MISA Case Competition 2024

Abstract

The MISA Case Competition is an undergraduate research conference organized by the Microbiology and Immunology Student Association (MISA) at Western University to promote innovation, collaboration, and scientific inquiry amongst students interested in microbiology and immunology. In 2023, MISA successfully ran our first case competition. This year, the theme for the MISA Case Competition 2024 was for our undergraduate teams to devise novel strategies and treatments to combat or prevent autoimmune disorders. Their approach could target any aspect of autoimmune diseases, whether it be through novel preventative initiatives, diagnostic techniques, or treatment strategies. Our conference includes oral presentations from the top six teams and a panel of judges composed of faculty members from the Department of Microbiology and Immunology and the Department of Biochemistry at Western University, with awards for the top three teams. Through the MISA Case Competition, we hope to provide an opportunity for students to conceive new ideas to advance the understanding and management of autoimmune diseases, improving patient outcomes and reducing the societal burden of these conditions.