COVID Questions: Vaccine Update set for April 13 at 7:00 pm

It’s time for another COVID Questions: Vaccine Update. Topics will include the latest about COVID vaccine rollout in Pennsylvania, common myths and misconceptions about the vaccines, differences between the available vaccines, and more. We’ll also take questions from the audience on Facebook and over Zoom.Chip Minemyer, editor of The Tribune-Democrat, will moderate the virtual town hall.

COVID Questions: Vaccine Update presents:

Matthew Tracey is an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at the University of Pittsburgh Johnstown, where he teaches General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry labs, and Medicinal Chemistry. He earned his B.Sc. in Chemistry from Fordham University and his PhD in Chemistry from the University of Pittsburgh, with a focus on Organic Chemistry. He has a passion for chemical education, including the establishment of “Science Saturdays with Dr. Matt” with the Johnstown Area Heritage Association and involvement with the National Chemistry Week programs offered through the American Chemical Society. His current research interests include synthesis of bioactive molecules, new organic chemistry lab experiments, and new pedagogical methods to engage his students.

Jill D. Henning, PhD is an Associate Professor of Biology at the University of Pittsburgh Johnstown Campus. She has a broad background in immunology, infectious diseases, and cancer biology. In general, her research examines how infectious disease affect humans and animals—a concept referred to as “One Health.” She has divided her research into two specific categories: viral influences on immune function associated with cancer and zoonotic infectious diseases and their vectors. She completed her Ph.D. in Infectious Diseases Microbiology from the University of Pittsburgh’s Graduate School of Public Health in 2008. She was a post-doctoral fellow in biobehavioral medicine for a year and joined the faculty here at Pitt-Johnstown in 2009.