Dean's Message

We are only as successful as how much we teach our students. I hope you will see that through these pages. They reveal accomplishments—such as our potential breakthroughs in cancer and multiple sclerosis—and our students have been there many steps of the way. In fact, in the case of research related to light’s effect on cancer, it was an undergraduate student’s idea that got it started—and that student was rewarded with co-authorship of a paper.

We want you to see that we are leading—in fact, we are number one in the country in both Alzheimer’s research and cyber security. Our school even took the step of starting the national college championships in the latter category. Just one chance for us to expand student opportunities beyond our doors to young people throughout the entire country.

We also are ranked as leaders in areas such as vaccine research and medicinal chemistry. Trying to change the world one test tube, one microscope slide at a time.

We are here for the region, equipping K-12 teachers with better math and science methods through the GE²MS (Generating Educational Excellence in Math and Science) Teaching Program. And we influence some of their students directly with the College of Sciences Summer Research Program for STEM training.

These programs define what the College is all about—community, commitment and coming of age. To see the look in a young person’s face when he or she realizes STEM is not a mystery but an opportunity—that is priceless.

Of course, our work does sometimes come with a price and this issue is a chance to spotlight our donors and grantors. Individuals, private and government foundations, and corporations are the lifeblood for so much of our work. You keep us moving forward and give us the encouragement that we are on the right path.

I invite you to page through this issue and see just how many successful paths we have taken – thanks to you and your exceptional support and belief in our efforts.

Sincerely,

GEORGE PERRY, PH.D.
SEMMES FOUNDATION DISTINGUISHED CHAIR IN NEUROBIOLOGY
DEAN, COLLEGE OF SCIENCES