Member of National Academy of Sciences In-Residence at UA

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Dr. Michael B.A. Oldstone, a National Academy of Sciences member and University of Alabama alumnus, will be in-residence on the UA campus Oct. 17-21.

Oldstone is a professor and head of the viral-immunobiology laboratory in the department of immunology and microbial science at the Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, Calif. He holds an appointment as a UA visiting professor and scholar-in-residence in the department of biological sciences.

While on campus, Oldstone will lecture in the biological sciences department in Dr. Carol Duffy’s virology class, and in the English department in Dr. Steffen Guenzel’s introductory English class.

He was one of 72 scientists in 2008 elected to the National Academy of Sciences—one of the most prestigious honor societies in the world recognizing scientists who have made monumental achievements in original research.

Oldstone, who is considered to be one of the top experts in neurology and viral biology worldwide, has received many national and international awards in addition to his membership in the National Academy of Sciences.

He is the author of the book “Viruses, Plagues, and History,” which addresses a number of global events precipitated by viruses and mortal illnesses. Oldstone graduated from UA in 1954 with a degree in biology.

The biological sciences department and the English department are in UA’s College of Arts and Sciences, which is the University’s largest division and the largest liberal arts college in the state. Students from the College have won numerous national awards including Rhodes Scholarships, Goldwater Scholarships and memberships on the USA Today Academic All American Team.