Our faculty members make investments in their students, and the returns are far-reaching and inspirational.

The College is home to more than 300 extraordinary faculty who offer their students not only their instruction, but also the chance to partner with them in research in new and emerging fields. It’s an experience that sets UAB apart from other institutions. Our graduates gain hands-on experience alongside worldclass scholars—an opportunity UAB graduate Dr. Charles Bishop did not take lightly after working in Dr. Steve Watts’ lab in the Department of Biology.

Dr. Steve Austad, chair of the Department of Biology, Dean Palazzo, Dr. Dan Bishop and Dr. Steve Watts“I have yet to see Dr. Watts and his talents as an educator paralleled anywhere,” said Bishop. “I have worked with Yale, Cal Tech, Harvard, The House Ear Institute and The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, and have yet to meet anyone that compares to Dr. Watts.”

Dr. Watts is widely known as an expert in aquatic nutrition science and has published more than 150 articles in the field. He is the only UAB faculty member to have won the prestigious Caroline and Charles P. Ireland Award for Scholarly Distinction, the Presidential Award for Teaching, and the Graduate Dean’s Award for Outstanding Mentorship. His interests include nutrition, health, obesity and longevity, and his lab is currently exploring ways in which one aquatic species can fully and sustainably support the development of another species.

Bishop says that despite the high level of Watts’ work and the demands on his time, he was always there to push and guide him as a student. “Dr. Watts was persistent with me and provided me with undying support during my program. He taught me critical thinking, introspection, and self-respect and self-confidence, even in the toughest times. I can’t tell you how much I have gained in my short time with Dr. Watts. I wish I could do more to show my appreciation,” said Bishop.

His profound appreciation inspired Bishop to honor his mentor by establishing a named research fund. By creating the Stephen A. Watts Endowed Support Fund, Bishop is ensuring that many more students will benefit from the opportunities to learn and gain valuable research experience in Watts’ laboratory as well as advance future discoveries in the field.

Dr. Bishop received his M.S. in Biology and his Ph.D. in Biology/Embryology from UAB. He and his wife, Dr. Karla Bishop, own Metroplex Endodontics & Microsurgery in Dallas, Texas and have five children.