Lisa Rucks, PhD, a professor in the department of pathology, microbiology, and immunology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, will discuss Chlamydia trachomatis at the next Science Café presentation, to be held at 7 p.m. on Feb. 6 at the Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. 

Dr. Rucks first became interested in this topic while attending graduate school at West Virginia University, where she was inspired by Priscilla Wyrick, PhD, and the late Jane Raulston, PhD, visiting scientists who were invited to present on it. 

Dr. Rucks is one of five principal investigators within the Obligate Intracellular Pathogen Research Group at UNMC and is also a member of the UNMC Nebraska Center for Women’s Health Research. 

Her current research interests include understanding fundamental chlamydial-host interactions that facilitate infection and disease severity. 

Science Cafés involve a conversation with an expert about current science topics. They are open to everyone. Each meeting is organized around an interesting topic of conversation. Experts give a brief presentation followed by a Q&A period.