Mountimes

Issue date: 5/2/07 Section: Community

Dr. James Fabrizio

Inside the Science Building, tucked away in a laboratory on the third floor, Dr. James Fabrizio demonstrates a deep commitment to his students and a passion for the study of genetics.

Celebrating his fifth year at the Mount, Dr. Fabrizio, an assistant professor in the biology department, has been nominated for the Teacher of the Year Award. Sitting down with him there is no question that he has a true passion for his work.

Dr. Fabrizio finds a special familiarity here at the Mount. He is a graduate of Manhattan College, class of 1993. As a biology major, the majority of his classes were in the same building he now teaches in, and the professors he studied under are now his colleagues. Returning to this campus after completing his post-doctoral work at the University of Pennsylvania is what he calls "coming home."

For Dr. Fabrizio, teaching is something he has wanted to do since he was a child. He finds something special in teaching college students and considers himself very lucky to get paid to do a job he truly loves.

"Undergrads are like blank slates," he explains, "professors get to plant the seeds."

Being able to turn students on to learning and knowledge is one of the perks the job offers. Many students around the biology department would agree that Dr. Fabrizio has succeeded at this task. Students often describe him as helpful, passionate and encouraging, a professor you can always go to with a problem

Dr. Fabrizio hopes to continue his pursuit of nurturing students by implementing more opportunities for students to participate in research. His goal takes action this summer when he will be working closely with two students in a research project.

He is proud of his work in teaching and researching and by putting the two together will prove to be exciting for all involved. Dr. Fabrizio has even been published in a well-known and respected journal in his field, Development. He was also lucky enough to make the cover in May 1998.

While beauty is found on every corner of the campus there are places that stand out for Dr. Fabrizio. The Science Hall is one and it has been a haven for him in his memorable college years and in his professional life. Then there is the Chapel, where Dr. Fabrizio will be marrying his fiancé. This location has developed its own element of meaning.

Heading back up to the Science Hall, you will often find Dr. Fabrizio hunched over a microscope examining the sperm of fruit flies for research or advising a student. Dr. Fabrizio displays an authentic dedication to students, which does not go unnoticed by this very special nomination.

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