USA Whiddon College of Medicine scientist recognized for service to national group
Kevin Macaluso, Ph.D., chair of the department of microbiology and immunology, served as president of the American Society for Rickettsiology from 2019-2022.
By Casandra Andrews
candrews@health.southalabama.edu
Kevin Macaluso, Ph.D. was recognized during the American Society for Rickettsiology’s 31st annual meeting this summer for his dedication and distinguished service for leading the group as president for an extended period – 2019 to 2022 – during much of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Professor and Locke Distinguished Chair of Microbiology and Immunology at the Frederick P. Whiddon USA College of Medicine, Macaluso has served on ASR’s executive council for the past 10 years. He joined the faculty of the University of South Alabama in 2019.
His research focuses on the interplay between Rickettsia and arthropod vectors, resulting in transmission of the bacterial pathogens to vertebrate hosts. This can include tick- and flea-borne spotted fever agents.
Organized in 1979, a goal of the American Society for Rickettsiology is to foster an exchange of information among American scientists engaged in research on Rickettsiae and Rickettsial diseases. Currently, about 200 scientists and students are members. The field encompasses a wide range of human pathogens and includes members of the genera Anaplasma, Bartonella, Coxiella, Ehrlichia, Orientia and Rickettsia.
