Ann Stevens honored with national award for undergraduate education

Ann Stevens, professor of microbiology in the College of Science, has been named the 2026 recipient of the Carski Award for Undergraduate Education from the American Society for Microbiology.

The award recognizes educators for outstanding teaching and mentoring of undergraduate students in microbiology. Stevens is among a distinguished group of scientists and researchers honored this year through the society's competitive, peer-nominated awards and prize program.

One of the largest life science organizations in the world, the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) is home to more than 37,000 scientists and health practitioners. The society’s awards program, managed by the American Academy of Microbiology, celebrates scientific excellence, educational impact, and leadership across the microbial sciences.

At Virginia Tech, Stevens was instrumental in helping to develop the bachelor's degree in microbiology, the only such degree offered in Virginia. She teaches the general microbiology and microbial physiology courses. Stevens is also the lead author of an ASM Press undergraduate textbook "Microbial Physiology: Unity and Diversity."

Stevens’ research program focuses on molecular microbiology with particular emphasis on how bacteria sense and respond to their environment. In her molecular microbiology research laboratory, she has trained 29 graduate students and more than 55 undergraduate students in the areas of bacterial cell-to-cell communication and host-bacterial interactions, studying a bacterial pathogen of corn and the microbiomes of aquaculture-raised animals.

“Professor Stevens has a remarkable ability to spark curiosity and inspire discovery in her students, both in the classroom and in the lab,” said Daniela Cimini, head of the Department of Biological Sciences. “Her dedication to undergraduate education has shaped the next generation of microbiologists, and this recognition from ASM is a well-deserved honor.”

The American Society for Microbiology awards and prize program highlights leading contributions at every career stage and discipline within microbiology. “Receiving one of these awards is a meaningful recognition of a scientist’s impact and serves as an inspiration for future leaders in our field,” CEO Stefano Bertuzzi said in announcing the 2026 awardees.