Image: Ronnie Fulton, PhD Candidate in the Downs Lab has been name a 2024 "Transition to the Professoriate" (T3P) Scholar. The Graduate School has partnered with the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) and the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) to provide a curated set of teaching and professional development opportunities that are beneficial and impactful to teaching and mentoring development. In addition, Ronnie will receive a stipend award and Travel funds to Attend the Institute on Teaching and mentoring this fall. Ronnie Fulton matriculated at the University of Georgia after earning a B.S. in Microbiology from the University of Oklahoma. He joined the Downs laboratory in January 2020 to carry out his dissertation research in the Microbiology. The work that comprises Ronnie’s dissertation has already made multiple significant contributions to our understanding of proteins in the large, conserved Rid superfamily. As he enters his fifth year of study, Mr. Fulton has published four manuscripts in high quality peer reviewed journals as the first author, one of which was an invited review chapter. Two of these manuscripts describe the first experimental data supporting metabolic concepts we proposed from previous studies. As such his work defines a new paradigm in metabolism and has significantly impacted the field. The remaining work for his dissertation will result in at least two more first author publications. In addition to publications, Ronnie has presented his work at regional, national, and international meetings, for which he has received multiple travel grants. Ronnie has been recognized for research potential both as the recipient of an NIH traineeship in Genetics and a departmental award. Beyond his potential as a researcher, Mr. Fulton has a demonstrated record of dedication to education and community engagement. Most recently he was awarded an Outstanding Teaching Assistant award to recognize his dedication to the students he has instructed in multiple courses. Ronnie has rigorously mentored multiple undergraduate students in in the laboratory and continues to be a resource for, and have a positive influence on, all members of the laboratory and other communities on campus. Ronnie will defend his dissertation and graduate in May 2025 after an exceptionally productive graduate tenure at UGA. He will benefit from the opportunities and support provided by being named a T3P Scholar during his final year.
