On Saturday, October 24, 2026, IDI staff and trainees from the IDI Trainee Association (IDI-TA) participated in WestFest 2026, the annual West Campus Science & Sustainability Festival that brings together university departments, research groups, student organizations, and community partners to share hands-on science and discovery with the public.
IDI Staff and Trainees Partner for WestFest 2026
Hosted on Ohio State's West Campus, WestFest showcases advances in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, sustainability, and outreach through interactive exhibits designed to engage learners of all ages. This year's event was the largest WestFest to date, attracting approximately 775 attendees and featuring 57 program partners, including 37 Ohio State units, eight student organizations, and 12 community partners.
As part of the festival, IDI staff and trainees educated community members about ticks and tick-borne diseases through an interactive exhibit focused on tick identification, prevention, and proper tick removal techniques. Visitors had the opportunity to learn about the tick species found in Ohio, the diseases they can transmit, and practical steps individuals can take to protect themselves, their families, and their pets from tick bites.
The exhibit also highlighted IDI’s leadership in tick surveillance and public health outreach, including Ohio State’s ongoing efforts to better understand tick populations and tick-borne disease risks across the state and nation. Featured as part of the exhibit was the IDI's Buckeye Tick Test, launched in spring 2025, which provides tick identification and pathogen testing services for individuals across the United States while generating valuable surveillance data that enhances understanding of tick distribution and tick-borne disease risk. The program also supports large-scale public health surveillance and research efforts through testing partnerships with public agencies and private industry organizations. Through hands-on activities and one-on-one conversations, attendees were able to interact directly with infectious diseases professionals and trainees while gaining a greater appreciation for the connection between scientific research, public health surveillance, and community engagement.
“This year’s WestFest event was amazing. The weather was perfect, and the crowd was extremely engaged. The WestFest planning team does a tremendous job fostering community engagement through science. Partnering with the IDI Trainee Association this year created a valuable opportunity for trainees to contribute to the institute’s outreach efforts. As ticks and tick-borne diseases continue to emerge as growing public health concerns in Ohio, having the opportunity to connect directly with the public and share this information is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work at Ohio State.”
The event marked another year of IDI participation in community science outreach efforts and provided an opportunity for trainees to strengthen their science communication skills while engaging directly with members of the community. By partnering with events such as WestFest, the IDI continues its commitment to increasing public awareness of infectious diseases and inspiring the next generation of scientists, healthcare professionals, and public health leaders.