Juan Claros-Sorto

Juan Claros-Sorto, a May 2008 graduate of William Paterson with a bachelor’s degree in biology, summa cum laude, has been named the 2008 recipient of the Alumni Association’s Outstanding Senior Award.  The annual award is based on high academic standing, strong involvement in extracurricular activities, demonstrated leadership ability, and service to the University.  Claros-Sorto was one of 15 students nominated for the award.

A native of El Salvador who came to the United States six years ago, Claros-Sorto, 22, has won numerous awards for his research studying gene expression of amphibians during metamorphosis with biology faculty member Jaishri Menon. 

Named “The Most Outstanding Salvadorian Young Student of the Year” by the government of El Salvador in 2006, he received grants from the Federation of American Scientists and Experimental Biologists and the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

On campus, he served as a tutor in the science enrichment center, secretary of the Galen Society, an organization for pre-medical and other pre-professional students, and a member of the Dean’s Advisory Board of the College of Science and Health. He plans to attend Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee.  He is a resident of Verona.