Coming to a Branch Near You: The Meetings of 2010

The goal of any Branch event is simple: provide superior member programming and networking in a convenient venue. This month, I will highlight a fine February program and Branch programming that will be offered later in 2010.

In February, the 2010 Annual Meeting of the Alaska Branch ASM, was held jointly with the Annual Bonanza Creek Long-Term Ecological Research (BNZLTER) All Scientists Meeting. This meeting offered a great opportunity for microbiologists from ASM's geographically largest Branch to interact with ecologists from Alaska and the lower 48 states. Many attendees were actively involved in major NSF-supported, long-term, boreal forest ecological research, including Branch members from University of Alaska, Fairbanks graduate students and faculty members who are conducting research at the BNZ- LTER and focus on microbial ecology, diversity and processes of soils, peatlands, and the rhizosphere. This joint meeting offered microbiologists the opportunity to interact with some of finest scientists in ecological research. The research presentations, discussions, and networking opportunities fostered transfer of cutting-edge microbiological research, while integrating ecosystem ecology. The creativity of the Alaska Branch ASM offered all participants an extraordinary opportunity.

Similar to the event in Alaska, the Florida Branch is hosting an event on Antimicrobial Drug Discovery where Branch members from University of Central Florida, hospitals, and industry will welcome new colleagues from the Scripps Institute, Burnham Institute and Max Planck Institute, who have recently moved to central and southeastern Florida to engage in research fueling advances and translation in emerging areas of drug discovery. The organizers hope to acquaint their new colleagues with the strengths of the members of the Florida Branch of ASM, as well as to foster collaborative opportunities. If you are interested in learning more about this meeting, check out the Web links below.

Last year, I highlighted session formats at the 16th Annual Conference for Undergraduate Educators (CUE). Branches know good programming, and the Michigan Branch will host a "mini-CUE" using a CUE template. Invited speakers will present hands-on workshops, based on their successful teaching methods, offering attendees the chance to experience the methods and interact directly with the presenters. Organizers have also extended invitations to Michigan postsecondary educators, including the Michigan Community College Biologists (MCCB) and the Michigan section of the NABT, as well as colleagues in nearby states and Branches in Ohio, and Indiana. Finally, a panel discussion is planned to help students (undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral) appreciate the challenges and rewards associated with life as a scientist-educator.

The Northeast Branch is hosting three evening programs for its clinically focused membership. Meetings will take place in Metro-Boston, on the North Shore and in Western Massachusetts. These programs will be held with the Northeast Association for Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (NACMID), the American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC), and the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science, Northeast Chapter (ASCLS/CNE). Northeast Branch members and colleagues from these other professional organizations will design programming specific to their needs. Again, it is anticipated that the meetings will foster collaborative relationships, and greater coordinated advocacy for the field of microbiology throughout the Northeast Branch territory.

Three of four of these Branch meetings may be experienced in the near future. Not a Branch member? Still deciding whether to join? Use the events tab and other resources within the Community and ASM websites to find your Branch home. Whether you seek frequent peer networking events or interesting and inclusive scientific programming on a smaller scale, the 35 Branches of the ASM offer exceptional member and professional value. From all of us involved in Branches, we hope to see you at a Branch event very soon. Learn of your next Branch participation opportunity at http://www.asm.org/Membership/index.asp?bid_23253 or on the ASM website at http://www.asm.org , toggle the dropdown menu Membership/Branches/Branch Meetings to discover upcoming Branch opportunities.

Michael G. Schmidt
Chair, Branch Organization Committee