New Center for Microbial Identification and Taxonomy

Dr. Paul A. Lawson (Botany & Microbiology) has established the Center for Microbial Identification and Taxonomy (CMIT). The new center will draw on Lawson’s experience and knowledge of organisms recovered from a wide range of sources, and his extensive national and international collaborations. The center will also augment his recent NIH R01 award with Dr. Cecil Lewis (Anthropology) entitled “Human Intestinal Microbial Ecologies of Indigenous Communities,” an environment teeming with previously unidentified microorganisms. In addition to providing a service and resource to the scientific community, these methods will be integrated into Lawson’s teaching program and introduce students to some important methods not readily taught at any other U.S. university. Further information can be obtained from Dr. Lawson (CMIT@ou.edu).