Teaching and Research Postdoctoral Associate Leaves Mark on Elizabethtown College Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Pictured (L-R): Dr. James MacKay, Angelina Giglio-Tos (’25), Jennah Hoke (’25), Justin Cosgrove (’25), Isabell Anderson (’26), Tristan Mabee (’24), Dr. Grant Walby

Elizabethtown College’s first-ever Teaching and Research Postdoctoral Associate, Dr. Grant Walby recently completed a successful two-year appointment that elevated the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry through cutting-edge research and mentorship of Etown students.

“My time at Elizabethtown College as a Postdoctoral Associate in Chemistry was so rewarding for me as it gave me the opportunity to get hands-on experience being in the classroom,” Walby said. “I additionally was able to grow as a scientist, exploring areas of research and learning new skills/techniques all the while collaborating with an incredible group of scientists.”

Walby, who recently accepted a position as Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Ohio Wesleyan University, arrived at Etown in 2022 as part of A.C. Baugher Professor of Chemistry Dr. James MacKay’s National Science Foundation (NSF) research grant, “Nucleobase-Modified PNA for Sequence Selective Triple-helical Recognition of Non-Coding RNA.”

In his position, Walby’s first goal was to produce research results for the grant project. At the same time, he played the role of mentor in the lab to Etown undergraduate research students and wrapped up projects started by recent Etown alumni. During his time at Etown, Walby was part of two scientific publications in high-impact chemistry journals and presented his work at local, regional, and national meetings.

The position is designed to train postdoctoral students to work at a primarily undergraduate institution like Etown, a unique position for postdoctoral graduates. Walby taught six courses over his two years at Etown in addition to his mentorship and research.

“Dr. Walby was a great addition to the Chemistry Department and our research group,” Chemistry major Angelina Giglio-Tos ’25 said. “He was always around and willing to help any student. He did a great job at explaining the topic and taking the time to go over the topic in depth if the class didn’t grasp it the first time.”

Two students recognized Walby’s impact and selected him as their mentor for Etown’s Emergent Scholars program.

While Walby helped Etown students grow, he also grew professionally through mentorship from Etown’s faculty, attending workshops hosted by Etown’s Teaching and Learning Design Studio, and participating in department meetings.

“Walby’s office was frequently visited by students both seeking help, but also looking for general advice and guidance as they pursued their college career,” MacKay said. “The knowledge and experience that he brought helped energize my work. It has resulted in the funding of an NSF grant renewal, and we are excited to begin the search for Etown’s second-ever postdoc.”

“The mentorship I received and was able to contribute to was incredible and has shaped how I plan on moving forward in my independent career and how I hope to cultivate student interactions going forward,” Walby said.

About Elizabethtown College’s School of Sciences and Health

The Elizabethtown College School of Sciences and Health engages students in scientific study while fostering their skills and knowledge to improve the health and well-being of people, communities, and our environment. We pair hands-on research with field placement and internships which will prepare you for lifelong success. Discover more at etown.edu.