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Ryan Watley, 2009 STEM Scholar Graduate to Receive Ph.D. in December 2014
Dr. Ryan Watley’s scientific interest began at the age of sixteen,
noting the effects of Escherichia Coli. Upon graduation from Pine Bluff
High School, he was accepted into The University of Arkansas at Pine
Bluff aspiring to become a chemist. During his under-graduate stint, he
was a member of the STEM Scholars Academy where the National Science
Foundation facilitated the establishment of his research portfolio
through summer research experiences at the University of Arkansas for
Medical Sciences, The University of South Florida, and the University of
North Texas. Here he investigated and developed protein labeling tags
for mass spectrometer analysis, lipid membrane bilayers for the
hallmarks of Alzheimer’s, and chromophores for protection against high
energy lasers, respectively. Additionally, his passion for organic
chemistry as it relates to biological ap-plication was given birth. Upon
obtaining his bachelor’s of science, he was admitted to the graduate
program at the University of Oklahoma in the department of chemistry and
biochemistry specializing in organic chemistry. He was immediately
drawn to Dr. Yoiungjae You’s research group for the establishment of
novel therapeutic methods and agents for cancer. Dr. Watley thus far has
developed unprecedented theranostic drugs for fluorescence guided
photodynamic therapy and is currently compiling his findings for
publication among high impact journals. Now that his dissertation is
complete, he hopes to be a servant to his community through education
and inspiring others to dream and achieve no matter the opposition. Dr.
Watley attributes his success to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and
appreciates all mentors, family, and friends who helped foster his
arrival thus far.
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