From Student to Coauthor

As a student in Professor Steve Klug’s biology class, Michael A. Palladino ’87 used the first edition of Concepts of Genetics, the seminal text written by his professor. Over the years, the book has been translated into 10 foreign languages. The ninth edition was just published, and Palladino, now a biology professor at Monmouth University, was one of Klug’s coauthors.

Words by TCNJ's editorial staff

As a student in Professor Steve Klug’s biology class, Michael A. Palladino ’87 used the first edition of Concepts of Genetics, the seminal text written by his professor. Over the years, the book has been translated into 10 foreign languages. The ninth edition was just published, and Palladino, now a biology professor at Monmouth University, was one of Klug’s coauthors.

Klug said he asked Palladino to join the author team because of “Mike’s extensive knowledge of biotechnology and genomics, his well-established reputation of being a fine teacher, and his past success and experience in textbook writing.”

“It is a particular pleasure to have Mike as a coauthor and colleague, knowing that I was able to stimulate his initial interest in genetics when he took my course in 1985,” Klug added.

“Every chance I get, I mention the pivotal experience I had at TSC as the reason I do what I do now,” said Palladino. “In addition to Steve, the research experiences I had with the late Albert Eble are what led me down my career path. I will always be grateful for their support.”

In a related note, biology department faculty recently started the Albert Eble Student Summer Research Fellowship Fund in honor of their former colleague, who passed away last November. The fund provides support for a student conducting summer research with a faculty member. More information can be found at www.tcnj.edu/give.