[BBMB Professor Dr. Alan] Myers’ team is studying what enzymes affect polymer architecture in corn kernels, using tools such as CRIPSR gene editing to test adjustments. While improving quality with an optimal balance between starch and glucose is the primary goal, charting new methods for growing corn with a sugary snap has an important added benefit. The currently narrow genetic basis for sweet corn leaves the vegetable susceptible to new pest and disease threats.  

“Finding different changes in the biochemical process to produce sweet corn would secure the crop against future challenges. We may never need to deal with that, but we want to be prepared,” Myers said.

Claire Kruesel recognized with P&S CYtation award

Congratulations to Claire Kruesel, BBMB Undergraduate Program Coordinator! Her work was recognized at the CYtation Award Ceremony held on March 23 at the Alumni Center’s Reiman Ballroom. The Professional and Scientific Council CYtation Awards recognize Professional and Scientific employees, particularly those who might not otherwise receive public recognition, who go above and beyond the call of duty; do something extraordinarily well; and act in such a way as to make a real difference in the institution.

Gerald Carlson, professor emeritus in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Kansas Medical Center, will receive the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology at the annual College of Liberal Arts and Sciences alumni awards ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 3. The award recognizes outstanding alumni from the department.

Since earning a doctorate in biochemistry from Iowa State in 1975, Carlson’s career has focused on researching the interplay in skeletal muscle between glycogen catabolism and contraction, especially their simultaneous regulation by calcium ions. A study by Carlson on this topic was selected as the 2012 Paper of the Year by the Journal of Biological Chemistry.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Mark Hargrove, who has been named the next chair of the Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology.

Hargrove has been a member of BBMB since 1998, and was honored with the title of Morrill Professor in 2020. He conducts research on protein structure-function relationships and has been conferred several teaching awards.

“I am honored to be selected as the next chair for BBMB and grateful for the support and trust of my colleagues,” Hargrove shared. "I am excited to work with the Iowa State community to advance our contributions to education and scholarship.”

Congratulations to Dr. Keith Yamamoto, who will serve as President-Elect for the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Dr. Yamamoto, a Des Moines native, earned a B.S. in Biochemistry and Biophysics from Iowa State University in 1968 and worked in the lab of Dr. Jack Horowitz. He earned a Ph.D. at Princeton and then joined the faculty at University of California, San Francisco in 1976, where he became their first vice chancellor of science policy and strategy. Dr. Yamamoto is currently Vice Chancellor for Research, Executive Vice Dean of the School of Medicine, and Professor of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology at UCSF.

Dr. Yamamoto was awarded the ISU Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni Award in 1997 and the LAS John V. Atanasoff Discovery Award in 2013.

The 16th Annual Stupka Undergraduate Research Symposium was a great success--and you can read all about it in this LAS article!

Mark your calendars now for the 17th Stupka Symposium: Thursday, March 30, 2023.

Carole Horowitz was a beloved member of the BBMB community. Carole's husband of 52 years, Jack Horowitz, served as BBMB Department Chair from 1971-'74, and Carole and Jack established a scholarship for the Department's undergraduate students. Those wishing to donate to the scholarship may do so here with the note that funds should go to the Jack and Carole Horowitz Scholarship in memory of Carole Horowitz.

Please read more about Carole at her obituary and Plaza of Heroines entry.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, May 22 from 3:30-6 p.m. at Reiman Gardens.

Online condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com.

Dean Schmittmann has announced that Eric Underbakke and Julien Roche have won two very prestigious College awards — Eric received the LAS Award for Learning Community Leadership and Julien received the LAS Award for Early Achievement in Research!  This is great recognition of the fabulous work our faculty do in two very important areas critical to our mission — undergraduate student success and research — and very well deserved for both of them.  So it is exciting to see their great accomplishments being recognized and valued by the College as well!  They will be recognized at the LAS Fall Convocation on Tuesday, September 6, 2022, at 3:30 pm in the Sun Room, and all are invited to attend to show their support!   Congratulations to both!

The 16th Annual Stupka Symposium will be held April 7, 2022 in the Molecular Biology Building! You can view the schedule, preview talks, meet the planning committee, and register at the Stupka Symposium website.

The Stupka '22 FundISU campaign, open through 4/22, directly supports future symposia. Please share the campaign and consider donating.