Cooper recognized for top academic performance in doctoral program

Triston Cooper, left, receives the Edwin R.

Hughes Memorial Award from Christopher

Davies, Ph.D., associate dean for research.

Triston Cooper, a second-year student in the Basic Medical Sciences Graduate Program at the Whiddon College of Medicine, is the recipient of the Edwin R. Hughes Memorial Award for the 2021-2022 academic year. 

The annual award, presented at the beginning of each fall semester, recognizes the student with the best academic performance in the program’s core curriculum. Christopher Davies, Ph.D., associate dean for research at the Whiddon College of Medicine, presented Cooper with the award and plaque at new student orientation on Aug. 11. 

Cooper is in the Infectious Diseases and Host Defense track and works in the lab of Kevin Macaluso, Ph.D., professor and Locke Distinguished Chair of Microbiology and Immunology. His research focuses on vector transmission of rickettsial pathogens.

Originally from Newville, Pennsylvania, Cooper moved to Mobile with his wife and dog for the University of South Alabama’s graduate program. “My experience has been great so far,” he said. “I have become friends with all of my cohort, lab members and even some others from other cohorts and labs.” 

He received a bachelor’s degree in general biology/pre-health science from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania. 

The award is named in memory of Edwin R. Hughes, who served as director of the Basic Medical Sciences Graduate Program at the Whiddon College of Medicine from its inception in 1978 until 1990.