Medical Researcher Receives Young Alumnus Achievement Award

Mark T. Miller, Ph.D., '94, has been named as a recipient of Buffalo State's 2014 Young Alumnus Achievement Award. The Tonawanda native was presented the award at a ceremony at Buffalo State, and took part in a chemistry-physics seminar series on campus.

Miller is a senior scientist at Vertex Pharmaceuticals in San Diego, and is a member of the research team that developed Kalydeco™, the first prescription medicine to treat the underlying cause of cystic fibrosis, a faulty gene and its protein product, CFTR. Miller has spent 14 years as a medicinal chemist with a focus on ion channels and transporters. Twelve years of his career at Vertex has been spent on cystic fibrosis research. All previous therapies addressed the symptoms of the disease, not the underlying cause, making Kalydeco™ a true breakthrough.

He received his bachelor's degree in chemistry as part of the All College Honors Program at Buffalo State in 1994. He conducted undergraduate research on activated copper with Dr. Gregory Ebert, professor of chemistry, who saw great potential in Miller, and encouraged him to continue his education. Miller went on to earn his Ph.D. from the University of California San Diego in 1999.

“We are honored to call Mark Miller one of our own,” said Mary-Jo Jagord, director of alumni affairs. “Knowing that he has made a real difference in the lives of cystic fibrosis patients gives Mark a true sense of professional accomplishment and satisfaction. We're very proud that he began his journey at Buffalo State,” she added.

During Miller's visit to his alma mater for the award ceremony on Thursday, September 25, he also lectured to Buffalo State students on cystic fibrosis, medicinal chemistry, and drug development. Additionally, he spoke to undergraduates who might be considering a career in drug discovery, setting an inspirational example for Buffalo State students. “Mark's enthusiasm and dedication to his profession are evident to all who meet him, and we were thrilled that he took the time to share his knowledge and experience with our students,” noted Jagord.

The Buffalo State Alumni Association established the Young Alumnus Achievement Award in 2002 to recognize outstanding alumni who graduated within the last 20 years. Recipients of the award have achieved significant professional accomplishments, demonstrated service to the community, and shown loyalty and commitment to Buffalo State and its mission.

Originally posted: October 2014