The Center for Childhood Infections and Vaccines (CCIV) proudly hosted its 9th Annual Symposium on
November 6, 2025, bringing together researchers, clinicians, trainees, and partners for a full day of scientific
exchange, collaboration, and community building. With 150 attendees, this year’s symposium marked the
largest turnout in CCIV history, reflecting the growing momentum and impact of pediatric infectious
disease and vaccine research across Emory and partner institutions.
 

The scientific program featured 38 total abstracts, including 10 oral (rapid-fire) presentations and 28
poster presentations, highlighting innovative work spanning immunology, virology, vaccinology,
antimicrobial resistance, and public health. The breadth and quality of the research underscored CCIV’s
mission to advance discoveries that improve child health locally and globally.
 

Distinguished Keynote Speakers
The symposium was anchored by two nationally renowned keynote speakers whose work bridges science,
policy, and real-world impact.
 

Paul A. Offit, MD, Director of the Vaccine Education Center at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia,
delivered a compelling keynote on vaccine science, public trust, and the critical role of evidence-based
medicine in protecting children worldwide.
 

Stephen W. Patrick, MD, MPH, MS, FAAP, Chair of the Department of Health Policy and Management at
Emory’s Rollins School of Public Health, shared powerful insights on maternal and child health policy, substance use disorders, and translating research into meaningful systems-level change.
 

CCIV Internal Guest Speakers
In addition to the external keynotes, the symposium showcased leadership from within CCIV. Jens
Wrammert, PhD, and Christina “Kristy” Rostad, MD, both Associate Professors in the Division of Pediatric
Infectious Diseases, delivered internal featured talks highlighting cutting-edge advances in human
immune responses, vaccinology, and translational pediatric research. Their presentations emphasized the
depth of expertise and innovation within the CCIV community.

Celebrating Trainee Excellence

A hallmark of the CCIV Symposium is its
commitment to recognizing outstanding trainee
contributions. During the closing awards session:
Barrett Breeze received the Best Oral Abstract
Presentation Award for excellence in scientific
rigor and presentation.
Tyshawn Ferrell was awarded Best Poster
Presentation, recognizing the quality, clarity,
and impact of their research.
CCIV congratulates both awardees and all trainees
who presented their work, reflecting the strength of
the next generation of scientists and clinicians.

Partnership and Support
The success of the 9th Annual Symposium was
made possible through generous support from our partners. CCIV gratefully acknowledges Sanofi and
Pfizer for their sponsorship, as well as the
philanthropic contribution from Javier and Dolores
Goizueta, whose support continues to strengthen
CCIV’s mission and programming.
The 9th Annual CCIV Symposium exemplified the
center’s continued growth, collaborative spirit, and
scientific excellence. We thank all speakers,
presenters, sponsors, and attendees for making
this record-breaking event a success and look
forward to building on this momentum in the year
ahead.