Caring Heart Award: Michael A. Palladino, Ph.D

Michael A. Palladino has been interested in science...forever. An internationally acclaimed researcher, author and educator, Dr. Palladino received his B.S. in Biology from Trenton State College (now known as The College of New Jersey), and his Ph.D. in Anatomy and Cell Biology from the University of Virginia.

Dr. Palladino's research focuses on the cellular and molecular biology of male reproductive organs. In particular, antimicrobial properties of male reproductive organs and oxygen regulation in the testis and epididymis following ischemic injury, and his work is currently funded by the National Institutes of Health. He has published many peer-reviewed papers in both research and education journals and has taught a wide range of undergraduate courses. Currently, he enjoys teaching undergraduate courses in biotechnology, genetics, and laboratory in molecular cell biology, and is delighted to be at Monmouth where small classes allow him to work closely with his students. Since arriving at Monmouth in 1999, he has served as a mentor for 49 undergraduate student researchers.

Co-author of BiologyLabs On-Line, a series of Internet-based interactive labs used at more than 300 colleges and universities internationally, Dr. Palladino also authored Understanding the Human Genome Project, the first booklet in the Benjamin Cummings Special Topics in Biology Series for which he serves as Series Editor. He recently co-authored Introduction to Biotechnology, an undergraduate textbook used in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, India, Pakistan, and China. Collectively, these publications have helped to educate more than 250,000 students worldwide. Currently Dr. Palladino is author and editor for Human Genetics, a new series of 6 library books for high school students slated for publication in 2007.

Frequently recognized for his contributions to the field, Dr. Palladino's awards for research and teaching include the 2005 Distinguished Teacher Award from Monmouth University, the 1993 New Investigator Award from the American Society of Andrology, and the 1997-98 Outstanding Colleague Award for teaching excellence from Brookdale Community College.

A strong advocate for students, Dr. Palladino is an active member of the Trainee Affairs Committee of the Society for the Study of Reproduction and currently chairs the Trainee Affairs Committee for the American Society of Andrology. He chaired the 2005 Andrology Laboratory Workshop Committee of the ASA, and is an elected member of the Biology Council for the Council on Undergraduate Research. Dr. Palladino also serves as the Northeast Regional Coordinator for the sanofi aventis BioGENEius Challenge, and on the Executive Board for the Metropolitan Association of College and University Biologists, the Biotechnology Advisory Committee for Raritan Valley Community College, the DeVry University Biomedical Informatics Advisory Board and the Advisory Board for the Monmouth County Vocational School System Biotechnology High School.

Dr. Palladino lives in Howell, NJ with his wife, Cindy; children Elizabeth, 12, Lauren, 10 and Michael, 6; two cats, a dog and numerous fish, insects, reptiles, amphibians, and crustaceans. In his spare time he can usually be found either fishing with his children or coaching Lauren's or Michael's soccer team.

"Dr. Michael Palladino is an outstanding teacher and scholar. He is known for his exceptional communication skills and superb preparation in the classroom. Through the use of interactive technology, probing questions, positive reinforcement, and deep respect and caring for students, he inspires students to achieve at the highest levels. He is a sought after mentor and has led many of his students to co-present and publish with him on research projects. He is a truly distinguished teacher."

Thomas Pearson, Provost
Monmouth University

Caring Heart Award

Community Service Award

Ambassadors for Scientific Research

Programs For Scientific Literacy