Antimicrobial Resistance Conference

February 25-26, 2026

About the Conference

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Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant public health threat globally, and multi-drug resistant infections are predicted to only worsen over time (United Nations Foundation, 2021). In 2019, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that more than 2.8 million cases of antibiotic-resistant infections occur annually in the US, resulting in 35,000 deaths (CDC, 2024). Increased incidence of hypervirulent and multidrug resistant (MDR) bacterial pathogens has been attributed to the use, overuse, and misuse of antibiotics (FAO, 2016). However, AMR is a complex problem at the intersection of human, animal and environmental health (“One Health”) that can only be addressed through a multidisciplinary approach.

We welcome a diverse audience including not only academics, but medical and veterinary practitioners, and individuals working in the areas of public health, food production, food safety and biotechnology. The meeting has been designed to facilitate networking and collaborations so we can tackle AMR together.

Poster Session

A dedicated poster session highlighting research in Antimicrobial Resistance will be featured during the conference. Poster presenters will receive complimentary conference registration. Upon completing registration, you will receive additional details via email regarding the poster submission process. Undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers are eligible to compete for cash prizes.

Steering Committee

  • Kenitra Hendrix
  • Tim Johnson
  • Deepti Pillai
  • Chris Rice

Planning Committee

  • Wendy Beauvais
  • Dielson da Silva Vieira
  • Sriveny Dangoudoubiyam
  • Ahmed Hassan
  • Andrea Kellogg
  • Hyunwoo Lee
  • Shankar Thangamani
  • Mohit Verma

Speakers

Schedule

Tuesday, February 25, 2025

Registration/Refreshments/Posters

7:30–8:30 a.m. EST

Opening Remarks

8:30–8:45 a.m. EST

Keynote: Determinants: The Elements and Mechanisms of AMR

8:45–10:00 a.m. EST|Renee Fleeman
Klebsiella pneumoniae infections have become a serious threat to human health due to multi-drug resistance, prompting the CDC to classify it as a pathogen urgently requiring therapeutic development. Antimicrobial peptides offer a solution to multi-drug-resistant K. pneumoniae, however there is limited knowledge of resistance to antimicrobial peptides. We found that colistin resistance does not uniformly affect all host defense peptides, and using our genetic peptide surface display system in K. pneumoniae, we identified physiochemical properties that allow host defense peptides to bypass membrane-mediated colistin resistance. Clinical isolates of K. pneumoniae exhibited heterogeneous membrane dynamics, and transcriptional analysis revealed a coordinated response to de-energize membrane potential following peptide treatment. While genetic mutations leading to significant antimicrobial peptide resistance are rare, our findings suggest phenotypic tolerance may play a key role.

Break

10:00–10:15 a.m. EST

To Be Announced

10:15–10:40 a.m. EST|Seema Mattoo

To Be Announced

10:40–11:05 a.m. EST|Tim Johnson

Field-Based Detection of Antimicrobial Resistance Using One Health Biosensors

11:05–11:30 a.m. EST|Mohit Verma

Session 1 Q&A (Determinants)

11:30–11:50 a.m. EST

Lunch

11:50 a.m.–12:45 p.m. EST

Keynote: Dynamics: Tackling AMR in Humans and Animals: One Health Approach for Fighting AMR

12:45–2:00 p.m. EST|Herman Barkema

This presentation explores the urgent issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through a global One Health lens, recognizing the interconnected health of humans, animals, and the environment. It highlights the key drivers of AMR in both medical and agricultural settings, including the overuse and misuse of antibiotics. The presentation emphasizes the importance of integrated surveillance systems and cross-sector collaboration. It also highlights the critical role of global cooperation and the need to support low- and middle-income countries in addressing AMR. The goal is to promote coordinated, international action to combat AMR in animals and humans and protect global health for future generations.

A Next Generation Probiotic-Based Pathogen Exclusion Strategy

2:00–2:25 p.m. EST|Arun Bhunia

Break/Refreshments

2:25–2:40 p.m. EST

Developing a “Real-Time” Antibiogram Dashboard

2:40–3:05 p.m. EST|Wendy Beauvais

A Framework for Counterfactual Analysis, Strategy Evaluation, and Control of Epidemics using Reproduction Number Estimates

3:05–3:30 p.m. EST|Phillip Pare

Session 2 Q&A (Dynamics)

3:30–3:50 p.m. EST

Reception / Poster Session

3:50–6:00 p.m. EST

Wednesday, February 26, 2025

Registration/Refreshments/Networking/Posters

8:00–8:30 a.m. EST

Keynote: Deterrence: Control and Mitigations of AMR

8:30–9:45 a.m. EST|Dubraska Diaz-Campos

Controlling antimicrobial resistance (AMR) requires a coordinated, evidence-based approach that includes enhanced infection prevention and control, optimized antimicrobial use, and improved diagnostic practices. In veterinary medicine, these three components are critical but often underutilized tools for mitigating resistance within a One Health framework. This talk will explore practical strategies for implementing antimicrobial stewardship programs in clinical settings, emphasizing the role of veterinarians and diagnostic laboratories in guiding responsible therapy. Real-world examples will illustrate how collaborative interventions can support stewardship efforts, while also highlighting current limitations and areas of need. By strengthening the integration of education, diagnostics, and stewardship, veterinarians can play a central role in deterring the emergence and spread of AMR.

Targeting Mycobacterium Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases for Novel Anti-tuberculosis Agents

9:45–10:10 a.m. EST|Zhong-Yin Zhang

Break

10:10–10:25 a.m. EST

Promises and Perils: The Role of Molecular Diagnostics in AMR Deterrence

10:25–10:50 a.m. EST|Rachel Soltys

Design and Validation of Mutation-Resistant Therapies for Malaria and Influenza Virus Infections

10:50–11:15 a.m. EST|Phillip Low

Session 3 Q&A (Deterrence)

11:15–11:35 a.m. EST

Keynote Panel

11:35 a.m.–12:00 p.m. EST

Closing Remarks & Poster Awards

12:00–12:30 p.m. EST

Lunch

12:30–1:00 p.m. EST

Looking for past conference details?

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