The summer of 2010 will mark the 9th consecutive year of the Department’s NSF-supported Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program, and this year we expect to reach the milestone of 100 student participants trained! Through the REU program, undergraduates from schools in Georgia and throughout the United States and Puerto Rico have worked side-by-side with UGA graduate students and faculty mentors to complete 9-week research projects. Each year, participants have presented their findings in a public poster session, which has become an end-of-summer focal point for the entire department. In addition, REU students have participated in lab meetings and journal clubs, attended departmental seminars, and completed a short course in scientific ethics, while also experiencing the social camaraderie of the Department and enjoying the atmosphere of UGA and Athens. Some highlights of the program include:
• 12 participants have returned to UGA for graduate studies or jobs (so far)
• Numerous participants have earned co-authorships on peer-reviewed papers and/or meeting presentations
• We have tapped an under-recognized talent pool of deaf or hard-of-hearing students, with 7 such participants since 2005
• Microbiology won the first UGA “Embracing Diversity Award” made to a department, based in part on the REU program’s outreach to groups that are underrepresented in the sciences • We enjoyed a 2-yr exchange of students between UGA and National University Ireland, Galway • We have an ongoing faculty exchange with Florida A&M University, with FAMU scientists presenting featured seminars to the REU program

[Learn More]

Graduate Education

The facility dedicated to Dr. Michaels is a multipurpose office and represents a partnership between faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate students and will be used for, enhancing the academic performance of students,serving as a meeting place for peer study groups and teaching assistants, and, fostering the development of critical thinking skills and active learning. As resources become available, DVDs and videos, science journals, and alternate text books we be added.

The facilty is dedicated to Dr. Gene Michaels in recognition of his long commitment to undergraduate education. Gene received his Ph.D. in the Department of Microbiology at UGA in 1967 and served thereafter as Instructor, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and Director of Special Academic Programs until his retirement in 1998. For many decades, his laboratory course Medical Mycology was well known to undergraduates, who appreciated the extensive field and practical exercises. In 1984, he received the Sandy Beaver Teaching Award. While Director of Academic Programs, he traveled extensively throughout the state, especially in conjunction with the state High School Science and History Fairs. Among his many other contributions to the university, he designed the official seal of Franklin College in 1984. During his career, he also served as President of many regional fraternal and scientific organizations, including Phi Sigma Society, Sigma Xi Honor Society, Southeastern Branch of the American Society for Microbiology, and the Southeastern Society for Electron Microscopy. In 1999, he received the Ivan Roth Award for Outstanding Service from the Southeastern Branch of the American Society for Microbiology. In conclusion, he has led by example, encouraging and supporting the Department of Microbiology in its mission to offer diverse educational opportunities, to foster a love of learning, and to promote the interaction of educators within our community.

[Learn More]