Petri Dish | Outbreaks: How have recent pandemics impacted global wildlife?

On November 12, we'll explore where diseases come from, how they spread, and what can be done once they are loose.
August 28, 2025

Humans aren’t the only species to deal with contagion and pandemics. Other organisms face serious threats from pathogens as well, from Dutch elm disease to bird flu to chestnut blight, and the chytrid fungus impacting frogs globally. Some of these diseases caused the extinction of entire species. But where do these diseases come from, how do they spread, and perhaps most importantly, what, if anything, can really be done about them once they are loose?

Panelists:

  • Dr. Meggan Craft | Professor, Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior
  • Dr. Carol Cardona | Professor, Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Pomeroy Endowed Chair in Avian Health, Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences
  • Dr. Brett Arenz I Associate Teaching Professor, Plant Pathology, and Director of the Plant Disease Clinic at the University of Minnesota
     

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Note: Doors open at 5:45 p.m. Program starts at 6:15 p.m.

Petri Dish panel discussions explore how biology affects our lives and what it means for our future. No PowerPoints. Just lively, curiosity-driven conversations on timely topics with University of Minnesota experts.

Organized by the University of Minnesota’s College of Biological Sciences in collaboration with the Bell Museum.


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