Elkins (‘95, ‘01) Receives Professional Achievement Award
Christopher Elkins (‘95, ‘01) received the Professional Achievement Award, which recognizes alumni who have achieved a high degree of success in their chosen field, a record of notable accomplishments, and a history of outstanding contributions to their discipline and/or creative pursuits.
Elkins, who received his master’s and PhD in microbiology, is an internationally recognized expert in antibiotic resistance and microbial pathogen detection. He is regularly sought as an expert speaker for national and international scientific conferences and has played instrumental roles as an agency representative for both the FDA and CDC. Elkins has authored, or co‐ authored, more than 65 peer-reviewed scientific publications and five books or book chapters. He has also held leadership roles for the American Society for Microbiology, and served as an editor or on the editorial board of four different scientific journals.
Elkins has made significant contributions to research aimed at identifying and combating microbial pathogens, including SARS‐CoV‐2 (aka COVID‐19). He has successfully led the development and coordination of scientific research and pathogen surveillance programs. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Elkins volunteers his time and talent as an advisory board member to the Department of Microbiology.
“I found that simply taking advantage of every opportunity that was ever afforded to me has never steered me wrong,” Elkins said. “And it aligns with the Volunteer spirit that provides the pedestal that puts me with what I credited as seemingly being at the right place at the right time.”