A biologist who roams the world's oceans studying endangered whales. A bacteriologist leading efforts to develop a new and potentially crucial source of energy: hydrogen-creating bacteria. A dedicated surgeon who gives transplant patients new life.

Profiles of these three alumni—Paul Wade '80, Caroline Harwood '73, and Patrick Wood '75—were written for Colby in recent months. Though they were assigned and reported independently, a common thread runs through them, and we've sewn them together as a package about scientists who have found their niche.

Wade, Harwood, and Wood are passionate about their professions. They believe fervently that their knowledge and experience should be used improve the world. And they all set out on paths that began in the labs and classrooms of Mayflower Hill.

So here's to success and to the mentors and the experiences that ultimately led all three to specialized areas of science where each has proven both well prepared and perfectly suited.