Bacteriology professor Cameron Currie, an expert on microbial diversity, ecology and evolution, was recently named the Ira L. Baldwin Professor in Bacteriology. The five-year professorship provides an annual allocation of $20,000 to support scholarly activities.

Currie studies the ecology and evolution of symbiotic associations between insects and microbes. His research, including extensive work with the charismatic leaf-cutter ant, has potential applications in fields as diverse as bioenergy development and drug discovery. He has received several awards, including a Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, the nation’s highest honor for young independent researchers.