Preston Cook receives C.L. "Shot" Senn Fellowship

From the basketball court to the lab, graduate student Preston Cook is using integrity, curiosity, and experience to translate his skills from on the court into the lab. Cook’s efforts were recently recognized by the Auburn University Graduate School with the C.L. “Shot” Senn Fellowship.

With strong roots in Auburn, the former Auburn men’s basketball player is now continuing his studies in Pharmaceutical Sciences in the Harrison College of Pharmacy (HCOP) in the pharmacology sequence.

Cook was a member of the Auburn men’s basketball team from 2018-22, before graduating from Auburn with his bachelors in exercise science in December 2021. During that time, Auburn made three NCAA Tournaments, including a Final Four run in 2019.

“I was born and raised here, so Auburn has never been just a place I studied or played. It has always been part of my identity,” said Cook. “Growing up in this community taught me the values that Auburn is known for: hard work, humility, and a commitment to serving others. Those same values guide me now in my research and in the way I approach challenges.”

Cook’s research specializes in the pharmacogenomics of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, focusing specifically on multiple sclerosis (MS).

“My work combines data mining, wet lab training, literature review, and experimental approaches such as gene expression analysis, CRISPR-based functional studies, cell culture, and the potential development of mouse models,” said Cook. “MS caught my attention due to its debilitating nature, distinct epidemiology and pathophysiology, and its evolving treatment landscape.”

Cook was initially drawn to this field of study due to MS having no clear cure.

“These factors make MS both scientifically challenging and deeply meaningful to investigate,” said Cook.

Recognizing the quality of his work, leadership skills, and his potential career success, Cook received the C. L. “Shot” Senn Fellowship in an award ceremony on April 24. The fellowship is awarded to an Auburn University graduate student or incoming graduate student who is a former Auburn University Division I athlete whose NCAA eligibility has ended.

With the shift from basketball to graduate school, Cook can transcend key skills that he learned on the court into the environment in the lab.

“Competing at that level demanded discipline, resilience, and the ability to perform under pressure, qualities that translate directly into my work in the lab,” said Cook. “Ultimately, the same principles that helped me succeed on the court now guide me in the lab: a commitment to excellence, a willingness to lead by example, and the determination to push through challenges in pursuit of long‑term goals.”

Cook’s curiosity to study in the area developed through his fascination of how drugs work in the body, and how they work to treat different diseases. He chose to peruse a path of pharmacology as it not only aligned with his long-term goals but also sparked an intrinsic curiosity.

The collaborative environment, and direct mentorship offered at HCOP has guided and developed Cook’s time in the program.

“HCOP fosters a welcoming and collaborative environment, and that sense of community has made my transition from athletics to graduate research feel natural,” said Cook.  “The support I’ve received has pushed me academically, helped me build confidence as a developing scientist, and reminded me of the same team‑oriented values that shaped me as an athlete.”

Cook has been working closely with his mentor, Dr. Amit Mitra, associate professor in HCOP’s Department of Drug Discovery and Development.

“He encourages me to think critically, troubleshoot my own ideas, and take ownership of my work, while still being available to step in when I need direction,” said Cook. “He is truly one of the best mentors I have had. His support has not only shaped my research skills but has also influenced the way I hope to mentor others in the future.”

Cook is grateful for the honor of receiving the 2026 C. L. “Shot” Senn Fellowship and how it supports his continued growth and development at HCOP.

“It is an award that not only acknowledges where I have been but also encourages me in where I am going,” said Cook.

After graduate school, Cook plans to continue his meaningful contributions to the pharmaceutical field through advancing treatments for complex diseases, with an overall aspiration to make a real impact in human health.