What’s happening at Augusta University? Week of Nov. 8-14

This week includes a salute to Veterans Day, a fair for students to explore research opportunities and a new respiratory testing panel from the Medical College of Georgia.

Testing for several respiratory viruses at once

Researchers have developed a viral panel that enables simultaneous testing for SARS-CoV-2, along with other respiratory viruses.

“We are concerned that because most of us are no longer wearing masks or social distancing and have resumed our normal schedules that one consequence will be more coinfections. We feel this is a good tool to have ready when the flu and cold season hit,” said Dr. Ravindra Kolhe, director of the Georgia Escoteric and Molecular Laboratory at the Medical College of Georgia.

Research fair gives students a glimpse of what could lie ahead

The third annual Undergraduate Research Fair is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 10 at the Jaguar Student Activities Center Coffeehouse.

“It’s just a way to introduce students who don’t know about research to our fair and be able to show them some of the resources we offer, the services, the workshops, kind of the first step for students,” said Melissa Knapp, Center for Undergraduate Research and Scholarship coordinator.

Students will have a chance to interact with those who have done undergrad research projects, as well as faculty members who could mentor them in projects.

Celebrating Veterans Day

Augusta University will hold a Veterans Day celebration at 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 11 at the Summerville Campus Teardrop.

Will Martin, chief of public affairs for the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, will be the guest speaker. The program will be led by veterans and reservists to honor those who have served in the U.S. armed forces. Following the ceremony, flags will be placed in the Arsenal Cemetery on the corner of Arsenal Avenue and Walton Way.

Interview opportunities are available for these story ideas. Call 706-522-3023 to schedule an interview. Check out the Augusta University Expert Center to view our list of experts who can help with story ideas.