U.P. MICROBIOLOGISTS ORGANIZING "TWIG" OF SOCIETY'S BRANCH
HOUGHTON--Upper Peninsula microbiologists are organizing a local chapter, or "twig," of the Michigan Branch of the American Society for Microbiology.
"The Michigan branch meets in Saginaw, Detroit, and Lansing, but there are a lot of microbiologists up here," said Associate Professor Susan Bagley of Michigan Tech. "We thought, why not have something in the U.P.?"
The Twig organizers are associated with Michigan Tech, Northern Michigan University, Marquette General Hospital, and the Michigan Department of Community Health, but all U.P. microbiologists are invited to participate, including students.
"The Twig will provide networking opportunities for anyone interested in microbiology--teachers, clinicians, students, engineers, research scientists, etc.," Bagley said. Microbiologists from industry--such as pulp and paper mills--and environmental businesses and organizations are welcome, along with clinical and medical microbiologists. Networking can be very useful, she said. "Who knows who has the equipment you might need, or who might be able to help with an ongoing problem?"
Twig organizers expect to provide continuing education and give students a chance to find out more about different aspects of their intended profession. In addition, the organization can provide a forum for prospective employers and employees to get to know each other.
"And we are fairly isolated up here, so the Twig will give microbiologists a much-needed chance to get together and talk with others in the field," Bagley said.
For more information on the Upper Peninsula Section of the Michigan Branch of the ASM, contact Bagley (stbagley@mtu.edu, 487-2385) or William Sottile, Upper Peninsula director for the Michigan Department of Community Health (sottilew@state.mi.us, 482-3011).
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01/28/99-MTN014