The Advantages of Branch  Membership: a Perspective from  Region 7    

ASM Region 7 Branches comprise a  unique blend of the Pacific Coast, Southwest,  Intermountain (Utah and southern  Idaho), and the Aloha State of Hawaii. As Regional Planning Coordinator, I have had the honor and privilege of meeting  with the different Branches in this region.  The hard work, research, student support, collaboration, and dedication to ASM illustrate the advantages of Branch membership.    

In California, the Northern California and Southern California Branches are active in the disciplines of clinical and environmental microbiology. Both Branches meet at least twice a year, giving professionals, researchers, and students an opportunity to share in the latest research developments and technology. Locations for their meetings are strategically located to include San Ramon and La Jolla, Calif.  Rich in academia and technology, the California Branches are involved in such activities as a planned Anaerobic Workshop by the Northern California Branch. Susan Novak-Weekley of the Southern California Branch presented a talk, "Processing Urine Specimens and the Role of Automation," at the 109th General Meeting in Philadelphia, Pa.    

The Southwest contains the Arizona/ Southern Nevada Branch. Although not as heavily populated, this Branch consists primarily of microbiologists from the major academic institutions: the University of Arizona, Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and the College of  Southern Nevada. Recently added is Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine. Each institution hosts the annual Branch meeting on a rotating schedule in order to provide opportunities to share research and collaborate. The Arizona/ Southern Nevada Branch emphasizes student support at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The majority of Branch meeting presentations are by students.  Students are able to acquire the experience to present oral and poster presentations and share their work with their colleagues and mentors alike.    

The Intermountain Branch comprises academic institutions such as Brigham Young University, Weber State University, Utah State University, Idaho State University, Boise State University, and government research facilities at Dugway Proving Ground. Topics of interest include the Great Salt Lake and related environmental microbiology, clinical and biosafety issues.  Due to the large geographic area, Branch meetings are hosted on a rotating schedule. Students are the focus of this Branch and present the majority of talks and posters at their meetings.    

The Hawaii Branch keeps busy with fall and spring meetings that encourage the recruitment of new members from academic institutions such as the University of Hawaii, Hawaii Pacific University, Chaminade University, and Brigham Young University at Hawaii. In addition to these academic institutions are other private research companies and government institutions such as the State of Hawaii Department of Health, and City and County Laboratories. Invited speakers, collaboration, and student involvement enable the enrichment of microbial research.  To encourage future microbiologists, the Hawaii Branch helps support the Hawaii State Science and Engineering Fair or high school and middle school students.  They provide judges for the microbiology category of science fair projects.  The Hawaii Branch of ASM faces challenges due to its geographic location but also sees it as an opportunity to develop a cohesive community of microbiologists.    

As an ASM Branch member, researchers and students have opportunities through funding support, presentations, and the forming of new professional relationships.  We are proud here in Region 7 to say this is "Where Everybody Knows Your Name."    

Terry Ann Else    
Regional Planning Coordinator Branch Organization Committee