John Welsh named Outstanding Master's Student in Virginia Tech's College of Science
John Welsh, of Pennington, N.J., has been named the Outstanding Master's Student for 2009-10 in Virginia Tech's College of Science.
Walsh earned a Bachelor's of Science degree in biological sciences in the College of Science in 2009. He joined the lab of Carla Finkielstein, assistant professor of biological sciences, as an undergraduate in fall 2007 after an internship in biochemistry at the University of Pennsylvania. He co-authored an article that was published by the Public Library of Science. Enrolling in the university's accelerated B.S./M.S. program in 2009, he will receive a master's degree in cell and molecular biology in May 2010.
Welsh's research area is protein-lipid interactions and the role they play in platelet aggregation and coagulation. He has co-authored a second article that has been submitted to the Journal of Hematology. Welsh's research also led to the development of two patents for therapy targeted interactions for which he was co-inventor.
"John has made superb contributions to his field of research," Finkielstein said. "He combines outstanding scholarship with an engaging style of presentation and motivation."
In addition to his research, Welsh served as a teaching assistant and a biology tutor. He received the Fralin Fellowship for Undergraduate Research in 2008 and is a member of the National Scholars Honor Society and an active participant in the university's Relay For Life team.
"John is the perfect blend of skilled scientist, talented educator, and committed citizen," Finkielstein said.
