Undergraduate education and research

ASBMB recognizes Chapman as 2026 outstanding student chapter
Student Chapters

ASBMB recognizes Chapman as 2026 outstanding student chapter

May 1, 2026

The group, led by Cedric Owens, is being honored for its commitment to scientific engagement, mentorship and community building, creating meaningful opportunities for students in biochemistry and molecular biology.

Mentorship and uncertainty: Lessons from Telemachus
Essay

Mentorship and uncertainty: Lessons from Telemachus

April 30, 2026

A biochemistry educator reflects on mentorship through the Greek story of Telemachus, showing how embracing uncertainty, failure and curiosity can transform teaching.

Embracing the twists and turns along the educator pathway
Essay

Embracing the twists and turns along the educator pathway

April 30, 2026

A biochemistry educator reflects on the challenges of early faculty life, describing how evidence-based teaching, cross-disciplinary collaboration and classroom challenges shaped her growth.

Redesigning with students in mind
Essay

Redesigning with students in mind

April 29, 2026

Assistant professor reflects on how the shift to online teaching revealed gaps in points-based grading and led to a redesign centered on transparency and student growth.

Teaching beyond information transfer
Essay

Teaching beyond information transfer

April 29, 2026

Educator reflects on moving beyond lectures to create a biochemistry classroom centered on engagement, transparency and student ownership, showing how small shifts like “student hours” and active learning can transform understanding.

Mayday! Lessons from cellular dysfunction and group work dynamics
Essay

Mayday! Lessons from cellular dysfunction and group work dynamics

April 28, 2026

An upper-level biology course revealed that strong science doesn’t guarantee strong teamwork. One instructor shares how failed group dynamics reshaped their approach, leading to more structured, collaborative and effective student learning.

Showing students that it’s OK to ask questions
Essay

Showing students that it’s OK to ask questions

April 28, 2026

Assistant professor reflects on how admitting uncertainty and following student questions beyond the syllabus reshaped classroom culture, encouraging curiosity, vulnerability and deeper engagement in introductory biology.

Evolving the undergraduate biochemistry lab
Essay

Evolving the undergraduate biochemistry lab

April 24, 2026

Biochemistry professor reflects on 25 years of teaching lab courses, tracing the shift from technique-driven exercises to course-based undergraduate research experiences.

Promoting positive values in biochemistry classes
Essay

Promoting positive values in biochemistry classes

April 24, 2026

Associate professor integrates emotional awareness and values-based learning into biochemistry courses, helping students improve both academic performance and long-term personal growth.