The 2009 American Society for Microbiology (ASM) bioMérieux Sonnenwirth Award for Leadership in Clinical Microbiology is being presented to Lynne S. Garcia, M.S., director, LSG & Associates, Santa Monica, and laboratory manager, UCLA Medical Center. This award recognizes a distinguished microbiologist for the promotion of innovation in clinical laboratory science, dedication to ASM, and the advancement of clinical microbiology as a profession.
Recognized as one of the world's experts in diagnostic parasitology, Ms. Garcia has been a leader in the field for more than 30 years. She has authored five editions of ASM's Diagnostic Medical Parasitology and is editor-in-chief of Clinical Laboratory Management, published by ASM Press. She has been the parasitology section editor for several editions of ASM's Manual of Clinical Microbiology and has served on numerous ASM editorial boardsthe Journal of Clinical Microbiology, Clinical Microbiology Reviews, and Cumitechs.
Ms. Garcia's leadership is also evident in her 200+ publications and volunteer activities. She has written about the science as well as clinical laboratory practices, issues, and challenges. Ms. Garcia, a Fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology, has served on ASM's Council Policy Committee and was the president of the ASM's Southern California Branch. She was president of the Clinical Laboratory Management Association and the Southern California Society of Parasitologists and is an active member of the American Association of Bioanalysts, American Society for Medical Technology, and the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards.
The bioMérieux Sonnenwirth Award for Leadership in Clinical Microbiology 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.