Dr. Mark D. Sobsey Honored for the Global Impact of His Work in Environmental Microbiology and Virology

    CHAPEL HILL, NC, April 20, 2016 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Dr. Mark D. Sobsey's decades of pioneering research in human exposure to pathogens in water and food and the resulting health risks extends far beyond academia. His work influences environmental and public health decisions and policies by state, national and international entities.

In recognition of Dr. Sobsey's worldwide prominence in water microbiology, The Water Institute at the University of North Carolina will honor his career with 50 Years of Sobsey Science at the 2016 Water Microbiology Conference. There is a reception for Dr. Sobsey's former students and colleagues on May 18 from 5:30-6:30 p.m., followed by an honorary conference dinner. The Water Microbiology Conference is May 17-19 in Chapel Hill.

Dr. Sobsey is Kenan Distinguished Professor of Environmental Sciences and Engineering at the Gillings School of Global Public Health at the University of North Carolina. A primary focus of his research is combining microbial detection of pathogens in water, food and environmental media with human health effects. Dr. Sobsey's work quantifies disease risks and burdens, devises and evaluates interventions to reduce these risks, and uses this information to conduct risk assessments and inform policy decisions for risk management.

In addition, Dr. Sobsey developed the Compartment Bag Test (CBT), a portable water quality test for E. coli that detects potential health risks. The CBT is used by major NGOs, humanitarian relief organizations, governments, private companies and universities around the world.

"Mark's work in water microbiology is exemplary," says Dr. Jamie Bartram, Director of The Water Institute at UNC. "He has saved and changed lives, and inspired others to do likewise."

Attendees are invited to register for the Water Microbiology Conference and/or Sobsey reception and conference dinner on the Conference website.

The Aquagenx Compartment Bag Test (CBT), is a simple, portable water quality test for E. coli. The CBT generates quantified, easy-to-score, color-change test results. It is ideal for on-site testing in low resource and disaster/emergency areas. No electricity, laboratories, cold chain, expensive equipment or skilled technicians are required to use the CBT.

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