Swimming and studying aren't as different as you might think. Particularly for Adam Bossert. The Ambler, Pa., native has been able to apply his studies to his swimming, and vice versa.

"I think biochemistry has been my favorite class," Bossert explains. "It includes aspects from all aspects of science and also directly relates to my sport. We learned about the exchange of oxygen and buildup of carbon dioxide when you hold your breath and things like why lactic acid builds up in your muscles."

Lessons and benefits learned from swimming are also a crucial component of Bossert's success at UR – and one of the reasons he is receiving the Lysle "Spike" Garnish award in honor of excellence both in the classroom and as an athlete.

While UR's curriculum and the research opportunities were huge attractions for the microbiology major in deciding to come to UR, swimming seemed to really sell him on the University.

"What really cemented my decision was when I came for an overnight stay while I was being recruited by the swim team," Bossert remembers. "After meeting the team and the people who made up the school I knew I'd enjoy being a student here."

Starting swimming in third grade when his mom "forgot to sign him up for soccer," Bossert has been incredibly productive in the pool for the Yellowjackets. Though he enjoys the individual races, Bossert is much more drawn to the relays, particularly the 200 medley freestyle, where he swims two laps of the breaststroke. "The team gets very excited about relays and I love hearing my teammates screaming as I lift my head at each stroke or do a turn against the wall."

Last year in particular, the senior's dedication and commitment really paid off. He set Liberty League records in the 100 breaststroke, the 200 freestyle relay and the 200 and 400 medley relay last season and capped off that success with Liberty League Male Swimmer of the Year honors in the Liberty League Championships. He also holds a top 10 time at UR for both the 50 freestyle and the 200 medley relay.

Perhaps part of that reason for this success is because Bossert seems inclined to look ahead. In high school, this led him to admire Olympic medalist Brendan Hanson, a Pennsylvania native who also swims the breastroke and recently captained the U.S. swim team at the age of 30. "Whenever I would go to States in high school, I would see his state record on the board. While I knew I was never going to the Olympics, it was always something to shoot for."

This season, as the team gears up for another competitive year, Bossert's role has moved from simply being a star performer to more of a leadership role. As a senior who's been winning Liberty League championship races since he was a freshman, Bossert has the experience and proven dedication of a role model. "I'm pumped," he says, "to help lead the team through another season."

And while swimming has clearly helped to shape his experience in Rochester, providing him with a group of friends – "the swimming team is my best friend," he quips – and an outlet from the demands of his major, Bossert is also passionate about implications of the work he is doing in and out of the classroom.

When not swimming or studying, Bossert is working in Strong's infectious disease department in a lab focused on HIV research and antiviral drugs. He also volunteers with the Victory Alliance, helping to recruit participants for HIV vaccine trial studies.

"I've always liked science and have been biased toward biology since high school," Bossert explains. "Human diseases and the search for treatment methods or cures ended up interesting me the most."

As for what's next, Bossert is taking it one step at a time.

"Right now I'm focused on graduating, but afterwards, I want to get a job in a lab or clinical setting and start focusing on studying for the MCAT and applying to medical school," explains Bossert, who still isn't sure exactly where he will apply. Rochester though, he says, has been good to him.