UNF hosts microbial frontiers symposium

UNF's Inaugural Microbial Frontiers Symposium marked a transformative moment for the university, launching its first national and international research symposium dedicated to advancing interdisciplinary science. Dr. Alya Limayem, Provost's Inaugural Research Fellow, served as the founder, thought leader, and keynote speaker of this innovative event. The interdisciplinary design; including the integration of biomedical sciences, engineering, artificial intelligence, environmental science, and public health; originated entirely from her vision to elevate research collaboration, strengthen institutional partnerships, and enhance student learning and success.

The symposium began with a standalone welcome from UNF President Dr. Moez Limayem, who reiterated the university's strategic ambition to position itself toward R1 research status. This was followed by welcoming remarks from Provost Dr. Karen Patterson and Dean Dr. Kaveri Subrahmanyam, who emphasized the importance of fostering a robust research culture and supporting initiatives that expand UNF's scientific impact.

Dr. Limayem's keynote address established the intellectual foundation for the event, presenting a powerful integration of advanced genomics, nanotechnology, and wastewater-based surveillance, epidemiological insight to confront emerging infectious and neuro-diseases. The program included contributions from distinguished global experts such as Dr. Christian Bréchot, President of the Global Virus Network; Dr. Paul Sanberg, President and Founder of the National Academy of Inventors; Dr. Thomas Frazer, Dean of the USF College of Marine Science; Dr. Hariom Yadav, Director of the USF Center for Microbiome Research; and Dr. Michael Jerowski, Professor of Medical Engineering at USF.

International engagement was strengthened through participation by the Saint James School of Medicine, whose faculty explored opportunities for joint research, medical education partnerships, and global health initiatives; expanding the symposium's international footprint and collaborative potential.

The event also included Mr. Steven Selders, CIO of JEA, whose involvement bridged scientific innovation with community infrastructure, water safety, and environmental health. Panel discussions, led by moderators Dr. Kimberly Mayer, Dr. Shyam Paryani, Dr. Brian Verkamp, Dr. James Gelsleichter, and facilitator Ms. Sandy Justice covered themes ranging from AI ethics and neuroscience to microbial genomics, reclaimed water, and marine preservation.

With exceptional student participation and engagement across multiple universities, the Microbial Frontiers Symposium positioned UNF as a rising hub for interdisciplinary research; reflecting Dr. Alya Limayem's pioneering organizer laying the groundwork for ongoing national and international scientific collaboration.