Betty Ann Forbes wins 2004 ASM Founders Award

By Malorie Burkett

Betty Ann Forbes, Ph.D., professor of pathology, VCU School of Medicine, will receive the 2004 American Society for Microbiology (ASM) Founders Distinguished Service Award.

The award, which will be presented at the 104th General Meeting of the ASM, May 23-27 in New Orleans, recognizes outstanding professional contributions in a volunteer capacity at the national level. Forbes will be honored for her extraordinary commitment to the ASM extending over more than a decade.

Known for her expertise in directing large-volume clinical microbiology and diagnostic virology laboratories, Forbes maintains highly productive research and publication programs, focusing most recently on methods of detecting various pathogens, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis - the bacterium know for causing Tuberculosis. She is an award-winning teacher of medical students, residents and postdoctoral-level microbiologists.

Forbes is a graduate of Northwestern University with a B.A. in biology. She received her Ph.D. in medical microbiology and immunology from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City.

ASM is the largest single life science society, composed of over 42,000 scientists, teachers, physicians, and health professionals. Its mission is to promote research and training in the microbiological sciences and to assist communication between scientists, policymakers, and the public to improve health, economic well-being, and the environment.