About Award Recipient Alan Tong
Alan Tong, who is mentored by Professor Lynette Cegelski, was recognized for his work, “An Investigation into the Antimicrobial and Peptidoglycan-Binding Properties of Vancomycin-Arginine Conjugates.”
Hailing from Clarksburg, Maryland, Alan Tong is a double major in chemistry and biology, and he currently works in the Cegelski lab on elucidating the mechanisms of antibiotic conjugates. In the future, Alan hopes to become a professor of chemical biology. In his free time, he enjoys playing the guitar and piano, hanging out with friends, traveling, and going to concerts. Starting in the fall, Alan will pursue a PhD in chemistry at Princeton University.
About the Firestone Medal
The Firestone and Golden Medals are awarded to the top 10 percent of honors theses completed each year. The Firestone Medal for Excellence in Undergraduate Research recognizes theses written in the social sciences, natural sciences and engineering. The awardees each received an engraved bronze medal and a monetary award.