The Californer - Cal State LA microbiology faculty honored with President's Distinguished Professor Award

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LOS ANGELES - Californer -- Howard Xu, a professor of microbiology in the College of Natural and Social Sciences' Department of Biological Sciences at Cal State LA, was recognized for excellence in teaching and outstanding achievements during University Convocation 2023.

Xu was presented with a President's Distinguished Professor Award on Aug. 17 for his superlative teaching and exceptional commitment to students, as well as his professional accomplishments and services.

Xu directs an applied microbiology and biotechnology lab at Cal State LA, where students conduct research on the discovery of novel antibiotics and the mechanisms of the pathogenesis of bacterial pathogens. He has mentored more than 40 graduate students and 36 undergraduate students, and his lab has produced more than 40 peer-reviewed publications.

Since arriving at Cal State LA in 2004, Xu has taught 26 different biology, microbiology and biotechnology courses, many of which he developed. He has directed the university's post-baccalaureate biotechnology certificate program since 2014 and has advised and mentored nine cohorts of students from the program. These students have landed positions in the biotech industry and pharmaceutical firms in Los Angeles and beyond.

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Xu is also the director of incubator development and programming for Cal State LA BioSpace, which is leading the university's collaboration with academic institutions, private-sector firms and government agencies to promote inclusive entrepreneurship, workforce development and the commercialization of the regional bioscience industry in Los Angeles.

In this role, Xu directs the Cal State LA BioStart Bioscience Entrepreneurs Boot Camp, an intensive five-week training program that has prepared more than 100 emerging bioscience entrepreneurs to launch successful startup ventures, helping them turn their scientific discoveries into job-creating businesses. The startups launched by BioStart fellows have raised $69 million combined and created 163 jobs.

During the University Convocation, Cal State LA's Outstanding Professor Awards were also presented to John C. Bachman, associate professor of mechanical engineering; Mitchell Eisen, professor of psychology; and James Ford III, professor of music. An Outstanding Lecturer Award was presented to Dmitri Seals, a sociology faculty member. Read more: https://news.calstatela.edu/2023/08/17/cal-state-la-honors-outstanding-faculty-at-university-convocation-2023/