This award is presented by the Graduate Student Organization to a graduate school faculty member who has repeatedly demonstrated concern for student rights and issues, and who has acted on behalf of the student body.

Richard B. Pyles received his B.A. degree in biology from Hanover College (Hanover, Indiana) and earned his Ph.D. in molecular genetics, biochemistry and microbiology from the University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine. He continued his training as a postdoctoral fellow in cell biology, neurobiology and anatomy at Cincinnati. He was an assistant professor in the division of infectious diseases at Children’s Hospital Medical Center in Cincinnati before joining the UTMB faculty in 2000.

Dr. Pyles has served as a mentor for the Summer Undergraduate Research Program for the last four years and two of his summer students have since matriculated in graduate school. He has also served as a mentor for the high school student summer research program. He teaches several courses to both medical and graduate students. Students mentored by Dr. Pyles are encouraged to present their work at national meetings, symposiums and to write and publish their work. They have been very successful in these endeavors and have won top honors at meetings.

In a letter of nomination it was noted that Dr. Pyles, “is concerned with the best solution for the student regardless of their departmental affiliation.” Dr. Pyles looks for the best way to help students achieve their academic goals.

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