Morris named new microbiology faculty for BLD

The Biomedical Laboratory Dignostics Program (BLD) program announced Thursday the appointment of Dr. Rachel Morris to its microbiology faculty.

"I am honored and excited to teach the microbiology lecture courses for BLD," Morris said. "I'm eager to share my passion for microbes and their interaction with humans."

Morris' interest in microbiology began during her first clinical rotation at MaineGeneral Health, formerly Kennebec Valley Medical Center, in Maine.

"After working in clinical microbiology, I knew that microbiology would be my focus if I pursued a higher degree," she said. "There's something about working in microbiology — you have to understand so much about the organisms to do your job well. And the organisms themselves are fascinating!"

Morris earned a doctorate in biological sciences with a concentration in microbiology from Marquette University. She completed her postdoctoral education at Michigan State University's Department of Microbiology and Genetics and Immunology and the University of Michigan Medical School in internal medicine and infectious diseases.

In addition to her new mircobiology appointment, Morris will remain the director of the BLD graduate program and will continue instructing other undergraduate and graduate courses.