Dean's Message - March 11, 2024

Dear GSBS Community,

One of the best parts of my job is participating in and hearing about the diverse research projects undertaken within our community. Our GSBS students continue to be at the forefront of scientific investigation.  One of our Micro PhD students, Andy Day, a member of the Carol Kumamoto lab, is featured in Nature, talking about his thesis work on the gastrointestinal microbiome and alcohol use disorder. Andy is investigating whether gut dysbiosis may promote alcohol addiction, a very interesting, relevant, and important question with obvious medical and public health implications.

Tufts MSTP students, led by Abe Bayer and including Abby Lemons, Brandon Theall, Maria Brouard, Nicole Wolter, Zach Robbe, Jess Zhang and Alex Terrio, successfully organized and hosted the American Physician Scientist Association Northeast Regional Conference on March 2, which was a tremendous success. Many students and faculty from throughout the northeast, including myself and TUSM Dean Helen Boucher, descended upon the MedEd building to hear the keynote speaker, Dr. Mark Johnson from UMASS, and participated in lightning talks, poster sessions, round tables, career panels and social activities. One of our alumni, Dr. Liz Moss, currently a resident at Boston Children’s Hospital, served as a panelist and a judge. Next year’s organizers will have a high standard to meet.

Tufts GSBS students Bec Condruti, Maria Brouard and Iris Montes have been working with our Development Office to organize a GSBS-Alumni networking reception, scheduled for March 21 from 6-8pm in MedEd 114. Prominent alumni keynote speakers will be Jennifer Nwankwo GBS16 and Frank Slack GBS93. Those interested in attending should register here. Alumni participation is high, and it will likely be a wonderful opportunity for current students.

Admissions season is ending, and many admitted students are appearing on campus for second looks. The first year PhD students have mostly matched to their thesis labs and have begun to embark upon their thesis work. Thanks to all the faculty, students and staff who have helped with application screening, interviews, tours and panels and good luck to the first year PhD students as they embark upon the next phase of their doctoral training.

Michael Chin, MD, PhD, Interim Dean