SCASM News

The past year and a half have been a marvelous experience for me and an eventful time for SCASM. The educational opportunities offered continue to enjoy excellent attendance and provide CEUs necessary for licensure.  The Spring Symposium was again offered in Burbank, with a repeat in San Diego.  In 2009 we held a one day workshop on anaerobic bacteriology, and in 2010 on molecular methods for the clinical laboratory.  We held membership drives at local wineries in Agua Dulce and Temecula to celebrate fermentation and to promote membership in our society.  In 2010 we signed up 19 new members, many of them students.

The highlight of each year was the annual meeting that took place at the lovely Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines.  This year we held a raffle and sponsored 10 winners to attend the meeting.  In addition, we sponsored an outreach to new technologists who have been working in the field for less than two years to apply for a scholarship to attend the meeting.  The 14 winners enjoyed a breakfast and lunch meeting with a mentor assigned to them who discussed the benefits of membership not only for education, but also for the collegiality and networking opportunities.  Student attendance was outstanding; 15 posters were presented, with four winning scholarships to attend the national ASM meeting in New Orleans and present their posters there as well.  The President’s Receptions were held at Sea World in 2009, with the sharks and manatees, and again at the Birch Aquarium in 2010.  Our meeting was generously supported by many companies that provided not only donations, but also exhibits displaying new products of interest to our attendees.  We gave platinum, gold, silver, and bronze awards to recognize their continued involvement with our society.

None of these events could have taken place without the fabulous team of volunteers who continue to come up with creative ideas and plans for our programs, and spend many hours implementing them.   Each year we honor several of those who have made outstanding contributions with an award of excellence. In 2009, the awardees were Susan Novak-Weekley and Mickey Amos, and in 2010 we honored Michael Lewinski and Tom Brewer.

Working with this group of colleagues has been a most gratifying experience for me and one of the benefits of membership available to all who are interested.  We encourage involvement by everyone and welcome your participation.  Have a happy and healthy 2011!

Diane Citron, M(ASCP)
President, SCASM