SDSU Virus Expert Named Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science

Contact:
Lorena Nava
San Diego State University
(619) 594-3952 office; (619) 309-5179 cell
lnava@mail.sdsu.edu

SAN DIEGO (Monday, Nov. 27, 2006)-- San Diego State University biology professor Forest Rohwer has been named a 2006 Fellow by the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Rohwer was elected by his peers based on his seminal findings on the diversity and ecological roles of bacteriophage, or viruses that infect bacteria, in natural systems, from the human digestive tract to ocean waters and coral reefs. His lab specializes in the study of bacteriophage and coral reef systems.

"This is an extremely impressive accomplishment for any faculty member," said College of Sciences Dean Stanley Maloy. "Further, this honor serves as recognition by the larger scientific community of the high-level research conducted by SDSU faculty members."

This year, 449 AAAS members were named fellows based on their scientifically or socially distinguished efforts to advance science or its applications. Fellows were announced in the Nov. 24 issue of Science.

The tradition of AAAS Fellows began in 1874. Currently, members are considered for fellowships if nominated by the steering groups of the AAAS' 24 sections, or by any three fellows who are current AAAS members (two of the three sponsors can not be affiliated with the nominee's institution), or by the AAAS CEO. After review of the nominations by the appropriate steering group, a final list is forwarded to the AAAS Council, which votes on the aggregate list.

The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) is the world’s largest general scientific society, and publisher of the journal, Science (www.sciencemag.org). AAAS was founded in 1848, and includes some 262 affiliated societies and academies of science, serving 10 million individuals. The non-profit AAAS (www.aaas.org) is open to all and fulfills its mission to “advance science and serve society” through initiatives in science policy; international programs; science education; and more.

San Diego State University is the oldest and largest higher education institution in the San Diego region. Since it was founded in 1897, the university has grown to offer bachelors degrees in 81 areas, masters degrees in 73 areas and doctorates in 16 areas. SDSUs more than 34,000 students participate in an academic curriculum distinguished by direct contact with faculty and an increasing international emphasis that prepares them for a global future. For more information, visit www.sdsu.edu.

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