Scripps Research awards doctorates to largest graduating class in institute’s history

Biotechnology pioneer John C. Martin granted honorary degree

May 16, 2019

LA JOLLA, CA — Scripps Research’s Skaggs Graduate School of Chemical and Biological Sciences will recognize the outstanding research accomplishments of more than 50 graduate students, comprising the largest graduating class in the school’s history, on Friday, May 17, with the conferral of doctoral degrees at the 27 ^th annual commencement ceremony.

“Each graduating student has demonstrated a deep understanding of their field, and has built upon this knowledge to advance biology and chemistry through their discoveries,” says Philip Dawson, PhD, professor in the Department of Chemistry and dean of graduate and postdoctoral studies at Scripps Research. “They have all made a tremendous impact on our campus community. The conferral of doctoral degrees on such an accomplished group of young scientists illustrates how Scripps Research profoundly impacts the future of science. I am confident they will continue to learn, innovate and assume leadership roles in any career path they choose.”

Joining the assembled students and faculty at this year’s commencement will be Scripps Research Board of Directors member and former Gilead Chairman and CEO John C. Martin, PhD. Martin will deliver the keynote address and receive an honorary doctoral degree for his extensive contributions to the development of antiviral therapeutics and advancements in global health.

The record number of students earning doctoral degrees at this year’s ceremony reflects a steady growth in the institute’s keystone educational program, which was renamed the Skaggs Graduate School in 2018 in recognition of a significant gift by the Skaggs family toward the endowment of fellowships for all Scripps Research students. The program’s growth can also be seen in a 30 percent enrollment increase on the institute’s campus in Jupiter, Florida.

“In addition to our largest incoming class, we will also be graduating a record number of Florida-based students at this year’s commencement,” says Christoph Rader, PhD, associate dean of graduate studies for the Florida campus and associate professor of Immunology and Microbiology. “Whether in basic research or translational studies, research opportunities for graduate students on the Florida campus continue to expand, as do new courses taught by faculty here. It’s an exciting time to be a part of this vibrant academic community.”

Ranked among the top 10 doctoral programs of its kind in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, the Skaggs Graduate School at Scripps Research offers rigorous training in chemistry, chemical biology, neuroscience, immunology, cell biology and numerous other biomedical research areas. The program immerses students in intensive laboratory research while offering a customizable course curriculum that allows students to match individual research interests while exploring multidisciplinary topics at the interface of chemistry and biology.

Benefactor Mark Skaggs says the enduring values of hard work and education held by his late father, the food and drugstore pioneer L.S. “Sam” Skaggs, are exemplified by the graduate program that now bears his name. “The faculty and students here work at the pinnacle of their respective fields,” he says.

FLORIDA CAMPUS

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