Research bug bites undergrad

At first glance, Robert Buscaglia's résumé might be that of an ambitious graduate student—published co-author of multiple manuscripts on molecular biophysics; part of a team of scholars involved in groundbreaking cancer research; recipient of numerous awards and scholarships recognizing his academic achievements. The difference is that Buscaglia, 20, just completed his second year as an undergrad.

Managing a 4.0 GPA and enough hours to be classified as a college senior, Buscaglia has "contributed to enough research and articles to be at the master's level," says Edwin Lewis, his mentor and NAU chemistry professor.

Lewis is leading Buscaglia and a team of student researchers in some groundbreaking studies in the treatment of cancer.

"We're collaborating with universities and pharmaceutical companies on a promising new methodology for developing anti-cancer drugs that regulate the expression of cancer-causing genes," Lewis said. "We're working to develop drugs that will essentially turn those genes off."

Buscaglia has been an important contributor to the study, and last fall spoke at a research meeting in Sedona where many of the world's leading DNA researchers had gathered. "When they learned Rob was just a sophomore, they were astounded," Lewis said.

Buscaglia, an Arizona native from Gilbert, originally came to NAU for the mountain climate and smaller classes. He began as a math major but caught his professor's eye in a freshman-level chemistry class and was quickly recruited to chemistry. Lewis says the university tries to provide unique opportunities for freshmen to get involved in research. And once Buscaglia was bitten by the research bug, he knew his true passion was in the chemistry lab.

That passion is what drives his determination to be the best, which is evidenced by the many awards and honors he's earned in his two years at NAU. In his first year here, Buscaglia received the Outstanding Sophomore Mathematics Student award, and was also recognized as NAU's Chemistry Student of the Year.

As a second-year student, he received the Outstanding Senior Mathematics Student award, as well as the Raytheon Corporation Scholarship, a prestigious scholarship given to outstanding junior and senior mathematics majors.

Buscaglia also has won two consecutive Hooper Undergraduate Research Grants, which are partially supporting his research. And last spring, he was one of only two students in Arizona to receive the prestigious Barry M. Goldwater scholarship for excellence in science and mathematics.

"I'm right where I want to be," he said. "But it's definitely not where I expected I would be. If you're interested in research, the best opportunities for undergraduates are here at NAU."