Igor Jouline, the Rod Sharp Professor of Microbiology, has been selected to serve as an American Society for Microbiology Distinguished Lecturer for a two-year term, effective July 1, 2022.

The American Society for Microbiology Distinguished Lecturer (ASMDL) Program annually selects a scientifically diverse group of lecturers who are available to speak at local ASM branch meetings throughout the United States. Lecturers are chosen through a competitive nomination process, and only the most distinguished lecturers and researchers are chosen to participate. Individuals are chosen for their excellent scientific credentials, proven outstanding speaking ability, interest in interacting with students and postdoctoral associates at branch meetings and interest in participating in branch activities that promote career development.

Jouline’s research applies computational genomics approaches to study molecular mechanisms and evolution of signal transduction — how cells detect and transmit signals. Jouline and his research team’s work focuses primarily on prokaryotes, but they also study human cells to better understand how aberrant signaling causes diseases. Jouline is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the American Academy of Microbiology.

“It is an honor and a pleasure to participate in this program,” Jouline said. “Meeting with students and trainees across the country is very exciting, and I look forward to representing ASM and Ohio State during all activities associated with teaching, mentoring and career developing.”

Since its founding over 55 years ago, the ASMDL program has been a mainstay of branch programming and has enhanced the scientific content available at the local level. The program reaches thousands of microbiologists, including students, every year and extends the reach and impact of ASM throughout the United States.

The American Society for Microbiology, one of the largest professional societies dedicated to the life sciences, is composed of 30,000 scientists and health practitioners. ASM's mission is to promote and advance the microbial sciences.

ASM advances the microbial sciences through conferences, publications, certifications and educational opportunities. It enhances laboratory capacity around the globe through training and resources. It provides a network for scientists in academia, industry and clinical settings. Additionally, ASM promotes a deeper understanding of the microbial sciences to diverse audiences.