����������Conference on Biofilms

��Conference on Biofilms Scientific Program

The ��Biofilms Conference presents a dynamic scientific program exploring the latest advances in biofilm research. Join leading experts as they discuss cutting-edge discoveries, emerging challenges, and innovative applications in biofilm science, from medical and industrial settings to environmental impacts. Plan your time effectively to engage with the most relevant research and connect with presenters each day.

Program Schedule

All sessions are in Pacific time

Note: The following schedule is a long-form comprehensive look at the meeting, including session times, speakers and topics. Morning coffee will be provided on Nov. 10-13, and luncheon will be provided on Nov. 10, 11 and 13.

Sunday, November 9

1-5 p.m.

Mark Shirtliff

(Additional fee $ and advanced registration required)

6–7:15 p.m.

6–6:15 p.m. | Opening Remarks
Speaker: Clay Fuqua, Ph.D., Indiana University at Bloomington, Biofilms 2025 Program Committee Chair

6:15–7:15 p.m. | The Many Faces of Biofilm Development in Pseudomonas Aeruginosa
Keynote Speaker: Matthew Parsek, Ph.D., University of Washington

7:15–8:30 p.m.

Welcome Reception

Monday, November 10

7:45–8:15 a.m.	Morning Refreshments
8:15–10:05 a.m.	Moderator: Birthe Veno Kjellerup, Ph.D., University of Maryland 8:15–8:40 a.m. \| Environmental Biofilms and Carbon Flux Invited Speaker: Christine Foreman, Ph.D., Montana State University 8:40–9:40 a.m. \| Oral Abstract Presentations 9:40–10:05 a.m. \| Microfluidic Investigation on the Role of Flow Dynamics, Surface Roughness and Bacterial Motility on Biofilm Formation Invited Speaker: Judy Q. Yang, Ph.D., University of Minnesota
10:05–10:35 a.m.	Morning Break in Poster Hall
10:35 a.m.–12:25 p.m.	Moderator: Caitlin Light, Ph.D., Binghamton University 10:35–11 a.m. \| Microbial Interactions in Biocrusts of Desert Soils: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly Invited Speaker: Ferran Garcia-Pichel, Ph.D., Biodesign Institute and School of Life Sciences 11 a.m.–12 p.m. \| Oral Abstract Presentations 12–12:25 p.m. \| Microbiome Ecology in Patients Receiving Cancer Treatment Invited Speaker: Joao Xavier, Ph.D., Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
12:25–12:40 p.m.	Lightning Talks (Monday)
12:40–2:10 p.m.	Lunch & Learn Presentation 12:40–1:10 p.m. \| Lunch 1:10–2:10 p.m. \| AJEDI Makes Better Microbiology Invited Speaker: Jo Handelsman, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison
2:10–4:10 p.m.	Poster Session #1 with Refreshments
4:10–6 p.m.	Moderator: Christophe Beloin, Ph.D., Institut Pasteur 4:10–4:35 p.m. \| Biofilm Cell Fates Revealed Using Far-Red Fluorogenic Probes Invited Speaker: Andrew Bridges, Ph.D., Carnegie-Mellon 4:35–5:35 p.m. \| Oral Abstract Presentations *5:35–6 p.m. \| Helicobacter Pylori* Uses Its Flagella in Multiple Ways to Control Biofilm Formation** Invited Speaker: Karen Ottemann, Ph.D., UC Santa Cruz
8–9 p.m.	Networking Event

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Tuesday, November 11

7:45–8:15 a.m.	Morning Refreshments
8:15–10:05 a.m.	Moderator: Boo Shan Tseng, Ph.D., University of Nevada *8:15–8:40 a.m. \| Role for the Symbiosis Polysaccharide in Vibrio fischeri* Biofilm Formation (J. William Costerton Lecture) Invited Speaker: Karen Visick, Ph.D., Loyola Stritch School of Medicine 8:40–9:40 a.m. \| Oral Abstract Presentations 9:40–10:05 a.m. \| Large-Scale Extracellular Matrix Architecture and 3D Biofilm Physiology as Interconnected Emerging Properties of Bacterial Multicellularity** Invited Speaker: TBD
10:05–10:35 a.m.	Morning Break in Poster Hall
10:35–12:25 p.m.	Moderator: Maria Hadjifrangiskou, Ph.D., Vanderbilt University *10:35–11 a.m. \| Metabolic Heterogeneity in Pseudomonas Aeruginosa* Biofilms Invited Speaker: Lars Dietrich, Ph.D., Columbia University 11 a.m.–12 p.m. \| Oral Abstract Presentations 12–12:25 p.m. \| Spatial Heterogeneity and Resistance of Bacterial Biofilms** Invited Speaker: Jintao Liu, Ph.D., Tsinghua University
12:25–12:40 p.m.	Lightning Talks (Tuesday)
12:40–2:10 p.m.	Lunch & Learn Presentation 12:40–1:10 p.m. \| Lunch 1:10–2:10 p.m. \| Invited Speaker: Caitlin Light, Ph.D., Binghamton University
2:10–4:10 p.m.	Poster Session #2 with Refreshments
4:10–6 p.m.	Moderator: Caitlin Light, Ph.D., Binghamton University 4:10–4:35 p.m. \| Cyclic di-GMP Signaling in Vibrio cholerae Invited Speaker: Christopher Waters, Ph.D., Michigan State University 4:35–5:35 p.m. \| Oral Abstract Presentations 5:35–6 p.m. \| Outer Membrane Vesicles as Players in Biofilm Development and Matrix Dynamics Invited Speaker: Jeffrey Schertzer, Ph.D., Binghamton University

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Wednesday, November 12

7:45–8:15 a.m.	Morning Refreshments
8:15–10:05 a.m.	Moderator: Mette Burmølle, Ph.D., University of Copenhagen 8:15–8:40 a.m. \| Moving Biofilms: Collective Movement in THOR, a Model Microbial Community Invited Speaker: Jo Handelsman, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison 8:40–9:40 a.m. \| Oral Abstract Presentations 9:40–10:05 a.m. \| From Molecular Genetics to Phylogenomics: A Journey Across the Determinants of Biofilm Formation in Klebsiella pneumoniae Invited Speaker: Olaya Rendueles García, Ph.D., Center for Integrative Biology Toulouse
10:05–10:35 a.m.	Morning Break in Poster Hall
10:35 a.m.–12:25 p.m.	Moderator: Megan O’Malley, Ph.D., University of Washington 10:35–11 a.m. \| Immune Dynamics During Biofilm Coinfection Invited Speaker: Daniel Wozniak, Ph.D., Ohio State University 11 a.m.–12 p.m. \| Oral Abstract Presentations 12–12:25 p.m. \| Plant Root Microbiota Biofilms in Protection Against Pathogens Invited Speaker: Cara Haney, Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh
12:25–12:40 p.m.	Lightning Talks (Wednesday)
12:40–2:10 p.m.	Lunch On Your Own
2:10–4:10 p.m.	Poster Session #3 with Refreshments
4:30–7:30 p.m.	Paul Stoodley (Additional fee $ and advanced registration required)

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Thursday, November 13

7:45–8:15 a.m.	Morning Refreshments
8:15–10:05 a.m.	Moderator: Kendra Rumbaugh, Ph.D., Texas Tech University 8:15–8:40 a.m. \| Targeted Drug Delivery for Biofilm Infections Invited Speaker: Rikke Louise Meyer, Ph.D., Aarhus University 8:40–9:40 a.m. \| Oral Abstract Presentations 9:40–10:05 a.m. \| Why Evolution in Biofilms is Different, with Important Consequences for Antimicrobial Treatment Invited Speaker: Vaughn Cooper, Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh
10:05–10:35 a.m.	Morning Break in Poster Hall
10:35 a.m.–12:25 p.m.	Moderator: Ehud Banin, Ph.D., Bar-Ilan University *10:35–11 a.m. \| Modulating Host Immunity to Combat Staphylococcus aureus* Biofilm Infection Invited Speaker: Tammy Kielian, Ph.D., University of Nebraska Medical Center 11 a.m.–12 p.m. \| Oral Abstract Presentations 12–12:25 p.m. \| Using Smart Biomaterials to Combat Biofilms** Invited Speaker: Anita Shukla, Ph.D., Brown University
12:25 –12:40 p.m.	Lightning Talks (Thursday)
12:40 –2:10 p.m.	Lunch & Learn 12:40–1:10 p.m. \| Lunch 1:10–2:10 p.m. \| Early Career Round Table Discussions (optional)
2:10–4:10 p.m.	Poster Session #4 with Refreshments
4:10–6 p.m.	Moderator: Dean Rowe-Magnus, Ph.D., Indiana University at Bloomington 4:10–4:35 p.m. \| The Story of Slime Invited Speaker: Hans-Curt Flemming, Ph.D., Singapore Center for Life Science and Engineering 4:35–5:35 p.m. \| Oral Abstract Presentations 5:35–6 p.m. \| High-Throughput Biofilm Assaying Using Drop-Based Microfluidics Invited Speaker: Connie Chang, Ph.D., Mayo Clinic
6–7:15 p.m.	6–7 p.m. \| Location Matters in Host-Microbe Symbioses Keynote Speaker: Nicole Dubilier, Ph.D., Max Planck Institute 7–7:15 p.m. \| Awards Presentation & Closing Remarks Speaker: Karin Sauer, Ph.D., Binghamton University, Biofilms 2025 Program Committee Chair

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Pre-Conferences and Workshops

Mark Shirtliff Early Career Symposium

(Additional Fee $)

Sunday, Nov. 9, 1-5 p.m. PT

Description: Kickstart your ��Conference on Biofilms 2025 experience with the Mark Shirtliff Early Career Symposium (ECS), a unique opportunity designed specifically for trainees by trainees. Taking place just before the main conference, this symposium offers an informal and supportive environment where early-career scientists can share their research, connect with peers and gain valuable insights from 2 inspiring faculty speakers.

Organized by graduate students and postdocs, the ECS is tailored to address the needs and aspirations of the next generation of biofilm researchers. With opportunities to present your work, network with like-minded professionals and gain career-building advice, this program is not to be missed.

1-1:30 p.m. | Building Sustainable Polymicrobial Biofilms, Scientists and Laboratories
Invited Speaker: Dominique (Nicki) Limoli, Ph.D., Indiana University

1:30-2:45 p.m. | Oral Abstract Presentations

2:45-3:15 p.m. | Break

3:15-4:15 p.m. | Oral Abstract Presentations

4:15-4:45 p.m. | G-quadruplexes and Extracellular RNA Co-Exist in Pseudomonas Biofilm Matrices
Invited Speaker: Thomas Seviour, Ph.D., Aarhus University

Paul Stoodley Biofilm Image Analysis Workshop

(Additional Fee $)

Wednesday, Nov. 12, 4:30-7:30 p.m. PT

Description: Elevate your biofilm research with advanced microscopy and image analysis techniques at the Paul Stoodley Biofilm Image Analysis Workshop. This optional hands-on session, held during the afternoon and early evening of Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025, in Portland, Ore., at the ��Conference on Biofilms, is designed for researchers aiming to enhance the quantifiability and statistical rigor of their biofilm imaging.

Led by experts in biofilm image analysis, the workshop will cover essential concepts and practical applications of analyzing multi-channel 3D (XYZ) and 4D (XYZT) confocal data sets. The workshop will include an overview of COMSTAT, BiofilmQ, MiPACT workflow and biofilm-aggregate analysis using IMARIS. Attendees will gain direct experience using powerful, freely available tools like COMSTAT and BiofilmQ. Step-by-step guidance will be provided, and participants will have access to example data sets or may analyze their own.

To participate, bring a laptop capable of running MATLAB-based software; detailed instructions for downloading and installing the necessary programs will be shared in advance. Don’t miss this opportunity to refine your skills and apply cutting-edge image analysis techniques to your biofilm research!

4:30-4:50 p.m. | MiPACT
Workshop Leader: William DePas, Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh

4:50-5:10 p.m. | Biofilm-Aggregate Analysis
Workshop Leader: Sophie Darch, Ph.D., University of South Florida

5:10-5:30 p.m. | COMSTAT Demonstration
Workshop Leader: Erin Gloag, Ph.D., Virginia Tech

5:30-5:50 p.m. | BiofilmQ Demonstration
Workshop Leader: Hannah Jeckel, Ph.D., California Institute of Technology

5:50-6:30 p.m. | Independent Work Time
Participants work independently on either provided or their own data sets. Experienced users of COMSTAT and BiofilmQ will be available for assistance.

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