Anderson, a senior at Arizona State University, was named to the national newspaper’s prestigious annual All-USA College Academic Second Team of 20 students. The First Team of 20 students also included an ASU student. (Click here for related link).

In addition, Anderson was notified May 7 by ASU's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences that he has been awarded a $2,500 Arizona Power Authority Scholarship in the fall 2009 semester for his research under the supervision of TGen's Dr. Heather Cunliffe.

Anderson, who has worked in brain and breast cancer research at TGen, has investigated potential diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic targets.

"Eric is an extremely intelligent and self-motivated student. It has been a pleasure to play a role in his career development, and very satisfying to see him excel through strong collaborative mentorship from both TGen and ASU," said Dr. Cunliffe, head of TGen's Breast & Ovarian Cancer Research Unit.

Anderson, who also has worked in research projects at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, will remain at ASU one more year to complete dual majors in Bioengineering and Medicinal Biochemistry. He plans to attend medical school and pursue a career in biomedical research.

Anderson said he plans to "continue my clinical and translational research involvement throughout my undergraduate career and explore the intimate and vital process of translating scientific discoveries into bedside applications that will directly affect patient care."

Each year at ASU, he has won a fellowship in the School of Life Sciences Undergraduate Research program, and he is a past winner of the Goldwater Scholarship, considered the nation's highest undergraduate award in science, math and engineering.

Anderson also is enrolled in ASU's Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering and ASU’s Barrett Honors College. He has been a hospice volunteer and volunteers at the Mission of Mercy Medical Clinic and the Migrant Health Education Program, providing care to homeless patients and the uninsured, finding funds and helping establish clinical partnerships.

A national team of judges selects USA Today’s top students based on grades, leadership, activities, and how students extend their intellectual talents beyond the classroom.

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About TGen
The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) is a Phoenix-based non-profit organization dedicated to conducting groundbreaking research with life changing results. Research at TGen is focused on helping patients with diseases such as cancer, neurological disorders and diabetes. TGen is on the cutting edge of translational research where investigators are able to unravel the genetic components of common and complex diseases. Working with collaborators in the scientific and medical communities, TGen believes it can make a substantial contribution to the efficiency and effectiveness of the translational process. TGen is affiliated with the Van Andel Research Institute in Grand Rapids, Michigan. For more information, visit: www.tgen.org.

Press Contact:
Steve Yozwiak
TGen Senior Science Writer
602-343-8704
syozwiak@tgen.org

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