BETHANY, W.Va. (Sept. 1, 2026) – Bethany College is pleased to announce that Dr. Robert M. Brosh, Jr. ’85 will be the featured speaker for the 2026 Fall Convocation on Sept. 10. A distinguished Bethany alumnus, accomplished biomedical researcher, and recent addition to the Bethany faculty, Brosh will join students, faculty and staff in celebrating the start of a new academic year.
Brosh grew up in Wheeling, W.Va., and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Bethany College, where he met his wife, Kathleen Baker-Brosh ’86, who currently serves as an assistant professor of biology at the College. During his time as a student, Brosh was a member of the Tri-Beta Biological Honor Society, a four-year letterman for the men’s varsity tennis team, a recipient of the Benjamin Chandler Shaw Travel Award, and a recipient of the Senior Service Award for his philanthropic work with the Catholic Charities Neighborhood Center in downtown Wheeling.
He went on to earn a Master of Science degree in biochemistry from Texas A&M University and a doctorate with a concentration in molecular biology and genetics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He then completed a postdoctoral fellowship through the National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institute on Aging (NIA). At NIA, he became a tenure-track investigator before serving as a tenured senior investigator and chief of the helicases and genomic integrity section, where he led research focused on accelerated aging disorders characterized by defects in DNA repair and genomic stability.
Over a 30-year career at NIH, Brosh’s research focused on the molecular and cellular functions of helicases, tiny molecular motors that play vital roles in maintaining chromosomal integrity. His research has resulted in more than 185 peer-reviewed scientific publications, including a recently accepted paper in the prestigious journal “Nature Communications,” focused on aging and cancer.
Throughout his career, Brosh has also demonstrated a strong commitment to mentoring the next generation of scientists. At NIH, he supervised and mentored more than 70 research fellows and interns, including students from Bethany College, many of whom went on to become leaders in medicine, biomedical research, bioethics, and biotechnology. He received the NIA Director’s Award for his service on the Diversity in Aging Research Pipeline Program, as well as the NIA Postbaccalaureate Distinguished Mentor Award. He also served as chair of the NIA Postbaccalaureate Fellows Advisory Committee.
“Dr. Brosh’s career shows what a Bethany education can lead to,” said Vice President for Advancement Jason Koegler. “Bob has taken the education and experiences he gained at Bethany and built a successful career in biomedical research. We’re excited to welcome him back to campus and have him share his story with our students as they begin a new academic year.”
Brosh has remained closely connected to Bethany throughout his career. For the past five years, he has served on the Bethany College Alumni Council and chaired the Alumni Engagement Committee. This fall, he joins the Bethany faculty as professor and chair of the biology department, where he will teach and mentor students while working alongside Bethany faculty, administration, and the broader College community.
Fall Convocation will be held on Thursday, Sept. 10, at 11 a.m. in Commencement Hall. The annual ceremony marks the beginning of the academic year and brings the Bethany community together to welcome students, celebrate academic excellence, and recognize the traditions and values that connect generations of Bethanians.
A livestream will be available on the College’s Facebook page during the event, with a recording accessible afterward on YouTube.
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