Dr. Anders Eckman is a fictional character from the novel "The Andromeda Strain" by Michael Crichton. He is a scientist who works for the U.S. government and is part of a team investigating a deadly extraterrestrial microorganism. His expertise in microbiology plays a crucial role in understanding the organism's effects on human health. In the story, Dr. Eckman is portrayed as a dedicated and intelligent researcher. He faces numerous challenges as he and his team race against time to contain the threat posed by the microorganism. His character highlights the importance of scientific inquiry and collaboration in addressing complex problems.