N o t e b o o k • Volum e X X V • 2017
Dean’s Corner Henry S. White Dear Alumni and Friends,
This issue of Notebook highlights key efforts that demonstrate
This issue of Notebook also features two outstanding alumni
the College’s continuing commitment to education, scientific discovery,
from the College: Doon Gibbs, BS’77 in Physics and Mathematics,
and economic impact in the State of Utah, the nation, and the world.
is the Director of Brookhaven National Laboratory in Upton, New
I am pleased to report that the Gary and Ann Crocker Science
York – one of the largest research centers in the country. He visited
Center in the newly renovated George Thomas Building on Presi-
campus on May 4 to deliver an inspiring and insightful talk to the
The College of Science strives to provide exceptional undergraduate student experiences. Today’s successful students are tomorrow’s grateful alumni. dents Circle will be completed in November. See page four for a
College of Science graduating Class of 2017. Read his story
preview of the new research and teaching resources that the
on page 12; Ryan Watts, BS’00 in Biology, co-founded Denali
Crocker Science Center will bring to the campus community,
Therapeutics in 2015 and is now on a mission to discover drug
including research laboratories for the Center for Cell and Genome
therapies for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Multiple
Science, and critically-needed undergraduate educational labs and
Sclerosis, and Parkinson’s. Read his profile on page 18.
classrooms. Classes will begin in spring semester 2018.
The College continues to provide exceptional undergraduate
engaged with the College of Science. That is why I’m excited to
experiences. For the second year in a row, one of our students has
introduce the Crimson Laureate Society. As you’ll see on page 15, the
been chosen for the prestigious Churchill Scholarship for study
Crimson Laureate Society will provide more opportunities for direct
at Cambridge University in the United Kingdom. Michael Zhao, an
involvement in the College and incentives for charitable giving.
outstanding senior in Mathematics, was one of just 15 students in
the U.S. to receive a Churchill Scholarship. We are also proud that
friends, and supporters whose generous gifts are helping to
one of our undergraduates received the highly competitive Hertz
provide a truly exceptional education for our students. Your
Foundation Fellowship, which awards $250,000 for graduate study
contributions make a difference!
I invite alumni, donors, friends and colleagues to be more
The College of Science gratefully acknowledges our alumni,
in a STEM field. College of Science Research Scholar Ethan Lake, a double major in Physics and Mathematics, was one of only 12 students nationally who received this fellowship. 2
Henry S. White — Dean, College of Science
