HSP Small Grant Awardees And Fellows Reflect On ASM Microbe Research Conference

The American Society for Microbiology (ASM) organized the ASM Microbe 2018 conference in Atlanta, Georgia on 7^th-11^th June 2018. The conference hosted more than 10,000 registered participants, and over 4,000 scientific research posters were presented from all over the world.

ASM Microbe had many scientific sessions to meet the experts in interactive sessions, and featured microbiologists in a wide variety of careers. Each microbiologist was encouraged to share insights from their career, and advice to join the field. There were plenary sessions delivered by renowned scientists, which focused on interdisciplinary topics of broad interest and showcased transcendent science. These sessions provided an opportunity to expand scientific knowledge and to better understand new trends in the field of microbiology. There was also a session of 'Poster Talk' presentations, by researchers from around the world. HSP Small Grant Awardee, Tahir Hussain presented his poster (see his reflection below).

HSP Futures Fellows, Maria Zahid and Bilal Ahmed Khan also participated in this event along with their colleagues. Both fellows presented a research poster, and represented HSP and Pakistan at the ambassador dinner, where they met with members of the ASM Steering Committee and Organizing Committee. This incredible event allowed many young scientists to present their work on an international platform.

I am really grateful to HSP for sponsoring me to present my research work, “Carbapenemases NDM-1 in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates from Pakistan”, about the emergence and disseminations of superbugs in Pakistan, at the “ASM Microbe 2018”, held June 7-11 in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. I would like to take this chance to reflect upon my enriching experiences in Atlanta at the ASM conference. It was a wonderful experience, interacting with diverse community of scientists, students and researchers coming from across the world to share their research experiences.

I presented my exciting research findings at the conference, and was able to make research collaborations with scientists from USA, Canada and East Asia.

Besides, I explored various tourist attractions. Atlanta has a rich history and vibrant traditions, and I got a chance to add more about Atlanta to my insight by interacting with the local people.

In conclusion, I would like to express again many thanks to HSP for sponsoring me for this very important meeting of scientists in the diverse disciplines of microbiology gathered from around the world to devise strategies for containing the emerging health security threats. My heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Jessica McLean and Ms. Aimee Tandoi, who facilitated a lot throughout the conference logistics and made all arrangements pertaining to the trip pretty easy for me, and made my presence possible in those exciting few days in Atlanta. I have benefited very much from this fantastic event, and the experience I gained will be of great benefit not only for my research career but will also be of great help for doing collaborative projects between Pakistan and other countries.

I have brought some exciting research insights and collaborations, which will be equally beneficial to both my colleagues and students in the university in terms of educational and research opportunities.

Sincerely,

Tahir Hussain

Abdul Wali Khan University,

Mardan, Pakistan