As a researcher studying COVID-19, Thomas Friedrich will focus much of his talk on what we can learn from studying the genetics of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This includes: new viral variants and what they mean for the effectiveness of vaccines and controlling the pandemic; understanding what situations promote SARS-CoV-2 transmission; and what the long-term future of COVID-19 might look like. He will also touch on the ways different vaccines work and some challenges and opportunities for testing. There will probably be breaking news to cover also!
Tom is Professor of Virology at the UW-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine. His laboratory studies how pandemic viruses like HIV, influenza, Zika, and SARS-CoV-2 evolve to emerge, spread, and cause disease. With his UW colleague David O’Connor, Tom is currently co-leading a series of COVID-related projects, with special emphasis on viral evolution, genetic surveillance, and expanding the availability of testing to K-12 schools. Through this work Tom is connected to scientists around the country and the globe working to understand and control the COVID-19 pandemic. Tom grew up in the Milwaukee suburb of Wauwatosa and did his undergraduate and graduate studies at UW-Madison.
This seminar is sponsored by the Board. If you have preliminary questions for the speaker, please send to Program Coordinator Esther Olson at emolson2@wisc.edu by Friday, March 26.
Tom's research was recently spotlighted in "Inside UW". Click here to read more.
Food Pantry Contributions:
Checks payable to UW-Foundation, with "Open Seat" on the memo line may be mailed to UWRA, 21 North Park Street, Room 7205, Madison, WI 53715-1218.
Registration Deadline: Friday, March 26
Registration:
Advance registration is required. You are encouraged to register online. To register by phone or email, call the Association office. If you or your guest registered for this seminar but cannot attend, please cancel your registration online, or email/call the UWRA office.
NOTE: The weblink and virtual call information will be included in the meeting reminders registrants receive.
UW-Madison Retirement Association
21 N Park St, Room 7205
Madison WI 53715-1218
608-262-0641
retireassn@mailplus.wisc.edu
