Microbiology conference convenes at OHIO
OU-HCOM expects record number of attendees

(Athens, Ohio - April 4, 2011) The Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine hosts this year’s annual spring meeting of the Ohio Branch of the American Society for Microbiology (OBASM).

The meeting, scheduled for April 8 and 9, will begin with a lecture by Susan Whittier, Ph.D.,  associate director of the Clinical Microbiology Service at New York Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center, titled “Clostridium difficile: A Re-emerging Pathogen,” and will be followed by a reception. Saturday morning with a keynote address by Christopher Woolverton, Ph.D., associate professor of biological sciences at Kent State University, is titled “Microbiology meets Material Science: Detecting Microbes in Real Time.”

Saturday’s invited speaker sessions include presentations on applied and environmental microbiology, infectious disease microbiology, and bioinformatics. Other highlights of the meeting include student poster and podium presentations, vendor displays, and a banquet and student awards presentation.

Society members Erin Murphy, Ph.D., assistant professor of medical microbiology, and Peter Coschigano, Ph.D., associate professor of microbiology, are leading the planning efforts to host the event at OU-HCOM.

“Having the meeting here is significant because it brings together the leaders in microbiology to a common place where they can get together and share ideas,” says Murphy. “It’s also a great opportunity for students to see cutting edge science firsthand.”

The American Society for Microbiology, which is the largest life science membership organization in the world, is made up of individuals interested in the microbiological sciences. It dedicates itself to supporting educational programs, publishing information, holding meetings, promoting contributions, and recognizing achievement among its members.

Murphy describes the Spring Meeting as very “student oriented” with over 40 student poster presentations planned and free housing offered for out-of-town graduate and undergraduate students. The OU student branch of OBASM has also been involved in helping with planning and preparations.

 “The meeting has been held all over Ohio,” Murphy said, “but this is the first time it has been held at Ohio University. I’ve heard a lot of people say they’ve never been to Athens, and I hope they come away with a positive feeling toward the community and want to come back.”

A record number of attendees for this year’s meeting are anticipated by event planners, with approximately 150 people expected for the two-day event. To register for the conference, or for more information and a detailed program schedule, visit the Ohio Branch ASM Spring Meeting website at http://microbiology.muohio.edu/obasm/meetings.html#registration.