December 29 – Happy Birthday, Dexter Holland

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nRock star…
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n…and molecular biologist!!!
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nThere are some rock or pop musicians who have ditched music, earned PhDs in science fields, and achieved a lot as scientists. Physicist Brian Cox comes to mind.
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nAnd there are several rock stars who have earned PhDs in science fields but have worked primarily in music all their lives. Queen co-founder and lead guitar player Brian May is also an astrophysicist who has worked with NASA and who started an asteroid awareness campaign. Punk rocker Greg Gaffin of Bad Religion also earned a PhD in zoology and is a university professor.
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nWell, here’s one more:
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nDexter Holland (born on this date in 1965) is best known as the lead singer, rhythm guitarist, and main songwriter for the punk rock band The Offspring. But he, too, has achieved academically. He went to USC, earned a bachelor’s in biology and a master’s in molecular biology, and – after a break while The Offspring became successful worldwide – completed his doctorate in molecular biology in 2017.
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nHolland’s doctorate work involved better understanding HIV.
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nIn addition to a huge career in music and his work in molecular biologist, Holland has started a successful hot sauce business and a record label. He also does important philanthropy – doing charity concerts and marathons to benefit AIDS research, the Innocence Project, and other worthy causes.
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nAlso on this date:

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nMadame de Pompadour’s birthday

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nTick Tock Day

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nAnniversary of Emma Snodgrass being arrested for wearing pants!

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nPlan ahead:

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• nDecember holidays

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• nDecember birthdays

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• nHistorical anniversaries in December

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• nJanuary holidays 

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• nJanuary birthdays 

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• nHistorical anniversaries in January

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