IDI-TA Day Awards

The 4th annual IDI-TA Day was held on April 23, 2025. The event featured trainee presentations, networking and a keynote address by Dr. Mitchell Kronenberg, professor and president emeritus, La Jolla Insititute for Immunology. The top abstract for oral presentation in each of four categories was selected for an award. See award recipients and their presentation titles below.

Three individuals stand together during an award presentation. The person in the center holds a framed certificate that reads “Steve Leumi.” The person on the left wears a suit and tie, the center person wears a checkered shirt, and the person on the right wears a blue shirt with suspenders.

Post Doc Awardee: Steve Leumi, PhD

Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, College of Medicine

Presentation Title: "Minimally adapted influenza A virus as a model for investigating cardiac complications and potential therapeutic targets in mice"

Three individuals stand in front of a wooden wall during an award presentation. One person hands a framed certificate to the recipient in the center, which reads “Sourabh Soni.”

Research Associate Awardee: Sourabh Soni, PhD

Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, College of Medicine

Presentation Title: "The host ubiquitin E3 ligase ARIH2 mitigates influenza A virus replication in the airways and disease progression in mice"

Three individuals stand together, with the person in the center holding a framed certificate. The person on the left wears a suit and tie, the center person wears a long-sleeved shirt, and the person on the right wears suspenders over a button-up shirt.

PhD Awardee: Hannah Smith

Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, College of Medicine

Presentation Title: "Bordetella polysaccharide promotes resistance against neutrophil mediated killing"

Three individuals at an award ceremony for the 4th Annual IDI-TA. One person hands a certificate to the recipient in the center, while another holds a microphone. A backdrop behind them displays the words “4th Annual IDI-TA Award Ceremony” and “Congratulations.

MS Awardee: Michelle Tan

Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, College of Medicine

Presentation Title: "Isoform-specific roles of SON in regulation of interferon stimulated gene expression"