Arrix L. Ryce, a local high school honor student who has worked in UAB labs under the supervision of faculty and students, became the first black student to win the Gorgas Scholarship competition in the contest's 67 year history in March.

Mr. Ryce, an honor student at the Jefferson County International Baccalaureate School, won the Gorgas Scholarship Competition held on Friday, March 14, 2014 at Auburn University. Mr. Ryce presented his poster and presentation titled:Spectophotometric Steady-state Kinetic Parameters of E.coli ClpB. The award included a $4000 tuition grant plus additional monies to in state schools.

Arrix has been pursuing his interest in chemistry in Dr. Aaron Lucius’ lab at UAB’s Department of Chemistry since August of 2012. He has worked under the direct supervision of several of the department’s top-notch graduate and undergraduate students.