Pictured from left to right: Jamison Miller, Titus Bleckley, Tristan Stinson and Dr. John Pace
Mid-Atlantic Christian University (MACU) proudly announces that a group of undergraduate students, alumni, and faculty collaborators were selected to present their research at the European Society for Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) Global Conference 2026. The event took place April 14–22 in Munich, Germany, bringing together leading scientists and healthcare professionals from around the world.
On April 20, three research presentations representing MACU students were featured at this prestigious international conference, highlighting the university’s growing role in undergraduate scientific research.
The presenting team included current students Titus Bleckley, Jamison Miller, and Tristan Stinson, alongside faculty mentor Dr. John Pace and a team of distinguished collaborators. Carrington Townes and Travis Snell are two MACU graduates who were also involved in the research their senior year. These projects were developed as part of MACU’s Introduction to Biology Research (BIOL 481) course and reflect the university’s commitment to hands-on, high-impact learning experiences.
The presentations included:
● “In vitro and in vivo characterization of a synergistic fosfomycin/trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole combination against multidrug- and extensively resistant Gram-negative bacterial pathogens.”
Authors: Jamison Miller, Travis Snell, Titus Bleckley, Tristan Stinson, Nicholas Stuart, Carrington Townes, Theresa Hartsell, M.D., Ph.D., Susan Gardlik, Ph.D., Steven Volla, MPH, and John Pace, Ph.D.
● “The combination fosfomycin/trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole demonstrates synergistic activity against vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus spp. despite resistance to individual components.”
Authors: Titus Bleckley, Travis Snell, Tristan Stinson, Jamison Miller, Nicholas Stuart, Theresa Hartsell, M.D., Ph.D., Susan Gardlik, Ph.D., Stephen Volla, MPH, and John Pace, Ph.D.
● “Methicillin-resistant and -susceptible Staphylococcus aureus are markedly inhibited by a synergistic combination of fosfomycin plus trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole.”
Authors: Tristan Stinson, Titus Bleckley, Travis Snell, Jamison Miller, Nicholas Stuart, Theresa Hartsell, M.D., Ph.D., Susan Gardlik, Ph.D., Stephen Volla, MPH, and John Pace, Ph.D.
These studies focus on innovative antibiotic combination therapies aimed at combating multidrug-resistant bacterial infections, one of the most urgent challenges in modern medicine. The findings contribute to global efforts to develop more effective treatments for resistant pathogens.
“This opportunity reflects the dedication and academic excellence of our students,” said Dr. John Pace. “Their work demonstrates not only scientific rigor but also the real-world impact undergraduate research can have in addressing critical healthcare challenges.”
Dr. Pace also emphasized the significance of the achievement, “What’s especially remarkable is that these presentations are peer-reviewed, and many submissions are not accepted. This is currently the world’s largest and most important annual conference on antimicrobial chemotherapy, typically attended by approximately 14,000 infectious disease physicians and drug discovery scientists.”
Due to ESCMID conference policies, public access to the presentations will be made available following the conclusion of the conference.
MACU celebrates the achievements of these students and faculty, whose work continues to elevate the university’s presence on the global scientific stage.