Featured Speaker: Todd Treangen, Rice University

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the tragic and unfathomable loss of nearly 7 million lives across the globe over the past 36 months. In late 2020, the SARS-CoV-2 virus was called a “16 trillion dollar virus” due to its estimated impact on human life and the economy. Given the staggering impact infectious disease can have on global public health, numerous measures have been launched over the past two years specific to future pandemic preparedness and prevention. In my talk, I will discuss computer science’s role in preempting future pandemics. I will also present computational tools my research group at Rice has developed for piecing together infectious disease outbreak puzzles. Finally, I will conclude by discussing recent progress and remaining open challenges for deploying a real-time monitoring system to mitigate future pandemics

We invite attendees to join Todd and event attendees for networking at Second Draught after the talk.

Innovation on Tap: Disruptive Technology Talks with Houston’s Leading Researchers

Industrial innovation is in the DNA of Houston (energy, health, space, and transportation), and the Ion is at the forefront of moving the city to become a technology destination, a central place where we support bold moves that embrace the innovation economy at an industrial scale. The Ion is a place where we accelerate disruption by connecting people and ideas to create a future that will not only change Houston but change the world.

The Ion Innovation on Tap lecture series is focused on bridging world-leading academic research to the broader innovation ecosystem, creating connections and partnerships that will not only accelerate translation and commercialization but form relationships that will drive future fundamental advances needed to address fundamental problems like decarbonization, personalized health care, and create resilient and sustainable livable communities.

Examples of disruptive technology include but are not limited to AI and machine learning, robotics, synthetic biology, neuro-engineering, nano-materials, cyber security, imaging, blockchain, and quantum computing.

The lecture series will feature leading researchers spanning engineering, science, and design, showcasing advanced technology and innovation from academic research labs and programs. Largely inaccessible and buried in journals and conference proceedings, technology will be presented in an accessible TED-style lecture format with ample networking opportunities. The disruptive technology lecture series will serve as a magnifying glass connecting fundamental technology to people and organizations that can benefit and help activate technology through commercialization. More than that, the lecture series will serve as a front door for collaboration between researchers and industry partners and/or the formation of new technology startups that will help establish Ion and Houston as a global hub for innovation.

Parking Instructions

Visitor Parking Lot: Enter 4200 Fannin Street into your GPS for directions directly to the visitor parking lot, located in front of The Ion building.

Overflow Parking Instructions: Enter 4203 Fannin Street into your GPS for directions directly to this parking lot, located across the street from The Ion building.