The Nebraska Infectious Diseases Society (NIDS) hosted its annual meeting on Friday, August 15th, at the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Omaha, bringing together infectious diseases professionals from across the state for a day of learning, collaboration, and community.
This year’s theme, One Health, emphasized the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. The program featured a compelling keynote by IDSA Board Member Dr. Trini Mathew, who spoke on the evolving role of ID physicians in advancing One Health initiatives, and Zoo Science and Animal Health VP Dr. Taylor Yaw, who took us on a journey of One Health through the animals’ and zoo personnel’s eyes.
Attendees explored a wide range of topics, including:
- Zoonotic infections and tick-borne disease genomics
- Antibiotic resistance in agriculture
- The oral microbiome’s impact on systemic health
- A US and Nebraska measles update and Medicaid antimicrobial stewardship review
The meeting also showcased outstanding research during the trainee poster session. Dr. Nicholas Mielke and Dr. Natalie Sturd presented top abstracts as oral podium presentations. The poster session was very competitive, and all of the students did well! The winners of the best posters are as follows:
| Research Category Winners | Case Vignette Category Winners | |
| Top Oral | Nicholas Mielke: Differential Uptake of Zoster and COVID-19 Vaccines in a System without Financial Barriers: A Multivariable Analysis of Race, Demographics, and Provider Factors | Natalie Sturd: A Case of KS-IRIS in Advanced HIV: Challenges in Managing Visceral Kaposi Sarcoma and Pericardial Effusion |
| 1st Place Poster | Sarah Chandler: Genomic epidemiology informs transmission dynamics of West Nile Virus outbreaks in Nebraska | Charlie Speelmon: Persistent Diarrhea of Unknown Etiology: Unravelling a Diagnosis Clinicians Should Not Miss |
| 2nd Place Poster | Duncan Works: Analysis of a Learning Needs Assessment Survey Outcomes to Inform Development of the Extension for Community Health Outcomes Model for HIV Training in Midwestern Non-Metropolitan Areas | Calvin Albrecht: Smear Tactics – Unusual Presentation of Fever in a Returning Traveler |
| 3rd Place Poster | Nicole Kusnik: Intended and Unintended Consequences of a Blood Culture Bottle Shortage: Changes in Antibiotic Prescribing, Contamination Rates, and Sepsis Measures at a Large Academic Institution | Scott Stevenson: Sticky Situations – Identification and Management of Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae in Nebraska |
Set against the vibrant backdrop of the zoo, the event was a perfect blend of science, networking, and synergy—truly embodying the spirit of collaboration that defines the Nebraska ID community.
Photo gallery showing learners presenting their abstracts as posters or oral presentations.
Congratulations to all of the trainee presenters and winners, thank you to the judges, and thank you to all of the speakers and the NIDS team members who helped to make this year’s annual meeting a huge success! Stay tuned for next year’s 5-year anniversary meeting!