Dwan A. Gerido was recently awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in physiology and biophysics at the commencement exercises at Stony Brook University.

Gerido attended the public schools of Effingham County and is a 1994 graduate of Effingham County High School. In 1998, he received a Bachelor of Science degree from Savannah State University with a major in biology and a minor in chemistry.

He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jimmie Gerido of Rincon, and the brother of Steven, Rodney, Troy and Jamie. He was an active member of New Bethel AME Church.