Young Bugs Banter
Catherine Gangell Wendy McDonald Joanne Clarke Honours Student PhD Student PhD Student Arbovirus Surveillance Department of Biotechnology and and Research Lab Environmental Biology Dept of Biological Sciences University of Western Australia RMIT University Macquarie University Tel: (08) 9346 2212 Bundoora Campus, Vic 3083 E-mail: [email protected] Fax: (08) 9346 4866 Tel: (03) 9925 7134 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]
In this issue of YBB we feature interviews New Young Bug WA combined AIMS/ with three students currently undertaking Greetings to all Young Bugs in Victoria, ASM/ASOC country weekend postgraduate studies, Megan Lloyd from On a chilly, rainy May day we dragged University of Western Australia, Perth, Blair I’m Philip Button. Presently I’m in the ourselves to the Emerald Colonial Lodge Nield from Macquarie University, Sydney process of taking over from Wendy and Zdenka Karakas from RMIT University, McDonald as student rep on the Victorian in Margaret River for an 08:30 start. After Melbourne. The interviews highlight their Branch Committee. an introduction and APACE overview by reasons for undertaking further study, Rod Bowman and Jeff Jago respectively, their experiences and challenges. Firstly, some brief background info about the programme began in earnest. myself – I’m a PhD student in the School We welcome Philip Button as the new Professor George Stewart amused the of Agriculture and Food Systems at The YBB editor for Victoria and student room with his fascination for Rod University of Melbourne and based at representative to the Victorian branch of Bowman’s dirty, torn sneaker. It was Food Science Australia, Werribee. For my ASM and say goodbye and thanks to suggested that it would be a great source Wendy who is in the final stages of her project, I’m looking at spoilage of dairy of forensic evidence. His colourful PhD. We also have a report from Belinda products caused by bacterial enzymes. anecdotes from many years studying Clark on the combined AIMS/ASM/ASOC forensics were both incredible and country weekend. I am passionate and enthusiastic about alluring. It was a most enjoyable talk from microbiology and student involvement in the professor who definitely knows his Retiring Young Bug professional associations, and so I am subject microscopically. Goodbye from me to all our YBB readers. very pleased to be on the Victorian After devouring scones at morning tea, I am nearing the end of my PhD studies Branch Committee. One piece of advice the groups were split for more targeted and thought it timely to hand over to a to all students – take full advantage of all sessions. The ASM session included a new student editor. I have greatly the fantastic things on offer to you by the mycology review by Professor David Ellis enjoyed my time as a YBB editor and ASM like discounted membership, and the alarming resistance update by Jan would like to thank the many students conference registration and Microbiology Bell. Lunch break allowed for plenty of who have supported my endeavours by Australia, attend the many wonderful discussion on previous sessions before providing articles and being willing events on offer, make the most of the interviewees. I would also like to thank we all merged for a wine information talk. opportunity to meet some great fellow Natalie (past editor), Joanne and Allison Barraclough gave a riveting microbiologists, as well as lots more. We Catherine for their enthusiasm and overview of marketing within Medical at the ASM are here to make your careers support. I am also very thankful to Prof. Science. She was bombarded with more fulfilling (even if, as a student, you Peter Coloe and Assoc. Prof. Margaret questions, as this area did not seem very Deighton for encouraging me to apply for are in the very early years of your career), well publicised. the position of YBB editor. Finally I wish so visit our branch website or contact me HIV diagnosis advances were discussed Philip all the best in his new role and look to find out the ways to become active in by Dr Peter Phillips before the very topical forward to reading future editions of YBB. your professional association, the ASM! SARS update. The SARS discussion got Wendy McDonald Philip Button rather heated and had to be cut off to
44 MICROBIOLOGY AUSTRALIA • JULY 2003 Young Bugs Banter allow time for the last official component of his travels around the world. Dr molecular prospecting group (CMP) at of the day, the brainteaser quiz. Leanne Sammels, postdoctoral fellow at Macquarie University, studying novel the University of Western Australia, genes from environmentally sourced Although we had scoffed chocolate cake informed us of her career and education integrons. When that concluded I started during afternoon tea, our brains were just history, and gave us some sound advice my PhD. not up for the challenge. The current on postgraduate study. affairs questions were tough as we only Megan: I worked during the final year of have time to study, not watch TV or read Mr Rod Bowman and Sharlene Andrijich my undergraduate degree in bacteriology the paper every day. Luckily we teamed spoke at both university evenings. Rod, at Fairfield Infectious Diseases Hospital in up with some smart scientists who do the managing scientist at PathCentre, a variety of clinical areas within a seem to have plenty of time for this sort discussed the employment opportunities microbiology discipline. I continued to of behaviour, as they knew the answers! and the necessary information needed for work there for another year in the applying for a job in the microbiology Rickettsial research laboratory although I This concluded the day for the students; field. Sharlene discussed the research also worked, when required, in the the wealthier scientists went on to enjoy and development areas in the Defence clinical laboratory. wine and dinner at Xanadu. It was a great Science and Technology Organisation day and everyone seemed to enjoy (DSTO). She also discussed the prospect I then worked in a clinical laboratory at themselves. Looking forward to the next of further education in the defence force. Katherine District Hospital in the one... Northern Territory for 2.5 years. I initially After the presentations students, speakers worked in a voluntary capacity for several Belinda Clark and invited guests stayed behind to months until I became proficient in areas WA Student Careers Evening discuss in detail the prospects of further that I had no experience with such as education and careers in microbiology blood transfusion, haematology and The Student Careers Evenings at Curtin over drinks and nibbles. biochemistry. University and The University of Western Australia took place on 26-27 May. A big thankyou to all the students who In 1995 we moved to Perth and I began Although there was a poor attendance of participated in the evenings and all the working in a research laboratory (I was students, the evenings were very speakers and invited guests who gave up very happy to change direction again) and informative and extremely useful to the their valuable time to encourage students worked for 3 years as a research assistant students who did choose to be involved. and help them with any questions they before beginning my PhD studies in the had about employment and further middle of 1998. My supervisors made a At the Curtin University of Technology education in microbiology. strong case to the university for me to be evening, Associate Professor Erik able to move straight into a PhD based on Helmerhorst from Curtin University gave Catherine Gangell my work history, publication history from an excellent presentation on the the Rickettsial research work and results prospects of postgraduate education, and Postgradute study interviews from a Graduate Diploma of Human the reasons for and against continuing What was your Nutrition from Deakin University that I education to a higher level. Ms Frances undergraduate training? completed as a distance education O’Brien, a PhD student from Curtin Blair: I studied a BSc (Biotechnology) at student while in Katherine. University, presented an informative UTS, Sydney. description of her experience in studying Zdenka: Yes, I have been working as a at university and her current Doctor of Megan: Bachelor of Applied Science specialist medical translator for the last Philosophy (PhD) degree. Mr Steve (Applied Biology), RMIT, Melbourne. four years. Munyard, the chief scientist at Mayne/Western Diagnostic Pathology, gave Zdenka: I have a Bachelor Degree in What type of postgraduate study an explanation of his career in science, Veterinary Science, University of Zagreb, are you undertaking and are you and some helpful advice to students. Croatia. undertaking it full- or part-time? Blair: I’m studying a PhD, full time. At the evening at The University of Did you work before undertaking Western Australia, Dr Sato Juniper from postgraduate study? If yes, what Megan: I am undertaking a PhD part-time. UWA student services gave an type of employment and how long? Zdenka: I am completing a Masters encouraging outlook on the possibility of Blair: Yes, I worked as a research assistant Course in Applied Microbiology and postgraduate study in the field of in the immunobiology unit (IBU) at UTS, Biotechnology. I’m doing it on a full-time microbiology, as well as providing researching phospholipase A2 enzymes basis, and should complete my studies in information on prerequisites and the and inhibitors. I worked there for one November. composition of the various postgraduate year before starting a MSc (ecotoxicology) degrees available. Associate Professor (full time) and continued to work in the Peter Franzmann from the Environmental Why did you decide to embark on same place while I completed the MSc. postgraduate training? Microbiology Research Division at CSIRO So that is 2 years in total. gave a very interesting account of his Blair: I knew that I wanted to stay in microbiology career, especially the extent After that I worked for 2 years in the research and I knew that I would always do
MICROBIOLOGY AUSTRALIA • JULY 2003 45 Young Bugs Banter a PhD. I just didn’t know when or in what I just kept going along the same way. One at home, which followed a really busy part field. I completed the MSc (ecotoxicology) difference now I guess is that I take my of my life, created something of an to extend my knowledge in environmental work home a lot more and work crazier ‘intellectual vacuum’, which consequently science and afterwards I thought that hours than when I was employed. resulted in incredible motivation for this environmental work wasn’t for me: there studies on my part. I believe motivation is Megan: The return wasn’t challenging but didn’t seem to be many research-based one of the major driving forces in any the maintenance has been as I have had jobs available after I graduated. circumstances and, for that reason alone, two children in the course of my study I feel that I immensely benefited from I really enjoyed my work at the IBU and and of course our lifestyle has changed undertaking my postgraduate studies CMP, which was mainly molecular biology somewhat since beginning the PhD. later on. with a little protein chemistry. The Sometimes it feels as though the whole decision to start the PhD was based on household revolves around my work and What have been the best aspects study needs. Fortunately I have a rather timing and the fact that I wanted to learn of further study? more about protein chemistry. I’m a remarkable husband and lovely children general scientist and want to have skills in who put up with my demands with great Blair: The learning. I’m reading more many areas. patience and understanding. and also in very different areas than in what I started. It’s fabulous to be Megan: After several years as a research Zdenka: Not really. I was more than completely focused on my own little assistant, my interest was waning simply ready for it, and as soon as I found the research project, I direct where it is going because I didn’t have a project that was course I’d been looking for, I knew I was and what aspect is done when. It is fun to wholly mine: other people’s work can going to go for it. I have a great support be a student again too! only keep you interested for so long. at home, and everything has worked out Although I had some input into the pretty good for me. Megan: Renewed interest in my project design of experiments and my ideas were and people within the research group not ignored, I felt that this was greatly Has your work/life experience taking my input more seriously. dependent on the personality of my been of benefit to your study? Zdenka: First, I think I’ve chosen the immediate supervisors. Postgraduate Blair: Definitely! The work experience right course. It is incredibly well study gave me new enthusiasm, which means I am comfortable in the lab and structured, ‘hands on’ programme which really has benefited everyone. with the techniques I use. It has also made learning new techniques easier, is offering a competitive edge for those Zdenka: This is something I planned to because I feel secure in what I know and looking for a career in the industry. One do right from the start. I’ve always had a don’t as yet know. As for life experience, of the best aspects of this programme, in special interest in bacteriology and I’m not sure. I guess simply being older my opinion, is the opportunity to infectious diseases, and have always seen means I have a few more things sorted undertake a research programme or a myself in a research environment. out. But life doesn’t always flow work experience. I was very lucky to get Therefore, postgraduate studies have smoothly, no matter what your age. a chance to work on a biological research always been a part of my career plan. project of my choice. Megan: I feel that working and studying However, as it often happens in life, it is in a number of different institutions is I am currently working on improvement sometimes necessary to prioritise, and extremely beneficial. It is helpful to of the nutrient media for one component after I had my children I decided I needed understand that clinical and university of a combined veterinary vaccine, and this to spend more time with them. work and study environments are quite experience has been invaluable for me. It Therefore, the real challenge for me was different. Of course you also gather enabled me to familiarise myself with a not in deciding whether or not to embark practical skills and knowledge with every research environment and see how I on postgraduate studies, but rather in different position and this is always an function in those circumstances. It also finding the right time for it. I am now advantage. created an opportunity for me to attain simply continuing where I left off several laboratory skills and techniques and, Maturity is helpful, even if only because years ago. most importantly, reinforced my idea of people seem to take you more seriously. where I see myself in the future. Was your return to further Having a well-rounded life out of study challenging? university is difficult because the What have been the worst demands of study (and reading and Blair: Oh yes! There were many changes! aspects of further study? writing in particular) are much greater. The decrease in available money is an However, I find that my overall outlook Blair: Moving back home, the first 3 obvious one. But then there was the on life is more balanced and the pressure months were very hard. Having to deal change in status, from employee to on me is not as great, because I know that with enrolment procedures. student that I hadn’t thought would at the end of the day I can go home and happen. Suddenly I was treated as a cuddle my kids and they don’t care if I Megan: Finding the time to read and student, for example, access privileges finish my PhD or not. write is extremely difficult and the changed. My work ethic hasn’t changed. constant pressure whether real or implied I’ve worked in research for a while and so Zdenka: Yes, I think so. The period I spent is wearing.
46 MICROBIOLOGY AUSTRALIA • JULY 2003 Young Bugs Banter
Zdenka: At the end of semester things original qualification and have always What advice do you have for can get pretty hectic and it is sometimes taken up opportunities as they have anyone considering further study? difficult to organise everything, but I am presented themselves both in work and Blair: Give it a go. It doesn’t have to be quite used to juggling many different in study. I certainly would not be the career oriented. I think further study is researcher that I am today without my things at the same time. Therefore, I fabulous, to improve your skills and to previous experience. can’t really complain. Generally, I find the extend your horizons. whole experience very enjoyable. Zdenka: It probably depends on the Megan: If the opportunity is there and individual. In my case, postgraduate In hindsight, would it have been you are enthusiastic, do it. But even if studies simply had to wait to better to have commenced you don’t have aspirations for further accommodate certain things in life that I postgraduate study immediately study when you finish your find more important than anything else, following undergraduate study? undergraduate training, keep your and if I found myself again in the same Blair: Absolutely not! I have the strong options open because you never know circumstances, I would probably do the opinion that you should work first. what opportunities might arise. same. Bottom line is that if you are firmly Megan: It really wasn’t a realistic option focused on what you want to achieve, any Zdenka: Only one – just do it! for me. In any case I know that I am a far time is a good time for postgraduate better student now at 34 than I was at 21. studies. I have been able to do a lot with my Product News bioMérieux distributes Medical Wire Dupont Qualicon adds Enterobacter “We are very pleased to continue expansion of & Equipment Co. products in Australia sakazakii to the Bax® detection system the BAX® system product line to include tests for emerging pathogens such as E. sakazakii”, Medical Wire and Equipment Co. has served DuPont Qualicon today announced the newest said Kevin Huttman, president of DuPont microbiology laboratories for half a century. addition to its BAX® system line of diagnostic Qualicon. “We are focused on providing They pioneered the development of the first tests – the BAX® system PCR assay for detecting solutions that help safeguard consumers and transport swab, TRANSWAB®, which remains Enterobacter sakazakii in infant formula, dry that apply advanced innovative technology to the world’s first choice for the safe and efficient dairy and soy ingredients. The US Food and help global food companies. 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MICROBIOLOGY AUSTRALIA • JULY 2003 47 ASM Affairs
PhD scholarship Recent Viral control of toxic cyanobacterial blooms in regional water sources Summary Griffith University and Caloundra- advances in Maroochy Water Supply Board – $23,294 The School of Environmental Engineering pa (HECS included) for three years is is an interdisciplinary team of scientists Microbiology offered for a full-time (only) PhD study. and engineers with a mission to promote RAM contains reviews of a wide innovative sustainable environmental Eligibility range of topics of interest to protection. We have an exciting The scholarship is open to graduates who members. The reviews are written opportunity in postgraduate research for have completed a Masters degree or a 4 by specialists in their fields and have an outstanding student. year undergraduate degree with first class an emphasis on Australian content Little is known of the role of viruses in or 2A Honours. Experience in any of the and issues which are not dealt with aquatic ecosystem processes. This following areas is an advantage – elsewhere. project aims to determine the ecological microbial ecology, molecular methods, There are still some copies available role of viruses in the control of blooms of toxicology, environmental microbiology toxic cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) in or chemistry. of the latest issue (Volume IX) – see drinking water supplies. March issue of Microbiology Australia Enquiries to The PhD project is based in Brisbane. You for further information. will be working with Dr Peter Pollard to Dr Peter Pollard develop and apply methods that will Tel: (07) 3875 6597 Follow up on bioterrorism E-mail: [email protected] ultimately be applied to Lake Baroon, on Interested readers may wish to Sunshine Coast, to quantify viruses and revisit the excellent article on cyanobacteria. The research outcomes Applications to bioterrorism which was published in will contribute significantly to a sound Ms Amanda Norman Volume 6 of Recent Advances in scientific basis for the management of Environmental Sciences CRC Microbiology: toxic cyanobacterial blooms in these Griffith University aquatic environments. Nathan Campus Hall R, Cameron S & Givney R. Postgraduate Research Brisbane Qld 4111 AUSTRALIA Biological Weapons. Recent Scholarship Tel: (07) 3875 5394 Advances in Microbiology 1998; Fax: (07) 3875 7459 Funding is from an ARC linkage grant with 6:1-30. E-mail: [email protected] New Members New South Wales Northern Territory Mrs Sounthi Subaaharan Mr Anthony Tolomei Ms Ximena Tolosa Mr Leon Wescombe Ms Jessie Abousleiman Miss Mandy Edwards Miss Kim Van Miss Negar Dehestani Victoria Queensland Mr Thomas Vidins Ms Linda Donovan Miss Francesca Azzato Miss Emily Fitzpatrick Miss Elizabeth Allwood South Australia Dr Ann Hofmeyr Ms Joanna Harrington Miss Jenny Barralant Mrs Anna Catalano Dr Alan Howgrave-Graham Miss Anne Jungblut Miss Francis Calderon Mr Aden Ibrahim Mr James Fielding Mr Seok Seong Kang Dr Gilda Carvalho Mrs Keri Jones Mr Antonio Grimaldi Miss Thea King Mr James Dale Miss Catherine Kennedy Miss Yvonne Kwok Miss Meegan Henderson Tasmania Mr Joshua Orth Mr Nathan Unsworth Ms Anabelle Lecordier Dr Ben Huang Miss Michelle Atkins Dr Paul Vinton Ms Carolyn Michael Mr Scott Lawrance Mr Gabriel Lim Miss Sei Nishimura Mr Gabriel Milinovich Miss Heather McGee Western Australia Anne Mai-Prochnow Mr Tetsuo Mizuno Miss Georgina Newman Miss Carolina Cabrera Mr Anthony Ryan Mrs Karen Muir Mr Che O’May Miss Jasmin Pierucci Ms Miya Takahashi Miss Colleen Rippingale Miss Karen Pender Miss Melissa Zahra Ms Hanna Sidjabat Mr Andrew Pryor Overseas Mrs Zheng Zu Miss Tanya Smith Mr Jerome Staal Mr Cheng Meng Tan
48 MICROBIOLOGY AUSTRALIA • JULY 2003 ASM Affairs
Call for nominations NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING President-Elect The AGM of the Society will be held on Prof Lyn Gilbert’s term as Immediate-Past President concludes at the Annual General Monday 29th September 2003 Meeting, which will be held in early October 2003. Nominations are invited for the at 5.30 pm position of President-Elect of the Society to take office in October 2003 following the Annual General Meeting. ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre The Edge The Constitution provides that the Society shall elect a person as President-Elect who Auckland, New Zealand shall hold such office for a period of one year concurrent with the second year of the term of the incumbent President at the conclusion of which such person shall become President. The President shall for a period of one year after vacating office as President, hold office as Immediate Past President.
Nominations are invited for this position to take office in October 2003 following the Annual General Meeting.
Candidates for election to the above position shall be Honorary Life Members, or AUSTRALIAN SOCIETY Financial Fellows, Members or Senior Associate Members of ASM and be proposed and FOR MICROBIOLOGY seconded by Honorary Life Members, or Financial Fellows, Members or Senior Associate Members of the Society. Nominations must bear the written consent of the candidate. JOIN UP AND Nominations are to be in the hands of the Office Manager before 5.00pm on Friday 15 BE A MEMBER August 2003. Please use the Nomination for the Position of President-Elect form, which BE A MEMBER is set out below. The form can also be obtained from the National office by e-mailing Enjoy these benefits: Chris Daly at [email protected] • network with fellow scientists • access to international experts Nomination for the position of President-Elect of the through the national scientific Australian Society for Microbiology Inc meetings and local Branch activities We the undersigned wish to nominate ______•recognition of membership • accreditation in the workplace of ______• access to awards and prizes offered annually for the position of President-Elect of The Australian Society for Microbiology Inc. • discount prices and fees on all ASM products and services Proposer (FASM / MASM / SAASM / Honorary Life Member) • complimentary copy of the Society’s journal, Microbiology Name: ______Signature: ______Australia – 5 issues a year •exclusive access to the Members Seconder (FASM / MASM / SAASM / Honorary Life Member) Lounge on the Society website
Name: ______Signature: ______To apply for membership or to obtain further information please I accept this nomination for the position of President-Elect of The Australian Society for write/fax/e-mail your request to: Microbiology Inc. ASM National Office Unit 23, 20 Commercial Rd, Name: ______Signature: ______Melbourne, Victoria, 3004 Australia Tel: + 613 9867 8699 Date: ______Fax: + 613 9867 8722 E-mail: [email protected] Address your envelope as follows: The Manager, ASM Inc., Unit 23, 20 Commercial Road Membership application forms are MELBOURNE VIC 3004 available on the ASM website: www.theasm.com.au Alternatively, you may fax your nomination form to the National Office on (03) 9867 8722
MICROBIOLOGY AUSTRALIA • JULY 2003 49 ASM Affairs 13th International Symposium on the Biology of Actinomycetes Melbourne, Australia: 1-5 December, 2003
The 13th International Symposium the Antarctic. Its terrestrial and marine opportunity for Australia to make on the Biology of Actinomycetes will environments provide diverse habitats for important contributions to the field of be held in Melbourne, Australia a unique range of flora and fauna. The drug discovery through the acquisition from 1-5 December, 2003 Australian continent covers a range of and screening of this biota. This will be the first ISBA meeting in the biogeographical regions including an arid southern hemisphere and will provide the inland, tropical monsoon areas in the We look forward to welcoming you to colleagues of the northern hemisphere north, Mediterranean and temperate ISBA’13 in multicultural Melbourne to with opportunities to encounter the work climates in the south, alpine regions in enjoy equally multicultural actinomycetes. of the actinomycetologists in this part of Ta smania and in the South-east. the world. Australian marine environments, exposed We invite Australian and New Zealand to three different major ocean currents, organisations and commercial enterprises Actinomycetes are still the prime producers are probably the most diverse in the to sponsor ISBA’13. of exciting compounds and are important world. This diversity has resulted in the Dr Ipek Kurtböke, Convener ISBA’13 for biotechnology, biodiscovery and evolution of a different microflora in biobusiness. The conference will create a Australia. There is therefore an exciting http://www.conferencestrategy.com.au platform to discuss the current hot topics in the field such as bioinformatics, global Actinomyce ultural analysis of genome structure and gene tes are Multic function in the actinomycete ‘omics’: genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics as well as clinically important actinomycetes, molecular aspects of antibiotic resistance as well as alternative therapies. Actinomycetes in environmental biotechnologies: bioremediation, biodegradation and bioconversion will also be discussed.
ISBA’13 will be followed by a workshop entitled: Commercial use of microbial diversity organised by the World 2003 - Melbourne, Australia Federation of Culture Collections (WFCC). This event timely coincides with both the Australian Federal and State From agriculture to actinomycete ‘omics’ Governments’ support initiatives to map The 13th International Symposium on the Biology of Actinomycetes 1-5 December, 2003, Melbourne Convention Centre Australian biodiversity (including Proudly sponsored by microorganisms), and explore their potential biotechnological applications. University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia GRDC, Australia Throughout the conference and the post- HAL Ltd, Australia conference workshop, recent advances in World Federation of Culture Collections (WFCC) the natural products screening programs as well as eco-taxonomical aspects of Astra Zeneca R&D Griffith University, Australia Actinomycete natural products will be Vicuron Pharmaceuticals, Italy discussed. This subject is of great Aventis Pharma, Germany importance in Australia as it is a large Roche Molecular System, USA continent stretching from the tropics to Syngenta, Switzerland
50 MICROBIOLOGY AUSTRALIA • JULY 2003 ASM Affairs NSW branch report
The NSW branch has been heavily community involvement than seen in past to be a christening of the microbiology involved in planning for the 2004 National years. superdome at Homebush! Conference; however, the executive and members are also in the process of The branch’s commitment to providing a All reports from these meetings and introducing a number of changes which quality educational forum has seen a workshops indicate that the SIGs will ensure the continued growth in and number of seminars and workshops in involved have a strong leadership and value of membership. the past few months, including: active members that are focused on • Serology SIG meeting. advances in their fields. Other highlights For 2004, the Local Organising of the past few months coming out of the Committee (LOC) now has the enviable •A small but enthusiastic group for a NSW branch is the prediction that State task of choosing from a veritable plethora highly interesting seminar on membership is tipped to top 1000 before of ideas that have been proposed by the poxviruses. the end of this year, the continued numerous conference session chairs and • CAPSIG: Water issues in cosmetic & success of the clinical update programme, enthusiastic members. Almost all of the therapeutic manufacturing (90 and winning of the ASM research trust international speakers have been invited attendees). and have accepted the opportunity to award by Michelle Moffitt (UNSW). come to Sydney. The sheer number and • Clinical Microbiology SIG meeting Last but by no means least, Syntrophy, the variety of topics to choose from indicates Staphylococci – from where to! (over that the ASM 2004 conference will be a 50 attendees). branch’s monthly newsletter, continues to inform, connect and entertain the conference with something for everyone •Clinical parasitology workshop and members of NSW. and the LOC is actively encouraging a evening seminar (60 attendees). broader professional and general • ... and the NSW branch AGM is planned Peter Cox, Branch President
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MICROBIOLOGY AUSTRALIA • JULY 2003 51 Who’s Who
The Australian Society for Microbiology Incorporated NATIONAL COUNCIL WA Computers Mycoplasmatales Ms Nicola Barrett Mr Paul Hakendorf Dr Steven Djordjevic EXECUTIVE Royal Perth Hospital Flinders Medical Centre Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute President Wellington Street, Clinical Epidemiology & Private Mail Bag 8 Assoc Prof David Ellis Perth, WA 6000 Health Outcomes Unit Camden, NSW 2570 Tel: (08) 9224 2444 Tel: (02) 4640 6426 Past President Bedford Park, SA 5042 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Prof Lyn Gilbert Tel: (08) 8204 5327 Ext 4451 NT (sub branch) E-mail: [email protected] Ocular Microbiology Vice President, Scientific Affairs Mr Kevin Freeman Prof Julian Rood Cosmetics and Pharmaceuticals Dr Mark Willcox 12 Beacon Court University of New South Wales Vice President, Corporate Affairs Palmerston, NT 0830 Dr Paul Priscott AMS Laboratories Rupert Myers Building Mr Geoff Coombs Tel: (08) 8922 8685 Sydney, NSW 2052 E-mail: [email protected] 118 Hattersley Street, Rockdale, NSW 2216 Tel: (02) 9567 8544 Tel: (02) 9385 7524 BRANCH DELEGATES E-mail: [email protected] CONVENORS OF ASM E-mail: [email protected] ACT Dr Peter Kerr Culture Collections Parasitology and Tropical Medicine NSW Dr Peter Cox STANDING COMMITTEES Mrs Laura Maddock Mrs Janice Stavropoulos Qld Dr Paul Giffard ASM Foundation University of Tasmania Liverpool Hospital, Microbiology Dept SA Mr Andrew Butcher Locked Bag 7090 Dr Ray Akhurst School of Agriculture Science Tas Dr Martin Line Liverpool BC, NSW 1871 CSIRO, Division of Entomology GPO Box 252-54, Hobart, Tas 7001 Vic Dr Enzo Palombo GPO Box 1700 Tel: (02) 9828 5138 WA Ms Suellen Blackaby Tel: (03) 6226 2628 E-mail: janice.stavropoulos@ Canberra, ACT 2601 E-mail: [email protected] NT (sub branch) Mr Jim de Boer Tel: (02) 6246 4123 swsahs.nsw.gov.au Chair, National Examinations Board E-mail: ray.akhurst@ento.csiro.au Culture Media Probiotic and Gut Microbiology Prof Peter Coloe BioSafety Ms Alida Scholtes Assoc Prof Kaila Kailasapathy University of Melbourne Chair, National Qualifications Mr Lee Smythe Centre for Advanced Food Research Queensland Health LEPTO Media Preparation Unit University of Western Sydney Committee Dept of Microbiology & Immunology Dr Ruth Foxwell Scientific Services Locked Bag 1797, SPDC, NSW 1797 PO Box 594 Parkville, Vic 3052 Tel: (02) 4570 1231 Fax: (02) 4570 1954 Convenor, Visiting Speakers’ Program Archerfield, Qld 4108 Tel: (03) 9347 9821 E-mail: [email protected] Assoc Prof Tom Riley Tel: (07) 3274 9064 E-mail: [email protected] Public Health Microbiology Editor, Microbiology Australia E-mail: [email protected] Education Dr Geoffrey Hogg Dr Penny Bishop Clinical Microbiology Ms Cheryl Power University of Melbourne Registrar, National Dr Stephen Graves University of Melbourne Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Examinations Board Pathcare Consulting Pathologists Pty Ltd Dept of Microbiology Parkville, Vic 3052 Assoc Prof Peter Timms 68 Myers Street VIC 3220 Parkville, Vic 3052 Tel: (03) 8344 5713 Public Officer of the Society Tel: 0407 506 380 Tel: (03) 8344 0332 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Dr Ray Akhurst E-mail: [email protected] Rapid Methods Conference Manager Ethics Committee Food Microbiology Vacant Ms Janette Sofronidis Emeritus Prof Nancy Millis University of Melbourne Mr Glen Higgs Serology Acting Office Manager School of Microbiology Food Science Australia Ms Robyn Wood Mr Chris Daly Parkville, Vic 3052 Microbiology & Production Hygience QML, 60 Ferry Road Administration & Events Officer Tel: (03) 9344 5707 PO Box 3312, Tingalpa DC, Qld 4173 Westend, Qld 4101 Ms Meg Lukies E-mail: [email protected] Tel: (07) 3214 2000 Tel: (07) 3840 4046 E-mail: glen.higgs@foodscience. Publications/Editorial Board E-mail: [email protected] afisc.csiro.au BRANCH SECRETARIES Dr Ailsa Hocking Students ACT CSIRO Laboratory Management Ms Joanne Clarke Dr Nicholas Medveczky Division of Food Science & Technology Vacant Macquarie University TGAL Immunology PO Box 52 Microbial Ecology Biological Sciences North Ryde, NSW 2113 PO Box 100 Dr John Bowman North Ryde NSW 2113 Woden, ACT 2606 Tel: (02) 9490 8520 Bundoora Vic 3083 E-mail: ailsa.hocking@foodscience. University of Tasmania Antarctica CRC Tel: (02) 6232 8491 GPO Box 252-80 Tel: (02) 9850 6978 E-mail: nicholas.medveczky@ afisc.csiro.au Hobart, Tas 7001 E-mail: [email protected] health.gov.au Research Trust Advisory & Tel: (03) 6226 2776 Veterinary Microbiology NSW Development Committee E-mail: [email protected] Dr Glenn Browning Ms Julia Guinan Assoc Prof Elizabeth Dax The University of Melbourne Microbial Physiology Roche Diagnostics Australia National Serology Reference Laboratory Vet Preclinic Centre 31 Victoria Avenue 4 Fl, Healy Building Dr Rick Cavicchioli Gratton Street 41 Victoria Parade Castle Hill, NSW 2154 University of New South Wales Parkville, Vic 3052 Fitzroy, Vic 3065 Tel: (02) 9899 7999 School of Microbiology & Immunology Tel: (03) 9418 1111 Tel: (03) 8344 7342 E-mail: [email protected] Sydney, NSW 2052 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Tel: (02) 9385 3516 Qld National Scientific Advisory E-mail: [email protected] Virology Dr Patrick Blackall Committee Dr Paul Young Animal Research Institute Molecular Microbiology University of Queensland Prof Julian Rood Dr Elizabeth Hartland Locked Mail Bag 4 Monash University Microbiology & Parasitology Monash University Moorooka, Qld 4105 Dept of Microbiology St Lucia, Qld 4072 Tel: (07) 3362 9498 Clayton, Vic 3800 Dept. of Microbiology Tel: (07) 3636 8718 E-mail: [email protected] Tel: (03) 9905 4825 Clayton, Vic 3800 E-mail: [email protected] Tel: (03) 9905 4323 SA E-mail: [email protected] Women’s and Children’s E-mail: Liz.Hartland@med. Ms Vicki Papazaharias Microbiology monash.edu.au Flinders Medical Centre CONVENORS OF ASM Convenor: Bedford Park, SA 5042 SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS Mycobacteria Dr Suzanne Garland Tel: (08) 8204 4451 Mr Richard Lumb Royal Children’s Hospital E-mail: [email protected] Antimicrobials IMVS John Merlino Microbiology Tas Infectious Diseases Laboratories 132 Grattan Street Concord Repatriation General Hospital PO Box 14, Rundle Mall, Ms Sarah Foster Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Melbourne VIC 8045 LGH Adelaide, SA 5000 Tel: (03) 9344 2476 Hospital Road, Tel: (08) 8222 3579 Cnr Franklin and Charles Streets Concord, NSW 2173 E-mail: E-mail: [email protected] Launceston, Tas 7250 Tel: (02) 9767 6658 [email protected] Tel: (03) 6348 7670 E-mail: [email protected] Mycology Secretary: E-mail: [email protected] AquaSIG – Water Microbiology Dr Weiland Meyer Mr Andrew Lawrence Vic Mr Ed Stuttard Westmead Hospital Women’s & Children’s Hospital Ms Sue Cornish EML Consulting Services ICPMR CIDMLS Microbiology Microbiology & Infectious Diseases Dept 4 Wollahra Place 1/148 Tennyson Memorial Drive Level 2, Room 3114A 72 King William Road Heathmont, Vic 3135 Tennyson, Qld 4105 Darcy Road, Westmead, NSW 2145 North Adelaide, SA 5006 Tel: (03) 9729 4449 Tel: (07) 3898 3622 Tel: (02) 8344 5701 Tel: (08) 8204 6376 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: w.meyer@usyd,edu,au E-mail: [email protected]
52 MICROBIOLOGY AUSTRALIA • JULY 2003 What’s On
University of Navarra University of Malaya C/Irunlarrea nº 1 50603 Kuala Lumpur 31008, Pamplona, Spain Malaysia Tel: (34) 948 425600 Fax: (603) 7967 4178 Fax: (34) 948 425649 Email: [email protected]; E-mail: [email protected] [email protected]; Meetings Website: http://www.unav.es/ [email protected] brucellosis2003/ Website: www.um.edu.my/conf/FAPMS
Contributions listing relevant meetings 20-24 September 16-19 October Sardinia (Alghero), Italy are welcome. Please send to: Santa Margherita,