Candidate Statement

I have been a clinical microbiologist at Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School for over 20 years and am the Interim Chief of the Department of Laboratory Medicine. In addition to my roles in ASM publications, discussed below, I have been an elected officer in other professional societies, including service as president. In these roles, I have led complex operations through changes and during difficult times. I am experienced in soliciting and discussing a range of opinions and working together to form a consensus.

I have been an active member of ASM for over 20 years. I am the Editor in Chief of the Journal of Clinical Microbiology and, over the past 8 years, the editors and I have raised the quality of the journal, while also introducing new educational features for trainees and increasing coverage of issues related to the profession. I am also a volume editor of the Manual of Clinical Microbiology. I have participated in ASM meetings as a speaker and by convening sessions. Finally, I serve on committees related to ASM publications, and I was elected as a member of the American Academy of Microbiology in 2021.

ASM has an important role in the community of microbiologists, as the society provides the meetings, journals, books and, most importantly, scientific leadership that bring us together. ASM is the scientific society for all microbiologists, and the diversity of membership and staff contributes to the strength of the society. ASM also has impact on the larger society, as we are a voice of reliable and expert scientific information. If selected as president-elect, I would work collaboratively to build on the strengths of ASM, so we can continue to support and promote basic, translational and clinical microbial sciences.

ASM-Related Activities 

• Editor, Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 2005—2015.
• Editor in Chief, Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 2015—present.
• Member, ASM Journals Committee, 2015—present.
• Participant, Clinical and Public Health Microbiology Retreat, 2017.
• Member, ASM Publications Committee, representing the editors in chief, 2019—present.
• ASM American Academy of Microbiology, elected fellow of AAM, 2021.
• Volume editor (Bacteriology), Manual of Clinical Microbiology, 12th and 13th editions, 14th edition in preparation.
• Editor, Manual of Molecular Microbiology, 1st edition, in preparation.

Candidate Statement

Like the membership of ASM, I am passionate about the study of microbes because we recognize that increasing humans' understanding of microbes will help us to better understand our world. We each bring unique perspectives and priorities, and these variations in approaches add value to ASM as a whole. From ecology and cell signaling to SNPs and metagenomics and everything in between, the contributions that each of us make to microbiology support the whole of the community. The peer-reviewed publications, organization of scientific meetings, public advocacy and fostering community that ASM supports are components that enable ASM to advance microbiology as a whole, and each of these components is essential to ASM and its membership.

ASM-Related Activities

• Journal of Clinical Microbiology editor, 2023—present.
• Journal of Clinical Microbiology editorial board member, 2019—2023.
• Clinical Microbiology Open (CMO) 2023 Advisory Committee co-chair.
• Clinical Microbiology Open (CMO) 2022 Advisory Committee member.
• Clinical Microbiology Open (CMO) 2021 Advisory Committee member.
• World Microbe Forum (ASM Microbe) 2021 Planning Committee, Clinical and Public Health Microbiology representative.
• ASM Microbe 2020 Planning Committee, Clinical and Public Health Microbiology representative.
• ASM Microbe 2019 Planning Committee, Clinical and Public Health Microbiology representative.
• ASM Professional Development Subcommittee member, Clinical and Public Health Microbiology Committee, 2019—2023.
• ASM Virtual Journal Club subgroup member, Clinical and Public Health Microbiology Committee, 2020.

Candidate Statement 

I, Jacinda Abdul-Mutakabbir, am writing this personal statement to denote my interest in serving as an ASM At-Large Director of the Board of Directors. I am currently an assistant professor at the University of California San Diego, and my research program is centered around the exploration of inequities in antimicrobial resistance and stewardship and the utility of preventative therapeutics in narrowing health equity gaps. I have been a member of ASM since 2018, and in the past 2 years, I have had the pleasure of becoming extensively involved in ASM activities. These activities include joining the Editorial Board of Clinical Microbiology Reviews (CMR) and holding a leadership role in the ASM Microbe Programming Committee (AAR Track). Holding these roles, I have prioritized diversity, equity and inclusion at the forefront of my decision-making. As an initial PharmD to be appointed to the CMR Editorial Board, I have had the opportunity to advocate for the continued diversification of professions included among board appointees. I have also had the opportunity to propose diverse authorship, both in race/ethnicity and profession, for invited manuscripts to the publication. Further, as a member of the programming committee, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with additional committee members to include diverse presenters and have prioritized the integration of junior scientists as presenters and moderators in the Antimicrobial Agents and Resistance (AAR) Track programming.

As an early career scientist, I am dedicated to having a role in the advancement of microbiology research and the equitable inclusion of scientists, irrespective of race/ethnicity, sex/gender status, able status, creed and any other area of marginalization. If elected as a member of the board of directors, I pledge my continued commitment to the growth of ASM and dedication to ensuring that each member has a voice and vested interest in the organization.

ASM-Related Activities

• 2018—Present: ASM member.
• 2018—Present: AAC reviewer.
• 2018*, 2019,* 2021, 2022, 2023: ASM Microbe Attendee (* indicates abstract presented).
• 2019: Recipient of ASM Microbe Trainee Award.
• 2002—Present: CMR Editorial Board member.
• 2022—2023: JAG member of ASM Microbe Programming Committee, AAR Track.
• June 2023—Aug. 2023: Vice Track Lead, ASM Microbe Programming Committee, AAR Track.
• Aug. 2023—Present: Track Lead, ASM Microbe Programming Committee, AAR Track.

Candidate Statement

I am an assistant professor of animal and veterinary science at the University of Maine, in the School of Food and Agriculture. I received my doctorate in animal, nutrition and food science from the University of Vermont in 2015, where my graduate study focused on the rumen microbiology of the moose. I held post-doctoral positions at Montana State University and a research faculty position at the University of Oregon. Over the years, my research has gone from wild animal gut microbiomes to soils, to buildings and back to the gut. Since 2019, my lab in Maine focuses on host-associated microbial communities in animals and humans and, in particular, how host and microbes interact in the gut and can be harnessed to reduce inflammation. I also work on the microbes associated with scallops and lobsters, to understand the connection between host, microbe and environment.  
In addition to my research on microbes, I am the founder of the Microbes and Social Equity working group, a global consortium of researchers from diverse fields and career levels. This group formed to examine, publicize and promote a research program on the reciprocal impact of social inequality and microbiomes, both human and environmental.

As the ASM Early-Career At-Large Board Director, I am eager to identify ways that ASM can remove barriers to participating in science that early-career researchers face, such as the financial burdens of conference travel, unpaid service or administrative labor, relocating for short-term contracts or trainee salary caps in areas with a high cost of living.

ASM-Related Activities

• 2022: Ishaq, S. (convener), Trujillo, M., Kozik, A., Bonilla, C. Session: CTS16 (PPS). Microbes and Social Equity: The Microbial Components of Social, Environmental, and Health Justice. American Society for Microbiology (ASM) Microbe 2022, Washington, D.C., June 9—13, 2022. (2-hour session accepted, ~70 attendees).
• 2021—present: mSystems Editor.
• 2021—present: mSystems Editor on special collection: “Special Series: Social Equity and Disparities in Microbial Exposure."
• 2022: ASM Microbe, presenter.
• 2021: World Microbe Forum.
• 2020—present: Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Students (ABRCMS), student abstract reviewer.
• 2016: ASM Microbe, presenter.
• 2014: ASM Microbe, presenter.
• 2012—present: ASM member.

Candidate Statement 

Looking at the position description, my academic journey has been deeply intertwined with the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) from the very beginning of my doctoral studies. Over the years, I have dedicated my career to studying pathogen-host interactions, leading a prominent research group in Argentina.

My commitment to advancing microbiology extends beyond my research work. I had the privilege of participating in governing bodies of scientific institutions, as a member of the Board of Directors at the Institute of Biotechnology and Molecular Biology (IBBM). Currently, I hold the position of Secretary at the Argentine Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (SAIB), one of the oldest and most distinguished scientific societies in the country. These experiences have provided me with valuable insights into how to facilitate scientific development and promote collaboration among scientists from diverse disciplines.

Technology is rapidly evolving, and this poses many challenges, including how to store, share and integrate data. But it also provides countless opportunities. I firmly believe in the importance of fostering international and multidisciplinary collaboration. My involvement with ASM will enable me to actively encourage the participation of the international scientific community, as well as integrate other communities, in this Society. I recognize that only through interaction among peers from different parts of the world can we advance our understanding of microbiology and address the challenges that this discipline presents from a global One Health approach. Being from and working in Argentina, I am very familiar with the challenges that we encounter, and increasing diversity, equitability and inclusion, will be one of my goals, to provide future generations with more and more equitable opportunities.

My experience, dedication and passion for microbiology drive me to actively seek this position and make my own contribution to the advancement of this fascinating field.

ASM Related Activities

• Student at the Molecular Aspects of Microbial Pathogenesis course. National Academy of Sciences and American Society for Microbiology. Santiago, Chile 1999.

Conferences Attended

• 114th General Meeting. American Society of Microbiology. 2014, Boston.
• ASM Conference on Salmonella: Pathogenesis, Epidemiology and Vaccine. 2003, with poster presentation: A Salmonella enteritidis dam Mutant of lLaky Phenotype as a Potential Vaccine Strain. M. N. Giacomodonato, S. H. Sarnacki, F. Sisti, R. Caccuri, M. C. Cerquetti.
• ASM Microbe 2002, with poster presentation Flagellin, a bvg-Repressed Factor, Has a Critical Role in Bordetella bronchiseptica-Host Interaction, J. Fernández, F. Sisti, M. Rodríguez, O. Yantorno and D. Hozbor.
• ASM Microbe 2014, with poster presentation A c-di-GMP Effector System Controls Biofilm Formation in Bordetella bronchiseptica, Ambrosis, N., Sisti F., Boyd C., O´Toole G.A., Fernández.

Candidate Statement

I am an M.D. During my training, I clearly delineated the goals and expectations for my career focusing on how I can have an impact in society. Infectious diseases are one of the greatest causes of mortality in Ecuador. I had the opportunity to go to France to be trained on microbiology and antibiotic resistance. I also learned about antibiotic stewardship and the impact that this had on the patients.

I wanted to bring that knowledge back to Ecuador, and I worked toward the creation of a national laboratory of antibiotic resistance that has been growing ever since. However, working back in Ecuador allowed me to also realized the needs of my country, the lack of infrastructure, in-depth education and, more importantly, the necessity of political engagement. Because of that, I became one of the directors in the Ministry of Public health, with the purpose of promoting science and education to better support our community.

During those 3 years, I felt I made a small change. Our national laboratory of antibiotic resistance provided training to microbiologists of all Ecuador and support to hospitals to aid in outbreak control. We created a network that is solid, robust and is allowing us, for the first time, to monitor antibiotic resistance in our country. But still, we have needs.

Now, I am Vice-Dean of the Medical School at the Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador, one of the top universities in Ecuador. My goal is to engage future generations with science, public health, outreach engagement, science communication and, overall, to bring a better future to our country. If successful, as an At-Large Member of the Board of Directors of ASM, I want to serve as a bridge between ASM and Ecuador, and hopefully all Latin America, to bring a better future.

ASM Related Activities

I have always wanted to contribute to ASM. Unfortunately, due to budget restrictions, I haven’t been able to attend any conference or take part in scientific events. However, it is my dream to be able to forge a connection between ASM and Latin America, especially Ecuador. We are trying to promote science in Ecuador, and having the support of the ASM will enable us with opportunities that will change our scientific landscape forever. Now I want to make a change and works toward improving the opportunities to future generations to come.

Candidate Statement

ASM has certainly made a tremendous positive impact in my scientific career. Beginning 2008, when I first joined ASM as a graduate student, ASM has supported me by giving me numerous opportunities to present my research and build lasting networks with colleagues. This includes the 2011 ASM Kadner Institute (for graduate students and postdoctoral scientists in preparation for careers in microbiology) that I participated in and was instrumental in my training. I am deeply grateful to ASM.

At this point in my career, I want to give back to the Society by sharing my time, knowledge, skills and experience to move the field of microbiology and ASM forward. This is my motivation for applying to the ASM COMS At-Large Councilor position. I consider myself qualified for this position because of the following reasons:

1. My educational and research background span different fields in microbiology—from ancient evolution and evolutionary mechanisms, population genomics, public health microbiology (surveillance, epidemiology, One Health) to antimicrobial resistance. Although we divide microbiology into various scientific tracks, and we often become siloed within our respective research areas, we need to recognize that each scientific field informs others in more ways than one. I enjoy and am able to communicate well with scientists from various fields, and I recognize the importance of building these connections. Transformation and innovation materialize from the bridges we build between disparate scientific disciplines within, and outside of, microbiology.
2. I have long been interested in the history of science, medicine and microbiology. I think that as we move forward to face new technologies (e.g., artificial intelligence, bioinformatics, coding, data science, network, robotics, gamification) and adversities (e.g., global warming, microplastics, multidrug resistance), we also need to recognize and appreciate historical approaches, perspectives, trends and discoveries. History helps us understand the present and prepare for the future.

ASM-Related Activities

• Recipient of ASM Career Development Grant for Postdoctoral Women (2016), ASM Corporate Activities Program Travel Grant (2009).
• Editorial Board Member, Microbiology Spectrum. 2021-2024.
• Peer reviewer for Microbiology Spectrum (2 months in 2023, 1 month in 2022), mSystems (1 month in 2018, 2021, 2023), mSphere (1 month in 2020).
• My symposium proposal “Drivers, constraints and consequences of microbial recombination” has been selected for ASM Microbe 2024.

Contributed Talks and Sessions Convened: 

• World Microbe Forum. ASM and FEMS. 2021 (online). 
  Symposium convener: Accessory genome ecology: How do different selection pressures influence accessory genome content?
• ASM Microbe. San Francisco, 2019. 
  Talk: Biogeography of recombining bacterial pathogens (in Meet-the-Experts session). 
  Symposium convener: Microbial species: Causes and consequences of heterogeneity in microbial populations.
• ASM Microbe. Atlanta, 2018. 
  Symposium convener: Adapt or perish: Evolutionary rescue in clinical and environmental microbes.
• ASM Microbe. New Orleans, 2017. 
  Talk: Patterns of horizontal gene transfer in terrestrial Streptomyces bacteria reveal impacts of historical demographic processes on genome and population structure. 
  Convener in plenary session: Sex in microbes: horizontal gene transfer between genomes, species and microbiomes.
• ASM Microbe. Boston, 2016. 
  Talk: Ecological and evolutionary drivers of antibiotic resistance in non-vaccine type pneumococcus.
• 112th Meeting. San Francisco, 2012. 
  Talk: Evolutionary divergence and biogeography of Streptomyces populations in soil (selected for the Young Investigators Oral Presentation).
• 111th Meeting. New Orleans, 2011. 
  Talk: Biased gene transfer and the pre-LUCA origins of rare aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (selected for the Young Investigators Oral Presentation).

Poster Presentations:

• 114th Meeting. Boston, 2014.
• 113th Meeting. Denver, 2013.
• 109th Meeting. Philadelphia, 2009.

Invited Talks at ASM Regional Meetings:

• Eastern N.Y. branch. Albany, N.Y., 2022.
• 52nd Annual Region I Meeting: The Challenging Microbial Landscape. University of Connecticut, 2017.

Candidate Statement

ASM makes a difference everyday in advancing microbial sciences in education, research, professional advancement, policy and communication with the public. I was honored to contribute to these missions of ASM by serving as an At-Large Member of the Council on Microbial Sciences the past 3 years, and as Community Leader in Host-Microbe Biology this past year, where I led an online retreat to consider the interdisciplinary future of HMB. Over this time I have seen the role of COMS become mature, and I would be honored to rejoin this community and embrace the opportunities to make a difference in the future of microbial sciences. Participating in COMS is a unique opportunity to work with ASM's broad membership and inclusive leadership to promote the microbial sciences within the society and more broadly to the public. My experiences in interdisciplinary research will help to forge connections between members from different research and educational backgrounds. I would welcome the chance to once again work with the energetic, creative community of COMS to help ASM achieve its mission to promote the future of the microbial sciences.

ASM-Related Activities

• Meetings Strategy Committee, 2023-2026.
• COMS At-Large Member, 2020—2023.
• COMS HMB Community Leader, 2022—2023 (Ran online HMB retreat for ASM, May 30-June 1, 2023).
• Minisymposium Co-Convener, ASM General Meeting, 2015.
• ASM-Virginia Branch lecturer, 2014.
• Invited speaker, ASM General Meeting, 2013.
• ASM Virginia Branch Annual Meeting Co-Chair, 2011.
• Invited speaker, ASM General Meeting, 2009.
• Have attended all ASM Microbe conferences (in person/virtual) since 2009.
• Member of ASM and ASM Virginia Branch since 2009.

Candidate Statement

My fascination with the microbial world, along with my collaborative approach to research, fits perfectly with the role of an At-Large Councilor to think and engage broadly with others about the future of microbial sciences. In graduate school, I followed my curiosity into bacteriology and worked on Bacillus subtilis with Dr. Alan Grossman. As a postdoctoral researcher with Dr. Roberto Kolter, I initially worked on Listeria monocytogenes. I became fascinated by the breadth of microbial sciences and the many opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration. Spurred by my clinical experiences as a pediatric infectious diseases doctor, and by a growing curiosity about microbial communities, I began exploring the human nasal microbiome. The long-term goal of my research is to identify bacterial strains and compounds that will be leads for new ways to prevent and treat infections caused by the common nasal pathobionts Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae, and to mitigate the severity of viral respiratory tract infections. To accomplish this, my lab identifies factors that mediate microbe-microbe and microbe-epithelial interactions in human nasal microbiota using human nasal epithelial organoids. As a physician-scientist, I regularly interact with microbial scientists across the spectrum of basic, translational and clinical microbiology. As a microbiome researcher, I interact with scientists working on microbial communities in habitats that range from the environment to invertebrate and vertebrate hosts. As an At-Large Member of the Council on Microbial Sciences, I will engage in open and thought-provoking dialog to creatively identify current and future opportunities for ASM.

ASM-Related Activities

• mBio Board of Editors 2017—present.
• Reviewer for ASM Journals 2008—present, including mBio, mSystems, Applied and Environmental Microbiology, mSphere, Journal of Bacteriology.

Conferences Attended:

• ASM General Meeting/Microbe 2008, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2023.
• 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th ASM Conference on Beneficial Microbes (2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016).
• 6th ASM Conference on Cell–Cell Communication in Bacteria.
• 4th ASM Conference on Biofilms.
• 2023 ASM Host-Microbe Biology (HMB) retreat. (Participating in this retreat really sparked my interest in COMS and desire to be more involved with ASM).

 

Candidate Statement

Despite being uprooted during college due to political turmoil, I've remained steadfast in my pursuit of intellectual curiosity and scientific innovation. I've fearlessly ventured beyond my comfort zones, resulting in several pioneering discoveries:

1. I characterized the first partner switcher complex in gram-negative bacteria, which regulates virulence gene function.
2. I uncovered the Fic family of proteins as novel enzymes, mediating post-translational modifications like AMPylation to regulate cell signaling in both bacteria and humans.
3. I challenged established dogma by revealing the role of Fic proteins in eukaryotic protein folding and their connection to neurodegeneration.
4. I discovered new post-translational modifications mediated by Fic proteins, crucial for bacterial fitness.

Each of these endeavors required the development of innovative tools, including the Cryo-APEX cryo-electron tomography technique for visualizing membrane proteins in cells. My commitment to innovation earned me recognition as one of the inaugural awardees of the Hypothesis Fund, which supports scientists in pursuing bold and intelligent risks.

I possess a diverse skill set essential for the COMS role, gained through my cross-disciplinary scientific work. I've earned the respect of colleagues in various fields, fostering collaboration and positive change.

I'm also a skilled team player, contributing significantly to ASM programming as part of the ASM HMB Scientific Programming Committee. I've navigated complex discussions and negotiations to strategically shape programming, both within and outside of HMB.

I advocate for showcasing microbiologists who have ventured into other disciplines to tackle microbiology from fresh perspectives. This aligns with COMS' mission of inviting ideas from beyond traditional microbiology.

I believe my scientific innovation, resilience, leadership skills and cross-disciplinary expertise make me a valuable asset to COMS, synergising well with their goals of broadening scientific perspectives, fostering collaboration, promoting ASM's growth and strategizing to fulfill this vision for ASM's future.

ASM-Related Activities 

• 2022—2024: HMB Scientific Program Committee.
• 2016—present: ASM Indiana Branch member & conference attendee.
• 1995—present: ASM member.

ASM annual meetings attended as independent faculty member, & role (reverse chronological order):

• 2022—2024: Convener for In-Depth Symposia.
• 2022—2024: Convener for Track Hubs.
• 2021: Speaker, HMB Track Hub, World Microbe Forum.
• 2021: Speaker, POM Career Talk, World Microbe Forum.
• 2019: Attendee, ASM San Francisco.
• 2018: Speaker, In-Depth Symposium on "Emerging Host Targets of Bacterial Toxins/Effectors," Atlanta.
• 2011: Speaker, In-Depth Symposium on "Post-Translation Alterations: A New Box of Tricks Expands Microbial Protein Function," New Orleans.

Candidate Statement

Regarding the COMS member functions, I consider my qualities rely on having a collaborative attitude, available to work well and comfortable in a diverse group to exchange different opinions, to listen and to be open to discussions driving myself and the group on finding consensus and, at the same time, be operative in the decision-making process. In addition, my continuous involvement in organization and planning of scientific activities and events allowed me to identify areas of interest, needs and trends within our region that can contribute to the COMS advisory role within ASM governance. I am ready to assume more and new challenges and find practical solutions to obstacles in the way that will likely emerge. My abilities to adapt to changing environments and situations, to constantly scan and collect new information, processing it and, at the same time, opening positive new paths, and to recognize priorities, could help in serving as volunteer for this new period.

ASM-Related Activities

ASM Committees/Boards:

• COMS At-Large Councilor (2021—2024).
• Past Chair, Ambassador Leadership Circle (2019).
• Chair, Ambassador Leadership Circle (2017—2018).
• Ambassador Leadership Circle, member (2014—2017).
• ASM Ambassador to Argentina (2012—2017).
• ASM Leadership Program for International Educators, mentor (2012—2017).

Conferences:

• Co-organizer and facilitator of ASM Session Education in Microbiology in XXV Latin American Microbiology Congress-ALAM 2021, Asuncion-Paraguay, Aug. 28, 2021. Speakers: Drs. S. Benson, S. Maloy, K. Timmis.
• Organizer and facilitator of ASM Country and Young Ambassador’s ASM Microbe 2018 Track Hub Session: The global Scenario of Antimicrobial Resistance: Do Developing and Developed Countries Share the Same Threats?
• Participation in ASM en vivo! ASM Microbe 2016.
• ASM webinar, Sharing Microbiology Sciences in Post Pandemic Era, El Salvador-Indonesia-Philippines-Argentina, 2020. Lecture: Exploiting Microbe Survival Strategies for the Development of Environmental Biotechnologies.
• ASM Women in Microbiology, Buenos Aires, 2019. Lecture: The Challenge of Building a New Place Out of the Comfort Zone.
• Organizer of ASM workshop, 2016, Teaching Strategies for an XXI Century Learning, XXIII Latin American Congress on Microbiology—XIV Argentinean Congress on Microbiology ALAM-CAM 2016, Rosario, Argentina.
• Organizer of ASM Workshop, 2014, Tools and Practices to Enhance Microbiology in the Classroom, XXII Latin American Congress on Microbiology—IV Colombian Congress on Microbiology (XXII Congreso Latinoamericano de Microbiología (ALAM 2014) y IV Congreso Colombiano de Microbiología (4CCM)), Cartagena de Indias, Colombia.
• Organizer of ASM workshop, 2014, How to Write Articles and Presentations of my Research Work in English?, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
• Organizer of ASM workshop, 2013, Strategies for Teaching Microbiology: Time Changes as Well as Students Do…, IX Argentinean Congress on General Microbiology-SAMIGE 2013 (IX Congreso Argentino de Microbiología General-SAMIGE 2013), Rosario, Argentina.

Other:

• ASM Microbe 2018 abstract reviewer.
• ASM Cultures Magazine 2018, Issue 4.4, "Voices" section, interview on ethics in science and technology.
• ASM international educator 2011.

Candidate Statement

During my appointment as ASM country ambassador for 2 terms (2016—2021), I have initiated seminars and workshops collaboratively with 14 universities in Java, western parts and eastern parts of Indonesia. I was appointed as country ambassador for General Harmonization Initiatives (GHI) global food safety regulations and legislation. I am also a member of the Academy of Food and Nutrition Sciences-Indonesian Academy of Sciences, as well as expert panel of Indonesian Food and Drug Agency.

Collaboration has been done also with some ASM country ambassadors from the Philippines, Argentina and El Salvador in organizing webinars with participants from 4 countries. During the pandemic, several collaborations have been made in organizing seminars with some former Philippine ASM country ambassadors. 
Based on my experience, I do hope I can contribute more through my appointment as International Council of Microbial Science.

ASM-Related Activities

• Organize ASM webinars with other former ASM country ambassadors from the Philippines, El Salvador and Argentina with participants from 4 countries, including Indonesia.
• Reviewer for abstract selection of ASM Microbe meeting.
• As member of COMS, give public education on how to control foodborne pathogens, organized by IPB University Bogor.
• As member of COMS, give public education on air microbiology impact, organized by Atma Jaya Catholic University.
• As member of COMS, give a talk on international conference on innovations in handling science-pandemic situation, organized by Trinity University of Asia, Philippines.
• As member of COMS, give a talk on international conference on conveying scientific jargons and research finding for societal understanding, organized by Philippine Association of Medical Technologist (PAMET), Philippines.
• As member of COMS, give a talk on international conference on biofilm, antibiofilm and biotechnology, organized by Trinity University of Asia, Philippines.
• Speaker on international conference collaboration with ASM Ambassador of Philippines, organized by Philippine Association of Microbiology.

 

Candidate Statement

It is often difficult to navigate times of transition, especially for a large professional society. Changing practices, reorganizing membership and serving myriad needs present challenges. However, as the oldest life science professional membership organization, change is familiar to ASM. The society has successfully navigated transitions in the past. For our current set of challenges, if we can connect scientists who are willing to participate in efforts that reach outside their own labs, careers and institutions, then we can work together to improve the impact the society has on members and the world outside our own. Adaptation and forward-thinking vision are key. Like many who were trained as bacterial geneticists, my research program has grown and expanded to incorporate other disciplines, such as cell biology and genomics. New tools, new concepts and new viewpoints keep the questions current and relevant, with the goal of anticipating the next question that needs to be asked. Likewise, my interactions over more than 20 years with undergraduate, medical school, graduate and high school students have offered windows into different viewpoints and educational needs. Importantly, it has also made me aware of the visions and goals held by those who will inherit the future. Serving as a COMS At-Large Councilor, I’ve enjoyed interacting with fellow councilors and learning about ASM governance, and serving as a liaison to ASM members who are eager to think about “big-picture” problems, discuss ideas and offer suggestions. Based on my experiences, I believe I have demonstrated necessary qualifications for the role: to continue reaching out to others, asking questions to prompt creative thinking and listening to feedback in an impartial manner so that collective ideas can be distilled and synthesized into recommendations for shaping our future as microbiologists and for the next round of ASM evolution.

ASM-Related Activities

• I have been an ASM member since graduate school, attended ASM General Meetings on numerous occasions and attended ASM Microbe most recently in 2021 (virtual), 2022 and 2023.
• My students typically also attend and present. The division that currently best aligns with my research focus is HMB, although my work with virulence gene regulation overlaps with genetics and molecular biology.
• I am a member of the Western New York Branch and attend the annual Buffalo Microbial Pathogenesis Conference, along with students, who present posters.

Candidate Statement

I would be delighted to serve as the COMS vice-chair and am uniquely qualified for various reasons. I am an inclusive, energetic and dedicated clinical microbiologist, passionate about innovative science and communicating the importance of all things microbiology. I come from a unique background, and my training and experience span clinical, academic, public health and industry settings, which helps me find common ground with various microbiologists. I love thinking outside the box and bringing seemingly disparate groups together to accomplish forward-thinking and innovative goals. I am a team player and a natural leader, and I enjoy identifying the individual interests and skills of others and aligning them with larger objectives. I have been deeply involved with ASM for several years. I would love to use my communication and collaboration skills to support the expansion of community ties and help develop ASM's progressive scientific culture.

ASM-Related Activities

ASM Committees and Leadership

• 2023—2026: American Society for Microbiology, Clinical and Public Health Microbiology Committee ex-officio member.
• 2023—2024: American Society for Microbiology, CPHM Community Leader (COMS).
• 2023—2025: American Society for Microbiology, Interdisciplinary Councilor (COMS).
• 2023—2024: ASM Industry Council, Clin Micro Open Steering Committee member.

ASM Volunteer Work & Science Communication

• 2019—Present: ASM Bugs & Drugs blog writer (31 articles written https://asm.org/Biographies/Andrea-Prinzi).
• Editors in Conversation (Journal of Clinical Microbiology Podcast). Nov. 2022. Interviewed by Dr. Alex McAdam and Dr. Elitza Theel about our recent publication on endotracheal aspirate cultures in JCM.
• American Society for Microbiology Virtual Journal Club (2021), presented “Diagnostic and Antimicrobial Stewardship, Urine Cultures."

ASM Editorial Responsibilities 

• 2023—present: Reviewing Editor, Spectrum.

ASM Invited speaking events/talks: 

• ASM Microbe 2023: Attendee and 4 talks.
• ASM Microbe 2022: Attendee and 1 talk.

ASM Publications:

• Andrea M. Prinzi, Sarah K. Parker, Donna J. Curtis, Sonja I. Ziniel. The Pediatric Endotracheal Aspirate Culture Survey (PETACS): Examining Practice Variation Across Pediatric Microbiology Laboratories in the United States. Journal of Clinical Microbiology. Dec. 2020, JCM.02232-20; DOI: 10.1128/JCM.02232-20.
• Haynes AS, Prinzi A, Silveira LJ, Parker SK, Lampe JN, Kavanaugh JS, Horswill AR, Fish D. Cefadroxil Comparable to Cephalexin: Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations among Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus Isolates from Pediatric Musculoskeletal Infections. Microbiology Spectrum. June 2022:e0103922. doi: 10.1128/spectrum.01039-22.
• Prinzi AM, Wattier RL, Curtis DJ, Ziniel SI, Fitzgerald A, Pearce K, Parker SK. Impact of Organism Reporting from Endotracheal Aspirate Cultures on Antimicrobial Prescribing Practices in Mechanically Ventilated Pediatric Patients. Journal of Clinical Microbiology. Oct 2022:e0093022. doi: 10.1128/jcm.00930-22.

• Book Author: Melissa Miller, Andrea M. Prinzi, Kyle Rodino, Peter Gilligan. Cases in Medical Microbiology, 5th Edition. (ongoing, anticipated completion Dec. 2023).