Loading

Welcome to IMMUNOLOGY2012™
The 99th AAI Annual Meeting!

The Scientific Program at IMMUNOLOGY 2012™ featured cutting-edge developments from scientists at every career stage, including world leaders in immunology presenting their research in plenary lectures and special symposia, award lecture presentations, and major symposia. In addition, more than 550 other AAI members and guests presented their latest findings in over 100 sessions. And over 1,600 poster presenters displayed and discussed their findings throughout the week.

Program By Day  |  Meeting Abstracts  |  Photos

Show Full Program | Collapse Program
President's Program (President's Address; President's Symposium)
AAI President's Address
Leslie J. Berg Friday, May 4, 5:00 PM
Leslie J. Berg
University of Massachusetts Medical School, AAI President
Signaling pathways that regulate T cell development and differentiation
AAI President's Symposium
T Cell Signaling: From Molecules to Man
Monday, May 7, 3:30 PM, Ballroom A-C
Chair:
Leslie J. Berg, University of Massachusetts Medical School, AAI President
Speakers:
Amy H. Andreotti, Iowa State University
Signaling through the Tec family kinases; how do these molecules work?
Lawrence E. Samelson, NCI, NIH
TCR-mediated signaling
Pamela L. Schwartzberg, NHGRI, NIH
Understanding the pathogenesis of primary immunodeficiencies using model systems
Mark M. Davis, HHMI, Stanford University
The coming (second) golden age of human immunology
Amy H. Andreotti
Amy H. Andreotti
Lawrence E. Samelson
Lawrence E. Samelson
Pamela L. Schwartzberg
Pamela L. Schwartzberg
Mark M. Davis
Mark M. Davis
Distinguished Lectures
Saturday, May 5, 5:30 PM, Ballroom A-C
Anne O'Garra Anne O'Garra
MRC National Institute for Medical Research
Regulation of the immune response in tuberculosis: from mouse models to human disease
Sunday, May 6, 5:30 PM, Ballroom A-C
Vijay K. Kuchroo Vijay K. Kuchroo
Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School
Transcriptional regulation of Tregs and Th17 cells
Monday, May 7, 5:30 PM, Ballroom A-C
David H. Raulet David H. Raulet
University of California, Berkeley
Innate natural killer receptors and their ligands: regulation in cancer, infection, inflammatory disease, and steady state
Major Symposia

Saturday, May 5, 2012, 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Major Symposium A: Developing Immunological Memory to Infection
Ballroom B
Chairs:
Susan M. Kaech, Yale University
Patrick C. Wilson, University of Chicago
Speakers:
Ulrich H. von Andrian, Harvard Medical School, NK cell memory
Susan M. Kaech, Yale University, Transcriptional programs in memory CD8 T cells
Marc K. Jenkins, Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota Medical School Origins of CD4+ memory T cells
Patrick C. Wilson, University of Chicago, Human B cell memory to influenza
Susan Moir, NIAID, NIH, B cell abnormalities in HIV infection: impact on immunologic control of viral replication
Nicole Baumgarth, University of California, Davis, Long-lasting tissue-restricted B cell memory in the respiratory tract

Major Symposium B: Sensing and Signaling in the Innate Immune Response
Ballroom A
Chairs:
Jonathan C. Kagan, Children's Hospital Boston
Katherine A. Fitzgerald, University of Massachusetts Medical School
Speakers:
Jonathan C. Kagan, Children's Hospital Boston, Cell biological aspects of innate immunity
Katherine A. Fitzgerald, University of Massachusetts Medical School, AIM2-like receptors: newcomers to the world of inflammasomes
Koichi S. Kobayashi, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Regulation of MHC class I and class II pathways by NLR family proteins
Michael Gale, Jr., University of Washington, Immune signaling by RIG-I like receptors
Lynda Stuart, Massachusetts General Hospital, Phagocytosis and innate immunity
Alexander Poltorak, Tufts University, Forward genetic analysis of innate immunity in evolutionarily divergent subspecies of mice

Sunday, May 6, 2012, 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Major Symposium C: Innate Lymphoid Cells Back Up the Barriers
Ballroom B
Chairs:
Richard M. Locksley, HHMI, University of California, San Francisco
Hergen Spits, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam
Speakers:
Shigeo Koyasu, Keio University School of Medicine, Natural helper cells and Th2-type innate immunity
Richard M. Locksley, HHMI, University of California, San Francisco, Innate helper type-2 cells: the missing piece in allergic immunity?
Hergen Spits, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Emerging insights in the function and development of human innate lymphoid cells
Daniel J. Cua, Merck Research Laboratories, Regulation of innate lymphoid cells
Wenjun Ouyang, Genentech, Inc., The regulation and function of IL-22 from ILC
Troy D. Randall, University of Alabama, Birmingham, The role of IL-17 and innate lymphoid cells in the development of ectopic follicles

Major Symposium D: Differentiation and Plasticity of Cells of the Monocyte-Macrophage Lineage
Ballroom A
Chairs:
Catherine C. "Lynn" Hedrick, La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology
Alberto Mantovani, University of Milan Istituto Clinico Humanitas
Speakers:
Catherine C. "Lynn" Hedrick, La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, Nuclear receptors in monocyte and macrophage development
Thomas A. Wynn, NIAID, NIH, Macrophages in chronic inflammation and fibrosis
Judith E. Allen, University of Edinburgh, The many faces of Th2-activated macrophages
Stefanie N. Vogel, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Host macrophage responses to infection
Subhra K. Biswas, Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Polarized response of monocytes and macrophages in inflammation and cancer
Alberto Mantovani, University of Milan Istituto Clinico Humanitas, Macrophage plasticity and polarization

Monday, May 7, 2012, 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Major Symposium E: Building a Functional Immune System
Ballroom B
Chairs:
Avinash Bhandoola, University of Pennsylvania Medical School
Ananda W. Goldrath, University of California, San Diego
Speakers:
Avinash Bhandoola, University of Pennsylvania Medical School, Establishing T cell identity
Stephen T. Smale, University of California, Los Angeles, Analysis of lymphocyte development by targeted mutagenesis of individual zinc fingers of Ikaros
Barbara L. Kee, University of Chicago, Transcriptional mechanisms in natural killer cell development and activation
Derek B. Sant'Angelo, The Child Health Institute, UMDNJ-RWJMS, Transcriptional control of innate T cell development
Ananda W. Goldrath, University of California, San Diego, Transcriptional control of CD8 memory formation
Daniel J. Campbell, Benaroya Research Institute, Control of regulatory T cell homeostasis and function

Major Symposium F: Recent Advances in Lung Immunology: Novel Targets for Lung Disease
Ballroom A
Chairs:
Jay K. Kolls, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
David S. Wilkes, Indiana University School of Medicine
Speakers:
Jay K. Kolls, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Why do we have Th17 cells in the lung?
Marsha Wills-Karp, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Mechanisms of severe asthma
Anne I. Sperling, University of Chicago, Augmentation of Th2-mediated lung inflammation
Wonder Drake, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, IL-2 dysregulation drives sarcoidosis disease progression
Dale T. Umetsu, Children's Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School, Innate lymphoid cells respond to viral infection in the lung
David S. Wilkes, Indiana University School of Medicine, IL-17 and pulmonary fibrogenesis

Tuesday, May 8, 2012, 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Major Symposium G: Mucosal Immunity and the Microbiome
Ballroom B
Chairs:
Alexander V. Chervonsky, University of Chicago
Dana J. Philpott, University of Toronto
Speakers:
Dana J. Philpott, University of Toronto, Nod proteins in gut homeostasis and inflammation
Eric G. Pamer, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Impact of antibiotics on the microbiota and mucosal immunity
Nita H. Salzman, Medical College of Wisconsin, Paneth cell defensins and the regulation of intestinal homeostasis
Richard A. Flavell, HHMI, Yale School of Medicine, Inflammasomes and homeostasis in the intestine and beyond
Tatyana Golovkina, University of Chicago, Commensal bacteria and retroviruses
Peter J. Turnbaugh, Harvard University Center for Systems Biology, A microbial view of nutrition and drug metabolism

Major Symposium H: Stromal Cells for Immune Cell Development and Function
Ballroom A
Chairs:
Yousuke Takahama, University of Tokushima
Jennifer L. Gommerman, University of Toronto
Speakers:
Bruno Kyewski, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Generating intrathymic self-antigen diversity for central tolerance
Graham Anderson, MRC Centre for Immune Regulation, University of Birmingham, Lymphostromal interactions in thymus medulla formation
Yousuke Takahama, University of Tokushima, Thymic cortical epithelial cells for T cell repertoire formation
Shannon J. Turley, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, New roles for lymph node stroma in regulating adaptive immunity
Theresa T. Lu, Hospital for Special Surgery and Weill Cornell Medical College, Regulation of vascular-stromal growth and function
Jennifer L. Gommerman, University of Toronto, Lymphotoxin-dependent stromal cell niches that support immune responses

Award Lectures & Presentations

Annually recognizing immunologists of extraordinary professional achievement and promise, the AAI Career Awards include:

  • AAI Lifetime Achievement Award
  • AAI Distinguished Service Award
  • AAI Excellence in Mentoring Award
  • AAI-Life Technologies Meritorious Career Award
  • AAI Award for Human Immunology Research
  • AAI-BD Biosciences Investigator Award
AAI Lifetime Achievement Award Presentation
Arthur Weiss, M.D., Ph.D., HHMI Friday, May 4, 5:00 PM, Ballroom A-C
Chair:
Leslie J. Berg
University of Massachusetts Medical School, AAI President
Award Recipient:
Arthur Weiss, M.D., Ph.D.
HHMI, University of California, San Francisco
The AAI Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest honor bestowed by the AAI Council upon an AAI member. This award recognizes a deserving member for a career of scientific achievement and for contributions to AAI and fellow immunologists. The award will be presented prior to the start of the AAI President's Address.
AAI Award for Human Immunology Research Presentation and Lecture
John P. Atkinson, M.D. Saturday, May 5, 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM, Ballroom A-C
Chair:
Leslie J. Berg
University of Massachusetts Medical School, AAI President
Award Recipient:
John P. Atkinson, M.D.
Washington University School of Medicine
The complement system and human disease: the consequences of too little or too much
AAI President Leslie J. Berg will introduce the awardee and present the award immediately prior to Dr. Atkinson's lecture.
AAI-BD Biosciences Investigator Award Presentation and Lecture
Generously sponsored by BD Biosciences, Inc.
Shane Crotty, Ph.D. Saturday, May 5, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM, Ballroom A-C
Chair:
Leslie J. Berg
University of Massachusetts Medical School, AAI President
Award Recipient:
Shane Crotty, Ph.D.
La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology
Transcriptional regulation of follicular helper CD4 T (Tfh)
cell differentiation
AAI President Leslie J. Berg and BD Biosciences Vice President of Biological Sciences Robert Balderas will introduce the awardee and present the award immediately prior to Dr. Crotty's lecture.
AAI-Life Technologies Meritorious Career Award Presentation and Lecture
Generously sponsored by Life Technologies Corporation
Peter Cresswell, Ph.D., FRS, HHMI Sunday, May 6, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM, Ballroom A-C
Chair:
Leslie J. Berg
University of Massachusetts Medical School, AAI President
Award Recipient:
Peter Cresswell, Ph.D., FRS
HHMI, Yale University School of Medicine
Molecular and cellular mechanisms that regulate
antigen processing
AAI President Leslie J. Berg and a representative of Life Technologies Corporation will introduce the awardee and present the award immediately prior to Dr. Cresswell's lecture.
AAI Distinguished Service Award Presentations
Monday, May 7, 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM, Room 309
Award Recipients:
Brian A. Cobb, Ph.D., Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
For outstanding service to AAI and the immunology community as Director
of the AAI High School Teachers Summer Research Program, 2007 - 2012
William R. Green, Ph.D., Dartmouth Medical School
For outstanding service to AAI as member and Chair of the AAI Committee
on Public Affairs, 2004 - 2009
John R. Schreiber, M.D., M.P.H., Tufts University School of Medicine
For outstanding service to AAI as member and Chair of the AAI Committee
on Public Affairs, 2005 - 2011
Brian A. Cobb, Ph.D.
Brian A. Cobb, Ph.D.
William R. Green, Ph.D.
William R. Green, Ph.D.
John R. Schreiber, M.D., M.P.H.
John R. Schreiber, M.D., M.P.H.
AAI Excellence in Mentoring Award Presentation
Max D. Cooper, M.D. Monday, May 7, 3:30 PM, Ballroom A-C
Chair:
Leslie J. Berg
University of Massachusetts Medical School, AAI President
Award Recipient:
Max D. Cooper, M.D.
Emory University School of Medicine
The AAI Excellence in Mentoring Award recognizes exemplary career contributions to a future generation of scientists. The award will be presented prior to the start of the AAI President's Symposium.

In addition to Career Awards, AAI annually provides more than 500 AAI meeting travel awards and grants to recognize the promise and bolster the professional development of early- and mid-career investigators, including underrepresented minority scientists and trainees.

  • AAI Early Career Faculty Travel Grants
  • AAI Minority Scientist Travel Awards
  • AAI Trainee Abstract Awards
  • AAI-Life Technologies Trainee Achievement Awards
  • Chambers-eBioscience Memorial Award
  • Lustgarten-eBioscience Memorial Award
  • Pfizer-Showell Travel Award
  • AAI Laboratory Travel Grants

For information on all AAI Awards, visit www.aai.org/Awards.

AAI Committee Symposia & Sessions
AAI Clinical Immunology Committee Symposium
Vaccines: Immunological Challenges and Solutions
Friday, May 4, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Room 302
Chairs:
Robert L. Modlin, University of California, Los Angeles
Barry R. Bloom, Harvard School of Public Health
Speakers:
Octavio Ramilo, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Immune signatures of influenza vaccine in children
Cornelia L. Trimble, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Therapeutic targets in preinvasive HPV disease
Barry R. Bloom, Harvard School of Public Health, The challenge of TB vaccines
David Baltimore, California Institute of Technology, Vectored ImmunoProphylaxis: engineering the immune system
One of the most effective approaches to combat infectious diseases worldwide is through population-based interventions such as vaccines, which immunize and protect individuals against a variety of pathogens that cause significant morbidity and mortality. This session will focus on advances by immunologists in identifying novel solutions to the challenges of developing vaccines and monitoring their efficacy in humans.
AAI Committee on Public Affairs
Meet the Advocacy Partners
Monday, May 7, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM, Room 313
Chair:
Derry C. Roopenian, The Jackson Laboratory, Chair, AAI Committee on Public Affairs
Representatives from the following organizations will be available to talk about their work and about scientific and funding opportunities that may be available to AAI members/meeting attendees:
  • American Academy of Pediatrics
  • Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
  • Lymphatic Research Foundation
  • Society for Women's Health Research
  • ZERO – The Project to End Prostate Cancer
Refreshments will be served.
NIH Peer Review: Understanding the New System
Saturday, May 5, 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM, Room 309
Chair:
Derry C. Roopenian, The Jackson Laboratory, Chair, AAI Committee on Public Affairs
Recent changes to the NIH peer review system, including the elimination of the A2 grant application, have pleased, puzzled, and angered both applicants and reviewers. With federal budgets constrained and stakes as high as they have ever been, understanding the NIH peer review process is essential to securing funding. This session will explain the system, including the role and power of both CSR and the individual institutes, and provide attendees with the opportunity to ask questions, express concerns, and share experiences.
Speakers:
Richard K. Nakamura, Acting Director, Center for Scientific Review, NIH, Perspectives on the future of NIH peer review
Daniel Rotrosen, Director, Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Transplantation, NIAID, NIH, The role of NIAID in peer review and grant funding
Elizabeth J. Kovacs, Loyola University Chicago, Chair, AAI Subcommittee on Peer Review and Grant Submission, Grant applicants and reviewers: questions and concerns
AAI Education Committee
Academics and SBIR/STTR Grants: Seeking Opportunities
Monday, May 7, 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM, Room 208
Chair:
Kimberly J. Payne, Loma Linda University
The federal Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grant programs award approximately $2.5 billion annually for small businesses to perform innovative research. Researchers at academic institutions can benefit from collaborations with these small business firms. This session will describe SBIR/STTR funding opportunities, highlight their potential benefits to academic researchers, and explore techniques for maximizing the success of grant proposals.
Speakers:
Gregory Milman, Director, Office for Innovation and Special Programs, NIAID, Secrets of NIH small business grant applications
Jay K. Kolls, Professor, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Commercializing your research: are you ready for an SBIR/STTR grant?
Lisa Kurek, Managing Partner, Biotechnology Business Consultants, Commercialization: it is never too early to start
Thomas M. Aune, Professor, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Utilizing small business partnerships to advance applied research

Careers in Biotech: Panel Discussion and Networking Reception
Monday, May 7, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM, Room 302
Chair:
Clinton B. Mathias, Western New England University
Many opportunities exist in industry for a scientist with advanced degrees. There are positions in laboratory research, program management, business development, regulatory affairs and clinical trials oversight, and medical liaison. This panel features scientists employed in a variety of positions in industry to share their career paths and highlight the skills required to succeed in these careers. Following the panel discussion, enjoy casual conversation with the speakers and other industry connections at a networking reception. Refreshments will be provided.
Speakers:
Arthur Tzianabos, Vice President and Head, Research and Early Development, Shire Human Genetic Therapies
Andy Kokaji, Senior Scientist, STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.
Chris Schwab, Senior Medical Science Liaison, Human Genome Sciences, Inc.
Olivia Schneider, Chief Scientific Officer, Shenandoah Biotechnology, Inc.

Nurturing the Quest for Science in the Next Generation
Saturday, May 5, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Room 206
Chair:
Brian A. Cobb, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
This workshop will feature programs and topics which strengthen science education in both high schools and undergraduate institutions. The session will include 2011-2012 participants of the AAI High School Teachers (HST) Summer Research Program, which pairs high school science teachers with established AAI member immunologists who mentor them in their laboratories in a "hands-on" summer internship. In addition, this session features a former AAI HST Program participant who received a Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching in 2008; the coordinator of the summer research program for teachers at National Jewish Health to address educational outreach; the director of the innovative Citizen Science Program at Bard College with the goal of improving science literacy in college freshmen; and the 2003 AAI Excellence in Mentoring Award recipient to address excellence in undergraduate science and research programs.
Speakers:
Lori Herrington, 2011-2012 AAI HST Program Participant, Chaparral High School, Temecula, CA, Where will our next antibiotic come from?  Investigating the effects of plant extracts on the growth of E. coli
Lyndonia Pascal, 2011-2012 AAI HST Program Participant, Palm Beach Lakes Community High School, West Palm Beach, FL, The immune system and the mechanisms of cell proliferation: an introduction to cancer and the IDO pathway
Ann Brokaw, Former AAI HST Program Participant and 2008 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching Recipient, Rocky River High School, Rocky River, OH, Strengthening immunology and science education in high schools
Kara Lukin, Instructor and Coordinator of the Summer Research Program for High School Educators, National Jewish Health, Easy educational outreach that scientists can perform in one hour
Brooke Jude, Director, Citizen Science Program, Bard College, The Citizen Science Program at Bard College: improving science literacy in college freshmen
Judith A. Owen, Professor, Haverford College, Enhancing undergraduate science and research programs through an upper-level, independent laboratory model
AAI Education Committee & AAI Committee on the Status of Women
Careers in Science Lecture and Roundtable
Generously sponsored by BD Biosciences, Inc.
Sunday, May 6, 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM, Sheraton Boston Hotel, Republic Ballroom
Chair:
Bonnie N. Dittel, BloodCenter of Wisconsin, Chair, AAI Committee on the Status of Women
Keynote Speaker:
Olivera J. Finn, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Make an effort! A path to a rewarding life in science
Registration Fee:
$20 (Lunch included.)
Olja Finn This always popular session opens this year with former AAI President Olivera J. (Olja) Finn, Distinguished Professor and Chair, Department of Immunology and Distinguished Professor, Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and Co-Leader, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute Immunology Program. Dr. Finn actively addresses career development issues internationally through organizations in the United States and her participation in the International Union of Immunological Societies (IUIS) Gender Equality and Career Development Committee. At this session, she will offer guidance for achieving distinction in one's field while balancing the demands of research, service to one's profession, and commitment to family. Roundtable discussions follow, led by experienced scientists on specific career issues and options. Attendance is limited. Registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Discussion topics and table leaders:
  • Research Careers in Academia
    Table Leaders: Anne I. Sperling, University of Chicago; Vijay K. Kuchroo, Harvard Medical School; Dario A. A. Vignali, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
  • Mentoring Effectively
    Table Leaders: Scheherazade Sadegh-Nasseri, Johns Hopkins University Medical School
  • Networking Skills
    Table Leader: Monica Mann, EMD Serono, Inc.
  • Career and Family: time management/family leave/professional couples
    Table Leader: Patricia Fitzgerald-Bocarsly, UMDNJ
  • Careers in Biotech and Industry: moving from academia to industry and vice versa;
    Table Leaders: Mary E. Keir, Genentech, Inc.; Daniel J. Cua, Merck Research Laboratories; Robert Balderas, BD Biosciences, Inc.
  • Careers at Governmental Agencies (FDA/NIH/USDA/CDC)
    Table Leaders: A. Andrew Hurwitz, NCI/NIH; Pamela L. Schwartzberg, NHGRI/NIH; Thandi M. Onami, NIH/NIAID
  • Graduate Student to Postdoc: finding a postdoc, interviewing
    Table Leaders: Michele A. Parent, University of Delaware; Terrence L. Geiger, St. Jude Children's Hospital
  • New PI: attracting students and postdocs, preparing for tenure
    Table Leaders: Janis K. Burkhardt, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine; Patricia Cortes, Mount Sinai School of Medicine
  • Non-research Careers: focus for 2012 — careers in intellectual property/patent law; technology transfer
    Table Leader: Alexander Swirnoff, Pfizer, Inc.
  • Postdoc to PI: finding a position, interviewing, negotiating, lab start-up
    Table Leader: Shannon J. Turley, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School
  • Translational Research: careers that bridge basic and clinical research
    Table Leaders: Arthur Tzianabos, Shire Human Genetic Therapies; Charlotte Cunningham-Rundles, Mount Sinai School of Medicine
  • Undergraduate Institutions: teaching, doing research
    Table Leader: Sharon A. Stranford, Mt. Holyoke College
AAI Membership Committee
New Member Reception
Friday, May 4, 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM
AAI wishes to welcome new Regular and Trainee members joining AAI for the first time. AAI President Leslie Berg and other AAI leaders look forward to meeting you personally. Please join us with your invitation in hand for light refreshments and casual conversation. Event by invitation only.
AAI Minority Affairs Committee
Careers and Networking Roundtable
Saturday, May 5, 11:45 AM – 1:15 PM, Room 313
Don't miss this opportunity to meet one-on-one with accomplished, senior minority immunologists to hear how they have handled the career challenges you now face. Learn what they believe will work for you today.
Registration Fee:
$20 (Lunch included.)
Table discussion topics:
  • Grad Student: finding a mentor; taking aim at postdoc training
    Table Leaders: Joseph Larkin, III, University of Florida; Tonya J. Webb, University of Maryland, Baltimore; Anthony Quinn, University of Toledo
  • Postdoc: finding a mentor; taking aim at a faculty position
    Table Leaders: José R. Conejo-Garcia, The Wistar Institute; Gregory B. Carey, University of Maryland, Baltimore; Margaret S. Bynoe, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
  • Junior Faculty: preparing for promotion and tenure
    Table Leaders: Adriana T. Larregina, University of Pittsburgh School of medicine; Avery August, Cornell University; Prosper N. Boyaka, Ohio State University
  • Academia or Industry: how to decide (or switch sides)
    Table Leaders: Rebecca McHugh, Miltenyi Biotec Inc.; Jonathan A. Deane, Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation; Cherié L. Butts, Biogen Idec
  • Government Agency Careers: CDC, FDA, NIH
    Table Leaders: Thandi M. Onami, NIAID, NIH; Charles E. Egwuagu, NEI, NIH
  • Non-Research Careers: science journalism, patent law, biomedical entrepreneurship
    Table Leaders: John Emrich, AAI; TBA
Minority Affairs Committee Guest Lecture
Charles E. Egwuagu Monday, May 7, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM, Room 310
Chair:
Prosper N. Boyaka, Ohio State University;
Chair, AAI Minority Affairs Committee

Speaker:
Charles E. Egwuagu, NEI, NIH, Regulation of autoreactive lymphocytes that mediate CNS autoimmune diseases
AAI Publications Committee Session
Writing and Reviewing Manuscripts: Two Sides of the Same Coin
Saturday, May 5, 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM, Room 310
Understanding the process of preparing and reviewing a manuscript can improve the outcome for all involved. In this session sponsored by the AAI Publications Committee, experienced editors, reviewers, and authors will provide valuable insights by addressing questions such as:
  • How can a reviewer help improve the process of scientific publication?
  • What do journal editors look for from reviewers of manuscripts?
  • When writing a manuscript, what steps can an author take to enhance its impact on editors, reviewers and, if accepted for publication, on readers?
  • How can authors enhance the presentation of data in figures?
  • What are recommended practices for responding to reviewers' comments?
In addition, hear from the Editor-in-Chief of The Journal of Immunology on how to avoid possible ethical missteps in scientific publishing.
Chairs:
Jeremy M. Boss, Emory University
Kaylene J. Kenyon, AAI/The Journal of Immunology
Speakers:
Pamela J. Fink, University of Washington, Reviewing manuscripts: assessing the trees without losing sight of the forest
Juan Carlos Zúñiga-Pflücker, University of Toronto, The art of writing a manuscript
Herman F. Staats, Duke University, Returned for revision: responding to reviewers' comments
Jeremy M. Boss, Emory University, It's all in the figures: preparing figures and other ethical matters
AAI Veterinary Immunology Committee & American Association of Veterinary Immunologists (AAVI) Joint Symposium
Contemporary Issues in Zoonotic Diseases
Monday, May 7, 10:15 AM – 12:15 PM, Room 206
Chairs:
Simon M. Barratt-Boyes, University of Pittsburgh
Paul M. Coussens, Michigan State University
Speakers:
Karen L. Elkins, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, FDA, Correlates of protection against intracellular pathogens: learning from Francisella tularensis LVS
Sabra L. Klein, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Zoonotic pathogen-host interactions: sex determines the outcome of infection
Robert A. Heinzen, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, NIAID, NIH, Subversion of macrophage function by the Q fever agent, Coxiella burnetii
Mary Pantin-Jackwood, Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory, USDA, Current situation of avian influenza with emphasis on pathobiology, epidemiology, and control
Zoonotic diseases – those that are naturally transmitted between vertebrate animals and humans – represent one of the leading causes of illness and death from infectious disease worldwide. This symposium will address contemporary issues in immunology, vaccination, and pathogenesis of zoonotic infections, ranging from avian influenza to new emerging and bioterrorism threats including Q fever, hantavirus, and Francisella.
NIH Institute-Sponsored Symposia
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Symposium
Functional Dissection of Protective Antibody Responses
Sunday, May 6, 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM, Room 304
Chairs:
Stacy Ferguson, NIAID, NIH
Michael P. Cancro, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
Speakers:
Michael P. Cancro, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Where are the neutralizing clonotypes? Conducting interrogations with BLyS
Susan Zolla-Pazner, New York University Langone School of Medicine, Conserved features of variable regions: important targets of neutralizing antibodies
Shiv Pillai, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, SIAE suppresses promiscuous T-B collaboration and germinal center formation
James Kobie, University of Rochester Medical Center, The cellular origins of protective antibody responses to HIV
National Institute on Aging (NIA) Symposium
The Impact of Aging on the Innate Immune System
Saturday, May 5, 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM, Room 306
Chair:
Rebecca A. Fuldner, NIA, NIH
Speakers:
Albert C. Shaw, Yale School of Medicine, Age-associated alterations in human TLR function
Carlos J. Orihuela, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Cellular senescence as a source of chronic inflammation in the lungs and mechanism for enhanced susceptibility to bacterial pneumonia
Daniel R. Goldstein, Yale School of Medicine, Dysregulated inflammation, aging, and viral infections
Susan L. Swain, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Can we overcome the defects of aged CD4+ naive T cells?
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) Symposium
Monocyte/Macrophage Abnormalities in Autoimmune Diseases
Monday, May 7, 10:15 AM – 12:15 PM, Room 306
Chairs:
Robert H. Carter, NIAMS, NIH
Susana Serrate-Sztein, NIAMS, NIH
Speakers:
Richard Bucala, Yale University, MIF and the genetic basis of macrophage responsiveness
Anne Davidson, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Renal macrophages in lupus nephritis – friend or foe?
Vicki Rubin Kelley, Brigham and Women's Hospital, The "Big Mac" theory of lupus
Kevin D. Cooper, Case Western Reserve University, Monocytes/macrophages in psoriasis
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) Symposium
The Role of Environmental Exposures in the Development of Autoimmune Disease
Monday, May 7, 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM, Room 306
Chairs:
Michael Humble, NIEHS, NIH
B. Paige Lawrence, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
Speakers:
Kathleen M. Gilbert, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas Children's Hospital Research Institute, Chronic exposure to water pollutant trichloroethylene promotes autoimmune hepatitis and induces epigenetic alterations in CD4+ T cells
Jean C. Pfau, Idaho State University, Silica, asbestos, and systemic autoimmune disease
David H. Sherr, Boston University School of Public Health, Environmental chemicals as probes of immune system development
Frederick W. Miller, NIEHS, NIH, An overview of environmental risk factors for autoimmune diseases: where we stand in 2012
Guest Society Symposia
American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) Symposium
Immunogenicity of Biotherapeutics: Risk Prevention and Mitigation
Sunday, May 6, 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM, Room 309
Chairs:
Arunan Kaliyaperumal, Amgen, Inc.
Bonnie Rup, Pfizer, Inc.
Speakers:
Arunan Kaliyaperumal, Amgen, Inc., Introduction
Bonnie Rup, Pfizer, Inc., The problem of unwanted immunogenicity in biotherapeutic treatment: causes, consequences, and opportunities
Terry Goletz, Amgen, Inc., Predicting immunogenicity: tools and approaches for understanding the mechanisms underlying an immune response
Susan Richards, Genzyme, a Sanofi Company, Immune mitigation and tolerance induction to therapeutic proteins
American Association of Veterinary Immunologists (AAVI) & AAI Veterinary Immunology Committee Joint Symposium
Contemporary Issues in Zoonotic Diseases
Monday, May 7, 10:15 AM – 12:15 PM, Room 206
Chairs:
Simon M. Barratt-Boyes, University of Pittsburgh
Paul M. Coussens, Michigan State University
Speakers:
Karen L. Elkins, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, FDA, Correlates of protection against intracellular pathogens: learning from Francisella tularensis LVS
Sabra L. Klein, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Zoonotic pathogen-host interactions: sex determines the outcome of infection
Robert A. Heinzen, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, NIAID, NIH, Subversion of macrophage function by the Q fever agent, Coxiella burnetii
Mary Pantin-Jackwood, Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory, USDA, Current situation of avian influenza with emphasis on pathobiology, epidemiology, and control
Zoonotic diseases – those that are naturally transmitted between vertebrate animals and humans – represent one of the leading causes of illness and death from infectious disease worldwide. This symposium will address contemporary issues in immunology, vaccination, and pathogenesis of zoonotic infections, ranging from avian influenza to new emerging and bioterrorism threats including Q fever, hantavirus, and Francisella.
American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (ASBMT) Symposium
Immunologic Recovery after Alternative Donor Allogeneic Transplant
Saturday, May 5, 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM, Room 306
Chair:
Karen Ballen, Massachusetts General Hospital
Speakers:
Marcel R. M. van den Brink, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Mechanisms of T cell recovery
Mary J. Laughlin, University of Virginia, Measurements of immune recovery after cord blood transplantation
Ephraim J. Fuchs, Johns Hopkins University, Measurements of immune recovery after haploidentical transplantation
Robert S. Negrin, Stanford University, Influence of laboratory measures of immune recovery on clinical outcomes
American Society of Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR) Symposium
Osteoimmunology
Saturday, May 5, 10:15 AM – 12:15 PM, Room 306
Chairs:
Mark C. Horowitz, Yale School of Medicine
Joseph Lorenzo, University of Connecticut Health Center
Speakers:
Hector Leonardo Aguila, University of Connecticut Health Center, Monocyte progenitors: a crossroad between physiological and pathological inflammation
Mary Beth Humphrey, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Negative regulatory mechanisms of ITAM signaling in osteoclasts
Edward M. Schwarz, University of Rochester, Osteoimmunology of arthritis flare
Louis C. Gerstenfeld, Boston University School of Medicine, Multiple stages of immune cell function during fracture healing
American Society of Transplantation (AST) Symposium
Co-stimulatory and Co-inhibitory Pathways in Transplantation
Monday, May 7, 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM, Room 304
Chairs:
Andrew D. Wells, University of Pennsylvania
Jonathan S. Maltzman, University of Pennsylvania
Speakers:
Laurence A. Turka, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Overview of costimulation and transplantation
Arlene H. Sharpe, Harvard Medical School, Immunomodulation by co-inhibitory receptors
Agnes M. Azimzadeh, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Selective blockade of CD28 in organ transplantation
Christian P. Larsen, Emory University Hospital, Bringing costimulatory blockade into the clinic
British Society for Immunology (BSI) Symposium
T Cell-Mediated Antiviral Immunity
Sunday, May 6, 10:15 AM – 12:15 PM, Room 306
Chair:
Arne N. Akbar, University College London
Speakers:
Charles R. M. Bangham, Imperial College London, How does the human leukemia virus (HTLV-1) persist in vivo?
Gavin R. Screaton, Imperial College London, Immunopathology in dengue virus infection
Tracy Hussell, Imperial College London, Immune pathology in lung viral infection: innate or adaptive?
Paul A. H. Moss, University of Birmingham, The biology and therapeutic management of the immune response to human cytomegalovirus in health and disease
Canadian Society for Immunology (CSI) Symposium
Dysfunctional B Cells: From Autoimmunity to Cancer
Saturday, May 5, 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM, Room 306
Chairs:
Aaron J. Marshall, University of Manitoba
Alberto Martin, University of Toronto
Speakers:
Joan E. Wither, University of Toronto, B cell abnormalities in lupus
Aaron J. Marshall, University of Manitoba, PI3-kinase pathway in B cell-associated pathologies
Julie P. Deans, University of Calgary, CD20 and related proteins in B cell regulation
Alberto Martin, University of Toronto, Antibody diversification mechanisms and their role in humoral immunity
Randy D. Gascoyne, University of British Columbia, Genetic mechanisms underlying immune privilege in lymphoid cancers
Chinese Society of Immunology (ChSI) Symposium
Translational Immunology: From Basic to Clinic
Monday, May 7, 10:15 AM – 12:15 PM, Room 310
Chairs:
Xuetao Cao, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences
Olivera J. Finn, University of Pittsburgh
Speakers:
Xuetao Cao, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Brief introduction to translational immunological research in China
Zhigang Tian, China University of Science and Technology, Hefei, NK cell pathobiology and immunotherapy of hepatitis and liver cancer patients
Xueguang Zhang, Suzhou University School of Medicine, Co-stimulators and co-inhibitors in cancer patients
Haiyan Liu, Suzhou University School of Life Sciences, New approaches to improve BMT
Yuzhang Wu, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, Clinical trials of a new type of HBV therapeutic vaccine
German Society for Immunology (DGfI) Symposium
Control of Adaptive Humoral Immunity
Sunday, May 6, 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM, Room 306
Chairs:
Dieter Kabelitz, University of Kiel
Hans-Martin Jäck, University of Erlangen
Speakers:
Hassan Jumaa, Max-Planck Institute for Immunobiology and Epigenetics, B cell signaling and development
Jürgen Wienands, University of Göttingen, Activation signals for naive and class-switched memory B cells
Andreas Radbruch, Deutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum Berlin, Memory plasma cells
Hans-Martin Jäck, University of Erlangen, miRNA-dependent control of B cell differentiation
Claudia Berek, Deutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum Berlin, How plasma cells survive
International Society for Interferon and Cytokine Research (ISICR) Symposium
Innate Immunity and Autoimmunity
Saturday, May 5, 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM, Room 304
Chairs:
Ana M. Gamero, Temple University
Stefania Gallucci, Temple University
Speakers:
Siddharth Balachandran, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Distinct roles for NF-κB in antiviral innate immune responses
Ana M. Gamero, Temple University, STAT2 in the inflammatory and antiviral response
Stefania Gallucci, Temple University, Regulation of type I interferon in murine lupus
Andrew A. Welcher, Amgen, Inc., Demonstration of biological impact of IFN-γ inhibition in SLE subjects treated with AMG 811
International Society of Neuroimmunology (ISNI) Symposium
Immunogenetics of Multiple Sclerosis
Saturday, May 5, 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM, Room 310
Chairs:
David A. Hafler, Yale School of Medicine
Tomas Olsson, Karolinska Institute
Speakers:
David A. Hafler, Yale School of Medicine, Genotype to phenotype
Tomas Olsson, Karolinska Institute, Gene-environment interactions in neuroinflammation
Philip L. De Jager, Harvard Medical School, The genetic architecture of multiple sclerosis
Chris Cotsapas, Yale School of Medicine, Common genetic variants of autoimmune disease
Society for Natural Immunity (SNI) Symposium
NK Cell Immunity in Viral Infections
Sunday, May 6, 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM, Room 306
Chairs:
Marcus Altfeld, Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard
Hans-Gustaf Ljunggren, Karolinska Institute
Speakers:
Silke Paust, Harvard Medical School, Natural killer cells mediate adaptive immune responses
Hans-Gustaf Ljunggren, Karolinska Institute, The human NK cell repertoire and its modulation by viral infections
Marcus Altfeld, Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, NK cell responses against HIV-1
Kathleen L. Collins, University of Michigan, The antiviral factor APOBEC3G enhances recognition of HIV-infected cells by NK cells
Career Development Sessions

Through workshops, roundtables, and one-on-one counseling, IMMUNOLOGY 2012™ provides critical career development programs.

Career sessions and services this year include:

  • Academics and SBIR/STTR Grants: Seeking Opportunities
  • Careers in Biotech Panel Discussion and Networking Reception
  • Careers in Science Lecture and Networking Roundtables (2)
  • How to Convert Your CV into a Resumé (followed by one-on-one counseling)
  • Interviewing for a Job
  • Secrets for a Successful Postdoctoral Fellowship
  • Writing and Reviewing Manuscripts: Two Sides of the Same Coin
AAI is also offering an online and onsite Jobs Board free to meeting registrants and exhibitors.

Session Descriptions

Academics and SBIR/STTR Grants: Seeking Opportunities
Monday, May 7, 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM, Room 208
Chair:
Kimberly J. Payne, Loma Linda University
The federal Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grant programs award approximately $2.5 billion annually for small businesses to perform innovative research. Researchers at academic institutions can benefit from collaborations with these small business firms. This session will describe SBIR/STTR funding opportunities, highlight their potential benefits to academic researchers, and explore techniques for maximizing the success of grant proposals.
Speakers:
Gregory Milman, Director, Office for Innovation and Special Programs, NIAID, Secrets of NIH small business grant applications
Jay K. Kolls, Professor, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Commercializing your research: are you ready for an SBIR/STTR grant?
Lisa Kurek, Managing Partner, Biotechnology Business Consultants, Commercialization: it is never too early to start
Thomas M. Aune, Professor, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Utilizing small business partnerships to advance applied research
Careers in Biotech: Panel Discussion and Networking Reception
Monday, May 7, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM, Room 302
Chair:
Clinton B. Mathias, Western New England University
Many opportunities exist in industry for a scientist with advanced degrees. There are positions in laboratory research, program management, business development, regulatory affairs and clinical trials oversight, and medical liaison. This panel features scientists employed in a variety of positions in industry to share their career paths and highlight the skills required to succeed in these careers. Following the panel discussion, enjoy casual conversation with the speakers and other industry connections at a networking reception. Refreshments will be provided.
Speakers:
Arthur Tzianabos, Vice President and Head, Research and Early Development, Shire Human Genetic Therapies
Andy Kokaji, Senior Scientist, STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.
Chris Schwab, Senior Medical Science Liaison, Human Genome Sciences, Inc.
Olivia Schneider, Chief Scientific Officer, Shenandoah Biotechnology, Inc.
Careers and Networking Roundtable
Sponsored by AAI Minority Affairs Committee
Saturday, May 5, 11:45 AM – 1:15 PM, Room 313
Don't miss this opportunity to meet one-on-one with accomplished, senior minority immunologists to hear how they have handled the career challenges you now face. Learn what they believe will work for you today.
Registration Fee:
$20 (Lunch included.)
Table discussion topics:
  • Grad Student: finding a mentor; taking aim at postdoc training
    Table Leaders: Joseph Larkin, III, University of Florida; Tonya J. Webb, University of Maryland, Baltimore; Anthony Quinn, University of Toledo
  • Postdoc: finding a mentor; taking aim at a faculty position
    Table Leaders: José R. Conejo-Garcia, The Wistar Institute; Prosper N. Boyaka, Ohio State University; Gregory B. Carey, University of Maryland, Baltimore; Margaret S. Bynoe, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
  • Junior Faculty: preparing for promotion and tenure
    Table Leaders: Adriana T. Larregina, University of Pittsburgh School of medicine; Avery August, Cornell University; Gregory B. Carey, University of Maryland, Baltimore
  • Academia or Industry: how to decide (or switch sides)
    Table Leaders:Rebecca McHugh, Miltenyi Biotec Inc.; Jonathan A. Deane, Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation; Cherié L. Butts, Biogen Idec
  • Government Agency Careers: CDC, FDA, NIH, USDA
    Table Leaders: Thandi M. Onami, NIAID, NIH; Charles E. Egwuagu, NEI, NIH
  • Non-Research Careers: science journalism, patent law, biomedical entrepreneurship
    Table Leaders: John Emrich, AAI; TBA
Careers in Science Lecture and Roundtable
Sponsored by AAI Education Committee & AAI Committee on the Status of Women
Generously sponsored by BD Biosciences, Inc.

Sunday, May 6, 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM, Sheraton Boston Hotel, Republic Ballroom
Chair:
Bonnie N. Dittel, BloodCenter of Wisconsin, Chair, AAI Committee on the Status of Women
Keynote Speaker:
Olivera J. Finn, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Make an effort! A path to a rewarding life in science
Registration Fee:
$20 (Lunch included.)
Olja Finn This always popular session opens this year with former AAI President Olivera J. (Olja) Finn, Distinguished Professor and Chair, Department of Immunology and Distinguished Professor, Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and Co-Leader, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute Immunology Program. Dr. Finn actively addresses career development issues internationally through organizations in the United States and her participation in the International Union of Immunological Societies (IUIS) Gender Equality and Career Development Committee. At this session, she will offer guidance for achieving distinction in one's field while balancing the demands of research, service to one's profession, and commitment to family. Roundtable discussions follow, led by experienced scientists on specific career issues and options. Attendance is limited. Registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Discussion topics and table leaders):
  • Research Careers in Academia
    Table Leaders: Anne I. Sperling, University of Chicago; Vijay K. Kuchroo, Harvard Medical School; Dario A. A. Vignali, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
  • Mentoring Effectively
    Table Leaders: Scheherazade Sadegh-Nasseri, Johns Hopkins University Medical School
  • Networking Skills
    Table Leader: Monica Mann, EMD Serono, Inc.
  • Career and Family: time management/family leave/professional couples
    Table Leader: Patricia Fitzgerald-Bocarsly, UMDNJ
  • Careers in Biotech and Industry: moving from academia to industry and vice versa;
    Table Leaders: Mary E. Keir, Genentech, Inc.; Daniel J. Cua, Merck Research Laboratories; Representative of BD Biosciences, Inc.
  • Careers at Governmental Agencies (FDA/NIH/USDA/CDC)
    Table Leaders: A. Andrew Hurwitz, NCI/NIH; Pamela L. Schwartzberg, NHGRI/NIH; Thandi M. Onami, NIH/NIAID
  • Graduate Student to Postdoc: finding a postdoc, interviewing
    Table Leaders: Michele A. Parent, University of Delaware; Terrence L. Geiger, St. Jude Children's Hospital
  • New PI: attracting students and postdocs, preparing for tenure
    Table Leaders: Janis K. Burkhardt, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine; Patricia Cortes, Mount Sinai School of Medicine
  • Non-research Careers: focus for 2012 — careers in intellectual property/patent law; technology transfer
    Table Leader: Alexander Swirnoff, Pfizer, Inc.
  • Postdoc to PI: finding a position, interviewing, negotiating, lab start-up
    Table Leader: Shannon J. Turley, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School
  • Translational Research: careers that bridge basic and clinical research
    Table Leaders: Arthur Tzianabos, Shire Human Genetic Therapies; Charlotte Cunningham-Rundles, Mount Sinai School of Medicine
  • Undergraduate Institutions: teaching, doing research
    Table Leader: Sharon A. Stranford, Mt. Holyoke College
How to Convert Your CV into a Resumé
Saturday, May 5, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM, Room 208
Instructor:
Derek Haseltine, Director, Research Career Development, University of Maryland School of Medicine
For anyone seeking a job outside of academe, how you present yourself on paper is critical. A well prepared resumé can make all the difference in securing that interview. The focus of this session will be on the important elements of a resumé, the differences between a resumé and the standard academic curriculum vitae, and the information needed to make a good impression. In this special career development session, attendees will be instructed in how to transform their CVs into professional resumés.

Small breakout sessions for individual consulting will follow from 1:45 PM to 3:45 PM. Bring your CV!

Interviewing for a Job
Saturday, May 5, 12:45 PM – 1:45 PM, Room 208
Instructor:
Derek Haseltine, Director, Research Career Development, University of Maryland School of Medicine
This session will be focused on tips and techniques to help you successfully navigate the interview process. Emphasis will be on how you can present yourself in the best possible light. You will also learn how to respond to unexpected questions. This session is open to anyone but is especially intended for student and postdoctoral attendees.
Secrets for a Successful Postdoctoral Fellowship
Sunday, May 6, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM, Room 208
Instructor:
Melanie Sinche, Director, Faculty of Arts and Sciences Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, Harvard University
A postdoctoral fellowship is the time to develop research skills you will need to succeed as an independent scientist. It is, however, just as important to realize that you need to prepare for a career path at the same time. This session will highlight ways of getting the most out of your postdoctoral fellowship, relating successfully with your mentor, and understanding how to use the resources available to you to ensure that your training prepares you adequately for a seamless transition into the next phase of your career.
Writing and Reviewing Manuscripts: Two Sides of the Same Coin
Saturday, May 5, 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM, Room 310
Understanding the process of preparing and reviewing a manuscript can improve the outcome for all involved. In this session sponsored by the AAI Publications Committee, experienced editors, reviewers, and authors will provide valuable insights by addressing questions such as:
  • How can a reviewer help improve the process of scientific publication?
  • What do journal editors look for from reviewers of manuscripts?
  • When writing a manuscript, what steps can an author take to enhance its impact on editors, reviewers and, if accepted for publication, on readers?
  • How can authors enhance the presentation of data in figures?
  • What are recommended practices for responding to reviewers' comments?
In addition, hear from the Editor-in-Chief of The Journal of Immunology on how to avoid possible ethical missteps in scientific publishing.
Chairs:
Jeremy M. Boss, Emory University
Kaylene J. Kenyon, AAI/The Journal of Immunology
Speakers:
Pamela J. Fink, University of Washington, Reviewing manuscripts: assessing the trees without losing sight of the forest
Juan Carlos Zúñiga-Pflücker, University of Toronto, The art of writing a manuscript
Herman F. Staats, Duke University, Returned for revision: responding to reviewers' comments
Jeremy M. Boss, Emory University, It's all in the figures: preparing figures and other ethical matters
AAI Business Meeting & Awards Presentations
Monday, May 7, 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM, Room 309

This session will include the annual report to AAI members on AAI and The Journal of Immunology business affairs and will feature select 2012 AAI awards presentations and acknowledgements. Lunch will be provided.

Presentations and acknowledgements to include:

  • Distinguished Service Awards
  • Lustgarten-eBioscience Memorial Award
  • Pfizer-Showell Travel Award
  • Cynthia Chambers Memorial-eBioscience Junior Faculty Award
  • AAI-Life Technologies Trainee Achievement Awards
  • AAI Early Career Faculty Travel Grant
  • AAI Minority Scientist Travel Awards
  • AAI Trainee Abstract Awards
  • AAI Laboratory Travel Grants
Block Symposia & Poster Sessions

View Immunology 2012™ Block Symposia Schedule

Block Symposia - Selected abstracts are programmed into oral sessions called Block Symposia. Each Block Symposium is made up of approximately 8 selected abstracts. There are 69 Block Symposia programmed for this annual meeting.

Posters - The most interactive part of the meeting! Discuss data and research issues firsthand with authors at the Poster Sessions. Posters will be displayed Saturday through Monday in the Hynes Convention Center Auditorium and Exhibit Hall C-D from 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM.

Dedicated Daily Poster Presentation Hour from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM! No concurrent symposia, presentations, or other sessions will be held during the poster presentations at this time.

Accepted posters may be displayed for the duration of the meeting! Authors are encouraged to leave their posters up throughout IMMUNOLOGY 2012™.

Social Events
IMMUNOLOGY 2012™ Opening Night Welcome Reception

IMMUNOLOGY 2012™ Opening Night Welcome ReceptionGenerously sponsored by eBioscience, Inc.
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Friday, May 4, 2012
Boylston Hallway, Hynes Convention Center

Come directly from the President's Address into the majestic glass logia of the Hynes Convention Center to seek out old friends and make new acquaintances at the Opening Night Welcome Reception. The reception is generously supported by eBioscience to welcome you and wish you a pleasurable, productive week.

President's Service Appreciation Reception

Generously sponsored by BioLegend
7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Saturday, May 5, 2012

At this important event, AAI leadership honors the association's dedicated member volunteers – the committee members, editors, mentors, instructors, and others – who work on the membership's behalf throughout the year by giving generously of their time in support of the AAI mission. Open to 2011-2012 AAI volunteers, by invitation only.

IMMUNOLOGY 2012™ Gala "Casino Night in Back Bay"

Generously sponsored by BioLegend
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Sheraton Boston Hotel, Grand Ballroom

Everyone's a winner at Casino Night in the Back Bay! IMMUNOLOGY 2012™ Gala – Casino Night in Back Bay There, you and your most circumspect colleagues can throw caution to the winds and revel in one another's encounters with Lady Luck. It's your risk-free opportunity to "go for broke" and hone your gambling skills, moving from table to table for Black Jack, Roulette, Texas Hold 'Em, Craps, Slots, and more. When your chips are gone, continue the fun at the photo booths or on the karaoke stage performing your favorite song!

New Member Reception

AAI New Member ReceptionFriday, May 4, 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM

AAI wishes to welcome new Regular and Trainee members joining AAI for the first time. AAI President Leslie Berg and other AAI leaders look forward to meeting you personally. Please join us for light refreshments and casual conversation. Event by invitation only.

Exhibitor Workshops & Product Showcases

Exhibitor Workshops - Take advantage of the opportunity provided by the Exhibitor Workshops to explore exhibitors' latest technologies, products, and services. For a list of 2012 exhibitor workshops, see pages 47-48 of the Program.

Workshops are planned and conducted by exhibitors; the listing of these workshops does not constitute endorsement of any products or services by AAI.

Product Showcases - Be sure to catch the presentations and demonstrations of exhibitors' new products. Sessions are scheduled in 15-minute intervals on the Exhibit Hall Stage. For a list of 2012 product showcase, see page 49 of the Program.

Presentations are planned and conducted by exhibitors; the listing of these presentations does not constitute endorsement of any products or services by AAI.

Show Full Program | Collapse Program