Alec Simonson
Undergrad and Graduate
Alec Simonson, who holds a BSc and an MA, both majoring in biological science, is now studying for a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree at the University of Florida, which, it is anticipated, will be awarded in 2025.
Alec spent the summer of 2017 as a lab intern for Matthew Disney, Ph.D., the professor of chemistry at Scripps Research Institute in Jupiter, Florida. During his time as an intern, Alec tested a method of bonding a variety of compounds to a ribosome (a type of cellular structure) to determine which molecules showed promise for destroying antibiotic-resistant bacteria. After delivering a presentation on his findings, Professor Disney invited Alec to continue his research in the fall of 2017 as a college intern. For the professor, Alec’s work had significant implications, demonstrating the potential of the research being undertaken in the laboratory.
In 2021, Alec was one of two students selected to present their research project at the 26th Hinman Student Research Symposium, held virtually on October 30th and 31st. The aim of the symposium is to help raise and maintain the quality of dental education and research by encouraging dental students, dental school faculty members, and graduate trainees to participate in research to improve oral health around the world.
In his leisure time, Alec enjoys playing golf and pickleball, and road cycling – he relishes riding the local trails of Lake County and Alachua County and is a member of the UF Road Cycling Club. He loves Italian and Japanese cuisine and is currently actively learning to cook.