GSBS Honors a New Class of Graduates
On Sunday, May 17, 2026, the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS) at Tufts University School of Medicine marked its forty-sixth Commencement, honoring a new cohort of scientists, researchers, and scholars. Held as part of the broader Tufts University School of Medicine ceremony, the event offered a distinct and meaningful spotlight on the achievements and contributions of GSBS graduates.
The ceremony featured remarks from Helen Boucher, Dean of Tufts University School of Medicine, and Michael Chin, Dean of GSBS, both of whom recognized the resilience, innovation, and dedication demonstrated by this year’s graduates. Dean Chin, addressing the class directly, emphasized the importance of scientific inquiry and collaboration in addressing today’s most pressing challenges.
A highlight of the GSBS ceremony was the student address delivered by Caroline Reynolds, a doctoral candidate, who spoke on behalf of her classmates. Her remarks reflected the shared experiences of the GSBS community—years marked by discovery, perseverance, and a commitment to advancing knowledge for the public good.
Recognizing Academic Achievement
The 2026 graduating class included 24 students: 12 who earned Doctor of Philosophy degrees and 12 who completed Master of Science programs. The ceremony began with the recognition of master's degree recipients. Dean Chin presented diplomas to each candidate, while Dr. Alexei Bygrave, Assistant Professor of Neuroscience, announced their names.
Bygrave’s participation carried special significance, as he was selected by GSBS students as this year’s Student Advocacy Awardee. This honor recognizes the faculty member who most consistently supports and advocates for students. In addition to recognition at the GSBS Awards Ceremony earlier in the week, the award includes the distinction of announcing graduates during Commencement.
Following the master’s degree conferrals, the ceremony turned to the doctoral candidates. Dean Chin again presented diplomas, while Christopher Dulla, Chair and Professor of Neuroscience, and PhD Faculty Advisors hooded each doctoral graduate.
Celebrating Excellence: GSBS Awards Ceremony
The accomplishments of GSBS students were also celebrated at the GSBS Awards Ceremony held on Friday, May 15, 2026. Several prestigious honors highlighted exceptional achievements across research and teaching.
Charles Cummings received the Dean’s Award for the most outstanding PhD thesis. A “double Jumbo,” Cummings previously earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Tufts in 2019 before pursuing a PhD in the Clinical and Translational Science Program. His thesis addressed significant gaps in clinical veterinary science, developing innovative tools to support evidence generation and decision-making in wildlife medicine.
Alexandra Werner was awarded the Lasagna Award for the strongest publication in translational research. Her study examined the role of innate lymphoid cells in HIV pathogenesis within the female genital tract, shedding light on a poorly understood area with important implications for immunology, infectious disease, and public health.
The Krinsky Award for excellence in basic science teaching was presented to Caroline Reynolds, Yi Shan, and Crystal Zhang. Their dedication to teaching and mentorship reflects GSBS’s broader commitment to fostering both scientific expertise and educational leadership.
Together, the awards and Commencement ceremonies highlighted the depth of talent within GSBS and celebrated a graduating class poised to make meaningful contributions across biomedical science and education.