Marketing & Communications
Division of University Relations and Development
News Release
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CONTACT: Jason Foster, foster@mail.sdsu.edu FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SDSU PROFESSOR ELECTED
TO LEAD WORLD'S LARGEST MICROBIOLOGICAL SOCIETY SAN DIEGO, Wednesday, January 7, 2004– Stanley Maloy, Ph.D., director of San Diego State University’s Center for Microbial Sciences and director of SDSU’s Center for Applied and Experimental Genomics, has been elected president of the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) for the 2005-2006 term. ASM is the largest single life science society, composed of more than 42,000 scientists and health professionals. Its mission is to promote research and research training in the microbiological sciences and to assist communication between scientists, policy makers, and the public to improve health, the environment, and economic well-being. “I’m honored that my colleagues have given me the opportunity to hold this office at a very exciting and crucial time,” said Maloy, who joined SDSU’s Biology faculty in 2002. “From the rapidly growing threats of bioterrorism, antibiotic-resistant bacteria and emerging infectious diseases such as SARS to the promising potential for new and improved uses of microorganisms in biotechnology, it’s obvious that microbial biology holds a more imperative and urgent role than ever before. But we’re also in a situation where research funding is becoming more scarce, and there is tremendous competition with other disciplines for public attention and financial support. It will be my challenge to help ensure that the microbiology field remains in the best possible position to meet our world’s current needs and address future developments.” Maloy’s research interests include bacterial genetics, phage biology, microbial physiology, microbial pathogenesis, and genomics. Potential applications of his research and other research he supervises at the Center for Microbial Sciences include better detection and identification of bioterrorism agents, and finding new ways to fight problems ranging from antibiotic-resistant bacteria to food-borne illness. He will assume the duties of ASM’s president-elect
on July 1, 2004, and become president on the same date the following
year. He said the issues ASM needs to address include promoting
more interdisciplinary research, expanding the electronic dissemination
of current scientific information among researchers, and ensuring
new microbiologists have the education and training they need
to be productive in today’s rapidly changing environment. Thomas R. Scott, Ph.D., dean of SDSU’s College of Sciences, said Maloy’s term as ASM president will increase nationwide recognition of the Biology department and of the university's research activities, especially in microbiology. “Dr. Maloy’s election to the presidency of ASM validates the distinction of the faculty SDSU has attracted in recent years, both to teach our students and to conduct advanced research,” Scott said. “In concert with the development of an outstanding faculty we’re continuing to create state-of-the-art facilities, such as the forthcoming SDSU BioScience Center, to give our students and faculty the technological and physical resources they need to further their scientific exploration and education.” San Diego State University is the oldest and largest institution of higher education in the San Diego region. Founded in 1897, SDSU offers bachelor's degrees in 79 areas, master's degrees in 67 and doctorates in 14. SDSU's nearly 34,000 students participate in academic curricula distinguished by direct contact with faculty and an increasing international emphasis that prepares them for a global future. For more information log on to www.sdsu.edu. ### |
