Congratulations to Ryan Clarke (BS ’14) on receiving a 2026 Forward Award from the Wisconsin Alumni Association (WAA)! The Forward Award acknowledges rising stars in various fields who exemplify the Wisconsin Idea through an emphasis on service, discovery, and progress. Young alumni within 15 years of graduation who have demonstrated exceptional early-career achievement and a positive impact on their professions or communities are eligible to receive the award. Clarke is cofounder and chief scientific officer of Syntax Bio, a Chicago-based company working to speed up development of stem cell therapies. I was surrounded by all types of people — not just scientists and engineers — and that was really important to me.”