College of Medicine Presents Teaching and Research Awards in College Station

For Immediate Release
September 29, 2003
COM Awards
Contact: John Holder (979) 458-0669
Office of Communications
The Texas A&M University System Health Science Center
http://tamushsc.edu
College of Medicine Presents Teaching and Research Awards in College Station
Three College of Medicine faculty members in College Station were recognized by The Texas A&M University System Health Science Center College of Medicine’s Dean Christopher C. Colenda, M.D., M.P.H., with awards for outstanding teaching and research at a special ceremony and reception on September 9. Farida Sohrabji, Ph.D., assistant professor in the department of human anatomy and neurobiology, received the Excellence in Research Award for Junior Faculty; Mark Sicilio, M.D., assistant professor in the department of pediatrics, received the Distinguished Teaching Award for Clinical Science Faculty; and Alan Parrish, Ph.D., assistant professor in the department of pharmacology and toxicology, received the Distinguished Teaching Award for Basic Science Faculty. Each of the award winners received a framed certificate and a check for $2,000.
Dr. Sohrabji’s research focus is Alzheimer’s Disease and the effects of estrogen on the aging process. The National Institutes of Health has continuously funded Dr. Sohrabji’s research since 1997, and she recently has received an additional grant from the Alzheimer’s Association. She has served at the national level on grant review committees, and some of her numerous publications have received more than 200 citations. With the College of Medicine since 1995, Dr. Sohrabji received her Ph.D. in biopsychology and neurobiology from the University of Rochester in Rochester, New York. She also received a College of Medicine medallion as part of her award.
Dr. Sicilio was recognized by colleagues and students for his ability to stimulate self-directed and lifelong learning, as a passionate advocate for students and as an exemplary role model. A College of Medicine faculty member since 1984, Dr. Sicilio is a member of the college’s inaugural class, receiving his M.D. in 1981. In addition to his position in the department of pediatrics, he has a joint appointment in the department of humanities in medicine. Dr. Sicilio also serves on the Education Committee for the Department of Pediatrics, coordinating first- and second-year medical school education curriculum in College Station.
Described as a teacher/mentor in the highest sense of the terms, Dr. Parrish, a College of Medicine faculty member since 1999, was recognized as going out of his way to put students first, sparking interest and feedback during his lectures and serving as leader, role model and friend to students. Dr. Parrish is the course coordinator for medical pharmacology and his primary research focus is the toxicology of the kidney. He received his Ph.D. in 1997 from Texas A&M University.
The Texas A&M University System Health Science Center provides the state with health education, outreach and research. Its five components located in communities throughout Texas are Baylor College of Dentistry, the College of Medicine, the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, the Institute of Biosciences and Technology and the School of Rural Public Health.
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