Washington, D.C. – February 14, 2025 – The American Academy of Microbiology (the Academy) has elected Maria Marco and 64 peers to the Class of 2025. Fellows of the American Academy of Microbiology, an honorific leadership group within the American Society for Microbiology (ASM), 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 Academy received 146 nominations this year, electing 65 into the 2025 Fellowship Class.
“Fellows are pioneers in their field, driving discovery and innovation that push the boundaries of science and benefit society at large,” said Vanessa Sperandio, Ph.D., Chair of the Academy Governors. “Being named an Academy Fellow is a prestigious honor, and I am thrilled to extend my congratulations and warm welcome to Maria Marco as a member of the 2025 Cohort.”
"Prof. Marco is a thought leader at the interface of gut microbiology, diet, and gut health. The work of Prof. Marco and her team to deliver novel, impactful insights regarding the role of fermented foods in modulating the biochemical environment of the gut, including implications for gut and metabolic health, is demonstrative of her outstanding and highly productive research program, and builds upon her strong record of method development, microbial ecology analysis, and clinical discovery in food microbiology. Prof. Marco's expertise, research output, and skill for communicating microbiology concepts to broad audiences elevate UC Davis, and her colleagues in Food Science and Technology congratulate her on this well-deserved accolade." - FST Chair Christopher Simmons
The 2025 Fellowship Class brings a wealth of knowledge of the microbial sciences with representation across the globe. The 65 fellows hail from 9 countries, including Australia, Denmark, Mexico, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States.
"Professor Marco’s stellar research has driven new insight into the biochemistry and ecology of food fermentations. Her work on the mechanisms by which probiotics function has advanced both our basic understanding of this topic and enabled improvements on their application. Her professional leadership as head of the International Scientific Association of Prebiotics and Probiotics and as the chair of the Food Science Graduate Group has benefited stakeholders and students alike. In short, Professor Marco is an internationally recognized researcher very deserving of this honor by the American Academy of Microbiology." - FST Distinguished Professor David Mills
Full listing of the 2025 Fellowship Class
The American Society for Microbiology is one of the largest professional societies dedicated to the life sciences and is composed of over 37,000 scientists and health practitioners. ASM's mission is to promote and advance the microbial sciences.
ASM advances the microbial sciences through conferences, publications, certifications, educational opportunities and advocacy efforts. It enhances laboratory capacity around the globe through training and resources. It provides a network for scientists in academia, industry and clinical settings. Additionally, ASM promotes a deeper understanding of the microbial sciences to all audiences.