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September 18, 2025
CLSI Board Member Michael Loeffelholz Ph.D, D(ABMM), Receives 2026 ASM Service Award
CLSI Board Member Michael Loeffelholz, PhD, D (ABMM), has received the 2026 American Society for Microbiology (ASM) Award for Service. This prestigious award honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service, dedication, and leadership within ASM and have made lasting contributions to the field of microbiology. For Dr. Loeffelholz, this recognition carries profound personal meaning as he reflects on the arc of a career spanning over four decades.
CLSI Board Member Michael Loeffelholz, PhD, D (ABMM), has received the 2026 American Society for Microbiology (ASM) Award for Service. This prestigious award honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service, dedication, and leadership within ASM and have made lasting contributions to the field of microbiology. For Dr. Loeffelholz, this recognition carries profound personal meaning as he reflects on the arc of a career spanning over four decades.
"Receiving the ASM Service Award is a great honor, to be recognized by my peers and ASM," Dr. Loeffelholz said. "As the end of my career and transition to retirement get closer, the award validates the many volunteer roles I've had during my 40+ years as a member of ASM."
Over the years, Dr. Loeffelholz has played an active role in shaping the field of microbiology and laboratory medicine. He was a pioneering figure in the rise of molecular diagnostics in the 1990's, contributing to the field through both research publications and the development of standards documents during a time of rapid innovation.
"My career experiences that stand out include being on the forefront of the emergence of molecular diagnostics in the 1990's, which included authoring research papers and standards documents in the field." he said. "But what stands out the most is the opportunity to train and mentor future leaders in the field."
Beyond technical achievements, Dr. Loeffelholz takes pride in the role he has played in guiding and inspiring the next generation of laboratories, ensuring that the field continues to grow stronger long after he steps away.
His passion has always been rooted in impact: improving patient outcomes and strengthening public health. That passion has carried into his service on CLSI's Board of Directors, where he has gained a new appreciation for the reach and influence of CLSI's work worldwide.
"My service on CLSI's Board of Directors has given me insight into the immense impact that CLSI has globally on the quality of laboratory medicine." Dr. Loeffelholz said. "It's been great to get to know CLSI's leadership team and to see their passion for the work they do."
Looking ahead, Dr. Loeffelholz hopes to see more early-career scientists stepping forward to give back to the field, just as he has done.
"Early-career scientists in laboratory medicine who want to make an impact should volunteer their time to scientific societies like ASM, and to standards development organizations such as CLSI," Dr. Loeffelholz said.
CLSI is proud to recognize Dr. Loeffelholz for his decades of leadership, mentorship, and service. We are honored to have him as part of our community and Board of Directors! Visit Dr. Loeffelholz's bio to learn more.
In addition to Dr. Loeffelholz, CLSI congratulates Dr. Amy Mathers, MD, D(ABMM) of the University of Virginia, recipient of the ASM Award for Research or Leadership in Clinical Microbiology, and Carey-Ann Burnham, PhD, D(ABMM), of Pattern Bioscience, recipient of the ASM Elizabeth O. King Lecturer Award. We are proud to celebrate the outstanding contributions of all three awardees to the field of laboratory medicine.