ASM at UC Davis
CLUB MISSION
Hello Microbiophiles! We are the American Society for Microbiology student chapter at UC Davis.
Our club is based on the purpose of motivating the academic and professional pursuits of our members to advance the microbial sciences in a positive environment.
Join us as we explore microbiology, research, and career outlooks. College students from any and all academic disciplines and level are welcome!
President
MEET OUR TEAM
Mahima KrovviDY
Mahima is a second year microbiology major! She’s been fascinated by microbiology ever since she first saw her cheek cells under a microscope during her 5th grade science class and seeing the different microbes that live in our body. Since then, she’s been interested in learning about bacteria and viruses that cause infectious diseases, especially during the pandemic. One piece of advice she would give to new members is be involved as much as you can! Volunteer for events and propose some creative ideas you want to see implemented in the club!
Something she loves to do in her free time is cook new recipes, bake cookies, read mystery novels and watch movies! She also loves getting coffee and watching the ducks in the arboretum!
Email: mskrovvidy@ucdavis.edu
VP and Treasurer
Belle Quaresma
Belle Quaresma is a fourth year Molecular and Medical Microbiology major with a minor in Forensic Entomology. She fell in love with micro in high school after taking it as an elective and becoming quickly fascinated with all things microscopic. After graduation, she hopes to become involved in some aspect of forensics such as pathology or similar work. As a word of advice to those just starting out: expand on your passions, take every opportunity, and most importantly have fun.
In her free time, Belle enjoys reading about science, binging Grey's Anatomy, and cooking.
Email: ikquaresma@ucdavis.edu
Secretary
Madison Sainte-Agathe
Madison has been interested in microbiology since high school. Biology was her favorite class and she was always interested in learning more about the microbes that we all have in our bodies and all around us. Some advice she would give to new students would be to make sure you are meeting with your advisor to stay on track and also make friends with people in your classes! You will most likely be taking similar classes throughout your time here and studying/doing homework with others is always more fun.She enjoy going out with my friends and being outdoors.
A fun fact about her is that she has 3 cats, 2 rabbits, and a snake back at home. If you see her on campus, please stop her and say hi!!
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Email: msainteagathe@ucdavis.edu
Public Relations
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Vivian sapovits
Vivian (she/they/he) is a second-year Molecular and Medical Microbiology major, minoring in Anthropology. They are excited to join ASM and can't wait for the coming year! She found her passion for microbes through YouTube videos of eukaryotic microscopic life, and loves to learn about interspecies dynamics and how microbes interact with their ecosystems. Her advice to new members is to let yourself be led by your interests, and go down any academic "rabbit holes" you can find!
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When he isn't watching videos of microbes, you can find her enjoying TTRPGs or performing with the Rocky Horror Club on campus.
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Email: vjsapovits@ucdavis.edu
Advisor
dr. Miriam Markum
I am an Assistant Professor of Teaching in the Microbiology and Molecular Genetics department, an enthusiastic microbiophile (Greek for "microbe lover"), and mom to two busy teenagers. I teach Introductory Microbiology (MIC 102) each spring, the General Microbiology Laboratory (MIC 104L) in the Fall and/or Winter, and the Introductory Microbiology Laboratory (MIC 103L) as an occasional pinch hitter. My scholarly activity is focused on the development and assessment of student-centered teaching practices and the implementation of undergraduate learning assistant programs on campus. My hobbies include stand-up paddleboarding, teaching folks how to referee soccer, and reading anything and everything.
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The ASM Club has a long history of introducing the public to "cool" microbes through outreach activities, such as Picnic Day and the Marguerite Montgomery Elementary Science Fair. Another important function for the Club is to help prepare our members for their future careers. To accomplish this, we typically invite scientists from academia and industry to give talks on their cutting-edge research and share the lessons learned from their own career path. We also organize workshops on topics that will help you achieve your professional goals, such as how to write a curriculum vitae or personal statement, find a research lab, study smarter, or work in industry. If you have ideas for future club activities, particularly those that work well in a virtual setting, please share them with us!
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You can find me on Twitter: @MicrobialGurl.
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Email: memarkum@ucdavis.edu
CHAPTER AFFILIATION INFORMATION
We are a chapter of the Northern California Branch of ASM. You can visit their website to access information of the branch, along with upcoming events.
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The official website for the American Society for Microbiology offers phenomenal resources for all things microbiology. It can be accessed at this link.
