr. Lauring is a Professor of Internal Medicine and Professor of Microbiology and Immunology in the Medical School and a Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts at the University of Michigan. He brings a wealth of experience in infectious disease research, clinical care, and mentorship.