The 2010 American Society for Microbiology (ASM) Gen-Probe Joseph Public Health Award is being presented to J. Michael Miller, Ph.D., D(ABMM), Associate Director for Science, National Center for Zoonotic, Vectorborne, and Enteric Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Director, Microbiology Technical Services, LLC, Dunwoody, GA, for integrating microbiology into the practice of public health. This award recognizes a distinguished microbiologist who has exhibited exemplary leadership and service in the field of public health.
Miller has been a consistent advocate for collaboration between the private and public sectors to ensure results are generated in a timely manner in order to assess and manage an infectious disease emergency. He is credited with the design and development of the U.S. plan for a bioterrorism laboratory response through the National Laboratory Training Network. In addition, Miller worked with the Association of State and Territorial Public Health Laboratory Directors on the development and implementation of the microbiology laboratory training in the U.S. which replaced the CDC's training program.
At the CDC, Miller has been able to react and develop strategies that focus on both national and international human, animal associated, and current emerging diseases. He initiated a web-based forum for laboratory directors (ClinMicroNet) worldwide to keep them up-to-date on what was occurring in the lab and to facilitate discussion of key issues in the field. It provides real time feedback to issues confronted in public health, infectious disease, and laboratory medicine.
The Gen-Probe Joseph Public Health Award will be presented during the 110th General Meeting of the ASM, May 23-27, 2010 in San Diego, CA. ASM is the world's oldest and largest life science organization and has more than 43,000 members worldwide. ASM's mission is to advance the microbiological sciences and promote the use of scientific knowledge for improved health and economic and environmental well-being.