Huidong Yang
State University of New York at Potsdam
I grew up in Suzhou, China, a city known for its classical Chinese gardens, fine silk and green tea. I am currently a senior at the State University of New York at Potsdam, majoring in biochemistry with minors in mathematics and psychology.
My favorite class in college is linear algebra. The class gave me insight into the beauty and ubiquitous applicability of the eigenvalue model, particularly in spectral graph theory— for example, its application in Google’s PageRank algorithm.
The human brain holds a special fascination for me. I think it is the most complex, elegant and powerful system in the known universe, and I believe that mathematics is one of the most elegant and powerful tools one can use to better understand the brain. My love for both mathematics and the human brain has motivated me to pursue a doctorate in theoretical neuroscience and to eventually become a theoretical neuroscientist and teacher.
ASBMB Congratulates the Additional New Members of the Chi Omega Lambda Class of 2010:
Andrew DeVilbiss
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
Daniel Laurent
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
Jacob Mahoney
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
Jim Ruble
Grand Valley State University
Michael Ross
Providence College
Sarah Schreiner
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
Travis Wheeler
Eastern Kentucky University
Tyler Wuthmann
Wesleyan University
My current research projects investigate the interaction between proteins and metal ions. One project attempts to clone a potential zinc-binding loop of a zinc-transport protein from a cDNA library. The other is the characterization of the kinetic and thermodynamic parameters of iron binding, oxidation and storage of various ferritins, iron transport proteins and iron chelators. I will be presenting the results of my research at this year’s ASBMB annual meeting.
When out of the lab, I like to play the recorder, draw and read biographies of scientists as well as Chinese classical literature. I also enjoy track and field. I am particularly interested in the famous physicist Richard Feynman and his books, lectures and jokes. One of my favorite jokes has to do with Ernest Rutherford, who once said, “In science, there is only physics; all the rest is stamp collecting.” Ironically, he won the Nobel Prize in chemistry.
Chi Omega Lambda was established to recognize exceptional undergraduate juniors and seniors pursuing a degree in the molecular life sciences at a college or university that is a member of the Undergraduate Affiliate Network. Click here for more information about Chi Omega Lambda.
Weiyi Zhao (wzhao@asbmb.org) is the ASBMB manager of education and professional development.