The American Heart Association has awarded Arthur Joseph Dalton IV, a member of the College of the Holy Cross class of 2015, a Summer Research Fellowship of $5,000. Dalton, from Andover, Mass., used the grant to conduct cardiovascular research at Harvard Medical School for a 10-week period this summer.
A music major and the Brooks Scholar for the class of 2015, Dalton has worked in the lab of Dr. Barry Paw, associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School/Brigham’s and Women’s Hospital, for the past four years. “My motivation for this fellowship stemmed from a paper that I co-authored within our lab. Expanding upon our initial studies, I proposed to investigate the role of sorting-nexin 3, a protein highly present in cardiac tissue,” explains Dalton.
According to Dalton, his research focuses on the development of the heart and blood platelets in zebra fish in order to gain insight into the root causes of numerous congenital heart and blood disorders in humans.
“The zebra fish has emerged as a model organism for studying cardiac disorders, as it shares many genetic pathways with humans, develops quickly, and appears translucent in the embryonic state, allowing for easy observation of developing organs,” shares Dalton. “For my work, these qualities are essential, as I can observe physiological changes in real time, gaining insight into heart development.”
He hopes to become a physician scientist and split his time between the lab and a clinical setting. “My primary ambition is to make a positive impact in the lives of others,” says Dalton. “This fellowship afforded me the opportunity to conduct research and begin working towards this goal.”
On campus, he is a member of the music department student advisory committee, Student Programs for Urban Development (SPUD), the chamber orchestra, and serves as the treasurer of the sailing club.
In addition to his Holy Cross classes this fall, he will continue his studies in jazz performance at the New England Conservatory in Boston, Mass.
Last fall, he co-authored an op-ed piece in the Worcester Telegram & Gazette with Bryan Engelhardt, assistant professor of economics, about insuring social security payments.
Dalton says he chose to come to Holy Cross because of the institution’s dedication to a traditional liberal arts education. “On Mount St. James, I have been able to immerse myself in my studies and experience the satisfaction of exploring the world around me.”
Named after the late Rev. John E. Brooks, S.J. ’49, (1923-2012) the longest serving president of the College, the full-tuition Brooks Music Scholarship is awarded to one high school senior each year, who will major in music. Applicants must demonstrate outstanding accomplishment in the area of instrumental/vocal performance or composition, as well as significant academic achievement.
Fr. Brooks was instrumental in expanding the cultural offerings at Holy Cross, particularly in music. The Rev. John E. Brooks, S.J. Concert Hall was named for him, and he also commissioned the College’s award-winning Taylor and Boody Organ, designed in the tradition of 16th and 17th century Dutch and north German organs, which was completed and dedicated in 1985.
Media Coverage
- Telegram & Gazette, Aug.5: College Town
