User:Purplejaguar/Clifford Wayne Houston

Clifford Wayne Houston Ph.D. Associate Vice President for Educational Outreach and holds the Herman Barnett Distinguished Endowed Professorship in Microbiology at the University of Texas Medical Branch.

Clifford Wayne Houston
Clifford Wayne Houston, is an awarded microbiologist whose work, research and career has garnered him many honors and recognition. Houston was elected president of the American Society for Microbiology, becoming the first African American to lead the organization.

Biography
Huston was born Dec 3rd 1949 to parents Mae Frances Hanley and Edgar Houston in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. As a youth, Houston participated in a summer science seminar which peaked his interest in science. He graduated high school with honors in 1968. He was a student at Oklahoma State University where he completed a Bachelors of Science Degree in Microbiology and Chemistry as well as an Masters of Science in Biology. He continued his education locally gaining a Ph.D. at the University of Oklahoma. Houston was chosen as a recipient of a James W. McLaughlin postdoctoral fellowship award, after completing his Ph.D.

In an interview in 2013 Houston stated the following personal favorites:


 * Favorite Color: Browns, Earth Tones, Grays
 * Favorite Food: Steak, Potatoes (Baked)
 * Favorite Time of Year: Summer
 * Favorite Vacation Spot: Caribbean

He is a many times published and awarded scientist who has developed educational programs for NASA and was elected to the Academy of Microbiology. NASA Deputy Administrator Frederick Gregory stated, "Dr. Houston is highly qualified and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to NASA. His proven ability to design interesting, meaningful programs and motivate young people from diverse backgrounds will enhance our efforts to encourage students to pursue careers in science, mathematics and engineering,".

Houston has been a major influence in STEM, science, technology, engineering and math focused programs. His work includes mentoring minorities in these fields of study for which he received the presidential award for Mentoring Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering.

Houston's research has been credited in breakthroughs understanding the importance of the adrenal glands and furthered the ability to detect Salmonella.

An appointee of National Advisory Board for Biosecurity and Professor at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston, Houston lives with his wife and son where he remains engaged with his community as a mentor and advocate of STEM.