Lecturer in the Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Dr. Stacy Stephenson-Clarke, has been appointed as the American Society of Microbiologists’ (ASM) Young Ambassador to Jamaica, effective March 7, 2017.  
 
The American Society for Microbiology is a professional organization for scientists who study viruses, bacteria, fungi, algae, and protozoa as well as other aspects of microbiology. Young Ambassadors are central to the ASM’s efforts to engage students and early-career microbiologists to advance the microbial sciences.
 
Dr Stephenson-Clarke joins a growing network of 62 Young Ambassadors of Science around the world who are passionate about advancing the microbial sciences in their community and globally. ASM Young Ambassadors of Science are dynamic young leaders, who represent ASM in their home country, facilitating networking, professional development, and collaboration to strengthen science globally. ASM Young Ambassadors mobilize the next generation of scientists to develop innovative approaches to meet the major challenges in Science.
 
Stacey Stephenson-Clarke holds the Bachelor of Science (BSc) with Upper Second Class Honours in Microbiology and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Molecular Biologywith High Commendation from The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus.  Her thesis was selected as one of two most outstanding theses for the year 2015/2016.   The thesis examined quinolone resistance and gene regulation in uropathogenic Escherichia coli (E.coli) bacteria, which are the primary cause of  urinary tract infections (UTIs) among females, and result in high morbidity and high economic costs. Because many of these bacteria have become resistant to standard antibiotic therapy, the need for alternative treatment strategies arises. Consequently, the development and application of non-antibiotic therapeutics through molecular research provides hope for alleviating the burden of UTIs and optimizing patient outcome.
 
She was selected as a bright young scientist to represent The UWI, Mona at the 10th TWAS-ROLAC (Latin America and the Caribbean Regional Office of the Academy of Sciences for the Developing World) Young Scientist Conference in Tobago in 2011. She was also nominated for the Scientific Research Council Young Scientist of the Year for 2017.
 
Dr. Stephenson-Clarke is involved in several areas of teaching in Microbiology and Biochemistry with undergraduate science students in the Department of Basic Medical Sciences and is involved in co-supervision of two research projects in the department. She served previously asFaculty of Medical Sciences’ Representative (2011-2012) for the Mona Association of Postgraduate Students (M.A.P.S.), and as a technical assistant for the Inaugural Excellence in STEM Experimental Education (EXSEED) workshop hosted by the Jamaica Teachers Association (JTA) and Loma Linda University (LLU) in July 2016.
 
She has a deep desire to inspire students to achieve their full potential, and has been heavily involved in the fledgling ASM/UWI Microbiology Society (Student Chapter) since September 2016.
 
 
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