Great Science, Great People, Great Memories at the 15th International Bordetella Symposium

The 15th International Bordetella Symposium was truly an exceptional meeting and a wonderful reminder of why scientific communities matter so much.

This year was particularly special for our lab. I had the privilege of presenting our work, my student had the opportunity to present a talk, and I was honored to chair a session on Immunology and Animal Models, as well as co-chair a career development panel. Seeing trainees, early-career scientists, and established investigators come together to discuss science, careers, and future directions was incredibly rewarding.

One of the highlights of the meeting was seeing the work of the Gestal Lab represented beyond our own presentations. It was a proud moment to see our lab members, collaborations, and contributions acknowledged on the slides of colleagues and collaborators throughout the conference. These moments serve as a reminder that science is a collective effort and that our impact extends beyond the walls of our own laboratory.

The hosts organized an outstanding meeting that exceeded all expectations. From the scientific program to the networking opportunities, every detail was thoughtfully planned. A particular highlight was the conference dinner at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, where great science, great conversations, and great music came together to create a memorable evening.

Not even spending more than 24 hours stranded at the airport on the way home could diminish what an incredible experience this was. The science, the friendships, the new collaborations, and the exciting projects that emerged from this meeting made every minute worthwhile. I would do it all again without hesitation.

I leave Nashville energized and inspired, with new ideas, new collaborations, and renewed momentum as we work to complete several exciting projects currently underway in the lab. The future is bright, and I am excited to see where these conversations and collaborations lead us.

Until the next International Bordetella Symposium in Halifax in 2028, I am already looking forward to it.