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Outstanding teacher is two-time award winner First year students have bestowed a familiar honor on Craig Beeson, Ph.D., by selecting him as the College of Graduate Studies Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award for 2007-2008.   Beeson, associate professor for the College of Pharmacy, was selected by first-year students as the best among 10 professors nominated for the annual top teacher honors. Beeson also was chosen by first year students for the same award in 2004-2005.   An expert in cell biology, Beeson came to MUSC about seven years ago from the University of Washington, Seattle. A graduate of California State University, Northridge; Beeson received his master’s degree from San Diego State University; and earned his doctorate degree at the University of California, Irvine.   The Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award was initiated in 2002 by College of Graduate Studies Dean Perry Halushka, M.D., Ph.D., to encourage teaching excellence in the college.   As the award winner, Beeson received a personal plaque, his name on a plaque outside of the college’s office, $250 and a free parking space for a year.   One student said: “Dr. Beeson is a great professor/teacher/mentor. He is an expert in his field, and he can express his knowledge and explain scientific information very efficiently. He also interacts well with the students, and he helps us learn what he is teaching easily and rather quickly. He did a great job in putting together the metabolism unit, which is a great asset to the college and to professors.”   Research in Beeson’s lab is described as “a fusion of chemistry and cell biology,” in which specific projects include studies of T-cell activation and myocardial glucose utilization. The results of the Beeson’s T-cell studies are being used to develop possible treatments for autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis; and a by-product of the studies is helping researchers develop treatment for tuberculosis.     Friday, May 16, 2008 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island Publications at 849-1778, ext. 201.