The Undergraduate Immunology Society (UIS) at UAB brings together students who share a strong interest in immunology and a commitment to education, outreach, and scientific engagement. Supported by the UAB Department of Microbiology, the UAB Immunology Institute, and its Undergraduate Immunology Program, UIS is a student-led organization that promotes awareness of the immune system and encourages early exposure to STEM education within the broader community. The society was established to create a welcoming space for immunology majors and other interested students to connect, learn, and contribute beyond the classroom.
Through outreach events, volunteer work, and connections to UAB’s immunology research community, UIS gives students opportunities to engage with the field in meaningful, hands-on ways, reinforcing UAB’s position as a national leader in undergraduate immunology education.
“The Undergraduate Immunology Society exemplifies what we want for our students at UAB—curiosity, leadership, and a commitment to translating science beyond the classroom,” said J. Victor Garcia-Martinez, Ph.D., professor and chair, Charles H. McCauley Endowed Chair in the Department of Microbiology. “The Department of Microbiology is proud to support UIS alongside the UAB Immunology Institute and the Undergraduate Immunology Program. This is exactly the kind of student-driven initiative that strengthens our educational mission—building community, encouraging service, and expanding opportunities for scientific engagement. UIS is helping position UAB as a destination for undergraduate immunology education and training.”
Learn more about the organization from Palak Desai, UIS treasurer.
What inspired the creation of the Undergraduate Immunology Society at UAB?
Desai: The UIS was created in order to provide a space for students passionate about immunology to explore their interests and promote immunology education in the community.
Please provide a general overview of what the UIS is and what purpose it serves.
Desai: The purpose of this organization is to create a society for dedicated immunology majors and those with an interest in immunology who want to spread awareness of the importance of immunology. UIS will serve to educate the campus about immune-related diseases, volunteer with organizations promoting community health, and participate in and create resources for immunology education outreach.
What standout events, projects, or initiatives has the society participated in recently or historically?
Desai: The UIS is dedicated to fostering immunology awareness in the next generation. In the past, UIS has volunteered at the McWane Science Center to host immunology workshops for children using educational crafts and games that model central immunology concepts in an easy-to-understand manner. UIS has also conducted immunology outreach at local elementary schools, educating students about important immunology mechanisms through simplified activities and fun crafts.
In what ways does the UIS connect students with UAB's broader immunology research community, including faculty, labs, or clinical work?
Desai: The UIS has hosted a collaborative research panel event that allowed students to ask questions relating to joining the research community at UAB. Additionally, UIS officers are always happy to give advice and information about resources to underclassmen looking to join labs. The UIS also encourages its members to join the UAB Immunology Institute, which is a hub for professionals who seek to advance the study of immunology, and provides a way to stay connected to recent developments and pursuits in immunology research.
What impact have you seen the society have on its members?
Desai: UIS has strengthened each member's passion for immunology by engaging with the community in immunology awareness and interacting with other like-minded members.
What do you want to let people know about the UIS?
Desai: Check out our UAB Engage and Blazer Pulse pages! We will post new events and volunteering opportunities there. We are always looking for new members.
Current officers of the UIS are as follows:
Ava Benson: President
Riley Meredith: Vice President
Palak Desai: Treasurer
Spencer White and Cynthia Liu: Treasurers in Training
Geethika Polepalli and Diya Singh: Outreach Committee
Verena Bhagat and Cynthia Liu: Outreach Committee in Training
Spencer White: Secretary
Sreeja Ainapurapu: Event Planner
Aadyah Kankipati: Social Media Manager
Verena Bhagat and Hailey Kim: Fresman Representatives
Matthew Shen: Junior Representative
Hana Hazeem: Senior Representative