JULY 2026
IPNC 2026
Aleksandra, Inés, and Junaid will attend the 25th International Pathogenic Neisseria Conference (IPNC 2026) in Busselton, Western Australia, September 13–17, 2026. All three were selected to present their research: Aleksandra and Junaid will give podium presentations, and Inés will give a Flashtalk presentation.
Learn more: https://www.ipnc2026.org/
Congratulations to Dr. Inés Cadena Cabezas, postdoctoral researcher in the Sikora Lab, who was profiled in the "Shining Bright" section of the July 2026 issue of The Neisseria gonorrhoeae Research Society Voice (Edition 24).
The feature highlights Inés's path from Ecuador to Oregon State University and her research developing 3D mucosal models of genital tissue to study sex-dependent host responses to Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection. Using functional assays and quantitative proteomics, her work aims to dissect host–pathogen interactions that support vaccine development while advancing physiologically relevant platforms that reduce reliance on animal models. The profile also touches on her mentorship of more than 20 students and what keeps her motivated in the lab.
We're proud to see Inés and her work recognized by the Neisseria research community. Read the full profile in the NgoRS Voice.