Science Café at Overton Park

From Corals to Cholera: Maladies in a Changing Planet

As weather patterns and human distribution change globally, so does the fate of infectious agents: from pathogens that decimate coral reefs to the infamous agent of cholera. In this Science Café, Dr. Salvador Almagro-Moreno will discuss the emergence, spread, and evolution of infectious diseases in a changing planet, especially those in ocean ecosystems that are experiencing the most drastic changes of all. This presentation will not just be a call for action, but will also offer insights into solutions and potential approaches to tackle these complex issues. 

Dr. Salvador Almagro-Moreno is an Associate Member in the Host-Microbe Interactions Department at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. His lab seeks to understand bacterial pathogens all the way from the molecular level to how they are transmitted to humans. The lab investigates how disruptions to ecosystems by manmade perturbations or natural disasters can change these pathogens and the severity of disease outbreaks. Understanding these qualities will help them better predict future outbreaks and design medical treatments against bacterial threats to human health.