Ohio State honors student, Isao Shoji, said there is more to college than just making the grade.Shoji, a senior majoring in molecular genetics and Chinese, was awarded the OSU Student Recognition Award for his volunteer service in the campus community earlier this month.”There’s so much more to college than just studying and getting good grades,” he said. “The important thing is to allow yourself to grow as an individual.” College life is about “finding your niche,” and going beyond the study, class and sleep routine, he said.Shoji said his typical day includes biological research, Ohio Staters, the Mens Glee Club, community involvement and course work. His biological sciences background and commitment to volunteer service has given him an opportunity to work in a molecular genetics lab at the Arthur G. James Cancer Center.”I don’t work for money, but I spend time at the James cancer center, about 4 to 10 hours a week,” gaining hands-on experience in genetics, Shoji said. He is currently assisting doctors in researching a unique gene found in fruit flies. Shoji described the procedure of examining the make-up of fruit flies. “You smash the fly, extract the liquid-formed DNA, cut the DNA with an enzyme, and run it (DNA) through a gel,” he said. “You can tell through a staining and gel process the length of the DNA fragments present in various types of flies that we’re examining.” Shoji said his time in the lab gives him a well-rounded perspective of biological sciences.”It’s one thing to learn from books, class and handouts, and a whole different thing to be in a lab setting learning procedures and doing experiments.”Fruit flies, Shoji said, is not everyone’s calling, but OSU is a place where every student can excel in any area they chose. “Everyone can find their niche here. It can be honors, service, Greek or ethnic and cultural groups,” he said.Shoji said he plans to attend medical school after he graduates.