John Yamauchi, Ph.D., received the outstanding graduate student award for his original research leading to his Ph.D. thesis, entitled ‘Developing Pharmacological Lead Compounds for the a7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Using Click-Chemistry” and for his service to education in science to the San Diego community. Dr. Yamauchi completed his thesis studies in the Pharmaceutical Sciences Building under Dean Palmer Taylor’s mentorship. Dr. Kim Barrett, Dean of Graduate Studies, stated at the June graduation ceremony, “John represents the best of our outstanding graduate students. Not only is he a talented scientist, but he has given a huge amount of time representing the campus community. I am certain he has a bright future.”