January 2016
This is an exciting time for medical mycology as groundbreaking discoveries from members of the MMSA and our colleagues continue to emphasize the significance and terrible toll caused by fungal pathogens and are uncovering fascinating aspects of the biology that allows these organisms to successfully colonize the host. The Medical Mycological Society of the Americas is committed to promoting the wider recognition of the importance of this field, recognizing colleagues at all levels for their achievements, and fostering communication and collaboration, particularly between clinical and basic scientists. Visit us on the web for more information: http://www.mycologicalsociety.org
If you have not yet renewed your membership for 2016, renewing is now easier than ever at the web site membership page at which you can pay dues through a Paypal link (using either a credit card or a Paypal account). If your membership has lapsed for a time we encourage you join again and welcome you back. We have instituted multiyear memberships that both simplify renewing and offer cost savings:
Gold Membership: 3 years, $100
Silver Membership: 2 years, $70
Bronze Membership: 1 year, $40
We hope that you will continue to help the society support student training, awards to worthy colleagues, and the collaborative nature of medical mycology. We also note that candidates for the merit awards (see below) must be nominated by members of the society.
Annual MMSA meeting and dinner
The annual MMSA meeting, award ceremony, and dinner will take place during this year’s ASM Microbe meeting, on Friday, June 17, 2016. ASM has co-located the General Meeting and ICAAC this year to further develop synergies between these two groundbreaking proceedings, which will take place June 16-20, 2016 in Boston. More details of the MMSA dinner will be forthcoming.
Student awards to support travel to the ASM Microbe meeting are available. MMSA sponsors two types of travel awards for students to attend and present their research at ASM Microbe and the MMSA meeting. The Carolyn Halde Latin American Student Travel Grant ($500) is presented to a student working in medical mycology in Latin America. Immunomycologics, Inc. (IMMY), generously sponsors four awards ($500 each) for students in medical mycology from anywhere in the Americas. Winners will be selected from abstracts submitted to (and accepted by) ASM Microbe. The interdisciplinary structure of ASM Microbe adds a wrinkle to the selection of these abstracts, students who would like to ensure their abstracts receive full consideration can send them by email to Dr. Paul Fidel<mailto:[email protected]>.
Merit Awards
MMSA recognizes accomplishments in medical mycology through several awards. We invite nominations of worthy candidates for these awards, as outlined below. Awardees are selected by committees of MMSA members on the basis of a nomination letter (from a current MMSA member), additional letters of support, and a CV of the nominee. Complete details can be found here: http://www.mycologicalsociety.org/awards
Those interested in submitting nominations are strongly encourage to contact the chairs of the selection committees to prevent any duplication of nominations. The MMSA strongly encourages nominations of women and historically underrepresented minority scientists for these awards.
Nominations are due March 1, 2016!
Rhoda Benham Award
This award honors the illustrious career of Dr. Benham in both education and research and recognizes recipients for their continuously outstanding or meritorious contributions to medical mycology. Nomination packages should be sent to the President-Elect of the society, Dr. Stuart Levitz<mailto:[email protected]>.
Billy H. Cooper Award
This award is presented to an individual for continuous outstanding achievement in clinical mycology. Nomination packages should be sent to the selection committee chair, Dr. Thomas Walsh<mailto:[email protected]>.
Thomas J. Walsh Award
The Walsh award recognizes a junior faculty member for their distinguished early-career achievements and potential for future contributions. Nominations should be sent to Dr. Angela Gelli<mailto:[email protected]>.
Milton Huppert Graduate Student Award
This award recognizes the accomplishments of an outstanding graduate student working in medical mycology. Nominations should be sent to Dr. Robert Cramer<mailto:[email protected]>.
We hope to see you in Boston this June and offer our best wishes for a happy and successful new year.
Mike Lorenz, President
Stu Levitz, President-Elect
Mairi Noverr, Vice President and Secretary
Josh Nosanchuk, Councilor East
Robb Cramer, Councilor East
Angie Gelli, Councilor West
Luis Ostrovsky, Councilor West
Carlos Taborda, Councilor Latin America