Come learn about viruses and other infectious diseases at a new lecture series at The Rockefeller University on Friday, November 4, 2016 from 4:30–6:30 PM. GoViral Mapping the Spread of Viruses in the Community is lecture-discussion presented by Sofia Ahsanuddin. Ms. Ahsanuddin is a researcher in the Chunra Lab at the NYU Tandon School of Engineering and the Mason Lab at Weill Cornell Medical College and a graduate of the Macaulay Honors College at Brooklyn College. She has been instrumental in a series of related public health projects: Pathomap, MetaSUB, and GoViral.
Pathomap is a research project by Weill Cornell Medical College to study the microbiome and metagenome of the built environment of NYC. Pathomap has since expanded into MetaSUB, a global initiative in 39 cities on six continents. "From the sidewalk to the subway pole, our cities are living laboratories of genetic information." For a quick (11 minute) summary of Pathomap and MetaSUB, watch Ms. Ahsanuddin’s 2015 TEDxCUNY presentation.

Cracking the Genetic Code of Our Cities on YouTube
GoViral is a community participatory research study that aims to map, monitor and measure the spread of acute respiratory infections. Participants sign up on goviralstudy.com and record survey data weekly, including information about any symptoms they may have. They are also sent a respiratory sample kit that is easy to use at home and ship back to the lab. A PCR respiratory assay is then performed to determine which viruses are present in the participant’s sample. Data gathered are presented on the project’s website in an interactive, visual display that can be used by participant’s to learn more about their own health and for researchers to learn more about public health and epidemiology (the spread of infectious diseases).

GoViral Introductory Video on Vimeo
LAB Out Loud is The Rockefeller University’s interactive, science-cafe-style discussion series designed specifically for high school students. During these events, high-profile scientists from New York City will present their cutting-edge research to a high school student audience, allowing plenty of time for questions. After the talk, students are invited to network with each other, and with a variety local scientists over snacks and refreshments.
Ms. Mosley and I have obtained 35 tickets each for this event. Students cannot register on their own or show up without a ticket. Details on how to obtain a ticket from one of us will follow in a subsequent email.
One point of extra credit will be awarded to all students who attend and complete this assignment. Submit your completed (typed) assignment to your supervising teacher at any time during the school day on Monday, November 7.