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CORVALLIS - Jo-Ann Leong, Distinguished Professor of Microbiology at Oregon State University, has been named the new chair of the OSU Department of Microbiology.

She will succeed John Fryer, the Emile F. Pernot distinguished professor of microbiology, who will continue at OSU as director of the Center for Salmon Disease Research.

Leong is an internationally recognized expert in molecular biology, genetic engineering and the viral diseases of fish, especially salmon and trout. She has led programs to develop vaccines for diseases of salmon that cause millions of dollars in losses annually in the United States.

"Dr. Leong is a superb scientist and teacher," said Fred Horne, dean of the OSU College of Science. "She will lead this department to even greater excellence over the next several years."

Leong received her doctorate in microbiology and virology from the San Francisco Medical School at the University of California in 1971, and has been on the OSU faculty since 1975. She has received numerous career honors and been active in programs to encourage more women to pursue careers in science.