• The Microbiology Graduate Student Organization (MGSO) is affiliated with the Iowa State University Interdepartmental Microbiology Program.
• MGSO is an American Society for Microbiology student chapter.
• We are represented by one senator in the Graduate and Professional Student Senate (GPSS), the self-governing body for graduate students and an important connection between graduate students and new administration policies and programs.
• Meetings are usually held on the first Friday of every month during the school year in 221 Science I and include free pizza.
• Dues at $10 per semester. Attendance is not mandatory, although you get the most out of MGSO if you attend often.
• At least one group social event is organized during each semester. Past events have include ice skating, tubing, canoeing, bowling, and trips to science museums.
• We typically host two invited speakers every year who are nominated and voted on by our members. We have accommodated speakers from across Iowa, the United States, and the world.

MGSO regularly participates in local elementary school science nights. There are a variety of microbiological educational presentations that we are able to offer. If you represent a local Ames area school, science group, or other educational organization and would like MGSO to be involved, please contact our current outreach coordinator.

Objectives

• To organize activities that benefit graduate students involved in all aspects of Microbiology.
• To represent the interest of MGSO members in all matters that may effect them during their stay at Iowa State University (ISU).
• To foster an environment of friendship, camaraderie, and cooperation among MGSO members, between MGSO and faculty and staff, and between MGSO and other ISU associations or organizations.
• To help new Microbiology related students adjust to life at ISU.