Awards

TX ASM Awards

The Texas Branch of the American Society for Microbiology proudly honors excellence in microbiological sciences through a variety of prestigious awards. These awards celebrate exceptional research, outstanding mentorship, dedicated service, and notable contributions to microbiology in Texas. Each year, our community gathers to recognize individuals whose accomplishments exemplify the highest standards of scientific rigor, innovation, and impact.

Celebrating Excellence in Microbiology

Since its founding, TX ASM has committed to fostering a dynamic and supportive community that encourages groundbreaking research and collaboration across disciplines. Our awards program is a key component of this mission, highlighting achievements at undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. Awardees reflect the diverse talent and passionate commitment of microbiologists working to advance scientific knowledge, improve public health, and enhance education.

Overview of TX ASM Awards

TX ASM administers several prominent awards, each designed to honor specific contributions and achievements:

• Sarah A. McIntire Award: Recognizes graduate students for outstanding research and scholarship, celebrating significant contributions in microbiology and related disciplines.
• S.E. Sulkin Award: Honors exemplary undergraduate research presentations, encouraging promising young scientists to pursue careers in microbiological sciences.
• O.B. Williams Award: Given to exceptional graduate researchers who have demonstrated extraordinary skill, innovation, and dedication in their scientific investigations.
• Thomas S. Matney Award: Celebrates individuals making significant advances in microbiological teaching, research, or service.
• Joan Abramowitz Award: Honors undergraduate and graduate students excelling in oral and poster presentations, recognizing both scientific merit and presentation skills.
• Samuel Kaplan Award: Recognizes top oral and poster presentations at both undergraduate and graduate levels, emphasizing originality, scientific rigor, and the potential impact of research findings.
• Orville Wyss Award: Presented to outstanding graduate students demonstrating exceptional research capabilities and potential for continued success in microbiology.
• Charlie Gauntt Award: Celebrates undergraduate researchers whose work demonstrates excellence, innovation, and significant contributions to microbiological research.

Award Process and Timeline

Each year, TX ASM solicits nominations from across the state, welcoming submissions from universities, research institutions, and laboratories. Candidates are reviewed by dedicated committees composed of accomplished microbiologists and educators. Committees evaluate nominations based on criteria such as scientific innovation, depth of research, clarity of presentation, and broader contributions to the microbiological community.

Award winners are announced at our annual TX ASM meetings, a vibrant gathering of microbiologists from across Texas, fostering a sense of community and celebration. These meetings provide opportunities for networking, professional growth, and showcasing cutting-edge research.

Distinct Sections of Awards Information

To provide clear and easily accessible information, TX ASM maintains distinct sections related to awards:

• Award Nominations: Detailed information regarding eligibility criteria, submission guidelines, and the nomination process for each award. Visit Nominations Page
• Awardees: An archive of past recipients, detailing their achievements and contributions to the field of microbiology. Each award recipient’s page provides further insight into their research and accomplishments. View Awardees

Encouraging Future Excellence

TX ASM encourages all members of the microbiological community, including faculty mentors, research advisors, and peers, to participate actively in recognizing and promoting excellence. By acknowledging outstanding contributions, we collectively inspire future generations of microbiologists to pursue scientific discovery with passion, integrity, and a commitment to societal benefit.

We invite you to explore our detailed pages dedicated to award nominations and past awardees to learn more about how TX ASM continues to shape the future of microbiological sciences in Texas.