Three Hope College students received awards for poster presentations they made during the annual meeting of the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB), held in Washington, D.C., on Saturday-Wednesday, April 28-May 2.
All three were recognized with "Honorable Mention" in the 11th annual ASBMB Undergraduate Research Achievement Award Poster Competition for presentations concerning original research conducted in conjunction with members of the Hope faculty. The students who were honored were: Alyssa Johnson, who is a 2007 graduate from Muskegon; Caitlin Rice, a junior from Spring Lake; and Charles Sierzant, a 2007 graduate from Grand Rapids.
Johnson has been conducting research in molecular biology with Dr. Maria Burnatowska-Hledin, professor of biology and chemistry at Hope, and is continuing this summer before going on to graduate school. Rice has been working in biology with Dr. Virginia McDonough, who is an associate professor of biology at Hope. Sierzant, who graduated in May, conducted research in neuroscience with Dr. Leah Chase-Wallar, who is an assistant professor of biology and chemistry and a Towsley Research Scholar at the college.
Rice had also previously been honored by being one of only four undergraduate students nationwide invited in advance to give an oral presentation during the meeting.
In addition, Johnson, Rice and Sierzant all received ASBMB travel awards to attend the event, as did senior Abby Goltz of Midland and 2007 graduate Cheryl Jacobs of Holland.
Four other Hope students also attended the ASBMB meeting, including: Matthew Cooke, a senior from Berrien Springs; Brietney Lewis, a 2007 graduate from West Chicago, Ill.; Elisabeth Oosterhouse, a 2007 graduate from Byron Center; and Peter Vollbrecht, a 2007 graduate from Dexter.
The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is a nonprofit scientific and educational organization that seeks to advance the science of biochemistry and molecular biology through publication of scientific and educational journals, organization of scientific meetings, advocacy for funding of basic research and education, support of scientific education at all levels, and promoting the diversity of individuals entering the scientific work force. Most of the society's more than 11,900 members teach and conduct research at colleges and universities, while others conduct research in various government laboratories, nonprofit research institutions and industry. Founded in 1906, the society is based in Bethesda, Md., on the campus of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology.