Chris Alderman, senior biochemistry and molecular biology major, presents his lab presentation on observing cancer cell mutations for a research lab, Friday in Science Hall room 142. Alderman, who has been awarded with the Outstanding Senior Award, Roe R. Cross Award and the Star Trainee Award, plans to attend the University of Kansas MD-PhD Physician Scientist Program after graduation.
Senior biochemistry and molecular biology major Chris Alderman is the winner of the Outstanding Senior Award, with many accomplishments, and achievements earned to his name. Alderman came to Emporia State with the goal of becoming a physician scientist.
Several reasons brought Alderman to ESU, such as the Emporia community, and the research and experiences that are provided through the biology department as well as the Honors College, being “second to none,” according to Alderman.
“It is truly impressive how relevant the University’s research has been,” Alderman said.
Alderman strives to become a physician scientist in order to improve current treatment options for various diseases, and has a particular interest in cancer.
“Majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular biology has allowed me to understand the science that makes up the battleground where disease is fought,” Alderman said.
At ESU, Alderman has been member to many clubs and organizations, the most significant ones, according to Alderman, being the Tribeta Honors Biology Club, the Honors College, and the Kansas Idea Network of Biomedical Research Excellence.
“These organizations have helped me develop professionally and as a researcher,” Alderman said. “I have learned that it is important to stay connected while attending school to form relationships with students and faculty on our campus.”
Alderman has been the recipient of many awards, including the Boe Award at the Great Plains Honors Conference last year for his research project on melanoma skin cancer. Alongside this award, Alderman received the Roe R. Cross award, the Star Trainee award, and recently the Outstanding Senior Award, which was “a huge honor and surprise.”
Nikki Metz, the Alumni Program Coordinator helps facilitate the awards of the alumni center. According to Metz, a committee of judges choose candidates using a rubric to tally the scores, and Alderman was chosen for the award.
“We look for well-rounded individuals, not just academically, but who have participated in campus RSOs, have done community service, and we look at scholarships and awards,” Metz said.
According to the Alumni Relations webpage on the Outstanding Senior Award, the student must be nominated by an EU faculty or staff member. The committee is made up of students, staff, and faculty who then select the winner of the award.
After graduation, Alderman plans to attend the University of Kansas MD-PhD Physician Scientist Program.
“Within this program, I hope to focus my research on a promising area of biomedical research called immuno-oncology, where scientists use immune cells to target cancer,” Alderman said. “It is honestly all thanks to the outstanding faculty and University that I have been blessed to be a part of…The opportunities that are available for students here at ESU are incredible.”