News

BBMB Celebrates Class of 2025

BBMB celebrated students earning a B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. from BBMB this academic year at the BBMB Graduation Celebration. Thank you to all who supported these students during their journey at ISU!

Stupka Symposium takes place as part of LAS Week, honors former student

The 19th annual Stupka Symposium took place at the Molecular Biology Building Thursday as a part of LAS Week.

The event offers a platform for undergraduate students to present their research in biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology (BBMB). 

Nine Iowa State University researchers have been honored as 2024 Fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, including six exceptional faculty members from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences!

Congratulations Amy Andreotti, named 2024 Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science!

Roy J. Carver Chair and University Professor of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, “For contributions advancing the discipline of chemistry related to molecular signaling events that control immune cell activation in response to infection and disease.”

Andreotti and her co-workers strive to understand the molecular mechanisms that control the immune response. With an emphasis on protein structure and dynamics, they are highlighting regulatory features that can be exploited in the development of new therapeutics to treat cancer and immune dysfunction.

Undergraduate student leaders in the Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology will host the 19^th annual Stupka Undergraduate Research Symposium on Thursday, April 3, in the Molecular Biology Building.

This student-organized symposium celebrates a variety of innovative undergraduate research conducted at Iowa State while offering opportunities for education and networking with alumni, industry leaders, and academic professionals.

Madeline Stadtmueller (Biochemistry '25) named 2025 Wallace E. Barron All-University Senior

Madeline Stadtmueller (Biochemistry '25) receives prestigious honor: 2025 Wallace E. Barron All-University Senior Award

Iowa State Biochemistry major Elizabeth Dougherty is one of four ISU students nominated for the Goldwater Scholarship. Congratulations, Liz!

Dipa Sashital Honored with President's Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers

BBMB Associate Professor Dr. Dipa Sashital has been honored with the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers. The award (known as PECASE) is the government’s highest honor for scientists and engineers who are early in their careers. Congratulations, Dipa!

Biochemistry undergrads Tristan & Undral place 1st & 2nd, two others present at Norman Borlaug Lecture Poster Competition

Biochemistry undergraduate students and researchers Tristan Weers (1st place), Undral Erdenebat (2nd place), Abby Larkin, and Reyna Winders presented at the Norman Borlaug Lecture Poster Competition on October 28th. Congratulations!

Don Graves, Charles F. Curtiss Distinguished Professor and former BBMB Chair, remembered in ASBMB retrospective

We fondly remember Donald Graves, former BBMB Department Chair, longtime Professor (named Charles F. Curtiss Distinguished Professor), beloved graduate student mentor (recipient of Margaret Ellen White Award), and scholarship supporter of many outstanding BBMB undergraduate researchers. He passed away June 21, 2024.

Dr. Graves is honored in this ASBMB retrospective.

BBMB Undergraduate Students Recognized at 2024 Awards Brunch

Biochemistry majors were recognized at an Awards Brunch on Tuesday, September 24th, including BBMB Department awards such as Stupka Scholar and Stupka Leader; select national, College, and University achievements such as the Dean's List; and the ISU Alumni Association's Wallace E. Barron All-University Senior Award. Department Chair Mark Hargrove emceed and Undergraduate Program Coordinator Claire Kruesel presented certificates. BBMB faculty, staff, and graduate students were also celebrated.

BBMB Graduate Students Recognized at 2024 Awards Brunch

BBMB graduate students were recognized for the following awards at an Awards Brunch on Tuesday, September 24th, 2024: Teaching Excellence Award, Research Excellence Award, Brown Fellowship. Department Chair Mark Hargrove emceed and Undergraduate Program Coordinator Claire Kruesel presented certificates. BBMB faculty, staff, and undergraduates were also celebrated.

Ten 2024 B.S. Biochemistry Graduates Join ASBMB Wall of Fame

Ten 2024 BBMB graduates have joined the ASBMB Wall of Fame! They achieved Mastery or Proficiency scores in the challenging certifying exam by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB). Congratulations Matthew, Nicholas, Kaleb, Prescott, Ciaran, Avani, Braden, Courtney, Renee, and Karsten!

2024 BSRP Showcase a Success

Eleven biochemistry majors presented their undergraduate research in lightning-style talks at our third annual BBMB Summer Undergraduate Research Program (BSRP) Showcase on Sept. 5th. Thank you to everyone who supported this program and attended the showcase! This year's showcase debuted the new π-minute-thesis (3:14) format with pie for refreshments. Mark your calendars for Sept. 4th, 2025.

Gustavo MacIntosh named LAS Interim Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Faculty Development

Congratulations to Dr. Gustavo MacIntosh, BBMB Professor, on his appointment as LAS Interim Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Faculty Development!

Karsten Theilen ('24) named Wallace E. Barron All-University Senior

Congratulations to Karsten Theilen (Biochemistry '24), recipient of the prestigious Wallace E. Barron All-University Senior Award! 

We are so proud of Karsten and grateful for her leadership during her time at Iowa State. During her last semester, Karsten served BBMB as President of Biochemistry Club and received the Robert Stupka Leadership Award.

Two Biochemistry undergraduates conduct summer research through Dean's High Impact Award

Biochemistry majors Sharon Tsimese, '27 (Sashital lab) and Austin Petfalski, '26 (Roche lab) conducted research this summer with support from the Dean's High Impact Award. Congratulations to Austin and Sharon, and thank you to Dr. Roche and Dr. Sashital for their mentorship!

Three BBMB faculty win University awards

Three BBMB Faculty win University Awards: Amy Andreotti, Dipa Sashital, and Yang Yang. Congratulations!