The annual Final Convocation took place on April 22 which gave the biology department the opportunity to honor some of its students for their hard work over the past few years.  First, the College gave its annual John Peter Mettauer Award for Excellence in Research to department chair Dr. Alex Werth for his 18 years (and counting) of tireless work at HSC on the physiology of whales. Next, the James R.T. Hewett Award was given for excellence in and service to the department.  In recognition for their hard work both in the classroom and in independent research within the department, this year’s Hewett award was split between Curtis Read ’10 and Chad Pleasants ’10.

Biology Department chair Dr. Alex Werth and Curtis Read '10

Dr. Werth and Chad Pleasants '10

Both Read and Pleasants plan to pursue laboratory positions for the next academic year with the goal of beginning graduate study in 2011-12, Read in microbiology/tropical disease and Pleasants in cell biology.

The H.B. Overcash award was also given in recognition of the top pre-med student in the rising senior class.  This year’s award was won by Chris Pryor ’11.

Chris Pryor '11 and Dr. Werth