Image of Biochemistry/Molecular Biology Student Daniel Do running track
Biochemistry/Molecular Biology student Daniel Do running cross country. (Photo credit: Stockton University).

Biochemistry/Molecular Biology student Daniel Do
Biochemistry/Molecular Biology student Daniel Do. (Photo credit: Stockton University).

Daniel Do, a senior Biochemistry/Molecular major, has been excelling on the cross country course, the track, the classroom and the laboratory. In June 2020, Do was named a CoSIDA Academic All-American for cross-country and track and field.  In addition, he was named to the Academic Team for New Jersey Athletic Conference in July. The first award is chosen by sports information directors from the nation and requires a demonstrated high level of proficiency in both the sport and the classroom: there must be a minimum grade point average of 3.3 and 50% participation in the meets.

As well as being a top runner in cross country and for distance events in track, Daniel maintains a perfect grade point average (4.0) and has conducted research in the lab of Dr. Ki since his freshman year. His research has focused on material chemistry and more specifically, the development of efficient catalysts for photochemical splitting of water. He presented his research results at a regional meeting of the American Chemical Society in Baltimore, Maryland in 2019 and was scheduled to present at the national meeting in Philadelphia in 2020 before the pandemic disrupted those plans.

Based on his excellent performance on a national exam, Daniel has earned certification on his BCMB degree from American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.  

It can be challenging to have such success academically and athletically and when asked about it, Daniel said “Both research and athletics take a lot of love and discipline and really show what you are interested in.  Both take a lot of commitment.” As his distinguished academic and athletic careers at Stockton are drawing to a close, he reflected on the past three years: 

 

As a Stockton student, overall the past three years was positive and transformative.  There were a lot of opportunities for research and academics. It was an inclusive community.” 

 

 
Image of Daniel Do, Drs. Shulman and Ki, and fellow biochemistry students in the lab
Daniel Do (second from left), Drs. Shulman and Ki, and fellow biochemistry students in the research lab. (Photo credit: Susan Allen).

The latter is important to Daniel who has always enjoyed the team environment of cross-country and track and field.  Whatever team Daniel ends up on is getting a great teammate and an accomplished student.  He would like to thank his professors for providing such a positive academic experience, especially to Dr. Ki for his guidance as a research mentor.  In addition, Daniel expresses gratitude to his coaches, Coach Resch, McDonough and Dare for always showing a passion for the sport and dedication to the team.