2024 Honor Society inductees

Zoey Armstead

University of Nebraska鈥揕incoln

Zoey Armstead is a senior biochemistry major with minors in chemistry and humanities. Armstead’s senior year of high school and freshman year of college marked the beginning of her appreciation for science and medicine. Once she found the biochemistry department at University of Nebraska–Lincoln, she knew the major and program would be a great fit for her. Throughout her college journey, Armstead has been involved in various activities. She has led the Minority Pre-Health Association, been a peer mentor through the UNL Center for Academic Success and Transition, participated in undergraduate research, served as a teaching assistant, and participated in several other programs. She is grateful for the opportunities she has experienced during her undergraduate years. Being a part of the ASBMB Student Chapter has given Armstead the opportunity to meet amazing mentors and peers, while exploring her interests and navigating the world of STEM. Looking ahead, after a gap year, she wishes to attend medical school and ultimately embark on a career as a physician in women’s health, with a particular focus on addressing disparities among minority communities in healthcare. It is her aspiration to combine her love of learning, medicine and people. Beyond academics, Armstead enjoys spending time with her family and friends, cooking, reading and watching football.

Federica Bertolotti

Lake Forest College

Federica Bertolotti is a senior majoring in biochemistry and molecular biology and neuroscience at Lake Forest College in Illinois. She is working on her senior thesis in Shubhik DebBurman’s lab, where she is studying the molecular mechanisms of toxicity of beta- and gamma-synuclein in neurodegeneration. Bertolotti’s dedication to science and outreach activities led her to become a member of the ASBMB Student Chapter. Since her freshman year, she has been involved in creating, organizing and planning events, including a molecular gastronomy activity and alumni panels. During her junior year, she became the vice president of her chapter. She won the ASBMB Undergraduate Research Award in 2023. Bertolotti plans to go to graduate school to pursue a Ph.D. in neurobiology.

Sara Beth Bouchard

Wesleyan University

Sara Beth Bouchard will graduate from Wesleyan University this year with a bachelor’s in chemistry and molecular biology and biochemistry. Bouchard is passionate about pursuing scientific research and creating opportunities for students to explore science. She is a member of Ishita Mukerji’s lab and is researching MutS2, a prokaryotic protein involved in DNA-crossover formation. She also is involved in the Wesleyan Science Outreach program, for which she goes to elementary schools in the community weekly to teach original STEM lessons. During the summer, Bouchard is a STEM sailing instructor at the Niantic Bay Sailing Academy, where she weaves STEM topics, such as physics, environmental science and marine technology, into sailing lessons. Bouchard will pursue a chemistry Ph.D. at the University of Connecticut, where she will refine her skills to participate in biopharmaceutical design. Bouchard wants education to be an integral part of her career, and she hopes to participate in or establish outreach programs wherever she goes.

Kaitlin Cartwright

University of Nebraska鈥揕incoln

Kaitlin Cartwright is a senior at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where she studies cellular biochemistry and minors in chemistry. Cartwright began research in Limei Zhang's lab in 2022and focused on finding the structure and function of Rv2699c, a conserved zinc-binding protein that is essential in Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is involved in redox stress. She enjoys connecting with peers at ASBMB chapter activities. Cartwright will apply to Ph.D. programs in biochemistry in hopes of becoming a professor and sharing her passion for science with future students. She looks forward to developing her presentation skills, leadership skills and research experience as she continues her scientific career. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors, lifting weights and knitting gifts for others.

James Hasselbeck

Rochester Institute of Technology

James "Jimmy" Hasselbeck is a graduating senior at the Rochester Institute of Technology, where he has majored in biochemistry. Hasselbeck鈥檚 fascination with science began at a young age, sparked by reading scientific magazines with his parents. He has actively participated in research projects in the lab of Lea Vacca Michel, where his research focused on using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to elucidate the structure of crystallin proteins, which play a crucial role in the eye lens. During the summer of 2023, Hasselbeck did research at the University at Buffalo in the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences under the guidance of Andrew Gulick. There he studied natural products and nonribosomal protein synthetases. Through the ASBMB student chapter at RIT, Hasselbeck has developed lasting friendships, found teamwork opportunities and pursued his passion for science communication. Hasselbeck also contributes to the Global Public Health organization and plays as a midfielder on the club soccer team. Hasselbeck will pursue his medical degree at Duquesne College of Medicine. He is interested in critical care medicine and research.

Connor Holm

University of South Alabama

Connor Holm is a junior majoring in biomedical sciences and minoring in music at the University of South Alabama. Raised by a family of musicians and teachers, Holm was not introduced to medicine until several cross-country running and track-and-field injuries landed him in the doctor’s office during high school. As an undergraduate, he fed his interest in medicine with research experiences that led him to discuss starting an ASBMB student chapter with the professor who ultimately became his mentor. As president of the chapter, Holm has connected many students to research mentors, started a chapter-fundraised research award, and launched a high school outreach program. 麻豆传媒色情片 in ASBMB has provided Holm invaluable connections, information and opportunity for growth as a student and a leader. Holm has conducted research for South Alabama’s Center for Lung Biology for over a year and a half, plans to perform a summer project with South Alabama’s Center of Microbiology and Immunology, and will complete his honors thesis in spring 2025. Holm has a passion for service and teaching, evident by his roles as a physics, organic chemistry and MCAT strategy academic tutor at the Marx Library and as a volunteer tutor for Mobile’s Wilmer Hall Children’s Home. In his spare time, Holm enjoys singing, playing the piano, rock climbing, indoor soccer and long-distance running. He plans to enter medical school in fall 2025 and become a surgeon in a rural community.

Isabella Holt

University of Tampa

Isabella Holt is a senior at the University of Tampa, where she鈥檚 majoring in biochemistry. Holt was certain she wanted to be an entomologist from a young age. To her, an entomologist was someone who not only studied insects but was also involved in ensuring their health and well-being. She deeply admired paying close attention to the little things in life that often went ignored and imagined a future in which insect hospitals existed for this sole purpose. These childhood dreams were not completely crushed; instead, they blossomed into a passion for research and studying the little things in life in a different light. Holt has spent the past two years of her undergraduate experience characterizing the architectures of ubiquitin chains formed by the NEDD4 family of ubiquitin ligases on substrates. The goal is to ultimately determine if the formation of branched chains is a conserved property of this family of enzymes. She has served as a mentor in various classes, including genetics and biochemistry labs, and has managed the ASBMB student chapter as president. To Holt, the chapter serves as a platform to inspire other students to get involved in research and outreach activities; it fosters a supportive community in which scientific discoveries are made comprehensible and meaningful to all. Next year, Holt will begin the pursuit of a Ph.D. in cancer biology at the Moffitt Cancer Center. She plans to dedicate her career to making scientific contributions to the prevention and treatment of cancer.

Isabelle Juhler

Grand View University

Isabelle Juhler is a senior majoring in biochemistry at Grand View University in Des Moines, Iowa. Juhler鈥檚 undergraduate research has focused on PETase, an enzyme that degrades single-use plastics. She has presented her research a number of times, including at a previous ASBMB annual meeting. Juhler is interested in cancer biology and virology, a passion she discovered during her involvement in a Research Experience for Undergraduates at the University of Nebraska鈥揕incoln Center for Virology. She is the director of community outreach for Grand View's ASBMB student chapter, a role she uses to educate and inspire future scientists. She is especially passionate about empowering young women who are interested in pursuing careers in STEM. Juhler is also on the Grand View women's golf team. After graduation, she will pursue a Ph.D. in biochemistry at Purdue University.

Laura Kirshenbaum

University of Nebraska鈥揕incoln

Laura Kirshenbaum is a junior biochemistry major at the University of Nebraska鈥揕incoln. She joined Nicole Buan鈥檚 lab her freshman year and has enjoyed studying the physiology and genetic systems of methanogens ever since. She is the president of UNL鈥檚 Women and Underrepresented Genders in the Sciences Club, treasurer of the chemistry club, and is a teaching assistant for the chemistry undergraduate instrumentation center. Kirshenbaum loves biking, reading and puzzles. She is grateful for the exposure to different types of research she has gotten through the ASBMB and is excited to continue to broaden her scientific understanding. Kirshenbaum will continue her biochemistry and microbiology education in graduate school and hopes to have a career in researching non-model organisms and their industrial applications.

Isabella Kola

Manhattan College

Isabella Kola, as a lifelong theater kid, never imagined she would become so fascinated with science. She went from playing Little Red Riding Hood in her sixth-grade production of 鈥淚nto the Woods鈥� to running her first gel electrophoresis in her junior year of high school. Now, a pre-med junior at Manhattan College majoring in biochemistry and minoring in mathematics, she is educated by the most supportive and talented professors. Kola鈥檚 first experience in research was under the guidance of Alexandre Pinto. She synthesized and assessed the ability of titanium and graphite oxide to filter out nitrogenous waste from synthetic fuels. For the past year, she has been working with Sarah Wacker to explore the role of tyrosine kinases in the biofilm formations of Bacillus subtilis. Kola is dedicated to campus organizations. She has been a peer mentorship coordinator and treasurer of the ASBMB student chapter. This past fall, the chapter organized a STEM outreach program for local high school students, introducing them to the field of biochemistry through hands-on laboratory experiments. Being a member of the ASBMB chapter since freshman year and participating in the planning and execution of the outreach program introduced Kola to a great community of dedicated, caring individuals who fueled her love for science more. The performer lives on in Kola, an alto and vice president of Manhattan College鈥檚 a cappella group, The Manhattones.

Lucas Kramer

Grand View University

Lucas Kramer is a senior biochemistry student at Grand View University in Des Moines, Iowa. Kramer became interested in science thanks to his high school chemistry instructor, Mr. Frese. Kramer currently researches the PETase enzyme, which helps break down PET plastics. Being involved in the ASBMB chapter at Grand View has positively impacted Kramer as he has been able to conduct scientific outreach in the Des Moines community and make an impact on his campus community through chapter-hosted events. Along with these academic involvements, he is also captain of the men鈥檚 bowling team and enjoys baking banana bread. Kramer will attend Purdue University in the fall of 2024 in pursuit of a Ph.D. in biochemistry. After graduate school, Kramer hopes to become a teaching professor in biochemistry.

Kateryna Malkina

Lake Forest College

Kateryna Malkina is pursuing a dual major in molecular biology and biochemistry and data science at Lake Forest College. Driven to benefit society through science, her research journey began in high school in war-torn Ukraine. Malkina designed a portable and cost-effective solution for biogenic soft plastic disposal, showcasing her innovation across three countries. During her undergraduate career, she worked in Rahul Vijay鈥檚 laboratory at Rosalind Franklin University in the immunology department, where she aimed to modulate the antimalarial immune response by reversing hypoxia. Subsequently, at Lake Forest, she worked for Andrew Gard on a project aimed at identifying gene candidates crucial for germinal center B cell development for future investigation in the wet lab. Specifically, her work focused on delineating gene expression patterns affected by heightened systemic hypoxia during malaria, analyzing a microarray assay. Malkina is actively engaged with the local scientific community. She assumed leadership roles as the president of the ASBMB student chapter and a member of Women in STEM. She extended her passion for supporting fellow students by serving as a resident adviser and Academic Support Center tutor, while also fostering connections with like-minded scientists via ASBMB-led events. Malkina is going to pursue a Ph.D. in biochemistry. She aspires to apply novel synthetic biology methods in advancing bioremediation efforts.

Madison McFarland

Stephen F. Austin State University

Madison McFarland is a senior biochemistry major, with a minor in biology, at Stephen F. Austin State University in Texas. McFarland became interested in science after a forensic science course she took during high school. During her undergraduate studies, she delved into research focusing on the composition of Maya pottery sherds from Guatemala, specifically concentrating on lipid extraction and analysis. Her dedication to her field extends beyond academia; she has served as the ASBMB student chapter president since May 2023, actively engaging in science outreach for undergraduate students. McFarland has organized skill-building workshops, alumni medical panels and volunteer events, fostering a vibrant scientific community. Her involvement in ASBMB has facilitated strong connections with faculty and fellow students in the biochemistry department. With aspirations of becoming a forensic toxicologist, McFarland is set to pursue a Ph.D. in toxicology at Texas A&M University starting in August 2024. Outside of her academic pursuits, McFarland finds joy in spending time with her cats, indulging in TV shows and socializing with friends.

Gabriella Menezes da Silva

University of Nebraska鈥揕incoln

Gabriella Menezes da Silva is a senior at the University of Nebraska鈥揕incoln pursuing a degree in biochemistry and a minor in chemistry. She was born in Brazil and moved to the United States when she was 14 years old. Her interest in science started when she was in high school, and in college she had the opportunity to participate in research, during which she learned more about what it means to be a scientist and about the various experiments one can do to explore biological processes. She is very thankful for the opportunities that come with being part of her campus ASBMB student chapter, as it has helped her make new connections in the biochemistry field and allowed her to practice presenting scientific projects. These experiences have been essential to her professional growth. She plans to attend medical school and specialize in geriatric medicine, with the goal of contributing to medical research and improving the lives of the elderly.

Brooklyn Mills

Grand View University

Brooklyn Mills is a senior at Grand View University studying biochemistry and data analytics. She will be joining Washington University in St. Louis in the fall for its biochemistry, biophysics, and structural biology Ph.D. program. Being a part of the ASBMB student chapters program has allowed her to explore her love for science and community. She hopes to bring that experience to St. Louis and her next endeavors.

Gabriela Miranda

St. Mary's College of Maryland

Gabriela Miranda is a senior at St. Mary鈥檚 College of Maryland majoring in biochemistry. Miranda became interested in science as a young child when learning about astronomy and physics. Completely fascinated by how the world worked, she took an honors chemistry course in high school. That made her interested in the smaller intricacies of life. She decided on focusing her studies on the health field, combining her passion for patterns, math and chemistry with how it affects pathways, biology and humans. Her research career began in her second year of undergrad, at which time she focused on reactive oxidative species induced structural changes in DNA. Being part of the ASBMB student chapter helped her build a stronger relationship with those in the science community, in her classes and with those outside of her institution. She is also president of her school's Biomolecular Organization of St. Mary鈥檚 Students (BOSS), co-president of Pre-Health Club and vice president of her school's Asian-pop dance cover club, Zero Degrees. Her hobbies include playing cello, reading Shakespeare and painting. Her goal in life has always been to help people, especially those in underrepresented communities. She plans on pursuing a Ph.D. in either biomedical science or cancer research.

Kyle Murphy

St. Mary's College of Maryland

Kyle Murphy is a senior biochemistry major at St. Mary's College of Maryland. Murphy鈥檚 interest in science and research began with his fifth-grade science fair project that involved spreading food coloring in milk using dishwashing liquid. His passion for research grew in college as he developed a project exploring the effects of nanoplastics on the structure of bovine serum albumin under the direction of Shanen Sherrer. As a volunteer EMT, Murphy found his passion for medicine and helping others. He served as the president of the pre-health club that helped to foster a community of pre-med, pre-dental, pre-vet and other pre-health students on campus. He also started the Student Investment Group, which helps people learn how to invest in the stock market using an endowment fund that was donated to St. Mary鈥檚 students for this purpose. His involvement with the ASBMB student chapter and BOSS/SMACS club helped him build long-lasting relationships with classmates and members of the local scientific community. Murphy secured a postbaccalaureate Intramural Research Training Award through the National Institutes of Health and will apply to medical school with hopes of becoming an ophthalmologist.

Anita Nguyen

University of South Alabama

Anita Nguyen is an honors junior at the University of South Alabama. She is majoring in biomedical sciences and minoring in sociology, chemistry and related sciences. She has been working in an RNA lab run by Glen Borchert, where her project investigates the role of small noncoding RNAs and their relationship to the switch that controls the levels of expression for sigma factors RpoS and RpoE in Salmonella enterica serovars in response to carbon starvation stress. She also serves as the lab manager. Nguyen joined the ASBMB in her freshman year, served as secretary of ASBMB student chapter in her sophomore year, and now serves as vice president. She strongly believes in creating a safe space for undergraduates to ask questions about research and helping them network and form connections with mentors. Her undergraduate research endeavors impacted her, and she wants to incorporate research into her future career. Nguyen aspires to become a dentist who prioritizes the health of patients and the advancement of dental technology through research. Outside of academics, Nguyen serves as president of the Honors Student Body and president of the Pre-Dental Society at South Alabama. She also is a volunteer tutor at the Wilmer Hall Children鈥檚 Home for middle and high school students in STEM courses.

George Santarpia

University of Nebraska鈥揕incoln

George Santarpia is a senior microbiology and biochemistry double major at the University of Nebraska鈥揕incoln. His father is a scientist, so he was exposed to and interested in science from an early age. In his senior year of high school, he joined a biosecurity laboratory and has been working there ever since. His projects include bacteriophage discovery, characterization and genetic modifications for therapeutic use; testing countermeasures against neurotoxins; and developing reporter cell lines for viral infections. Santarpia is president of the Microbiology Club at UNL and the student representative on the Microbiology Program Advisory Board and Curriculum Revision Committee. After graduation, he intends to pursue a Ph.D. in experimental pathology at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. He is interested in researching viral immunology, in fields such as vaccinology and pathogenesis. After obtaining a PhD, he intends to become a principal investigator at a university or government institution. He is also interested in teaching and participating in science outreach later in his career. Outside of the lab, he is an avid fisherman and enjoys playing board games and practicing card tricks.

Evan Schroder

University of Nebraska鈥揕incoln

Evan Schroder is a senior biochemistry and microbiology double major at the University of Nebraska鈥擫incoln. In Edward Harris鈥� lab, he studies the stabilin receptors, specifically the characterization of stabilin-2 and its associated localization, trafficking and recycling. At the University of Nebraska Medical Center, he studies HIV proteins and therapeutics and their additive effects on cardiomyocyte calcium channels. He has presented his research at UNMC鈥檚 Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience Department symposiums and UNL鈥檚 Research Days. As a teaching assistant, he participates in education research and the development of remedial content modules to level the educational playing field for biochemistry classes at UNL. Outside of school, he has served twice on his fraternity鈥檚 executive board, works as an operating room assistant, and volunteers with Ducks Unlimited. Upon graduation, he will take a gap year and then apply to medical schools.

Kyle Sextro

University of Nebraska鈥揕incoln

Kyle Sextro is a senior at the University of Nebraska鈥揕incoln studying biochemistry and psychology. He has had a love for science even since he was young, but it has been through his undergraduate studies and activities that he has come to fully appreciate science. He has volunteered in two psychology research labs, one working with animal models to study alcohol addiction and another looking at a variety of factors, from the biochemical to the psychosocial environmental contributions, that play parts in methamphetamine-dependent populations. He plans to pursue an M.D. at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. There he will decide whether he will specialize in surgery or psychiatry to provide the highest level of care he is capable of while still having a role to play in research. Sextro is an outdoors enthusiast passionate about hunting/fishing, backpacking, rock climbing and conservation. In other times, you can find him reading and enjoying art or socializing with friends.

Andrew Seyler

Rochester Institute of Technology

Andrew Seyler is a fourth-year biochemistry student at the Rochester Institute of Technology specializing in the expression and characterization of Nudix hydrolases under the mentorship of Suzanne O'Handley. Seyler has participated in groundbreaking research projects, honing skills in molecular biology and biochemical techniques. Their passion for understanding intricate biochemical processes has been a driving force in their academic journey. Beyond academics, Seyler is deeply committed to serving others and aspires to pursue a career in medicine. Their experiences in research have provided valuable insights into the complexities of biological systems, fueling their desire to contribute to advancements in medical science. Throughout their time at RIT, Seyler has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication, both in academic pursuits and extracurricular activities. They have consistently maintained high academic standards while actively engaging in campus organizations, fostering a vibrant community of learning and collaboration.

Navraj Singh

Rochester Institute of Technology

Navraj Singh is a senior majoring in biochemistry at Rochester Institute of Technology. From a young age, he has been interested in science and becoming a doctor. He conducts research in the lab of Lea Michel and is a group leader on a project investigating the effects of antibiotics on extracellular vesicles in E. coli. Singh is also the president of COS ALANA, a club dedicated to promoting awareness and providing resources to African, Latino, Asian and Native American students in the College of Science. The ASBMB student chapter at RIT has allowed Singh to connect with other students who have similar interests and goals and with members of the local science community. Singh has worked as a personal assistant and plans to go to medical school.

Ravyn Solís

Stephen F. Austin State University

Ravyn Sol铆s is a research-intensive biochemistry major at Stephen F. Austin State University with a double minor in art and biology. Sol铆s鈥� late mother was constantly ill, and her inability to actively impact the situation in front of her was the catalyst that sparked Sol铆s鈥� interest in the medical field. Sol铆s has since devoted herself to the field of science and medicine and exploited every opportunity that has come her way. She became a licensed CNA at age 16, CPR and AED certified by 18, pharmacy tech certified by 19, and ACS certified by 21. She plans to pursue a career as an M.D.鈥揚h.D. She is in the University of Texas鈥揟yler early admissions program and intends to advocate for women and marginalized communities in healthcare. After earning her undergraduate degree, Sol铆s plans to spend four months traveling abroad with her childhood friend, in the hopes of broadening her perspective and gaining exposure to other cultures.

Mya Soto

Rochester Institute of Technology

Mya Soto is a junior biochemistry major at the Rochester Institute of Technology. Her curiosity about science was sparked by the unanswered questions she encountered in enzymology during her late high school years, coinciding with the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. This passion grew as she began doing research with Suzanne O鈥橦andley. Currently, Soto is investigating a HAD superfamily phosphoglycolate phosphatase in Staphylococcus aureus as a potential virulence factor. As a member of the ASBMB student chapter at RIT, Soto has engaged in such things as fundraising, organizing a hands-on protein folding activity for campuswide events and serving as a representative in the College of Science Club Council. She has also been a teaching assistant for the chemistry department and serves as a certified peer educator. Soto credits the outreach activities and her involvement in the ASBMB chapter with developing her passion for connecting with people from all walks of life over the love of science. Upon completing her degree, Soto hopes to pursue a PhD in a biochemistry-related discipline, focusing on infectious diseases and continuing her research pursuits. In her spare time, Soto enjoys playing volleyball, going on nature walks and playing her guitar.

Vaishnavi Srirama

Saint Louis University

Vaishnavi Srirama is a senior at Saint Louis University majoring in medical sciences and minoring in both biology and health care ethics. She has worked on a variety of research projects, including investigating antibiotic resistance in multidrug resistant P. aeruginosa bacteria, phytochemical efficacy in proliferation of colorectal cancer cells and cell-free DNA genomic exosome characterization. She currently works under the direction of Kyle McCommis investigating the intricacies in how mitochondrial and lipid metabolic pathways are altered in cardiometabolic diseases. At her university, Srirama is the president of ASBMB student chapter, president of Undergraduate American Physician Scientists Association, and a learning assistant for biology. Her passion lies in mentorship through the lens of promoting science to the community, and she has provided scientific outreach through guest speaker meetings, medical service events and creating a high school research symposium for the St. Louis community. Srirama is a pre-M.D./Ph.D. student hoping to pursue research at the intersection of metabolism and oncology. After graduation, she will be taking an interim year to further explore her research interests before applying to medical school. Outside of science, Srirama is heavily involved in the arts, having pursued singing and dance for nine years and self-teaching herself henna, a cultural art form.

Jordyn Svoboda

University of Nebraska鈥揕incoln

Jordyn Svoboda is a graduating senior at the University of Nebraska鈥揕incoln majoring in biochemistry with minors in chemistry, mathematics and psychology. During their undergraduate education, they have studied receptor-mediated mitophagy to elucidate the interactions of outer mitochondrial membrane proteins Bnip3 and Nix. With their first article in the process of publication, they are eager to continue this work upon entrance into their graduate studies. Furthermore, they are studying tyrosine degradation inhibition in blood-feeding arthropods. Partnering with scientists studying entomology and pharmacy, they hope the project aids in the development of products geared to decrease zoonotic disease transmission. Outside of research, Svoboda has gained significant teaching experience by aiding in the instruction of seven courses within biochemistry, chemistry and biology. They also enjoy rock climbing, listening to new music, cooking and baking vegan dishes or spending time with their two cats and tortoise. After graduation, Svoboda will begin their graduate studies to pursue a Ph.D. in biochemistry and structural biology with certification in teaching. They are excited to continue their research and involvement in the community to ultimately remain in academia and inspire future generations of scientists with a passion in biochemistry.

Tai Lon Tan

Wesleyan University

Tai Lon Tan is a senior at Wesleyan University majoring in molecular biology and biochemistry. His interest in understanding biophysical mechanisms led him to join Ishita Mukerji鈥檚 lab, where his senior thesis project investigates the binding of mismatch repair proteins to DNA intermediates during homologous recombination. In the summer of 2023, he interned with Andrew Holle at the Mechanobiology Institute in Singapore to explore the role of mechanical confinement on stem cell differentiation. Outside of lab, he is a peer tutor for Wesleyan鈥檚 Quantitative Analysis Center and teaching apprentice for biology courses. As co-chair of Wesleyan鈥檚 ASBMB student chapter outreach committee, he has been involved in science outreach events for children in the local Middletown community, which has further inspired his love for science. He intends to use his doctoral studies to better understand the physical mechanisms behind cancer metastasis to develop treatment strategies.

Rohan Tatineni

University of Nebraska鈥揕incoln

Rohan Tatineni is a junior biochemistry major with minors in chemistry and math at the University of Nebraska鈥揕incoln. He conducts research in the biochemistry lab under the direction of Limei Zhang, where Tatineni focuses on characterizing the LaPhzM and LaPhzS proteins in Lysobacter antibioticus. Tatineni is a co-director for the UNL Camp Kesem chapter, which contributes to a weeklong summer camp for children whose guardians are affected by cancer, and a learning assistant for an honors seminar class. He has led several after-school outreach programs in the local community focusing on applying the scientific method to various science experiments. In his free time, Tatineni enjoys playing tennis, reading nonfiction and science fiction books, and tracking and taking pictures of various weather phenomena. He aspires to be a physician specializing in pediatrics or oncology.

Nishtha Tripathi

St. Bonaventure University

Nishtha Tripathi is a senior undergraduate student researcher at Saint Bonaventure University double majoring in biology and behavioral neuroscience while minoring in English. Tripathi has been working in Sean Ryan鈥檚 developmental toxicology lab to study differential expression of genes influencing neural crest cell migration and chondrocyte formation in larval zebrafish treated with 3,5-dichlorosalicylic acid, a water detoxification byproduct. She has also participated in two National Science Foundation-supported summer programs, the 2022 University of California at Irvine Summer Institute in Neuroscience Program and the 2023 Summer Undergraduate Research in Engineering/Sciences Program at Georgia Tech. Having served as a volunteer EMT, Tripathi is passionate about becoming a research physician to bridge the divide between clinical studies and patient outcomes while also actively working to increase the equity of access to healthcare services. In her free time, Tripathi enjoys hiking, reading, watching horror movies and volunteering at the local animal shelter. She will be attending George Washington University School of Medicine in the fall of 2024.

Vivian Zuo

University of California, Los Angeles

Vivian Zuo is a junior at UCLA studying biochemistry. She has a strong interest in pharmaceuticals and early cancer diagnostics and therapeutics. She is part of two labs, the liquid biopsy lab (Tseng鈥揨hu research group) at UCLA, where she has worked on multiple projects using EV-based protein assays for the early detection of various cancers, and the Seki lab at Cedars Sinai Medical Center, where she studies the role of various gene lines in liver diseases such as MASLD, liver fibrosis and liver cancer. She is passionate about combining Eastern and Western medicine to develop more affordable and accessible treatments. Zuo is the founder and president of the ASBMB student chapter at UCLA. The chapter has given presentations on how to get into research and career options in related fields, encouraged members to navigate through the valuable resources provided by the ASBMB, invited speakers to present their research and share advice, and actively participated in science fairs and outreach events. This experience has fueled her interest in science outreach and creating a supportive network in which students can find guidance and resources for their academic and career paths. She plans to pursue a Ph.D. in biochemistry to continue her research interests.

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