Momany elected to American Academy of Microbiology

University of Georgia faculty member Michelle Momany is one of 65 new fellows elected to the American Academy of Microbiology, Class of 2024. Fellows of the American Academy of Microbiology, the honorific leadership group within the American Society for Microbiology, are elected annually through a highly selective, peer-review process, based on their records of scientific achievement and original contributions that have advanced microbiology. 

The American Society for Microbiology is one of the largest professional societies dedicated to the life sciences and is composed of 36,000 scientists and health practitioners. ASM's mission is to promote and advance the microbial sciences.

The new fellows have demonstrated outstanding achievements in their area of expertise, strong spirits of service to advance microbial sciences, and sustained commitment to teaching and mentoring to bring forward new leaders in the field. 

Momany, professor in the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences department of plant biology and the Fungal Biology Group, is an internationally-recognized expert in filamentous fungi. Momany’s research is focused on the basic biology of the septin cytoskeleton in the model Aspergillus nidulans and on antifungal resistance in the pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. Momany cloned the first septin from a filamentous fungus and her lab was among the first to show commonalities in septins from animals and fungi. Currently her lab focuses on the evolution of the septins. Momany’s lab was also one of the first groups to characterize early development in the pathogen A. fumigatus. Her lab is now working on understanding dormancy and germination of A. fumigatus spores and on antifungal-resistant strains in the environment.

“I am delighted with this wonderful recognition for me and my lab members and collaborators at UGA,” said Momany, who served as associate dean in the Franklin College from 2017 to 2022 and head of the plant biology depart from 2008 to 2014. “I especially appreciate my colleagues in the UGA Fungal Biology Group and the many ways they have fostered a supportive research environment through the years.”

“This is such a well-deserved honor for Michelle given her many contributions to the field of fungal biology,” said John Burke, professor and head of the department of plant biology. “She is an integral member of not only our department, but also the broader Franklin College of Arts & Sciences research community through her central role in the UGA Fungal Biology Group – not to mention the leadership positions that she’s held in the past. We’re lucky to have her.”

 Image: Dr. Michelle Momany, photo by Jason Thrasher.