A generous gift from distinguished microbiologist Dr. Carl B. Fliermans ’66 is expanding research opportunities for Asbury University students, equipping the Shaw School of Sciences with advanced laboratory technology that prepares future scientists to make a meaningful impact on the world.
Asbury University alumnus Dr. Carl B. Fliermans ’66 has spent a lifetime advancing scientific discovery. A renowned microbiologist, Fliermans and his research team were the first to isolate the bacterium responsible for Legionnaires’ Disease, a breakthrough that transformed public health practices and has helped save countless lives worldwide.
Now, Fliermans is investing in the next generation of scientists by donating sophisticated laboratory equipment to Asbury University’s Shaw School of Sciences. His gift includes two advanced microscopes, a centrifuge, a biosafety hood, and a shaking incubator, providing students and faculty with tools commonly used in modern biological research.
The equipment strengthens laboratory instruction across multiple courses while opening new possibilities for authentic undergraduate research.
This investment gives Asbury students access to the same types of equipment used in professional research laboratories, allowing them to develop practical skills while participating in meaningful scientific discovery.
With these new additions, I was able to make curriculum changes to my Microbiology, Cell & Molecular Biology, and Biochemistry lab courses in order to better introduce students to techniques common in current scientific research."
“I can move toward more discovery-based, inquiry-driven research experiences simply because we have more tools and techniques available for analyzing a variety of samples.”
Keller also noted that the equipment has become an important part of faculty and student research projects, expanding opportunities for students to generate original scientific data while working alongside faculty mentors.
Dr. Cheryl Crowe ’03 Johnson, dean of the Shaw School of Sciences, said gifts like Fliermans’ have a lasting impact on Asbury’s science programs by supporting modern laboratory resources, faculty scholarship, undergraduate research, and experiential learning.
By investing in science at Asbury, donors directly contribute to developing the next generation of scientists, healthcare professionals, educators, and leaders who will have a lasting influence on the Kingdom."
For Fliermans, scientific excellence and Christian faith have always gone hand in hand. Reflecting on his life’s work, he encourages students to pursue both with purpose.
"Commit yourself to the Lord, and He will direct you to choose something that you love; then devote yourself to it. Enjoy life by understanding that its purpose is to glorify God and enjoy Him, now and forever."
Through his generosity, Fliermans is helping Asbury students pursue scientific discovery with excellence, curiosity, and a commitment to serving others, continuing a legacy of faith-informed research that reaches far beyond the laboratory.
The Asbury University Shaw School of Sciences includes five departments: Biology & Chemistry, Equine Studies, Exercise Science, Mathematics & Computer Science, and Nursing.
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