2023 Honor Society inductees

Olivia Brickey

Otterbein University

Brickey is a senior at Otterbein University. She has a double major in biology and biochemistry and molecular biology and is pursuing an individualized minor in public health. She has been working in a microbial genetics lab for two years with Jennifer Bennett. Her undergraduate research consisted of creating a deletion mutant to confirm if a certain gene is involved in chromosome segregation in Streptomyces coelicolor. Her research has made her want to become an infectious disease physician–scientist. After graduation, she will take a gap year to work in a research lab before pursuing a M.D./Ph.D. or D.O./Ph.D. Outside of school, Brickey is the co-president of Women in STEM and enjoys volunteering with scientific outreach programs. In addition, she has also played college golf throughout her time at Otterbein.

Peggy Chen

Rochester Institute of Technology

Chen is a junior majoring in biomedical sciences at Rochester Institute of Technology. She conducts research with Suzanne O’ Handley and is working on a project about a CTPase Nudix hydrolase from Mycobacterium tuberculosis as a potential antibiotic target. Her research has expanded her knowledge and passion for science. She joined the ASBMB Student Chapter to be more involved in RIT and has organized a biannual fundraiser selling Giant Microbes to raise money for the chapter. Chen is also vice president of external affairs for the Health Science and Technology Student Association which aims to provide resources for students interested in the healthcare field. In addition, she is a certified emergency medical technician. She hopes to attend medical school, become an obstetrician–gynecologist and eventually open her own private medical practice.

Kaitlin Dean

Otterbein University

Dean is a senior at Otterbein University. She will graduate with a B.S. in biochemistry and molecular biology and minors in health communication and psychology. She has had an interest in science for as long as she can remember. Not only was it her favorite subject in school, but her natural curiosity caused her to constantly ask questions, seeking to learn more about how the world works. This, combined with her love of caring for people, led her to pursue a career in medicine. Dean works as a medical assistant in obstetrics and gynecology, and plans to continue her work in patient care for the next year. She will apply to medical school and is looking at graduate programs in the fields of public health and nutrition as well. In her free time, she enjoys baking for friends, playing piano, and spending time with her husband. Dean’s participation in the ASBMB Student Chapter, along with the research she’s presented at the last two ASBMB annual meetings, has deepened her love for science and the scientific community and has allowed her to grow in her skills as a scientist, a leader and a communicator.

Dalton Dencklau

Grand View University

Dencklau discovered a passion for research during the height of the pandemic in a biomolecular modeling course that focused on computational drug design. The following summer he was selected for the Biomedical Scholars Undergraduate Research Program at the University of Iowa under Ashutosh Mangalam where he focused on the pathology of multiple sclerosis. The following summer he studied at the Nebraska Center for Virology. A machine learning course helped him realized how important leveraging big data was becoming in biochemistry. His research project now focuses on generating ML models to predict protein function. Dencklau has worked on projects to help bring visibility to the LGBTQIA+ community. As co-president of the Pride Club, he has been involved in activities that amplify queer voices, and as co-president of the Biochemistry Catalyst Club, he promotes science-focused events. He has been a starting libero for the Grand View men’s volleyball team for four years. Dencklau hopes to pursue a Ph.D. in a biochemistry-related field using ML. He plans to continue advocating for marginalized communities and promoting mental health in STEM-related fields.

Danielle Etiel

University of San Diego

Growing up, Etiel was always curious about science and often skeptical about how people knew their facts were true. She solidified her interest after a biomedical science program in high school and further in college; she is a senior biochemistry major at the University of San Diego. Etiel decided to dive into research as an undergraduate; she has been involved in Jessica Bell's research lab for all four years. Her project evaluates protein–protein interactions of a relatively unknown protein, suppressor of IKK epsilon, or SIKE, and the cytoskeletal proteins alpha-actinin and tubulin to look at the implications of cell movement in innate immune response. Her favorite part of the scientific process is communicating results using cartoon drawings. With her passion for immersion in art and science, Etiel wants to become a dentist. She is president of the USD Chemistry and Biochemistry Club, a chemistry tutor, a McNair Scholar and involved in USD's chapter of the Mortar Board. Besides an interest in science and scientific communication, she enjoys yoga, cooking/baking and painting. Being part of the ASBMB Student Chapter allowed her to form connections with the scientific community as well as lifelong friendships within the USD biochemistry department.

Melinda Huynh

St. Mary's College of Maryland

Huynh graduated from St. Mary's College of Maryland as a biology and biochemistry double major with a neuroscience minor. Her interest in science began in middle school, and after she spent a year on a patient case study in high school and volunteered at a nearby retirement home, she realized she wanted to pursue this career path. She was president of the St. Mary's American Chemical Society, providing weekly tutoring sessions and participating in STEAM Fest and STEM-ING. Huynh was inducted into the Rho Gamma Chapter of the Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society. She served as a teaching assistant and was a resident assistant during her senior year. She started a performance club called Zero Degrees and led the club as president for four years. Her undergraduate research looked at aromatase mRNA expression in downy woodpeckers, tufted titmice, and zebra finches following traumatic brain injury. Being a part of the ASBMB Student Chapter helped her build long-term relationships within the local science community. Huynh plans on taking a gap year to pursue postbaccalaureate research at the National Institute of Health. She hopes to get into medical school with the goal of becoming a family physician. Her hobbies include dancing and playing video games.

Aidan Jones

Wesleyan University

Jones is double majoring in molecular biology and biochemistry and integrative sciences and minoring in chemistry at Wesleyan University. He was introduced to research in 2020-2021 through virtual and in-person positions in Aron Lichtman’s endocannabinoid lab at Virginia Commonwealth University. In 2021, he joined Alison O’Neil’s neurodegenerative disease lab at Wesleyan. His senior honors thesis is about his project on the effects of ALS-associated mutations on astrocyte neuroinflammation in familial ALS. In the Wesleyan ASBMB Student Chapter, Jones had been co-chair of the academic and outreach committees. He was president of the Wesleyan Space and Astronomy Club, an officer in the neuroscience department club, and a teaching assistant and tutor for chemistry courses. He is a senior interviewer for the Wesleyan Office of Admissions and an elected senator in the Student Assembly. He enjoys downhill skiing, baking bread and cookies, going on long runs, playing soccer, traveling, collecting Snapple caps, watching Broadway, and listening to the Beatles. He’s also involved in performing arts, including K-pop dancing, acting in student films and fire spinning. He intends to pursue a Ph.D. in molecular biology with the goal of becoming a university professor.

Lauryn Magwaro

Hamline University

Magwaro is an honors student who graduates from Hamline University with a B.S. in biochemistry and minors in digital media arts and computational data science in May 2023. She always knew she wanted to be a doctor. When she was applying to colleges, research was something she was keen on. For the past two years, she has been working in Betsy Martinez–Vaz’s lab investigating the degradation of metformin, a pharmaceutical compound used to treat Type 2 diabetes. She has also been involved with biology/exercise science, chemistry, pre-health, first-generation scholars, and photography clubs as a leader. Outside of school, she enjoys photographing and mentoring students in her church community. Being part of research, working at her institution’s lab for the biology department, and being part of the ASBMB Student Chapter has given her the opportunity to explore her interests in the sciences and work with peers navigating the world of STEM. In the future, she hopes to go to medical school or pursue a career in industry.

Jennifer McPeek

Otterbein University

McPeek, is a senior at Otterbein University. Born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, she will graduate with two B.S. degrees, one in biochemistry and molecular biology and the other in equine preveterinary/pregraduate studies. She has a passion for wet laboratory research. After gaining experience at Otterbein, she secured an internship at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, studying pulmonary hypertension in neonates and will soon be included in her first publication. McPeek is also a member of the Otterbein equestrian team. She has been riding horses for about 18 years and has a deep enthusiasm for the equine community. She hopes to combine her passions and become involved in equine research. She also would like to further her biochemistry education and continue developing her experimental skill set.

Olivia Miller

Otterbein University

Olivia Miller is a senior at Otterbein University studying biochemistry and molecular biology. From a young age, she has been interested in science. When selecting a college, she knew she wanted to pursue a career in science and be involved with the medical field. Miller plans to attend graduate school for biochemistry and eventually pursue a career in biotechnology and contribute to the advancement of therapeutics. In her free time, Miller greatly enjoys baking sourdough bread, tending to her garden and spending time with her family. The ASBMB Student Chapter at Otterbein has allowed her to grow and mature her leadership skills and help peers build a welcoming and educational community.

Mason Nolan

Otterbein University

Nolan became interested in science at a young age as he sought to understand the underlying components of the world around him. He is a junior at Otterbein University majoring in biochemistry and molecular biology. He plans to attend Ohio University's Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine in the fall of 2023 through the Early Assurance Program to pursue a career in the medical field. Nolan began undergraduate research in the spring of 2021 and explores protein interactions within a secondary messenger system of Streptomyces. His involvements include being a member of the American Chemical Society, the American Society for Microbiology, the Student Alumni Board, and the Phi Delta Theta chapter at Otterbein. Nolan also served as a peer mentor the fall 2021 semester and lead peer mentor in fall 2022 in Otterbein's First Year Experience program for incoming students. He has taken part in the STEM Art show and ASM chapter Agar Art Show for undergraduates as well as Running on STEAM, which introduces middle school students to the world of scientific discovery. Nolan's membership in the ASBMB Student Chapter at Otterbein has allowed him to expand his knowledge of science, have intellectual conversation with students and faculty, and work on professional development.

Ashni Patel

Otterbein University

Patel is a junior at Otterbein University majoring in biochemistry and molecular biology and minoring in business administration and management. She conducts research alongside her adviser, Jennifer Bennett, on the antibiotic-producing bacteria Streptomyces scabies. She is the co-president of the Women in STEM club, president of Alpha Lambda Delta/Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society, president of Otterbein’s American Society for Microbiology chapter, and event coordinator of the CardinalCorps. She is in a B.S./D.O. program with Ohio University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine and will start medical school in fall of 2024. Her passion lies in providing care to patients in underserved populations. She has promoted scientific outreach by setting up tables at her school and local festivals. She has volunteered at blood drives hosted by her temple. She leads a volunteer program called Girls Club where she visits a local middle school every week and mentors girls. Through this program she created a STEM day, showing how girls can build a pathway in STEM fields. As an ASBMB Student Chapter member, she attended a BMB tea, MCAT study groups and the annual homecoming tailgate where she meets with other ASBMB students.

Lora Randa

Carleton College

Randa recently graduated from Carleton College with a major in biology and a minor in biochemistry. She began undergraduate research in Joe Chihade’s lab, investigating pathogenic mutations in the human mitochondrial alanyl-tRNA synthetase enzyme. She also became interested in science, technology, engineering and math education research working with Rou-Jia Sung, studying the impact of a biochemistry augmented-reality app on student learning. Additionally, Randa has been an active member of Amnesty International for seven years, conducting advocacy and policy work at the intersection of healthcare and human rights. Randa is passionate about mentorship. At Carleton, she served as the student department advisor for biochemistry, coordinated a pre-health mentorship program and worked as a prefect and teaching assistant in the chemistry and biochemistry departments. Next year, Randa will matriculate to medical school and hopes to pursue a career as a physician practicing and teaching in an academic medicine setting.

Laurel Robbins

Lake Forest College

Robbins is a graduating senior at Lake Forest College majoring in biochemistry and molecular biology with a minor in history. Robbins became involved in the ASBMB during her sophomore year and enjoyed connecting with other students interested in biochemistry. She became interested in science after participating in a citizen science program studying ecology at Rocky Mountain National Park. She continued taking science classes and became particularly interested in biochemistry and the molecular world. At Lake Forest College, she has conducted research in William Conrad’s lab, focusing on expressing D-cycloserine synthesis enzymes in human cells to understand if the D-CS pathway could be used as a genetic chemoprophylaxis for tuberculosis. After graduation, she will begin her graduate studies at the University of Colorado Boulder in the Interdisciplinary Quantitative Biology graduate certificate program before beginning her Ph.D. in biochemistry. She is excited to learn more about connecting biochemistry in an interdisciplinary way to solve challenging biological problems and is grateful for all the support she has received along the way.

Reed Rohr

University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Rohr is a junior biochemistry major at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. She is a member of the University Honors Program and has minors in chemistry, psychology and humanities in medicine. She has been studying the stabilin-2 protein in Edward Harris’ lab since the beginning of 2021. She has presented her research at multiple events, including the ASBMB annual meeting. On campus, she is the president of the UNL branch of Medical Students United with Neighbors Across America and the vice president of her sorority. In the community, she works as a patient care technician, volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters and has led a STEM-based afterschool club at a local elementary school. After graduating, she hopes to continue her education to become a health care provider. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering, visiting local coffee shops with friends, and listening to music.

Kylie Ross

Hamline University

Ross’ love for science stems from early on in her childhood around the time her family moved out of the city to a more rural area. Growing up on almost 20 acres of wooded backyard provided ample opportunities for learning and asking questions — all of which her parents encouraged. She followed this interest through high school and into her senior year at Hamline University where she is earning her B.S. in biochemistry. Starting her first year at Hamline, she began working in the biology labs as a prep assistant, washing dishes and sanitizing lab benches. She now supervises and mentors other students in the preparation of solutions, media and other related materials for labs. In the summers between her sophomore, junior and senior years, she participated in research under the direction of Jodi Goldberg. This project focused on the effects of inactivated bacteria on colon cancer and fibroblast cell lines. Ross looks forward to finding a job in either research or the biotech industry and hopes also to pursue her interest in printmaking.

Anna Schultz

Hamline University

Anna Schultz is a senior majoring in biochemistry and minoring in forensic science and computational data science. During high school, she fell in love with biology, thanks to her amazing freshman biology teacher. At Hamline University, she is involved with research in the biochemistry program under the mentorship of Betsy Martinez–Vaz. Her projects have investigated the genetic regulation of enzymes involved in the degradation of the pharmaceutical metformin. Schultz is involved with several extracurricular activities on campus, including being the president of the BioEx and chemistry clubs. These student organizations are dedicated to creating scientific outreach activities and building community among science, technology, engineering and mathematics students. In addition, she serves as a statistics, genetics and biochemistry tutor and works for the IT/library help desk on campus. After graduation, she aims to pursue a career in research in the biochemistry and microbiology industries.

Grace Thornhill

Stephen F. Austin State University

Thornhill is a senior at Stephen F. Austin State University graduating with her bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and a minor in biology. She has been involved in biochemical research since her sophomore year, working to elucidate the interaction of the possible co-chaperone protein CeRme-8 with its hypothesized chaperone CeHsp70-1 as well as researching the metallobiology of the organism Saprolegnia parasitica. Her goals are to get a Ph.D. in microbiology and study antibiotic resistance or the biochemistry of pathogenic bacteria. The ASBMB Student Chapter has been a major part of her life in college as she and the other officers have revived their chapter after the pandemic. The club’s members have since become leaders in teaching biochemical concepts to local high school students and educating peers on modern scientific issues with the help of the national organization. Outside of science, Thornhill enjoys reading science fiction and taking walks along nature trails with friends.

Karlie Tischendorf

Purdue University

Tischendorf is a senior in biochemistry at Purdue University. Upon graduation, she have two minors, in aquatic sciences and Spanish. She has been interested in science for as long as she can remember. At Purdue, she has participated in scientific research focused on botany and plant pathology, marine aquaponics, ecotoxicology, marine immunology and harmful algal blooms. She serves as the Purdue Biochemistry Club president and volunteers at WeeSpeak Equine Therapy. Upon completion of her degree, Tischendorf plans to take gap year to focus on SCUBA diving for research purposes and applying for Ph.D. programs in ecotoxicology or related fields. Her goal is run a research lab in marine sciences and influence positive environmental change. ASBMB conferences have been transformative experiences for Tischendorf, providing a platform to practice science communication, build a professional network and develop relationships with peers across the U.S.

Martina Videva

Rochester Institute of Technology

Videva’s passion for biochemistry began in a high school introductory biology class with a fun, outgoing teacher who connected scientific concepts with real-life examples. As an honors student majoring in biochemistry, Videva joined RIT’s ASBMB Student Chapter to participate in and develop activities for the College of Science and smaller cohorts, including a newsletter and science-related community events. She conducts research at RIT under Lea Michel, as group leader on a project investigating bacterial outer membrane vesicles and their involvement in the pathophysiology of Escherichia coli sepsis. Videva has worked as a patient care technician at a local hospital at the neurosurgery unit and her goal is to matriculate into an M.D.-Ph.D. program. In RIT’s ASBMB Student Chapter, she has connected with other students who have similar goals and interests, as well as had an opportunity to advance her leadership skills and connect with the local science community. She enjoys painting, traveling and swimming.