GMS Cellular & Molecular Biology student wins Graduate Service Award
Gregory Staples, PhD Candidate (autumn 2009) was delighted to learn that he had been chosen outstanding Graduate employee for 2009, not least because he treats his position in the Center for Biomedical Mass Spectrometry as an avocation, something he approaches with enthusiasm and dedication and high energy. Via the Cellular and Molecular Biology graduate program, he pursues his thesis topic, on the expression of heparan sulfate structures in biological systems, in the Center for Biomedical Mass Spectrometry, a resource supported by NHLBI funding. His work ethic, dedication and intellectual abilities augment a willingness to help younger students.
Greg’s advisor Dr. Joseph Zaia, is sure that the choice of Greg for the Graduate Service award was made because of personal and intellectual attributes that make for a model biochemistry researcher. In his thesis work, Greg applies the cutting-edge analytical methods of the Mass Spectrometry Resource to produce the results required by his topic, which will strongly impact both the basic and translational science of heparan sulfates. Greg’s disciplined approach, the depth of his research and his insistence on clear conclusions has already led to the publication of several articles, including one where he is the first author. Also, he has made oral presentations of high quality at the national meetings of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry and Allied Topics and the Society for Glycobiology.
In addition to his work in the Mass Spectrometry Resource, Greg has designed experiments for 7th and 8th graders in chemistry, biology and physics. Through the non-profit foundation Whiz Kids, he has volunteered for the past three years at a school in the community to implement these and other lessons. Greg leads a campus tour each year to assist in the recruitment of prospective CMB students, and he has mentored a first year graduate student during this current year, which has seen the introduction of a new mentor-mentee program.