Cold Spring Harbor, NY — On Sunday, April 29, distinguished scientists joined proud friends and family at the 15th commencement ceremony of the Watson School of Biological Sciences (WSBS) at 黑料吃瓜资源 (CSHL). Five outstanding young scientists were awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. The distinguished academics Dr. David Botstein and Dr. Leon Botstein—who are brothers—accepted honorary degrees.
CSHL Chairman Jamie C. Nicholls, President, and CEO Dr. Bruce Stillman and WSBS Dean Dr. Alexander Gann welcomed guests in Grace Auditorium. 鈥淭his is always a great occasion in the annual life of 黑料吃瓜资源, when we can celebrate these fantastic students who came to immerse themselves in a career of research and education,鈥� said Stillman, addressing the graduating students. 鈥淏ecause of the training you received at the Watson School, you have a great start, and I look forward to future successes emanating from each of your careers.鈥�
鈥淭he symmetry between outstanding research and innovative education has long been a hallmark of 黑料吃瓜资源,鈥� said Gann. 鈥淭he justly celebrated research here is a great achievement in itself, but for many decades, it has brought education to everyone from professional scientists to school children.鈥�
鈥淭ake every opportunity to learn, teach and apply the fundamental principles,鈥� acclaimed geneticist David Botstein advised. 鈥淣o discovery or experiment is complete until it becomes knowledge for others to build on, even if it is preliminary, and don鈥檛 skimp on describing your methods. And contribute your time to maintaining the scientific community.鈥� Dr. Botstein, currently Chief Scientific Officer at Calico, a biotech company established in 2013 by Google, was an early advocate of gene mapping and helped lay the groundwork for the Human Genome Project.
Leon Botstein is the president of Bard College and the music director of the American Symphony Orchestra. He was honored for being an outstanding educator, a remarkable academic leader, and a giant in American music. Leon Botstein鈥檚 wife and celebrated art curator Barbara Haskell also attended the ceremony.
鈥淪ince science is a form of life, do not divorce it from other modes of inquiry and conduct,鈥� said Leon Botstein, giving his own advice to the graduates. 鈥淚 have never met or known of a great scientist who has ever been really a narrow specialist, immune from a deep engagement with matters such as literature, art, politics, and history.鈥�
CSHL Professor Zachary Lippman, a plant biologist, was honored with the Winship Herr Award for Excellence in Teaching for the second time. Named for the founding dean of the Watson School, the award is annually given to a teacher singled out by the school鈥檚 first-year students. Lippman was a graduate of the Watson School, a member of the class of 2004, and first won this prestigious award in 2014. Lippman was unable to attend the ceremony, as he was completing research in Ithaca, and accepted the award through via a video call.
The Watson School is named for Dr. James D. Watson, now CSHL chancellor emeritus. Along with the late Dr. Francis Crick, Dr. Watson is co-discoverer of the double-helix structure of DNA. In 1962, the two were awarded the Nobel Prize for their discovery, along with Maurice Wilkins.
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