SCIENTIST
Cover photo: Laila Ismail
Dr. John Gustafson
Department Head and Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
A loud hello to all of you BMB pokes out there! I hope you are all surrounded by family and loved ones! I am sad to say that I must start this newsletter with sad news – we recently lost someone who trained in our department, and we are all heartbroken. The great Dr. Gregory Schultz, recognized worldwide for his research on wound healing, has moved on from this life. While Greg was serious and hardworking, he always showed warmth and kindness to those around him and was forever upbeat and smiling. Greg had the incredible ability to hold the interest of anyone, and I always became transfixed by his enthusiasm for and knowledge of whatever science he was interested in discussing. I advise all aspiring young scientists out there looking for an exciting and fulfilling careerto follow Dr. Schultz’s example. Conduct research that solves real problems, love the research you are interested in, stay abreast of your literature, remain forever curious, and do all you can to inspire young people to enter science. Greg, the department and I are going to miss you. There is more information on this inspiring scientist in this newsletter which I encourage all to read.
Many of you know firsthand that we have some of the best undergraduates at the university, and a part of their success is illustrated in this newsletter. Our graduate students continue to function as our research engines and the research of four graduate students described in this newsletter helps to demonstrate the breadth of research pursued in our department. Thanks to our generous donors, both our undergraduate and graduate students were awarded department scholarships, and the number we are blessed to give away increases yearly.
On the faculty front, we bid bon voyage to Professor Patricia Rayas Duarte. We will miss her positive personality, grain research, and extension programs. Patricia, enjoy your new life in beautiful central Mexico, but please come back for a visit when you can!
Our own Stevens Chair and Professor Ramanjulu Sunkar, aside from being the most highly cited OSU life scientist on Google Scholar, is yet again, recognized for a highly cited publication in the Plant Journal. Additionally, we are incredibly proud to congratulate Sirney Professorship Fellow, Dr. Yong Cheng for earning an award from OSU’s VPR office for excellence in undergraduate research mentoring.
Thanks in big part to the Koeppe family, our department hosted three National Academy Members in our department for seminars last year! The speakers included Professor Steve Henikoff from the Fred Hutch Cancer Center, Distinguished Research Professor Emeritus Richard Dixon from the University of North Texas (also an adjunct faculty member in our department!), and Director and Novozymes Chair in Genomics at the UC Davis Genome Center Dr. Blake Meyers. Look these folks up and you will quickly see why this is so thrilling!
I hope all of you enjoy this newsletter, it is always a great deal of fun helping to put it together, and with that, I hope all of you are enjoying your life to the fullest! Go BMB Pokes and Alumni!
Dr. John Gustafson
Professor and Department Head
john.gustafson@okstate.edu
405-744-6189
Guest Speakers
Among being a US National Academy of Sciences Member and Distinguished Research Professor Emeritus of the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of North Texas, Dr. Richard Dixon is an also adjunct member of our department. We were so honored that he found time to provide a seminar in our department, entitled, “Plant cell wall engineering - aims, prospects and problems” on April 4, 2024.
Dr. Dixon’s research focuses mainly on the biochemistry, molecular biology and metabolic engineering of plant natural product pathways and their implications for agriculture and human health. He has been particularly interested in the engineering of lignocellulosic biomass for forage and feedstock improvement in support of the bioeconomy. Dr. Dixon has published over 500 papers, been cited over 100,000 times, and is recognized as one of the top plant biologists in the world.
The Roger E. Koeppe Endowed Lectureship
Seminar Series
Spring 2024
January 26th:
Dr. Sudhakar Jha - Assistant Professor, Oklahoma State University
February 2nd:
Dr. Eduard Akhunov - University Distinguished Professor, Kansas State University
March 1st:
Dr. Feng Yang - Associate Professor, Baylor College of Medicine
March 8th:
Dr. Deborah A. Samac - Adjunct Professor Plant Science Research, USDA-ARS
March 29th:
Dr. Ryan Hanson - Assistant Professor, South Dakota State University
April 4th:
Dr. Richard A. Dixon - Professor, University of North Texas
April 12th:
Dr. Xufang Deng - Associate Professor, Oklahoma State University
April 26th:
Dr. Andriy Yabluchanskiy - Assistant Professor, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center
May 3rd:
Dr. Blake Meyers - Professor, University of Kentucky
The Roger E. Koeppe Endowed Lectureship was established to honor Roger. Contributions are accepted by the Oklahoma State University Foundation. In 1993 Finn Wold, Robert Welch professor of biochemistry at the University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, presented the first lecture at the dedication of the biochemistry and molecular biology department’s facilities in the Noble Research Center. Finn received his master’s degree from this department. Roger was instrumental in the development of the facilities of the department in both the Physical Science II building and the Noble Research Center. After retirement Roger and Norma became world travelers as they continued to learn about this planet. -Dr. Franklin Leach
The Roger E. Koeppe Endowed Lectureship was established to honor Roger. Contributions are accepted by the Oklahoma State University Foundation. In 1993 Finn Wold, Robert Welch professor of biochemistry at the University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, presented the first lecture at the dedication of the biochemistry and molecular
biology department's facilities in the Noble Research Center. Finn
THE ROGER E. KOEPPE ENDOWED LECTURESHIP SERIES WELCOMES
Blake Meyers Ph.D.
Director of UC Davis Genome Center and a principal investigator at the Technology Donald Danforth Plant Science Center
On May 3rd, we were honored to have renowned plant scientist Dr. Blake Meyers come speak to us as the final installment of the Roger E. Koeppe Endowed Lectureship Seminar Series.
Dr. Meyers graduated from the University of Chicago with a bachelor’s degree in biology and earned his master’s degree and Ph.D. in genetics at the University of California, Davis. Of his choice of study he says “I was drawn to plants because they are essential organisms for their role in food and many other products, as well as their beauty.” Throughout his career, Dr. Meyers has become a member of the US National Academy of Sciences, a fellow for the American Society of Plant Biologists and a fellow in the American Association for the Advancement of Science, among a multitude of other accomplishments. Dr. Meyers has been cited over 42,000 times and is the editor in chief of the high impact journal, The Plant Cell.
Dr. Meyers’ laboratory studies small RNAs and was one of the first to use short-read sequencing techniques and developed or co-developed several methods critical to the application of gene sequencing technologies. He says, “Improving agricultural productivity is a key motivator and justification for many biologists to study plants and it is potentially the biggest impact of our work.”
The 20th Annual Research Symposium, hosted by the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Graduate Student Association (BMBGSA), was a two-day event held February 22nd and 23rd. Participants included undergraduate researchers, graduate students and postdoctoral fellows from the Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB), Entomology and Plant Pathology, Chemistry, Food and Agricultural Products, Physiological Sciences, Physics, and Nutritional Sciences. This yearly symposium offers the opportunity for students and postdoctoral fellows to present their research as an oral and/or poster presentation allowing participants to develop communication skills and self-confidence as well as expand their professional network. The research presented at the symposium creates a rewarding educational experience for all the participants and guests.
The department would like to give a special thanks to our keynote speaker, US National Academy of Sciences Member, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator and Professor, Steve Henikoff from the Fred Hutch Cancer Center who provided a lecture entitled, “Genome-wide mapping of chromatin dynamic in-situ”. We recognize the Division of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, the Robert M. Kerr Food and Agricultural Products Center, Department of Plant Biology, Ecology, and Evolution and College of Health Sciences for providing the funds that supported the symposium.
What’s Happening in the Department
Department picnic
The Department hosted its annual picnic with the help of the graduate students from the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics. This year the picnic was held at Boomer Lake, and there was a great turnout. The weather was perfect for food, fun, and games, and it was nice for students to get to know each other better.
Every year the department has the chance to set up a booth at the annual 4-H Roundup. This is a fantastic opportunity for school-age students to learn more about our department and the majors that are offered. The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Graduate Student Association set up a booth for visiting students to learn the biochemistry behind suspect identification in a “DNA Fingerprinting Crime Scene Lab”. Our graduate students were excited to show how biochemistry techniques are used in real-life scenarios, encouraging the young students who have an interest in the STEM disciplines.
4-H Roundup
Game night
Serving the community
This year the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology department hosted a game night, including board games and spaghetti. Thanks to everyone who joined us for the festivities! We enjoyed everyone’s company. Thanks to Larkin Riddle for setting everything up.
Each year our department comes together to support our community by hosting a fundraiser for the United Way of Payne County. This year we held a silent auction online, and we raised a total of $1,181.23, which exceeded our goal! Thank you to everyone who took part and made this fundraiser possible.
Women in STEM
The “Women in STEM” event, hosted by the BMB department was held on March 15th, creating networking opportunities for students, while serving snacks and mocktails. They played games and talked, appreciating spending time with each other and celebrating the women in STEM.
What’s Happening in the Department
BMB graduation and scholarship banquet
On April 5th we had our BMB Graduation and Scholarship Banquet. With nearly 100 people in attendance, it was our most successful banquet yet. Because of the generosity of our donors, the department was able to provide over $27,000 in scholarships to 51 students. A sincere congratulations goes out to all our student scholarship award winners! We make every effort to recognize our incredible donors and thank them for the financial support they provide our students. Because of these generous donors, next year the department will have a greater amount of funds to award our students! We also thank our incredible office staff members (Ben, David, Shanelle, Catherine and Ashanti) for planning, setting up and making sure this event was a complete success.
*Full list of recipients on page 28.
In memory of Dr. Gregory Schultz
It is with a heavy heart that we report the passing of Dr. Gregory Schultz, professor emeritus of obstetrics and gynecology, while he attended the National Wound Healing Conference in Washington DC.
While Dr. Schultz’s passion for science was clear from an early age, his talent and ability truly began to shine during his time at Enid High School, where he entered the State of Oklahoma Science Fair. His project, tracking thunderstorms by detecting electronic spheric signals, won him second place. He went on to earn his Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry at OSU, then his Ph.D. in Biochemistry under the direction of OSU Regents Professor Kurt Ebner. His post-doctoral research was conducted in the laboratory of Dr.
James Jamieson at Yale University School of Medicine. It was here that he co-invented four US patents on matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors.
Upon completing his post-doctoral training, Dr. Schultz was appointed assistant professor of biochemistry at the University of Louisville School of Medicine, where his lab received the first NIH grant to investigate the role of growth factors and their receptors in breast cancer. He moved his research group to the University of Florida College of Medicine where he founded the Institute for Wound Research.
Dr. Schultz published over four hundred scientific articles and book chapters that have been cited over 38,000 times, placing him in the top ranks of biomedical researchers.
An admired researcher, he was invited to give over one hundred lectures at international meetings. His prestigious career included his serving as the Principal Investigator for externally funded grants from widely respected institutions such as the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Defense, and various commercial companies.
Dr. Schultz’s determination led to coinventing thirty US and world patents, co-founding two successful biotech companies, and serving on the editorial boards of numerous scientific journals. Having conducted research designed to improve healthcare, he was honored to consult and serve on the advisory boards of over fifty companies.
Dr. Schultz advised scientists and physicians in the development of several unique clinical trials designed to alleviate human suffering. His influence reached across the globe, made clear by his being awarded an honorary Medicinae Doctorem degree from Linkoping University in Sweden. He served on the committees of over eighty PhD and MS students, guided twenty-two fortunate undergraduate researchers, and somehow managed to find time to supervise twenty-nine high
school students in his laboratory.
Dr. Schultz will be remembered as one of the greatest scientists ever to graduate from our department. He is what every successful science department wants its alumni to become.
In recognition of his incredible career, Dr. Schultz was bestowed the Ferguson College of Agriculture Distinguished Alumni Award in 2018.
Dr. Schultz had the incredible ability to captivate an audience, leaving them transfixed by his enthusiasm and knowledge of science. He will be remembered by those in the medical science community for his guidance, his determination, and the indelible impact he left on the world of wound healing. His friends and family will remember him for his endless enthusiasm in life, infectious personality, kindness, and unshakable devotion to loved ones. He will be dearly missed by all those who had the honor of knowing him and by those affected by his dedication to the advancement of medicine.
Our collective condolences go out to his wife, Ruth, their son Kurt, and the entire Schultz family during this challenging time. Please keep these good people in your thoughts.
Dr. Rayas-Duarte retires after 26 years
After 26 years of dedicated service, Dr. Patricia Rayas-Duarte retired in September 2023. The celebration of her retirement, organized by the department, was filled with reminiscences of collaboration, camaraderie, and cherished memories shared with colleagues, students, and friends. Dr. Rayas expressed her gratitude for the care and dedication of the BMB Department staff throughout her tenure, especially for organizing a memorable farewell party. She deeply treasured the memories of the heartfelt wishes conveyed in person, through recorded videos, and other expressions of goodwill.
Dr. Rayas Duarte joined OSU in July 1997, coinciding with the completion of the Robert. M. Kerr Food & Agricultural Products Center. Her role as a cereal chemist involved research and extension duties, collaborating with colleagues from diverse fields to enhance the value of agricultural and forestry products from Oklahoma. Her research interests encompassed various aspects of food science, with a focus on wheat protein performance in baked goods, dough rheology, and fermenting grains. Active in professional associations like the Cereal & Grains Association, she served on numerous committees at local, national, and international levels.
In her extension work, Dr. Rayas contributed significantly to the wheat industry, offering
research-based insights into flour, dough, and bread quality. She also collaborated with the Pawnee Nation College and Pawnee Seed Preservation Society, as well as international training programs for women in food science.
Dr. Rayas took immense pride in mentoring undergraduate and graduate students and acknowledged the collaborative efforts of faculty members and collaborators worldwide which led to the formation of lasting friendships. Currently enjoying retirement with her husband Gustavo in central Mexico, Dr. Rayas embraces a rich array of activities, from spending quality time with loved ones to learning languages and participating in community projects.
Dr. Cheng’s grant success
Dr. Yong Cheng joined the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology department in 2020 as an Assistant Professor. Dr. Cheng completed his studies at Huazhong Agricultural University in China, completing both his bachelor’s in biotechnology and his doctorate in microbiology.
On top of his incredible NIH grant success, Dr. Cheng’s laboratory received additional funding through the OSU One Health Program for a grant entitled, “Effect of COVID-19 on Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in mice”. The One Health program is a collaborative effort between the OSU Office of the Vice President for Research, the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine, and the OSU Center for Health Sciences. Two of his undergraduate researchers also received a Ferguson College of Agriculture Undergraduate Research Scholar award. The department is incredibly supportive and proud of Dr. Cheng’s continued success.
Dr. Ashley Mattison
Dr. Mattison has been with our department since August 2023. She currently instructs biochemistry classes such as BIOC 3653 Survey of Biochemistry and BIOC 3723 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Laboratory. She also has a role in extension and has developed the “Enzyme Explorers Program”, which introduces the concept of enzymes to 4-H Cloverbuds (ages 5 to
8). Dr. Mattison’s extension program is a brave step forward for the department and she intends to use this program to help eliminate barriers that keep students from entering science, technology, engineering, and math majors, showing students that they can enjoy science.
Dr. Mattison is originally from Greenville, South Carolina, but she grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee. She said that “Knoxville was a wonderful place to grow up. It was another shade of orange with the University of Tennessee, but between living in Knoxville and attending undergraduate at Clemson University, orange is definitely one of my favorite colors!” Clearly Dr. Mattison bleeds orange which makes her a great match for OSU!
Dr. Mattison completed both her B.S. at Clemson University and her Ph.D. at Texas A&M University in the field of genetics. She has always loved to share her passions and as an undergraduate, she served as a Clemson tour guide and orientation ambassador. Her passion for genetics began with the excitement that surrounded the Human Genome Project. From there, her interests
swung from understanding genetic factors contributing to human diseases to graduate research that used quantitative/population genetics as a tool to discover genes in crops that impact grain yield. The crop she worked with was sorghum, and during her graduate training, she was introduced to agriculture and teaching. Dr. Mattison states that she will never forget teaching her first bioinformatics laboratory class and seeing students who didn’t have coding confidence realize how easy it was to use the programs and gain access to so much information. It was her teaching assistant experience that led her on a path to becoming a university teacher.
After graduation, her first full-time position was at the OSU-OKC campus as a lead biology instructor and after this position, she knew teaching was going to be her profession. Following the position at OSUOKC, she was hired by the University of Central Oklahoma where she taught a more diverse selection of life science courses. Her experiences at both 2-year and 4-year institutions improved and challenged her teaching pedagogy and cemented her interest in STEM education, which led her to take a position in our department.
Outside of OSU, Dr. Mattison enjoys running and being with her children and husband. She Considers her family board and video game night her favorite time of the week!
In her younger years, core facility manager Janet Rogers’ family moved frequently, her dad being a surveyor for oil companies. She attended first grade in three different schools, the last one being in Calgary Canada. She’s lived in several different places, including Canada, Kansas, and Oklahoma. She graduated from a small high school in Cresent, Oklahoma where her graduating class consisted of only forty-two students. Janet started in the Biochemistry Department (as this department was previously known) in 1978 as an undergraduate and has been working in the department since 1985. After graduating with degrees in Biochemistry and Microbiology, she worked as a head resident in what used to be known as Murray Hall and Stout Hall. Her undergraduate advisor, Professor Eldon C. Nelson (E.C.), asked her if she’d like a job, and she began as a technician in Professor Earl Mitchell’s laboratory, moving on to core facilities in 1992 where she has remained ever since.
When asked how she initially entered the BMB department, she says: “When I came to OSU as a high school senior to enroll, I planned to go to veterinary school, but I still needed a department. I remember so clearly going to the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (now the Ferguson College of Agriculture) as a little blondehaired 18-year-old. They looked at my ACT
Janet Rogers
scores and saw that I had done well in science and said we will put you in the Biochemistry program. I just chirped ‘Okay!!’ and it stuck.
Around my Junior year, I had an epiphany that I had changed my mind about veterinary school and ended up with my degrees.”
Today Janet loves helping research faculty and students obtain proteomics or DNA sequencing results to support their research efforts, while also overseeing the technically advanced instrument pod in the Noble Research Center, where she trains students to use the equipment.
While Janet has had many experiences in life, some are more well-known than others. Her father was a quadruple amputee, having survived a severe small plane crash in Northern Canada. He was an inspiration to her, and the one who taught Janet her strong work ethic and how to juggle multiple jobs. The most unique job Janet has enjoyed was being a limo driver, “and yes, I drove the big ones.” Scuba diving is Janet’s main hobby, and she travels to Jenks, Oklahoma once a month to dive. She has been all over the world diving, mostly in the Caribbean, but also in the Maldives and Fiji. Next year Janet plans to go to the Philippines to dive. In her spare time, she quilts and creates stained glass.
Students of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Laila Ismail is a first-year master’s student in the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology department. Laila is originally from Yemen, but lived and went to school in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), before coming to Oklahoma. In the UAE, she earned her undergraduate degree, with a major in Cellular and Molecular Biology. Her research experience “was somewhat of a roller coaster ride as my eagerness to learn held no bounds.” She started volunteering in a microbiology laboratory, then took a swift turn to working in economics. That detour was not accidental, as economics is one of Laila’s interests besides science. She minored in economics and had a “hardcore” research experience in her final year, where she worked on cancer drugs and biotechnology research.
Laila ended up as a master’s student at OSU after learning about extension programs that provide direct public education. This correlated with her long-term goals of teaching and mentoring. In her research, she works in Dr. Kelly Craven’s laboratory where they are investigating a potential alternative to the harmful chemical fertilizers used in agriculture. More specifically, they are looking at naturally occurring fungal organisms that associate with the roots and deliver nutrients to the plant via hyphal structures. This increases
Laila Ismail
plant efficiency to uptake nutrients supporting the plant energy expenditure to go towards growth. Her focus is on Serendipita bescii, a newly discovered fungal species having the ability to promote plant growth under nutrient-starved conditions. Uncovering the molecular basis of such an interaction is a key step toward introducing this organism to the practice of sustainable agriculture.
Outside the world of science, Laila is a family-oriented person. Spending time with family is always an important part of her plans as they are “My energy chargers and greatest supporters. I have found that recharging your energy is the key to staying focused and motivated.”
Students
of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Caleb Watkins
Caleb Watkins is a Ph.D. student in the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology department here at OSU. Born and raised in Oklahoma, Caleb has been fortunate to be part of the vibrant research community here since the final years of his undergraduate. Collaborating with bright minds in the field has been an inspiring journey for Caleb, and the supportive environment at OSU has played a crucial role in shaping his academic pursuits. Caleb is engaged in groundbreaking research alongside Dr. Charles Chen, whose focus is on understanding the regulation of the stress response in winter wheat under water-restricted conditions. Using a comprehensive approach, they explored the impact of epigenetic mechanisms on wheat gene expression during stressful conditions. His goal is to unveil the intricate relationship between chromatin structural variation and the transcriptomic landscape to contribute to wheat improvement efforts.
Outside the lab, Caleb is an active member of the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Graduate Student Association (BMBGSA). He says it’s incredibly rewarding to play a role in planning activities and events that support his fellow students. In his free time, Caleb finds joy in relaxing with his wife Liz and their two dogs, Willow and Bunsen. They share a passion
for cooking, baking, drawing, and painting, embracing their culinary and art-fluent lifestyle. Whether it’s playing board games, exploring the town, or engaging in sports, they cherish quality time with loved ones. Caleb is a self-proclaimed nerd/geek, with interests in weightlifting, reading, writing, and movies. “If you’re into Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, or most any genre-specific media, I’m always up for a chat!” He also enjoys tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons and Dragons, taking his dogs to the lake, and meeting new people.
Huishan Liu is originally from Guangdong, China, and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. as a third-year student in Dr. Feng’s laboratory. She received her master’s degree in biology at Sun-Yat Sen University in 2021, where she studied autophagy and ubiquitination-proteasome systems in plants.
Today she is working on receptor-ligand perception in plants, with a specific emphasis on one type of membrane-localized receptor kinases known as lysin motif, containing receptors in the recognition of polysaccharides having N-acetylglucosamine residues. This receptor polysaccharide complex can activate immune and symbiotic signaling at different intensities. Huishan’s interests lie in how plants use different receptor complexes to distinguish pathogens (immune response) versus beneficial microbes (symbiosis) like rhizobia or arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi.
Outside of academia, Huishan enjoys hanging out with friends and exploring new things in Oklahoma. She enjoys reading biographies of scientists like those described in the book “The Code Breaker.” She is a fan of photography and outdoor running. “One important thing I want to share is that don’t be afraid of anxiety during your Ph.D., it is not our enemy, but rather a natural emotion with a purpose, embrace it positively, by connecting with other department citizens or hitting the gym to manage it.”
Huishan’s motto for the Year of the Dragon is, “A ship in a harbor is safe but that is not what ships are built for” (by John A. Shedd).
Huishan Liu
Students of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Stephen Kotei Kotey
Stephen Kotey is a fourth-year Ph.D. student in the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department. Coming from Ghana in Western Africa, Stephen completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Ghana. He is currently working under Dr. Cheng to study the relationship of long non-coding RNAs in macrophages and the disease tuberculosis (often referred to as TB). He is also working to uncover alternative therapies for Mycobacterium tuberculosis infections since this pathogen has become resistant to the drugs used to treat infections caused by this organism.
During his free time, Stephen likes to catch up with friends and family, read Christian literature, and watch current political and social trends on YouTube. Stephen enjoys movies and other interesting storylines produced in anime or fictional storybooks and is open to any recommendations!
Students of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Maha Achour is currently an honors student majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, with a minor in both Microbiology and French here at OSU! For the past three years, she has been working toward applying to dental school where she will further her education to obtain her Doctoral Degree in Dental Surgery (DDS), specializing in pediatric dentistry.
Her research interest was kick-started in middle and high school, where she had the opportunity to present research at the International Science Fair Competition (ISEF) as well as the Stockholm International Water Institute in Sweden. Upon attendance, her curiosity in science was amplified, and she knew she had to prioritize it during her OSU undergraduate years. As a Freshman Research Scholar, Maha was able to interact with and explore various research laboratories up until entering Dr. Marianna Patrauchan’s laboratory in the Microbiology and Molecular Genetics department, and she has been volunteering there ever since.
In the lab, they conduct research on the virulence of the multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa which is the cause of deadly infections, such as those found in patients with cystic fibrosis. Her current project is an exploration of the molecular mechanisms involved with calcium signaling in P. aeruginosa , and the intricate regulation of this process upon interaction of the pathogen with human airway epithelial cells. Maha is implementing genetic engineering and molecular cloning to probe loci within and around the cells and monitoring the levels of Ca2+ using fluorescence. They expect to acquire new knowledge on the intracellular behavior of the pathogen during infection and use it to develop novel therapeutic strategies to treat diseases caused by this pathogen.
Maha Achour
Apart from the sciences, “I deeply enjoy anything regarding the fine arts! I love to spend my free time practicing both my piano and violin skills, and attend as many operas, theatrical performances, etc. as I can! I am also now rekindling my obsession with baking and am constantly supplying my family with sweet treats! And of course, I prioritize spending quality time with my loved ones every day, because they are the ones that make life worthwhile.”
Maha was born in Tunis, Tunisia (the tiny country found at the tip of North Africa) and moved here when she was a child. Her first languages were Arabic and French, and she picked up English when she got to the States. She grew quite fond of languages and has strived to learn as many as she can. As of today, she speaks four languages fluently, and is currently learning Italian!
Student Achievements
Sirney Professorship Fellow Dr. Yong Cheng and his student researchers were recently featured in the Cowboy Journal for their research on cystic fibrosis. This is just another sign that Dr. Cheng’s laboratory research is steadily being recognized!
Undergraduate Larkin Riddle made it to the finals of OSU Speech Night with her speech entitled “Before You Buy Your First Boots.” Keep it up Larkin!
The International Genetically Engineered Machines (iGEM) undergraduate team which is co-advised by Biochemistry and Molecular Biology faculty member Dr. Kevin Wilson presented their work at the iGEM Giant Jamboree in Paris, winning a bronze medal for their research. The team included students from multiple departments including Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and was partially funded last year by generous support from Dr. Yong Cheng’s Sirney Professorship which supports undergraduate research training.
Outstanding Senior Award Recipient
Stephen Pulliam
The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
“The Outstanding Senior award recognizes seniors who excel through academic achievement; campus and community activities; athletic or extra-curricular honors or awards; scholarships and work ethic during their time at OSU.”
We are so proud of you Stephen, and grateful for the honor this award brings to the department!
The Niblack Award Recipient
Jason Elijah Brown
The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
“The prestigious Niblack Research Scholars program provides support to Oklahoma State University undergraduates to conduct research in one of OSU’s research laboratories.”
Congratulations to Elijah for earning this distinguished award! From Dr. Cheng’s lab, Elijah will be mentored by Ph.D. student, Audrey Dagnell.
Professor Kiran Mysore
For his exceptional accomplishments in the field of plant biology, Dr. Mysore was awarded the Sarkeys Distinguished Professorship in honor of Elmo Baumann. Even though Dr. Mysore has been here a relatively brief time, he is already one of OSU’s most highly cited researchers and he has been incredibly successful acquiring funding for his research!
Professor
Dr. Deng
Dr. Deng has been recognized for his research efforts in the Aug. 12, 2023, episode of “This Week in Virology” podcast.
Sirney Professorship Fellow Dr. Yong Cheng
Dr. Cheng has received the 2024 OSU Excellence in Research Mentoring Award, which, one of the most prestigious undergraduate awards at OSU. Dr. Cheng was recognized at the OSU Undergraduate Research Symposium on April 16 in the Conoco-Phillips Alumni Center. Congratulations to Dr. Cheng for this important recognition, this brings honor to the department which plays a significant role in training undergraduate researchers.
Stevens Chair and Professor Ramanjulu Sunkar
The Plant Journal is a prominent plant science journal (Impact factor 6.8) that presents annual awards for the most outstanding publications. This is decided by the Editorial Board which reviews the download rates and citations of an extensive list of publications. Dr. Sunkar’s recent publication entitled, “mRNA N6-methyladenosine is critical for cold tolerance in Arabidopsis”, (https:// onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/ tpj.15872) has received recognition for the “Outstanding paper award for 2022 in the original article category”. Congratulations to Dr. Sunkar and the other authors on this exceptional publication!
Professors Patricia Canaan and John E. Gustafson
Drs. Canaan and Gustafson diligently prepared the paperwork required for the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) to consider our undergraduate program for accreditation. As a result of their hard work, our undergraduate program is now once again accredited by the ASBMB until December 2030, and when our students take and pass the ASBMB exam, they will receive added recognition for their resumes which will help them enter postgraduate programs or employment.
President’s and Dean’s Honor Roll
Fall
2023
Dean’s Honor Roll qualifications:
The student must be in at least 12 credit hours of university courses, have no “Fs” or incomplete courses and have between a 3.5 and 3.99 GPA.
President’s Honor Role qualifications:
The student must be in at least 12 credit hours of university courses, have no “Fs” or incomplete courses and a 4.0 GPA for the semester.
A big congratulations to all our amazing students!
Dean’s Honor Roll
Clark, Olivia
Combs, Haley
Deaton, Ian
Gage, Kadence
Harberson, Matthew
Hartman, Ivy
Hastings, Ionsei
Havlik, Layne
Kamesh, Sukesh
Lawson, Journee
Lewellen, Emma
Magness, Raedyn
Mathers, Benjamin
Mcintire, Abby
President’s Honor Roll
Abit, Serge Andre
Achour, Maha
Austin, Trinity
Barnes, Glendon
Beto, Natalie
Biamonte, Lena
Brandon, Jantz
Bratton, Emma
Brown, Jason (Elijah)
Detrich, Adelyn
Duggan, Grace
Ethridge, Avery
Fleming, Owen Gillespie, Delaney
Goehler, Simon
Griffeth, Georgia
Henderson, Caden
Hurt, Keaton
Jackson, Katie
Johnson, Lara
McRae, Ashton
Miles, Crystal
Myers, Luke
Nguyen, Peter
Pareti, Brooke
Riddle, Larkin
Scott, Sarah
Seals, Kennedy
Sims, Maicel
Starnes, Cadence Sue
Stinson, Lydia
Villines, Ethan
Klassen, Kedrick
Lee, Brandon
Liang, Duoying
Meridith, Emily
Nader, Mason
Newton, Charles
Pulliam, Stephen
Rose, Claire
Sanchez, Leslie Schneller, Ethan
Smith, Amber
Steinke, Thomas
Stinchcomb, Taryn
Sweeney, Bailey
Thompson, Beau
Upton, Bennett
Van Pelt, Kyle
Villines, Reece
Warlick V, Ian
Webb, Isabel
Worth, Kili
President’s and Dean’s Honor Roll
Spring 2024
Dean’s Honor Roll qualifications:
The student must be in at least 12 credit hours of university courses, have no “Fs” or incomplete courses and have between a 3.5 and 3.99 GPA.
President’s Honor Role qualifications:
The student must be in at least 12 credit hours of university courses, have no “Fs” or incomplete courses and a 4.0 GPA for the semester.
A big congratulations to all our amazing students!
Dean’s
Honor Roll
Barnes, Glendon
Beto, Natalie
Busch, Cody
Clark, Olivia
Deaton, Ian
Gatewood, Charlcie
Gerardy, Caitlin
Harberson, Matthew
Henderson, Caden
Jackson, Katie
Johnson, Lara
Kamesh, Sukesh
Logan, Abigail
Mathers, Benjamin
Mathis, Andrew
Meridith, Emily
President’s Honor Roll
Achour, Maha
Austin, Trinity
Biamonte, Lena
Brandon, Jantz
Bratton, Emma
Brown, Jason Elijah
Duggan, Grace
Fleming, Owen
Goehler, Simon
Griffeth, Georgia
Hurt, Keaton
Klassen, Kedrick
Lee, Brandon
McRae, Ashton
Miller, Lauren
Money, Ashley
Milton, Akai
Op Het Veld, Lois
Pippenger, Brett
Sanchez , Leslie
Scott, Sarah
Seals, Kennedy
Sims, Maicel
Smith, Conlie
Stinchcomb, Taryn
Sweeney, Bailey
Tumino, Logan
Warlick V, Ian
Webb, Isabel
Newton, Charles
Nguyen, Peter
Pulliam, Stephen
Riddle, Larkin
Rose, Claire
Schirmer, Jake
Schneller, Ethan Smith, Amber
Thompson, Beau
Upton, Bennett
Van Pelt, Kyle
Villines, Reece
Worth, Kili
College and University
Undergraduate Scholarship Recipients
Trinity Austin
Andre Abit
Claire Rose
Clark and Dorothy King Endowment and Scholarship
DASNR Family Scholarship
Joseph Fleming Memorial Continuing Scholarship
Leon Williams Scholarship
Elijah Brown
Layne Havlik
Macy Koch
Joseph Fleming
Memorial Continuing Scholarship
Ferguson College of Agriculture Scholarship
Joseph Fleming Memorial Continuing Scholarship
Lilyana Sestak
Raedyn Magness
DASNR Family Scholarship
Jack and Pauline Harper Family Agriculture Scholarship
Kyle Van Pelt
W.K. Kellogg Foundation and Bobby Moser Endowed Scholarship
Charlcie Gatewood
Joseph Fleming Memorial Continuing Scholarship
Kedrick Klassen
Joseph Fleming Memorial Continuing Scholarship
Bennett Upton
Ferguson College of Agriculture Scholarship
Katie Jackson
Ferguson College of Agriculture Scholarship
Isabel Webb
Joseph Fleming
Memorial Continuing Scholarship
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Departmental Scholarship Recipients
$27,000, provided by our outstanding donors, was split among 51 exceptional students.
James E. Webster Award
Barnes, Glendon
Biamonte, Lena Brandon, Jantz Brewer, Ryleigh J Clark, Olivia Ford, Johanna Gage, Kadence Havlik, Layne Henderson, Caden Koch, Macy Miles, Crystal Seals, Kennedy Smith, Conlie Stinchcomb, Taryn Upton, Bennett
Grace A. Knox Scholarship
Warren, Adison
Dr. Arlan Richardson Research Scholars
Duggan, Grace Fleming, Owen Sims, Maical
Smith,Conlie
Stinson, Lydia Tankam, Therese
Dr. Franklin R. Leach Research Scholars
Austin, Trinity Lewis, Emma
Stinchcomb, Taryn O.
Upton, Bennett
Linda C. Schultz
Havlik, Layne M.
Dr. Arlan Richardson Research Scholars
Badhe, Sonal
Senthil Kumar, Jeevoltham
Watkins, Caleb
Dr. Franklin R. Leach Research Scholars
Dagnell, Audrey
Guthrie, Carlyn
Kasiraju, Ramakrishnama Raju
Kotey, Stephen
Li, Kangping
Liu, Huishan
Mehboob, Muhammad Zubair
Payne, David
Soyam, Pragna
Roger E & Norma L Koeppe Endowed Scholarship
Achour, Maha Brown, Elijah
In Recognition of Women in Biochemistry
Jackson, Katie
Gregory & Ruth Schultz Endowed Scholarship
Johnson, Lara P
Meridith, Emily R Rubio, Priscila Regina Tovar Worth, Kili Marie
V.G. Heller Award
Gage, Kadence R.
Dr. Ulrich Melcher Endowed Fund
Li, Kangping
Gregory R. & Hilda L. Waller Endowed Scholarship
Badhe, Sonal
Dagnell, Audrey
Guthrie, Carlyn
Kotey, Stephen
Senthil Kumar, Jeevoltham
Li, Kangping
Liu, Huishan
Mehboob, Muhammad Zubair
Ng, Pei Jia
Payne, David
Watkins, Caleb
Paul F. Kruse Scholarship
Bratton, Emma K. Brewer, Ryleigh J. Jackson, Katie E. Klassen, Kedrick W.
Jon A. Newell Endowed Scholarship
Lawson, Journee N. Nguyen, Peter Newton, Charles T. Starnes, Cadence-Sue C.
Dr. Ulrich Melcher Endowed Fund
Achour, Maha M. Detrich, Adelyn E. Duggan, Grace L. Van Pelt, Kyle N.
Jon A. Newell Endowed Scholarship
Badhe, Sonal
Dagnell, Audrey
Kotey, Stephen
Senthil Kumar, Jeevoltham
Mehboob, Muhammad Zubair
Ng, Pei Jia
Watkins, Caleb
Zhang, Jing
Gregory & Ruth Schultz Endowed Scholarship
Guthrie, Carlyn
Liu, Huishan
Payne, David
Giving TOWARD
The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology encourages all students to reach their full potential in every aspect of their education. The Department recognizes the importance of alumni and values their contributions toward the success of our students. Financial contributions make it possible for the department to provide a top-quality research seminar series, educational and research opportunities for students, and a variety of scholarships and scholar awards.
Dr. Arlan Richard Research Scholars Endowment
Endowed Scholarship in honor of Linda C. Schultz
George R. & Hilda L. Waller Endowed Scholar in Biochemistry
In Recognition of Women of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dr. Jon A. Newell Endowed Fund
The Finn Wold Family Biochemistry Endowed Fund
Roger E. & Norma L. Koeppe Endowed Scholarship
Ulrich & Karen Melcher Endowed Graduate Research Fund
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Student Scholarship and Award Fund
Paul F. Kruse, Jr. Endowed Scholarship
Dr. Franklin R. Leach Research Scholars Endowment Fund
Dr, Gregory & Ruth Schultz Endowed Grad Student Fellowship
The Biochemistry Department Fund
Contributions can be made online at https://http://www.osugiving.com/search?query=biochem
Or checks payable to OSU Foundation and designate your desired area of support in the BCMB Department. For further information on giving toward or endowing funds for recognition of a specific individual, please contact the Department.
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
246 Noble Research Center Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078-3035 (405) 744-6189 biochemistry@okstate.edu
Undergraduate Degree Recipients
2024
Ahmed Eissa
Jewell Boswell
Charlcie Gatewood
Lois Op Het Veld
Emma Bratton
Isabelle McLamb
Eden Rodriguez
Keaton Hurt
Elizabeth Chandler
Maicel Sims
Zachary Seals
Emily Chandler
Dustin Holland
Trinity Austin
Jaela Daily-Watson
Allison Routh
Matthew Harberson
Claire Rose
Graduate Degree Recipients
2024
Jeevotham
Senthil Kumar
Ph.D in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Jing Zhang
Master of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Delta Nu Alpha
Delta Nu Alpha (DNA), or the Biochemistry Club, is a small social group for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology undergraduates. Each year the club takes part in multiple OSU philanthropic events and has speakers at meetings with expertise in such fields as medicine, veterinary medicine and life science research. Follow us on Instagram @okstate_biochemistry to keep up with events and meetings, and feel free to reach out to the club president, Kyle Van Pelt, with any questions at kyle.van.pelt@okstate.edu
StORM Officers
President- Taryn Stinchcomb
Vice President- Caden Henderson
Secretary- Layne Havlik
Treasurer- Sukesh Kamesh
AG Representatives- Charles Newton
AG Representatives- Gage Keesee
President- Kyle Van Pelt
Vice President- Owen Fleming
Secretary- Larkin Riddle
Treasurer- Emma Cook
Volunteer Coordinator- Maha Achour
PR Chair- Grace Duggan
Ag Representative 1- Leslie Sanchez
Ag Representative 2- Charles Newton
StORM
Next semester, StORM aims to engage in various volunteer opportunities, including “Into the Streets” and “Our Daily Bread”. Our goal is to connect incoming freshmen and new club members with volunteering opportunities and facilitate discussions with practicing physicians and medical students. As we have graduating seniors this and next semester, we plan to provide undergraduates with insights into the medical school application process and what to expect when preparing for medical school.
Delta Nu Alpha Officers
iGEM
OKSTATE’s gem team successfully debuted in the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition in Paris! In November 2023, they presented research on methane mitigation in wastewater and joined with a worldwide group of teams. iGEM, started by Massachusetts Institute of Technology, fosters innovation in synthetic biology to tackle real-world challenges.
As the sole iGEM club in Oklahoma, they proudly highlight the university’s prowess on the global stage. The team researched, brainstormed, and designed solutions to combat methane buildup in agricultural wastewater, earning a bronze medal for their efforts. The BMB department is just one of several represented in iGem.
BMBGSA Officers
President: Mary Parnell
Vice President: Laila Ismail
Treasurer: Caleb Watkins
Secretary: Sonal Badhe
Social Media Coordinator: Huishan Liu
iGEM Officers
President- Jorja Ford
Vice-President- Tariq Tariq
Treasurer- Lucas Boren
Secretary- Jenny Le
BMBGSA
The purpose of the BMB Graduate Student Association (BMBGSA) is to provide outstanding opportunities for BMB students to build prolific careers in the life sciences through leadership development and refinement of research knowledge. All BMB graduate students are provided with opportunities to serve as an officer, help organize events, and participate in the BMBGSA Annual Research Symposium.
Ninety years ago, in 1934, Maurine L. Jones graduated from Oklahoma State University with a master’s degree in chemistry, minoring in bacteriology. Previously she attended and graduated from the prestigious Grinnell College in Grinnell, Iowa, where, in 1932, she was awarded the Archibald Prize, given to one student each year to with the highest GPA over their four-year period of study. One of Maurine’s instructors here at OSU was Dr. Victor Heller, who has been continually recognized since the 1962 establishment of the V.G. Heller Scholarship.
While head of the previously named Agricultural Chemistry Department, Dr. Heller mentored Maurine on her research, leading to her paper entitled, “Iodine in Oklahoma Vegetables”.
Final thoughts from Dr. Gustafson
In last year’s BMB newsletter I described the faculty mentors and scientists that had the greatest influence on my training as an aspiring young scientist. I did this to awaken memories you might have of your time in our own department.
As department head, I have a bird’s eye view of everything that goes on in our department, and I am amazed by the success it produces and so thankful that I get to work with so many great students, staff, administrators, and faculty. I am privileged to see the mentoring and kindness taking place in our department, and I give thanks to all the OSU folks who are effective in the lives of others every day.
I have seen OSU administrators helping students in need and faculty mentoring students to success and providing support when they needed help. I’ve seen staff bending over backwards to make sure members of our department are taken care of, and students taking time out of their busy schedules to give back to the community. I have the opportunity to meet with student family members and loved ones during commencement ceremonies, a celebration of a major life transition for our graduates. I meet with new undergraduates and their family members during initial campus visits, and I get to see how much these students change as they complete their major and become successful. I get to know our graduate students and postdoctoral fellows and then watch as they go off to take stellar positions in academe, industry, and the government. I am also grateful that I get to meet with donors who have a direct impact on our students and faculty by providing financial resources to help these BMB citizens reach for their own stars. On top of these aspects of my job, I also enjoy the research impact of our
Final thoughts from Dr. Gustafson
department and am immensely proud of the faculty’s ongoing research programs. I encourage all BMB alumni out there to take time and view our individual faculty and research publication citation impact on Google Scholar or on our website.
I am grateful for my position, and I am as grateful to the people I work with today as I am to the faculty and scientists that nurtured me early in my career. I suspect that many of you have memories of your time in our department when you saw how citizen interactions upheld positive outcomes.
We are forever making sure that our department’s teaching, research, and services continue to support our mission to Oklahoma and the world. Recently we began looking for funding to support renovations of our undergraduate laboratory classroom and specific research space in our D-wing of the Noble Research Center. This began with drawing up plans for intended renovations. If you are interested in helping, please contact me. We would be so appreciative.
I hope that you come by and visit soon, and if you do, let’s go out for a coffee or lunch. We can have a conversation about our department accomplishments and how many lives it positively impacts. Until I see or hear from you, please take care of you and yours, and our department will continue to nurture the “Cowboy Family” ethos every chance we get.
-Dr. G.
