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UAB AWARE celebrates veterans throughout November
The AWARE Disability Management Program is celebrating Veterans Day all month long with events and programs to honor the armed forces and give back to those who served.
Cutest Pet Contest returns, highlighting special bond between humans and animalsThis month, UAB Employee Wellness is spotlighting the impact pets have on our mental health — including those experiencing seasonal mood shifts — by bringing back its UAB’s Cutest Pet Contest. UAB employees are invited to submit pictures of pets now through Nov. 14.Cora Causey, Ph.D., receives 2024 Odessa Woolfolk Community Service AwardCora Brasfield Causey, Ph.D., assistant professor in the School of Education and Human Sciences, is the recipient of the 2024 Odessa Woolfolk Community Service Award. This prestigious award, hosted by the UAB Office of the Provost, recognizes a UAB faculty member who has rendered outstanding service to the Birmingham community.Working groups update for Research Strategic Initiative: Growth with PurposeSix working groups have been meeting to address infrastructure opportunities that will help UAB expand its research impact and expenditures through the Research Strategic Initiative: Growth with Purpose. Read more about how the groups were selected, their progress and next steps.Rimmer builds bridges because he believes “everyone should have a chance”James Rimmer, Ph.D., professor and inaugural Lakeshore Foundation Endowed Chair in Health Promotion and Rehabilitation Sciences in the School of Health Professions, has earned the 2024 Sam Brown Bridge Builder Award, which recognizes a UAB faculty member who engages in interdisciplinary, collaborative efforts across campus.UAB’s online sociology master’s program trains students to put theory into practiceA focus on applying sociology to practical work projects, cutting-edge data analysis and supportive faculty make this one of the nation’s top online graduate programs in the field. In this article, faculty explain what sets it apart and two UAB employees/alumni share how they are using its lessons in their work.Neuroengineering student launches startup after entrepreneurship training from NIHChristian Lopez Blanco, a doctoral student in UAB’s neuroengineering program, pitched his idea to industry leaders at the major BIO convention in San Diego as part of the Bio-Entrepreneurship Capstone program from the National Institutes of Health.Gurney Derby: UAB’s Unique Homecoming TraditionThe Gurney Derby, hosted each year by UAB’s National Alumni Society, has been part of every UAB homecoming since 1994. This year, UAB’s Gurney Derby will mark its 29th year, making it one of UAB’s oldest traditions.UAB Comprehensive Diabetes Center starting denosumab trial in adults with established Type 1 diabetesThe Denosumab for Type 1 Diabetes phase 1/2 clinical trial, is a collaborative study with the Arthur Riggs Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute and the Center for Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases at Indiana University.3 honored with Provost's Awards for Faculty ExcellenceMichele Forman, Samantha Giordano-Mooga and Joe March demonstrated extraordinary commitment to engaging undergraduate students in service learning, undergraduate research and core teaching.Open enrollment for benefits starts at 7 a.m. Oct. 18UAB’s annual open enrollment for benefits will be held Oct. 18-Nov. 4. Eligible employees can choose among dental, vision and health insurance plans plus voluntary plan options and tax-deferred spending accounts for health and dependent care for 2025.A dental expert weighs in on top digital tech for restoring smiles in 2024Some 120 million Americans are missing at least one tooth; UAB’s Ramtin Sadid, DDS, M.S., professor and division director for the Division of Prosthodontics, the specialty that focuses on tooth restoration, explains the latest technologies experts are using today.Visit these outdoor oases on UAB's campusFind a tucked-away outdoor space closest to you and take a moment for mindfulness or enjoy the cool air with colleagues.UAB’s Research MRI Core specializes in insights into the brain and bodyFrom a 3 Tesla PET/MR to a 0.55 Tesla Freemax, this core facility offers research tools that are crucial to UAB’s neuroscience studies and more, as well as expert advice on the best protocols to use for individual experiments.This course offers UAB students a boost on the road to professional schoolSpecialized test-prep courses can be effective, but they are expensive and not covered by student loans. Samantha Giordano-Mooga, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the School of Health Professions, has created a for-credit class that includes test prep and other support.Look back at the 2024 Staff Council Picnic in this slideshowHundreds of UAB employees met for lunch and conversation at the annual Staff Picnic on Oct. 4. Here are some of our favorite photos from the event.Voluntary supplemental benefits to be offered during open enrollmentEligible employees of UAB, UAB Hospital and UAB Hospital Management LLC may choose voluntary benefits during the annual open enrollment Oct. 18- Nov. 4. These programs are voluntary and paid for by employees and can be canceled at any time.Open enrollment for the Voluntary Employee Life and Voluntary Spouse Life insurancesThe Standard Insurance Company is offering a true open enrollment for 2025 Voluntary Employee Life and Voluntary Spouse Life insurance elections during UAB’s annual open enrollment Oct. 18- Nov. 4.With focus on implementation research, Sparkman Center’s Summer Institute attracts global cohort to BirminghamTwenty-five participants from across the country and the world traveled to Birmingham for a weeklong program on the use of implementation research concepts and methods to address health inequities in global health research and practice at scale.6 things you need to know as election day nearsThere are several important things to keep in mind at UAB and UAB Medicine leading up to election day, as well as on and after Nov. 5, as a member of a community at a public university and academic medical center.
9 ways to reduce your health care costs in 2025Nationwide, costs continue to rise, and UAB is working to balance the impact of these costs on its employees and the organization. Here are some things you can do to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.Premium rates for health, dental and vision available for 2025For UAB to remain competitive in the market, stay in line with national benchmarks and keep costs down as much as possible for all employees, there will be medical plan design changes for 2025.Learn to be an advocate for individuals with disabilities with these trainingsHuman Resources’ AWARE Disability Management Program is providing opportunities for employees to learn to recognize and engage with individuals with disabilities at UAB.New Mental Health Fellow Facilitator track open to employeesCompleting mental health training is a great way for staff, faculty and students at UAB and UAB Medicine to share a culture of care and thriving. The UAB Enterprise Mental Health Advocate Program, recently introduced a new learning track to its lineup.Vision coverage from VSP available during open enrollmentUAB offers vision benefits, and eligible employees of UAB, UAB Hospital and UAB Hospital Management LLC will have the option to choose or decline that coverage during the open enrollment for benefits Oct. 18-Nov. 4.Learn more about your mental health at Oct. 10 resource fairThe fair will feature popsicles, a Hand in Paw service dog, giveaways and opportunities to meet with mental health providers and human service agencies from UAB and the Birmingham area.Professor’s new textbook challenges myths about Nazi GermanyIn “Nazi Germany: Society, Culture and Politics,” Jonathan Wiesen, Ph.D., professor in the Department of History, highlights the current understanding, which has been slow to appear in textbooks, of the “tension between coercion and consensus” in the Nazi period, he said.Dental coverage from BCBS is available during open enrollmentUAB will offer dental insurance during the annual open enrollment for benefits, and eligible employees must choose or decline that coverage between 7 a.m. Oct. 18 and 5 p.m. Nov. 412 honored for excellence in teachingThe 2024 honorees for the President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching represent each school, the College of Arts and Sciences, the Honors College, and the Graduate School.3 traditional health plan options available for 2025Eligible employees of UAB, UAB Hospital and UAB Hospital Management LLC will have the option to choose or decline health care coverage from VIVA Health and Blue Cross/Blue Shield during the annual open enrollment for benefits Oct. 18-Nov. 4.Growth with Purpose Faculty Recruitment Fund helps bring more outstanding innovators to UABTake a closer look at the new fund, which was launched this summer by the Office of the President to help expand UAB’s portfolio of funded principal investigators as part of the Research Strategic Initiative: Growth with Purpose.
Consumer-driven health plan can make good financial senseA benefit option that enables employees to pay lower monthly health care premiums in exchange for higher out-of-pocket expenses for covered services continues to grow in favor among eligible employees.New class enters UAB’s leadership academyThe latest cohort selected for the Blaze Leadership Academy includes 20 faculty and staff from across campus.5 things to know about open enrollment this yearStay tuned to the UAB Reporter as UAB begins rolling out open enrollment information to provide benefit-eligible employees time to review upcoming changes and make informed decisions. Open enrollment begins 7 a.m. Oct. 18 and concludes 5 p.m. Nov. 4.Request a Safety Escort, Blaze Ride instantly using TransLoc appUAB employees and students can now request transportation from UAB Safety Escort and Blaze Ride using the TransLoc app, available for download on iOS and Android devices.
Genetic counseling is a hot career path. Meet four alums who work in the field at UAB.Job satisfaction, high pay and intense demand are all attractions, according to the leaders of UAB’s Master’s in Genetic Counseling program. Four alumni who now work at UAB explain what they do and why they love their jobs.
Most teens with autism do not drive. This researcher is testing a way to change that.Emma Sartin, Ph.D., MPH, assistant professor in the Department of Health Policy and Organization at the School of Public Health, is leading a Department of Defense-funded project that is developing a virtual assessment to help autistic individuals and their parents decide whether they are ready to drive.Board codifies institutional neutralityAs a diverse, public institution of more than 50,000 students, faculty and staff, UAB will remain neutral on political and social issues that do not directly affect the institution’s core operations.8 tips to enhance your quality of life as you ageTo mark National Healthy Aging Month, UAB Employee Wellness offers these tips on aging gracefully.
3 chosen as UAB VIPs for third-quarter 2024Peter Bosworth, Lakesha Johnson and Lee O’Neil are the third-quarter 2024 honorees of the UAB Shared Values in Action Program, which honors those whose work exemplifies and embodies Forging Ahead’s shared values. Nominations for fourth-quarter 2024 honorees are open through Oct. 9.-
Updated training on fiscal responsibility to be required“Understanding Your UAB Fiscal Responsibility,” which is focused on the role employees play in managing UAB’s financial resources, will be assigned to certain employees based on job function through the UAB Learning System beginning July 1, 2024.12 honored for excellence in teaching
Twelve faculty have been selected to receive the President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, which honors those who have demonstrated exceptional accomplishments in teaching. The 2023 honorees represent each school, the College of Arts and Sciences, the Honors College, and the Graduate School.
9 faculty elevated to Distinguished, University professorshipsThe UA System Board of Trustees awarded the rank of Distinguished Professor to Ravi Bhatia, Heith Copes, Craig Elmets, Denise A. Gainey, Jeffrey D. Kerby, Farah D. Lubin, Jean-François Pittet and Martin E. Young and the rank of University Professor to Peter S. Hendricks during its meetings in April and June 2023.3 chosen as UAB VIPs for second-quarter 2023Kayla Evans, Damian Schwartz and Brigitte Vola are the second-quarter 2023 honorees of the UAB Shared Values in Action Program, which honors those whose work exemplifies and embodies Forging the Future’s shared values. Nominations for third-quarter 2023 honorees are open through Aug. 23.4 honored with Provost's Awards for Faculty ExcellenceJie Gao, Camerron Crowder, Ken Marion and James B. McClintock demonstrated extraordinary commitment to engaging undergraduate students in service learning, undergraduate research and education-abroad experiences.
9 years running: UAB again honored as Tree Campus USAFor the eighth year, UAB is recognized by the National Arbor Day Foundation for its work to nurture more than 4,400 healthy trees and engage students and employees in conservation. UAB also was honored for the fourth time with a Tree Campus Healthcare designation, which recognizes health institutions that make a mission-aligned impact on community wellness through tree education, investment and community engagement.
3 chosen as UAB VIPs for first-quarter 2023Toby W. Tripp, Andrew B. Crouse and Carin Mayo are the first-quarter 2023 honorees of the UAB Shared Values in Action Program, which honors those whose work exemplifies and embodies Forging the Future’s shared values. Nominations for second-quarter 2023 honorees are open through May 24.
UAB authors can publish open access in Wiley, Cambridge journals at no costTwo agreements between UAB Libraries and Wiley and Cambridge University Press will enable university-affiliated authors to publish open access at no cost in more than 2,000 journals.
UAB recognizes 2023 diversity championsFive individuals and one student organization were honored with the 2022 President’s Diversity Champion Award during a ceremony at the Alumni House March 2.
3 chosen as UAB VIPs for fourth-quarter 2022Tatyana Gavrikova, Sherry Polhill and Aparna Tamhane are the fourth-quarter 2022 honorees of the UAB Shared Values in Action Program, which honors those whose work exemplifies and embodies Forging the Future's shared values. Nominations for first-quarter 2023 honorees are open through Feb. 28.
15-minute online training shares tips on how to best support students with disabilitiesEmployees can learn about compliance with the Americans with Disabilities and Rehabilitation acts, explore best practices for engaging with students with disabilities, and access key resources during a new online training from UAB Disability Support Services.
2022 in review: A banner Blazer yearPrograms across the university, from athletics to academics to patient care and more, were recognized on the national and international level in 2022, highlighting UAB’s continued commitment to excellence and achievement as outlined in Forging the Future, UAB’s strategic plan.
2022 in review: UAB’s gold-medal performanceDay after day during the World Games, contributions from Blazers made it possible to make athletes’ dreams come true and entertain fans while giving them a peek at the wealth of talent and creativity nurtured on UAB’s campus.
4 honored with Provost’s Awards for Faculty ExcellenceAna Oliveira, Sami Raut, Lisa McCormick and Meena Nabavi demonstrated extraordinary commitment to engaging undergraduate students in service learning, undergraduate research and education-abroad experiences.
What you need to know about the new NIH data management and sharing policyBeginning Jan. 25, 2023, the National Institutes of Health will implement a new data management and sharing policy, which will increase the rigor, reproducibility and transparency of research and create open access to data.
12 honored for excellence in teachingTwelve faculty have been selected to receive the President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, which honors those who have demonstrated exceptional accomplishments in teaching. The 2022 honorees represent each school, the College of Arts and Sciences, the Honors College and the Graduate School.
4 ways to honor service members this Veterans DayAttend the annual wreath-laying, donate to a blanket and clothing drive, read stories from UAB veterans and leave a message of thanks.
Volunteers needed to build UAB’s Habitat House — build extended through Nov. 19Help complete the 2022 Habitat House, built for Eddie Mae Hopkins in Ensley, just in time for Thanksgiving celebrations. Sign up for a volunteer slot on BlazerPulse.
5 chosen as UAB VIPs for third-quarter 2022Amber Anderson, Kristen Campbell, Jamye Hester, Kevin Speed and Donna Williamson are the third-quarter honorees of the UAB Shared Values in Action Program, which honors those whose work exemplifies and embodies Forging the Future's shared values.
13 campus resources to help students beat the mid-semester slumpDuring the first few months of a semester, students can accumulate more questions about life as a Blazer than they had when they started. Discover resources for students spanning financial aid assistance, mental health, career prep and more.
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3 chosen as UAB VIPs for second-quarter 2024
John Huffstutler, Nancy Parsons and Angel Simmons are the second-quarter 2024 honorees of the UAB Values in Action Program. Nominations for third-quarter 2024 honorees are open through July 11.
Updated training on fiscal responsibility to be required“Understanding Your UAB Fiscal Responsibility,” which is focused on the role employees play in managing UAB’s financial resources, will be assigned to certain employees based on job function through the UAB Learning System beginning July 1, 2024.“Find the passion and it is easy to do the rest”: What makes Brigitte Vola go above and beyond.Brigitte Vola, wound, ostomy and continence nurse in Trauma Services, is the 2023 winner of the President’s Award for Excellence in Shared Values.12 honored for excellence in teachingTwelve faculty have been selected to receive the President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, which honors those who have demonstrated exceptional accomplishments in teaching. The 2023 honorees represent each school, the College of Arts and Sciences, the Honors College, and the Graduate School.
Did you know? Improperly parking scooters can make campus inaccessible for some BlazersMicromobility vehicles like rentable electric scooters and bikes make getting across campus quickly a breeze. But parking them improperly can prevent Blazers from accessing sidewalks, ramps, accessible doorways and more, according to Disability Support Services.
5 things to know before you order UAB swag for fallIf your school or unit wants new branded promotional items and apparel for fall semester, these guidelines can help you avoid delays.
9 faculty elevated to Distinguished, University professorshipsThe UA System Board of Trustees awarded the rank of Distinguished Professor to Ravi Bhatia, Heith Copes, Craig Elmets, Denise A. Gainey, Jeffrey D. Kerby, Farah D. Lubin, Jean-François Pittet and Martin E. Young and the rank of University Professor to Peter S. Hendricks during its meetings in April and June 2023.3 chosen as UAB VIPs for second-quarter 2023Kayla Evans, Damian Schwartz and Brigitte Vola are the second-quarter 2023 honorees of the UAB Shared Values in Action Program, which honors those whose work exemplifies and embodies Forging the Future’s shared values. Nominations for third-quarter 2023 honorees are open through Aug. 23.Annual performance evaluation cycle open now: Here’s what you need to knowEligible employees in workgroup A will complete self-evaluations in the Performance App. Managers must have conversations with employees and complete evaluations by Sept. 30. Check your workgroup here and visit the Performance Management site for tools, FAQs and training.
4 honored with Provost's Awards for Faculty ExcellenceJie Gao, Camerron Crowder, Ken Marion and James B. McClintock demonstrated extraordinary commitment to engaging undergraduate students in service learning, undergraduate research and education-abroad experiences.
9 years running: UAB again honored as Tree Campus USAFor the eighth year, UAB is recognized by the National Arbor Day Foundation for its work to nurture more than 4,400 healthy trees and engage students and employees in conservation. UAB also was honored for the fourth time with a Tree Campus Healthcare designation, which recognizes health institutions that make a mission-aligned impact on community wellness through tree education, investment and community engagement.
3 chosen as UAB VIPs for first-quarter 2023Toby W. Tripp, Andrew B. Crouse and Carin Mayo are the first-quarter 2023 honorees of the UAB Shared Values in Action Program, which honors those whose work exemplifies and embodies Forging the Future’s shared values. Nominations for second-quarter 2023 honorees are open through May 24.
UAB recognizes 2023 diversity championsFive individuals and one student organization were honored with the 2022 President’s Diversity Champion Award during a ceremony at the Alumni House March 2.
3 chosen as UAB VIPs for fourth-quarter 2022Tatyana Gavrikova, Sherry Polhill and Aparna Tamhane are the fourth-quarter 2022 honorees of the UAB Shared Values in Action Program, which honors those whose work exemplifies and embodies Forging the Future's shared values. Nominations for first-quarter 2023 honorees are open through Feb. 28.
15-minute online training shares tips on how to best support students with disabilitiesEmployees can learn about compliance with the Americans with Disabilities and Rehabilitation acts, explore best practices for engaging with students with disabilities, and access key resources during a new online training from UAB Disability Support Services.
2022 in review: A banner Blazer yearPrograms across the university, from athletics to academics to patient care and more, were recognized on the national and international level in 2022, highlighting UAB’s continued commitment to excellence and achievement as outlined in Forging the Future, UAB’s strategic plan.
2022 in review: UAB’s gold-medal performanceDay after day during the World Games, contributions from Blazers made it possible to make athletes’ dreams come true and entertain fans while giving them a peek at the wealth of talent and creativity nurtured on UAB’s campus.
4 honored with Provost’s Awards for Faculty ExcellenceAna Oliveira, Sami Raut, Lisa McCormick and Meena Nabavi demonstrated extraordinary commitment to engaging undergraduate students in service learning, undergraduate research and education-abroad experiences.
5 ways to protect your personal propertyFollow these tips to reduce the risk of stolen personal items, and alert UAB Police or UAB’s Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management team if someone in a public area is behaving suspiciously.
An artistic focus in astronomy courses creates community and creativity for science studentsStudents in Michelle Wooten’s AST 101, 102 and 103 courses discovered unique connections to course material by creating artwork as part of class assignments.
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How many more COVID variants will we see?
Two UAB researchers — a SARS-CoV-2 expert and a vaccine researcher — discuss the prospects for future mutations.
How an epidemiologist uses social media to build trust and communicateBertha Hidalgo, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Epidemiology, explains how she is using WhatsApp and Facebook in two current studies and shares advice on using social media for research.How does COVID-19 affect patients with cancer? Largest U.S. study shares first results.Assistant Professor Noha Sharafeldin, MBBCh, Ph.D., presented cancer-related findings from the massive N3C database of records from COVID-positive patients at 55 institutions nationwide, including UAB. Results — including a significant increase in risk of death among patients who recently had chemotherapy — were published simultaneously in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
When COVID-19 came calling, UAB researchers were preparedResponding to a challenge like none other, investigators made crucial discoveries, developed new treatments and went above and beyond to serve the campus community and beyond.
Studies highlight 'unprecedented and unique dangers' for children during COVID-19Research led by Professor Christina Rodriguez, Ph.D., documents increase in abuse risk and psychological aggression following the economic devastation, isolation and school closures brought on by the pandemic.Interdisciplinary data science workshop moves from San Diego to spare bedrooms, but science continuesLearn how UAB bioinformaticist Jake Chen, Ph.D., and computer scientist Da Yan, Ph.D., shifted their venerable gathering online and aided the fight against COVID-19.
Study testing drug to protect lung cells from ARDS in COVID-19With funding from UAB’s urgent COVID-19 research grants, researchers are testing penehyclidine to halt the acute respiratory distress syndrome seen in seriously ill patients by defending crucial cell barriers.
Your ZIP code is a risk factor for COVID-19: Study will identify where testing, therapies are needed mostUsing extensive testing, diagnosis and clinical data from across the Deep South, this project will be the first to analyze multiple dimensions of inequality to clarify contributions to COVID-19 disparities.
Better tests, cheaper vaccines: Antibody expert turns to COVID-19Moon Nahm, M.D., has identified the crucial antibodies for pneumococcal vaccines and helped lower prices from $100 per dose to $2. With pilot funding from UAB’s urgent COVID-19 research initiative, Nahm is adapting his proven techniques to SARS-CoV-2.
Studying an alternative steroid treatment to calm cytokine storms in COVID-19In a new trial funded through UAB’s urgent COVID-19 research program, investigators are comparing the widely available steroid methylprednisolone with dexamethasone, which lowered risk of dying by one-third in a U.K. trial this summer.
Data wizards join fight against COVID-19 in UAB hackathonThis summer’s COVID-19 Data Science Hackathon spurred many creative applications and several ongoing projects, including an automated genomic epidemiology pipeline and a machine-learning based viral transmission simulator.
Hijacked mitochondria could induce COVID-19, study saysIn a new paper, Keshav Singh, Ph.D., outlines the case for the “powerhouse of the cell” as a hideout and unwitting ally for SARS-CoV-2.
Machine-learning tools find targets old drugs can exploit against COVID-19Researchers from UAB’s Precision Medicine Institute have used AI to identify hundreds of potential treatments, which are now being tested through the COVID-19 research fund that the institute helped launch.
Glow-in-the-dark coronavirus testing is first project of new hireNew microbiology faculty member Nicholas Lennemann is transforming the fluorescent virus assay he developed into a new tool against coronavirus in work supported through UAB’s urgent COVID-19 research fund.
Researchers model COVID-19 infection in 3D human lung tissueBioreactors built to offer new insights on lung cancer are being adapted to study coronavirus infection and test new treatments in this project supported through UAB’s urgent COVID-19 research fund.
Tackling his third pandemic, UAB researcher gets up close with coronaviruses in order to kill themVirologist Kevin Harrod, Ph.D., is the institution’s resident expert on SARS viruses. His lab is handling biological validation for innovative drug-repurposing studies supported by the School of Medicine’s Urgent COVID-19 research fund.
Researchers are creating a coronavirus showdown to settle pressing antibody problemsMicrobiologists Troy Randall and Frances Lund are building key proteins from several coronaviruses to study antibody cross-reactivity and other crucial questions in this project supported through UAB’s urgent COVID-19 research fund.
A philosopher explains how to balance rationality, scientific uncertainty in coronavirus claimsUncertainty can fuel scientific endeavors, leading to more and better discoveries and understanding. But what happens when the public misinterprets that uncertainty? Associate Professor Kevin McCain, Ph.D., says education, rational thinking and trust in experts can help protect citizens from being misled.
Where are the good antibodies against COVID-19? UAB project aims to find outIn this project supported through UAB’s urgent COVID-19 research fund, Professor Randall Davis aims to identify antibodies that block SARS-CoV-2 from entering human cells — information that could guide convalescent plasma therapy and more.
Helpful viruses may unlock the secrets of coronavirus antibodiesIn this project supported through UAB’s urgent COVID-19 research fund, Assistant Professor Benjamin Larimer, Ph.D., adapts his lab’s work on phage display — normally used to identify new cancer treatments — to overcome limitations of antibody and vaccine testing.