Brittany Walsh, Research Assistant for the Bellono Lab, has been named a 2025 recipient of the FAS Dean’s Distinction Award, one of Harvard’s highest staff honors. The award recognizes Walsh’s outstanding contributions to the MCB community—ranging from running a unique multi-species research facility to organizing board game nights and mentoring future scientists. In 2024, MCB’s Events Coordinator, Francesco Arellano was recognized for the same honor.
“Honestly, it is an incredible honor,” Walsh says. “I’m continually humbled, and I very much appreciate being recognized for the things that I do.” This award follows Brittany’s receipt of the Doty Losick Award last November.
Walsh was nominated by MCB and OEB faculty, including Colleen Cavanaugh, Carolyn Elya, Rich Losick, Ryan Nett, and Nick Bellono. She plays a central role in what she and her colleagues affectionately call “the supergroup”—an informal center composed of several interconnected research labs that span the nominators’ labs as well as the Mandë Holford OEB lab. “Brittany worked with us to design new space that positions our groups in shared space for an interdisciplinary environment and weekly joint meetings that spur curious scientific training and multifaceted research,” the nominators wrote. They recognize that not long ago, it was not uncommon to go weeks without seeing people from different research groups in the historic Biolabs building. “Brittany helped transform the environment into a vibrant hub for curious research that supports innovative scientific training, important undergraduate educational activities, and enthusiastic community outreach.”
Though her official role is managing the Bellono Lab’s interdisciplinary research, Walsh’s impact far exceeds the job description. She oversees a one-of-a-kind animal facility that houses over 100 aquatic and terrestrial species. She helped design the facility in 2019 and has overseen its recent expansion, including a 2000-gallon seawater reservoir and dozens of independently controlled tanks. The nominators noted that it is not uncommon for Brittany to make surprise visits for broken tanks at 2 am (commuting from NH!), trips to the airport to pick up Colombian piranhas, catch escaping octopuses, or to be responsible for all the animals in times of crisis.
“I think it’s lovely to know that the things I do to foster an open environment between these five labs are noticed, continue to be supported, and hopefully advance our science, both individually and collectively,” Walsh said.
Beyond her research and logistical work, Walsh has spearheaded creative ways to build community. She organizes monthly MCB board game nights. In addition to her scientific and community contributions, Walsh is also an advocate for inclusive practices at Harvard. She has applied to serve on MCB’s Community Task Force (CTF) and says she feels strongly about ensuring the institution reflects and supports the needs of its members. “In this really uncertain time where our Harvard community is being challenged, I think it’s important to be actively part of the team that facilitates what’s best for our community,” she said.
Walsh recently completed a 10-mile race at Walt Disney World, setting a new personal fitness goal. She’s now preparing to run in support of the Matt Brown Foundation, which helps families affected by sudden paralysis diagnoses. “I’ve known Matt almost my entire life,” she says. “His foundation is doing great work, and I’m proud to support it.”
Through every endeavor—scientific, community-oriented, or personal—Walsh leads by example. “Being a good role model for my kids is really important to me,” she said. “Even if they see diversity, equity, and inclusion being diminished in the world, this award—given to a woman in science—shows them that at home, these values are not only valued, they’re celebrated.”
All FAS staff members are welcome to attend the Dean’s Distinction Recognition Event on June 9. The ceremony will be held at Lowell House, 10 Holyoke Pl, Cambridge, from 1-3PM. Desserts and light refreshments will be served. Attendees are asked to register. There’s still time!
