Alicia Francis is a pre-medical biology student at Washington Adventist University (WAU) where her studies also include a minor in Applied Bioinformatics which is part of the WAU’s Bioinformatics Interdisciplinary Program (BIP). From October 15-17, 2012, Ms. Francis had the opportunity to attend the 6th Annual Vaccine Renaissance Conference held by The Institute for Informatics and Immunology (iCubed) at the University of Rhode Island in Providence, Rhode Island. This unique opportunity was made possible by a collaboration between Dr. Anton Dormer, the WAU program coordinator for BIP, and Dr. Anne Degroot, who is the director of iCubed.

While attending the Vaccine Renaissance Conference, Ms. Francis had the opportunity of interacting with renowned scientists from all over the world with diverse interests in biodefense vaccines, animal vaccines and human health, neglected tropical diseases, vaccine vectors, and the human microbiome. These scientists included Dr. Degroot who is also a professor at the University of Rhode Island, president of EpiVax, Inc., and the founder and scientific advisor of the HIV/AIDS prevention and education nonprofit foundation which primary work is in Malawi Africa called Global AIDS Interfaith Alliance (GAIA). Dr. Spero, co-director of iCubed, also a prestigious scientist, along with Dr. Degroot extended an invitation to Ms. Francis to attend the conference; Ms. Francis’ travel and accommodations were paid for by iCubed.. This is the second year that a student from WAU has attended the conference. The 2011 attendee was Ms. Adriana Gonzales.

At the conference, Ms. Francis was also able to be involved in training using the EpiVax, Inc. in silico vaccine design suite that will make her eligible for a possible internship at iCubed. Ms. Francis states, “Being able to go to the conference and meet Dr. DeGroot was a wonderful experience. I was able to learn many different aspects of vaccine design using bioinformatics. From doing my first research project with Dr. Dormer, I can see that I am following in Dr. DeGroots footsteps, by the way she approaches vaccine development. I do hope that I will be able to learn more from her by attending the internship at iCubed [during the] summer [of 2013].” Ms. Francis future professional goals are to become either a pediatrician or pediatric surgeon. In addition, it is Ms. Francis desires to apply bioinformatics research and tools as an integral part of her career and practice that could be used to better women's health. For more information about BIP please contact Dr. Anton Dormer at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 301 891-4229.

Alicia Francis (left) with Dr. Anne Degroot (middle) and Dr. Denice Spero (right)