MSU to welcome regional microbiology conference participants

Contact: Maridith Geuder

More than 100 scientists in bacteriology, virology, immunology, microbiology, and related fields will gather at Mississippi State Nov. 5 and 6 to present research reports and discuss current issues.

The Wise Center meeting of the South Central Branch, American Society for Microbiology is being hosted jointly by the university's department of biological sciences and College of Veterinary Medicine. Additional local support is provided by the College of Arts and Sciences, Office of Research, and the Life Sciences and Biotechnology Institute.

ASM is a Washington, D.C.-based organization with a worldwide membership of more than 40,000. Its South Central branch includes faculty, research scientists and students in Mississippi, Arkansas and Louisiana.

In addition to concurrent research presentations on a variety of topics, a plenary address on the 5th will feature Nara Gavini, MSU's biological sciences department head and an ASM Waksman Foundation Microbiology Lecturer. Gavini's 4 p.m. presentation will focus on bioinformatics--the application of mathematics and computing to biological research.

Before coming to Mississippi earlier this year, Gavini directed the Center for Biomolecular Sciences at Bowling Green (Ohio) State University.

University students and others interested in attending the sessions may register to attend either or both days of the event. A nominal registration fee will be charged.

For more information, telephone Karen S. Coats at (662) 325-8252.