MISSION Welcome to the UGA Student Chapter of the American Society for Microbiology web page. We are affiliated with the South East Branch of the national ASM organization. Our mission is to promote education, research, and the application of microbiology within Georgia. We work to achieve these goals through our monthly membership meetings, guest lectures, joint ventures with other scientific societies, research symposia, K-12 outreach activities, and, of course, social activities. MEETINGS and EVENTS For more information about ASM's events, join ASM's Group Me or look out for event announcements via the listserv. Thanks to the ASM Officers who came out to teach Dr.King's 7th-grade science class about microbes! (11/2/2023) WHO WE ARE Most members are microbiology majors, but there are also members majoring in biology, biochemistry, cell biology, and more. Many of our members are involved in research, and events hosted by ASM allow them to meet potential mentors and explore other areas of interest. Our chapter is dedicated to community involvement, and we have given presentations on different microbiology topics to elementary, middle, and high school students as part of their schools' STEM initiatives. We aim to help members with professional development by offering events such as resume/personal statement workshops, alumni panels, and guest speakers. We also aim to build community among microbiology students by hosting social events like semi-formals, cookie-decorating, and game nights. Our most anticipated event is Agar Art Night, modeled after the national ASM organization's contest. Students create art designs on agar plates with differently colored bacteria and the best design receives a prize. Introducing the UGA ASM Officers for 2024-2025 President Grant Quinn Majors: Microbiology with minors in Applied Biotechnology and Plant Biology Career goals: My goal is to attend medical school.Why ASM: ASM provides so many opportunities to learn and engage with microbiology concepts outside of the classroom and is a great way to be involved on campus.Fun Fact: I've been to 13 national parks! Vice President Vaishnavi Balaji Majors: Biology and PsychologyCareer goals: Medical School, hopefully a future health professional Why ASM: ASM's mission resonated with me. This club also provided a community for science majors to interact and helped me apply what I learned in class to real life activities.Fun Fact: I have super sensitive skin! Treasurer Ayden Mamaghani Major: Microbiology, GeneticsCareer goals: My goal is to go to graduate school to earn a PhD in MicrobiologyWhy ASM: I joined ASM because I want to learn about other people's experiences to see all the different avenues I can pursue as a microbiologist.Fun Fact: I plan on going to every home football game while I'm a student at UGA. Career Development Chair Seth Cranford Majors: MicrobiologyCareer goals: Pursuing a PhD at Auburn University with a focus on applied research in the poultry industry to reduce foodborne illness in chicken products.Why ASM: I love to mentor. My undergrad was not linear and I want to share that story. I also want to be able to provide opportunities for undergrads to hangout and discuss career goals and experiences.Fun Fact: If I’m not on campus or in the lab, I’m playing video games with friends! Social Activities Chair Chelsea Lee Majors: BiologyCareer goals: Primary Care Physician Why ASM: I fell in love with Microbiology my junior year of college in my Introductory Microbiology class! I started attending meetings and loved the environment and being able to connect with likeminded individuals and mentors!Fun Fact: I love to travel! I even studied abroad with UGA in Cortona!
