The 2009 American Society for Microbiology (ASM) Founders Distinguished Service Award is being presented to J. Michael Miller, Ph.D., D(ABMM), associate director for science, National Center for Zoonotic, Vectorborne, and Enteric Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Director, Microbiology Technical Services, LLC, Dunwoody, Georgia. This award recognizes an ASM member for outstanding contributions and commitment to the ASM as a volunteer at the national level.
An ASM member since 1976, Dr. Miller is honored for his years of dedication and service which are evident in virtually all of ASM's programmatic areas. A Fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology, Dr. Miller has served two terms as a member of the Academy's Board of Governors and Dean of the American College of Microbiology. During his tenure as dean, he changed and enhanced the direction of its programs. A conjoint examination agreement with the American Society for Clinical Pathology was signed and online exam administration was launched for the three ASM certification boards. His diplomatic statesmanship, keen negotiation skills, and intense commitment paved the way for changes that had been discussed for over 20 years.
Dr. Miller is known to be a master at communication and strategic planning, and in his capacity with ASM, he initiated a web-based forum for microbiology directors (ClinMicroNet) worldwide to engage in open discussion of key issues in the field. Additionally, in tune with bench technologists, he proposed DivCNet, a listserv for all clinical microbiologists. Currently, there are almost 600 subscribers to ClinMicroNet and over 2,600 subscribers to DivCNet.
The ASM Founders Distinguished Service Award will be presented during the 109th General Meeting of the ASM, May 17-21, 2009 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. ASM is the world's oldest and largest life science organization and has more than 43,000 members worldwide. ASM's mission is to advance the microbiological sciences and promote the use of scientific knowledge for improved health and economic and environmental well-being.