ASBMB recognizes 2025 outstanding student chapter

The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology honors one of its undergraduate student chapters annually with the Outstanding Chapter Award. This year, the honor goes to the Purdue University chapter, with 32 members.

They were honored at the 2025 ASBMB annual meeting and received a $850 prize.

Orla Hart and Shelby Sliger

The faculty adviser for the Purdue student chapter is Orla Hart, a clinical associate professor of biochemistry and member of the ASBMB Student Chapters Committee. Hart has received many honors and awards from Purdue recognizing her excellence in teaching, including the Exceptional Teaching and Instructional Support award, Outstanding Teaching Award, Bravo Award and Outstanding Service to Students award. In 2020, ASBMB named her an education fellow.

Shelby Sliger, an undergraduate student and member of the chapter, said receiving the award is an incredible honor.

“Over the past few years, we have worked tirelessly to develop STEM outreach initiatives for low-income and minority students in Lafayette, Indiana,” Sliger said. “This cash prize will help us expand these efforts to more schools allowing us to reach not only K–6 students, but also middle and high school students. Our chapter can’t wait to celebrate this accomplishment. We are so grateful to receive professional and financial support from ASBMB.”

The chapter has worked toward organizing a variety of educational and career-focused events to support student development and engagement in the life sciences, including outreach activities, seminars and panel discussions. They also support local initiatives by volunteering at local schools and community centers.

Purdue ASBMB Student Chapter

Members of the Purdue ASBMB Student Chapter pose for a group portrait while apple picking in fall 2024. The chapter donated their collected apples to a local food bank.