Each of these research projects is also a training ground for the next generation of scientists. National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow and doctoral student Garett Barto is a scientist in training and a captain in the U.S. Army Reserves.

When he’s not in the lab researching Bacillus anthracis, the deadly bacteria that causes anthrax, Barto is responsible for 21 Army Reserve drill sergeants and trains cadets at military institutes, among other duties.

Barto works in Dr. Jason Reddick’s biochemistry lab. His bioinformatics project analyzes the genome of B. anthracis to discover new and unique enzymes that might be repurposed for industry or biodefense applications.

Barto’s dream is to conduct chemical and biological weapons defense research at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute for Infectious Diseases.

“I believe defense against harmful chemicals and diseases is extremely important for our society,” Barto says.  “I want to be the person to step up and learn how to contribute to that.”

UNCG’s MAS, he says, has helped unlock educational opportunities, helping him figure out the best way to use his GI bill benefits for doctoral credits.

“Being the only military doctoral student in my department can be lonely, as my life experiences are very different from most of my peers,” he says. MAS has also helped him find a sense of community.