Christopher C. DeNucci Named Student Marshal for Eberly College of Science
26 July 2002 -- Christopher C. DeNucci of North Potomac, Maryland, will be honored as the Eberly College of Science student marshal during summer commencement ceremonies on 3 August 2002 at the Penn State University Park campus.
A premedicine major with minors in neuroscience and psychology, DeNucci was chosen to represent his class as student marshal because of his outstanding academic record. During his undergraduate years at Penn State, he earned a 3.93 grade-point average and was on the dean's list every semester.
"I was very surprised and excited about being named student marshal," DeNucci said. "I was not able to graduate with some of my friends in the spring because of the extra course work required for my two minors, but this honor has made up for it."
In addition to his achievements in class, DeNucci has received numerous scholarships and awards, including the 2001 Ruth E. Duffy Premedicine Endowment, the 2000 Academic Achievement Award from Gamma Sigma Alpha, the University Health Service Customer Service Star, and the President's Freshman Award. He is a member of Phi Beta Kappa, Alpha Epsilon Delta National Premedical Honors Society, Golden Key National Honor Society, Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society, and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars.
During undergraduate research on campus with Laura Klein, assistant professor of biobehavioral health, DeNucci helped investigate the influence of adolescent nicotine exposure on drug abuse in adulthood, gaining experience with animal handling, animal surgery, data collection, and data entry.
After graduation, he plans to begin a one-year post-baccalaureate fellowship at the National Institute of Mental Health in Bethesda, Maryland. He will work in the Molecular Imaging Branch, where he will use positron emission tomography to explore the molecular mechanisms associated with neural function in health and disease.
"One day I hope to work in an academic setting in a position that involves patient care, research, and teaching," DeNucci said.
A graduate of Thomas S. Wootton High School, DeNucci will be accompanied at graduation by his parents, Donald and Paula . DeNucci selected Klein to be his faculty escort for commencement exercises at the Bryce Jordan Center.
Away from the classroom and laboratory, DeNucci enjoys bass fishing, running, and hiking. He danced in the 2002 Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon and served on the organizing committee in 2001 and 2000. In addition, DeNucci was a clinic volunteer at University Health Services in Ritenour Building.