April 26, 2019—For John Calise, the path to a science career was anything but straight. After finishing an undergraduate degree in finance at the University of Florida, he realized the business world would never quite fit him. Calise’s curiosity and interest in scientific research then led him to pursue a PhD in in biomedical science.

Calise’s persistence culminated with him taking the top honor at the 44^th Annual Medical Guild Research Symposium on April 10. This event showcases research by doctoral students representing the eight concentrations of study in the College of Medicine’s biomedical sciences program.

Calise is concentrating in molecular cell biology under his mentor, Ed Chan, PhD, a professor in the College of Dentistry’s department of oral biology and the College of Medicine’s department of anatomy and cell biology. After getting his finance degree, Calise worked as a technician in Chan’s lab while attending science classes at night at Santa Fe College. After two years, he applied to the UF PhD program. Calise said it was his close relationship with Chan and faculty support that made his success possible.

His research focuses on fundamental cellular structures called IMPDH (inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase) filaments. He was commended for his studies elucidating the role of those structures in regulating important cellular functions. Calise’s studies suggest that shutting down IMPDH may be useful in the treatment of hepatitis C, rheumatoid arthritis, and some types of leukemia.

“It’s essentially a cell biology project, but as we work to understand the functions of these IMPDH filaments, it can help us with future treatments It’s all about getting back to the fundamentals of the cell,” he said.

The winners of the Medical Guild Research Awards are chosen based on their research and graduate portfolio, said Thomas C. Rowe, PhD, a College of Medicine associate professor and the associate dean for graduate education.

“This is really meant to be the culmination of work during their career in the program. It is not just about being a great speaker. It’s about being recognized as an expert in their field,” he said.

In addition to his research in the lab, Calise is also involved in hosting the Florida Translational Cell Biology Symposium and the Distinguished Lecture Series at the College of Medicine. Calise’s work with those programs as well as his outstanding research and portfolio are likely what made him stand out to judges, Rowe said.

“We see students from different backgrounds go on into a variety of career paths,” Rowe said. “We are really focusing on giving them translational skills that they can take anywhere they go.”