2025 Peggy Cotter Awardee: Qian “Lydia” Li

Dear Hawaii American Society for Microbiology Members,

Thank you for helping to fund my attendance at ASM Microbe 2025 in Los Angeles, CA, through the Peggy Cotter Award. This support made my journey from Hawaii to California possible. Attending ASM Microbe 2025 at the Los Angeles Convention Center was an incredible experience. With thousands of microbiologists from around the world, this biggest event in microbial science, immersed me in a whirlwind of discovery, connection, and inspiration.

I arrived early on Thursday, June 19th, just in time for full-day workshops and the engaging “Attendee Orientation.” The real highlight came during the Opening General Session, where ASM President Theresa Koehler, CEO Stefano Bertuzzi, and Lifetime Achievement Awardee Susan Weiss delivered motivational remarks. Over the next few days, I explored various sessions covering topics from Antimicrobial Resistance to Microbial Ecology & Biodiversity.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my experience was attending sessions focused on Environmental & Ecological Microbiology, particularly aquatic microbial ecology. I was thrilled by the innovative methods used to explore species-level metabolic potential in aquatic samples, especially the combination of metagenomics, single-cell genomics, and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) to identify rare or uncultured microbial taxa.

These sessions not only broadened my perspective on environmental microbiology but also sparked new ideas for integrating omics tools with ecological modeling in my own research. I left feeling inspired by the community’s shared commitment to understanding and protecting aquatic ecosystems in a rapidly changing world.

Beyond the scientific sessions, I found great energy in networking with colleagues at various events and the Exhibit Hall. A standout moment was attending the “Profession of Microbiology” (POM) session on Friday, tailored for early-career attendees focused on clinical and public health microbiology. This structured networking event provided valuable space to connect with professionals across diverse sectors of microbial sciences.

The opportunity for small-group discussions with experts was especially beneficial, as they shared practical advice on navigating academic and professional development, from grant writing to building a strong promotion dossier. The format allowed for meaningful dialogue and candid exchanges, providing insights that I found particularly helpful as I reflect on the next steps in my career.

Exploring the Exhibit Hall was also a highlight, where I discovered new technologies and tools relevant to environmental microbiology and microbial ecology. Several booths featured innovative instruments for single-cell analysis and molecular quantification, which sparked ideas about incorporating new approaches into my research on plankton trophic strategies and microbial interactions in aquatic systems.

As I left Los Angeles, I took home not only new data and literature but also rekindled collaborations and a renewed sense of momentum. With ASM Microbe transitioning into a more customized format in 2026, I’m excited about what next year holds.

Thank you once again, and I look forward to the opportunity to attend ASM again in the future!

Qian “Lydia” Li, PhD
School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa