5:01 Meeting April 21: How Medical Science Works

Please join us at the Pool & Yacht Club on April 7th.

Drs. Geoff Hart and Jovany Betancourt will tell us how medical research is performed, in their case related to fungal infections and malaria in particular. Both of these infections are common in poor countries where Rotary does much of our work.

Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting officially begins at 5:15 PM
https://zoom.us/j/8251848268?pwd=a0thQ0NqWi93aXpyeFBGT1JRNHlTUT09
Meeting ID: 825 184 8268
Passcode: 643825
Or, join by Phone: (312) 626-6799 or (346) 248-7799

Dr. Hart performed his dissertation research in the Center for Immunology at the University of Minnesota. Postdoctoral work at the NIH has focused on malaria research. His primary interest is centered on innate immunity, particularly NK cells, in malaria. Using a basic immunology approach, he collaborates with on-going studies in malaria endemic regions of Africa to try to understand protective and pathological mechanisms of this deadly disease.

Jovany J. Betancourt is an MD/PhD trainee and infectious disease researcher at the University of Minnesota whose thesis focused on the immunology and pathogenesis of fungal infections. His doctoral research investigated the biology of Cryptococcus neoformans, an opportunistic fungal pathogen that can cause life-threatening meningitis, particularly in immunocompromised patients.

Beyond the laboratory, Dr. Betancourt is interested in strengthening public health preparedness and healthcare system resilience. He is the founder of the Medical School’s first Biodefense Interest Group, an Advocates for Better Health public health fellow, and an initiative exploring policy solutions to improve medical supply chain stability and preparedness for emerging infectious disease threats.