A USA Today college all-star researches treatments for Fragile X syndrome

From part of the USA Today story:

Matthew Baum, (pictured) a soon-to-be Yale University graduate whose research on Fragile X Syndrome may someday lead to better treatments for mental retardation, is a wrestler on the side and started a club for beer aficionados.

Baum is a molecular, cellular and developmental biology major with a 3.85 GPA at Yale.

He is one the students named to USA TODAY's 2009 All-USA College Academic First Team. The 20 winners, selected by a panel of judges from among hundreds of college juniors and seniors, each will receive a $2,500 cash award. Second- and third-team members also were selected, along with honorable mentions. "We're delighted to honor such a multi-talented group of achievers," says Susan Weiss, managing editor of USA TODAY's Life section.

They're selected based on their intellectual endeavors, community service and campus leadership; they all boast high grade-point averages, campus honors and prestigious prizes. Collectively, they have amassed more than a dozen national awards; four are Rhodes Scholars, and eight are members of Phi Beta Kappa national honor society.

Their scientific interests range from the tiniest cell in a research laboratory to outer space in all its wonder. They help teach classes and work with faculty on their research. And they are global citizens. Their studies and service work have taken them to a shantytown in sub-Saharan Africa, an international conference in Bali and orphanages in Nepal.

But they find value, too, in other creative outlets, whether it's running a marathon, sky diving or learning to cook a raccoon.

Such diversions are important — necessary, even, says Baum, 22, who co-founded the Berkeley Beer Club, an unofficial beer-appreciation club that he says emphasizes quality, not quantity. Unlike the English with their afternoon tea, "we do not have an activity … to give us a few moments to take a break from our busy lives and discuss ideas, problems, or just talk," he says. "It makes me happy to see my friends smiling and talking with one another, even if they have a paper due the next day."