The iDPCC is thrilled to spotlight the second winner of a poster presentation award at the <a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/news/ceirr-annual-network-meeting-2026" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">5th Annual CEIRR Network Meeting (ANM)</a>! Megan Martinez is a Ph.D. student in the <a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/search?keyword=Lowen" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lowen lab</a> at Emory University. Martinez was awarded First Place in the Virology and Viral Evolution category for their poster titled “Drivers of influenza A virus density dependence.”<figure class="image image-style-align-right image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://ceirr-public-website-static-prod.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/Martinez_Image_4db89ca30b.png"><figcaption>Photo of Megan Martinez.</figcaption></figure>Martinez’s research investigates how multiple infection shapes virus–virus interactions throughout the influenza A virus (IAV) life cycle. During infection, multiple viral particles often infect the same cell, and these virus–virus interactions can strongly influence replication efficiency, though the processes driving these interactions are poorly understood. To unravel these complicated dynamics, Martinez used two phenotypically identical but genetically distinct IAVs in a co-infection model across multiple cell types. Martinez’s work demonstrated that the density dependence of IAVs varies by host cell type and the viral function affected, with virus–virus interactions ranging from competitive to beneficial. In Martinez’s words, “Our findings to date suggest that host and viral factors shape the density dependence of IAVs, playing a critical role in viral propagation and expansion.”The iDPCC asked Martinez some additional questions to learn more about them&nbsp;and their&nbsp;interests:1. How has the CEIRR Program benefited your scientific training?A: The CEIRR Program has provided me with opportunities to connect with researchers outside my own institution and see how different groups approach similar scientific questions. It has been especially valuable to receive feedback on my own research while learning about work across the network, which has exposed me to new ideas and approaches I might not have encountered otherwise. The CEIRR meetings have also helped me build meaningful relationships with other trainees at similar stages, creating a peer network that I expect to continue beyond graduate school. Altogether, these interactions have helped me think more broadly about my project and its place within the larger field of influenza research.2. What motivates you to study your current research project(s)?A: My current research focuses on how interactions between co-infecting influenza A viruses influence viral replication and infection outcomes, an area where many fundamental questions remain unanswered. I feel privileged to be in a position where I can pursue these unknowns and contribute new knowledge to the field. That opportunity to uncover new biology and contribute to a broader scientific understanding is what continues to motivate me.3. What impact do you hope your current research project will have?A: I hope this research helps answer fundamental questions about how viruses interact within infected cells and why those interactions matter for infection outcomes. While the immediate impact is a better understanding of influenza A virus biology, I also hope these findings generate new questions and ideas that other researchers can build on.4. Who/what inspired you to go into science in general?A: I was drawn to research as an undergraduate, and I’m incredibly grateful for my mentor I had at that time. He created an environment where I could explore my curiosity and develop as a scientist, which helped me build the skills that have brought me to where I am today. What continues to inspire me is the curiosity that drives scientific research. I hope to foster that same sense of curiosity in others throughout my career.5. What is one thing on your bucket list?A: One thing on my bucket list is to visit all the Seven Wonders of the World.6. How have your career interests and plans changed over time?A: My career interests have continued to evolve since starting graduate school. Originally, I never saw myself staying in academia, but I’ve come to really value its creativity and rigor, as well as the opportunity to communicate scientific findings and contribute to how they are understood and applied.

Spotlight

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Awards

Martinez describes their work to understand how virus-virus interactions influence viral replication efficiency.&nbsp;

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Megan Martinez, Graduate Student and Virology and Viral Evolution Poster Winner, Investigates the Role of Virus-Virus Interactions During Viral Replication

The iDPCC is delighted to spotlight several CEIRR researchers who were awarded a poster presentation award at the <a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/news/ceirr-annual-network-meeting-2026" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">5th Annual CEIRR Network Meeting (ANM)</a>. Our first spotlight in this series is Tobias Frank, a Ph.D. student in the <a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/search?keyword=Ellen%20Foxman" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Foxman Lab</a> at Yale University, a <a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/centers/penn-ceirr" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Penn-CEIRR</a> institute. Frank earned First Place in the Immunology category for his poster titled “Comparison of mucosal and systemic immune responses in paired serum and upper respiratory samples.”<figure class="image image-style-align-right image_resized" style="width:21.54%;"><img src="https://ceirr-public-website-static-prod.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/Tobias_Frank_Lab_a6613e48fb.png"><figcaption>Photo of Tobias Frank examining a plaque assay in the laboratory.</figcaption></figure>In collaboration with the <a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/search?keyword=Scott%20Hensley" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hensley Lab</a> at University of Pennsylvania and the <a href="https://www.niaid.nih.gov/research/pandemic-preparedness-cross-cutting-efforts" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">NIAID Pandemic Response Repository through Microbial and Immune Surveillance and Epidemiology (PREMISE) Program</a>, Frank and colleagues aimed to better understand the relationship between systemic and mucosal antibody responses due to their critical roles in mediating respiratory virus infection. Paired mucosal and serum samples were obtained from healthy human subjects at baseline and during infection to compare antigen-specific antibodies. Frank leveraged multiplexed antibody analysis, Mesoscale Discovery assays, and Luminex-based bead assays to evaluate these samples. Using these methods, Frank identified and validated cross-reactive antibodies between human metapneumovirus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and found that antigen-specific antibodies correlated between different mucosal samples but not between mucosal and serum samples. According to Frank, “These findings contribute to developing best practices for measuring mucosal IgA and cytokines—enabling researchers to better examine mucosal immune responses during infection—and furthering our understanding of the interplay between mucosal and systemic antibody responses.”The iDPCC also asked Frank to answer some additional questions about himself:1. How has the CEIRR Program benefited your scientific training?A: Besides giving me the opportunity to study the antibody repertoire to influenza, I appreciate how it brings scientists from across the country together. I have talked to trainees and PIs I otherwise would never have the chance to meet, and it has shaped my understanding of influenza and how I want to use my career to help the world.2. What motivates you to study your current research project(s)?A: I am a huge fan of board games and puzzle; I love understanding how to optimally play a game or find a pattern within a puzzle. Finding patterns within biology that can be leveraged to prevent future pandemics motivates me to study influenza and other infectious diseases.3. What impact do you hope your current research project will have?A: I hope that this work contributes to a better standardization of mucosal sample collection and motivates antibody and cytokine assay optimization for mucosal samples. So much work has been done to characterize and understand antibodies in serum, and I hope that in the future mucosal antibodies become just as well-studied.4. Who/what inspired you to go into science in general?A: My high-school science teacher was, and still is, one of my biggest inspirations. His hands-on approach to science made me fall in love with biology, and learning from him made me appreciate the importance of good mentors and teachers in fostering the next generation of scientists.5. What is one thing on your bucket list?A: I want to travel across a country without a phone or map, navigating only by asking people for directions. I think it would make me appreciate a country for the people who live in it rather than the attractions that draw tourists.6. Do you have any hobbies or special interests that you'd like to share?A: I love to SCUBA Dive! I got certified when I was 10 years old and have been diving for almost 15 years. My favorite sea creatures to look for when SCUBA diving are nudibranchs, which are these vibrantly-colored tiny underwater sea slugs.

Penn-CEIRR

Frank describes his work to evaluate the correlation between mucosal and systemic immunity to better understand immune responses to respiratory infections.

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Tobias Frank, Graduate Student and Immunology Poster Winner, Evaluates the Association Between Mucosal and Systemic Immunity

The 5th Annual CEIRR Network Meeting convened researchers from May 26th–29th, 2026, at the Emory University Student Center in Atlanta, bringing together CEIRR-funded investigators for four days of scientific exchange on influenza and other emerging respiratory pathogens.Hosted by Emory University CEIRR (<a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/centers/emory-ceirr" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Emory-CEIRR</a>), the meeting focused on sharing new research and strengthening collaboration across the network. Opening remarks were delivered by Emory-CEIRR principal investigators <a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/search?keyword=Anice%20Lowen" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dr. Anice Lowen</a> and <a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/search?keyword=Aneesh%20Mehta" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dr. Aneesh Mehta</a>, and the program featured a keynote address by <a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/search?keyword=Kanta%20Subbarao" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dr. Kanta Subbarao</a> of the Doherty Institute. Over the course of the meeting, 40 speakers presented across seven sessions spanning a wide range of topics, including immunology, surveillance, viral evolution, data management, and H5/risk assessment.&nbsp;<figure class="image image-style-align-left"><img src="https://ceirr-public-website-static-prod.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/Picture6_87a4b51cc6.png"><figcaption>CEIRR branded fliers and stickers.</figcaption></figure>The program also included several breakout sessions designed to explore specialized areas in greater depth. Topics included modeling tools and training resources; domestic and wild animal surveillance in viral risk assessment; phylodynamics and phenotypic characterization in viral risk assessment; human subject working groups; and data management and data sharing. Researchers also showcased their work through posters and flash talks. More than 165 posters were presented, along with 82 flash talks across six topic areas. Attendees selected the top poster in each category, with first-place honors awarded to:<ul><li>Immunology: Tobias Frank (Penn-CEIRR)</li><li>Virology and Viral Evolution: Megan Martinez (Emory-CEIRR)</li><li>H5/Risk Assessment and Data Management: Anastasija Cupic (CRIPT)</li><li>Immunity, Transmission, and Breadth of Protection: Pamela Brigleb (SJCEIRR)</li><li>Surveillance: Brady O’Boyle (SJCEIRR)</li></ul>The annual meeting served as a forum for CEIRR investigators to share findings, examine emerging questions, and build connections across the research community. The next CEIRR Network Meeting will be hosted by <a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/centers/penn-ceirr" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Penn-CEIRR</a>.

Meetings

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iDPCC

JH-CEIRR

SJCEIRR

Conferences

SARS-CoV-2

The fifth CEIRR Annual Network Meeting featured over 40 session speakers, 82 flash talks across six topics, and over 165 posters to strengthen connections among researchers and staff.

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CEIRR Annual Network Meeting 2026

<figure class="image image-style-align-right"><img src="https://ceirr-public-website-static-prod.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/Resized_Adobe_Stock_294025271_31dff46810.jpg"><figcaption>Researcher evaluates swine at a farm</figcaption></figure>Penn-CEIRR researchers <a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/search?keyword=Phillip%20Gauger" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Phillip Gauger, D.V.M, Ph.D.</a>, <a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/search?keyword=Amy%20Baker" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Amy Baker, D.V.M., Ph.D.</a>, and colleagues recently investigated the presence of Influenza A Virus (IAV) at the farm level in both swine and in human workers. The results of their active surveillance work were published in <a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/resources/publications?keyword=Influenza%20a%20Virus%20Detection%20at%20the%20Human-Swine%20Interface%20in%20US%20Midwest%20Swine%20Farms" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Viruses</a>. IAV causes significant economic loss for pig producers due primarily to reduced weight gain. IAV is also a potential and continuous threat to public health and has contributed to previous human influenza outbreaks. Swine are unique mixing vessels, able to be infected with both avian and human influenza viruses, making them a population uniquely capable of generating new IAVs. One of the most prominent examples of this effect was the H1N1 pandemic in 2009 which included avian-, swine-, and human-origin strains.Due to swine harboring unique IAV strains with potential to transmit across species, humans that work on swine farms play a critical role in bidirectional transmission dynamics. Past studies have shown that occupational exposure increased farm employees’ risk of IAV infection from swine. As such, the shared environment between swine and humans must be examined at the farm level to better understand the dynamics of IAV at the human-swine interface with an end goal of optimizing surveillance and control strategies.To fill this gap, Penn-CEIRR researchers tested pigs and farm employees at breeding farms and their respective nurseries to assess IAV detection and diversity over time. Farm employees and swine were tested monthly for the presence of IAV, and isolates were sequenced to better understand the strains of IAV present and how IAV clades are evolving. The authors also conducted surveys of farm workers to better understand existing biosecurity and management practices.Among surveyed farm employees, only 29.2% reported receiving the IAV vaccine within the past 12 months, a rate much lower than the reported national average (46.9%). During the monthly active surveillance, IAV was detected in 0.9% of employees when sampled at work. Additionally, three cases of seasonal human IAV were detected in farm employees, but no direct evidence of transmission to swine was observed. Importantly, sequencing revealed the presences of a strain of IAV - H3.1990.4 - that the current vaccine is unlikely to offer protection against.This study reveals that it is essential to include swine and farm employees in influenza surveillance and for said employees to receive routine seasonal influenza vaccination. Additionally, including sequencing in surveillance is critical as it reveals differences between strains present in the vaccine and those present on farms. Identifying gaps in vaccine coverage is necessary to inform appropriate vaccine updates and maintain optimal control of IAV at the farm level.&nbsp;

Commentaries

Surveillance

Using active surveillance, Penn-CEIRR researchers found the presence of Influenza A virus in both pigs and humans underscoring the importance of biosecurity measures at the human-swine interface at the farm level.

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Researchers at Penn-CEIRR Used Active Surveillance to Detect Influenza A and Evaluate Genetic Diversity Over Time at the Farm Level

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