September 12, 2005

Bozzola wins national recognition

by K.C. Jaehnig

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- John J. Bozzola, director of Southern Illinois University Carbondale's Center for Electron Microscopy, has won the Microscopy Society of America's Hildegard H. Crowley Outstanding Technologist Award in the biological sciences division. The annual award recognizes those who make significant contributions to microscopy and microanalysis.

A Herrin native and a three-degree graduate of SIUC, Bozzola began his career at The Medical College of Pennsylvania. During his seven years there, he developed the college's first electron microscopy course and coordinated ultrastructural research efforts. His own research focused on virulence in streptococci bacteria and the use of subcellular vaccines to induce immunity. Working with clinical colleagues in infectious diseases, he developed several kits that used electron microscopy to quickly diagnose viral ailments.

Bozzola returned to his alma mater in 1983 to head the microscopy center. A full professor since 1992, he also teaches graduate-level courses in micro-imaging and oversees the graphics division at the University's Integrated Microscopy and Graphics Expertise Center.

Celebrating faculty excellence is among the goals of Southern at 150: Building Excellence Through Commitment, the blueprint for the development of the University by the time it celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2019.