The graduate students in Microbiology are outstanding scientists, publishing in top journals and presenting their research at meetings around the world. But their work does not stop at the doors of the laboratory. Consistent with the mission of UGA as a Land-grant and Sea-grant University, community outreach is an important part of their graduate scholarship. Outreach activities include providing hands-on science demonstrations for local elementary school classes, Clarke County Young Scientists Fairs, Fanning Institute Hispanic Students Leadership Programs, and the USA Science & Engineering Festival; judging local, district, and state science fairs; reading books at local schools; and hosting high school students who participate in the Franklin College Diversity Office’s Project GRAD summer institute. While there are many students who have given of their time and knowledge, there are several who merit special recognition for the many hours they have given to outreach activities: Crystal Phillips, Noreen Lyell, Dave Samuels, Ashley Bono, Mykesia McNorton, Erica Miller, Ankit Agrawal, Matt Hawkins, Claire Edwards, Bradley Tolar, and Mark Jones.

The Department of Microbiology is proud of our students’ many accomplishments and their dedication to improving the lives of Georgia’s children through outreach.