ASBMB committees welcome new members

The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology welcomed many new committee members in July. These individuals were appointed ASBMB’s president with the approval of the ASBMB Council Executive Committee. Working with the ASBMB Council, committees drive ASBMB programming and priorities forward, including ASBMB’s new strategic plan.

New ASBMB committee members began their three-year terms in July and are recruited annually in the preceding months. A few committee members also began second terms this month; ASBMB is grateful for their continued service. The society thanks those whose terms have ended for their service.

Education and Professional Development Committee

The EPD encourages and supports the development of a vibrant and inclusive community of biochemists and molecular biologists by promoting effective molecular life sciences curricula and educational practices and by providing career resources across the professional life cycle.

Three members joined the EPD:

• Kristin Dittenhafer–Reed, Hope College
• Nelli Khudaverdyan, University of California, Riverside
• Masood Sepehrimanesh, Louisiana Tech University

Maximizing Access Committee

The MAC strives to increase the presence, visibility, access and support of historically excluded and marginalized groups through nondiscriminatory means. It advocates for policies and develops resources, available to eligible participants regardless of race, to promote practices that advance belonging and opportunity for all.

Three members joined the MAC:

• Benjamin Garcia, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis
• Ivelitza Garcia, Allegheny College
• Dominique Monroe, Van Andel Institute

Meetings Committee

The Meetings Committee facilitates the organization of meeting programs to deliver ground-breaking scientific research, promote networking and mentoring opportunities and foster relationships and collaboration between scientists around the globe. With a forward-thinking strategy, the Meetings Committee recommends new scientific areas and programming to expand the reach and engagement of ASBMB members and the larger scientific community.

Current Meetings Committee member Oleh Khalimonchuk of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln also began a role as chair.

Membership Committee

The Membership Committee focuses on the retention, growth and engagement of the ASBMB membership. The committee is charged with considering, reviewing and recommending actions to implement programs, benefits and services to advance the mission of the society and meet the needs of its members.

Three members joined the Membership Committee:

• Cristian Sandoval Vásquez, Universidad de la Frontera
• Thamarahansi Mugunamalwaththa, Wayne State University
• Vishwa Trivedi, Cookman University

Public Affairs Advisory Committee

The PAAC advocates on behalf of ASBMB members for evidence-based science policy, sustained investments in investigator-initiated, basic scientific research and workforce policies that enhance the training of the next generation of scientists and that increase diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in the nation’s research enterprise.

Four members joined the PAAC:

• Shailaja Allani, Florida Atlantic University
• David Cabrera, Van Andel Institute
• Elisabeth Marnik, MDI Biological Laboratory
• Jalees  Rehman, University of Illinois

Science Outreach and Communication Committee

The SOCC develops science communication training and facilitates outreach activities for the society. The committee provides resources and professional development opportunities for ASBMB members to get involved with informal education in their communities. The SOCC's mission is to increase and expand the effectiveness of inclusive and accessible science outreach and communication activities through the involvement of ASBMB members.

Two members joined the SOCC:

• Kelly Hallstrom, Vanderbilt University
• Sumit Saurabh, Chicago State University

Current SOCC member Amy Hawkins of University of Utah School of Medicine also began a role as chair.

Student Chapters Committee

The Student Chapters Committee is devoted to building a national community of undergraduate students and faculty members for the advancement of biochemistry and molecular biology research, education and science outreach. It provides networking and career development opportunities at regional and national levels, access to research and science outreach, as well as grants and awards.

Two members joined the Student Chapters Committee:

• Jessica Bell, University of San Diego
• Yun–Seok Choi, Black Hills State University

Current member the Student Chapters Committee Corina Maeder of Trinity University also stepped into the role of incoming chair and will succeed current chair Pamela Mertz of St. Mary's College of Maryland in July 2026.

Women in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Committee

The WIBMB advocates for women in biochemistry and molecular biology, both in academia and in industry by increasing participation, visibility and status of women within the scientific community.

Four members joined the WIBMB:

• Colleen Connelly, Union College
• Victoria Del Gaizo Moore, High Point University
• Cassandra Hayne, University of Chicago
• Crystal Rosenberg, Aalto Scientific, Ltd.

Finally, as previously reported, two new members were elected by ASBMB members to terms on the Publications Committee and Nominating Committee.

Disclaimer: Institutional affiliations are listed for identification purposes only. Members serve in their personal capacities and do not represent their affiliated institutions or employers.