Transforming undergraduate education in the molecular life sciences
July 27–30, 2023
Suffolk University, Boston

Join us for a small interactive education-focused ASBMB meeting to learn about engaging approaches to supporting students and faculty in biochemistry and molecular biology. Reconnect with peers, meet new colleagues and increase your network of education-minded professionals while exploring Boston.
Conference topics include:
- Leadership development
- Supporting mid-career and shifting careers
- Teaching in a diverse and equitable environment
Panel discussions will include Discipline-Based Education Research (DBER) and preparing students for jobs in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. Attendees will be able to participate in workshops with several education focused NSF-funded groups (CUREs, assessment, case-based learning, biomolecular visualization) to learn about their innovative projects and join their communities. Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet with program directors from the NIH and NSF.
Anyone interested in education — postdocs, instructors and faculty — is welcome to attend.
Organizers
Sign up for email updates about this conference
Important dates
May 23 | Early registration deadline |
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May 23 | Abstract submission deadline (posters and catalyst conversations) |
June 27 | Regular registration deadline |
Registration and abstracts
- There is no onsite registration, all attendees must be registered prior to arriving at the conference.
- Registration for the conference is required at the time of abstract submission.
- Please reach out to meetings@asbmb.org if you have questions.
Visas
All individuals traveling from outside of the United States should apply for a visa as soon as possible and at least four to five months prior to their date of travel.
- The most up-to-date information about traveling to the U.S. can be found at the U.S. State Department website.
- Scientists visiting the U.S. may find helpful information at the National Academies of Sciences website.
- Find visa appointment wait times here.
Please do not wait until you receive your registration confirmation before applying for a visa. We encourage you to apply for your visa right away if you are considering attending to avoid delays and longer than anticipated wait times.
All visitors traveling to the U.S. from visa waiver countries must meet all requirements of the program. Find more information on the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) and a list of visa waiver countries.
Registration
ASBMB members will receive a $50 discount on their registration fee which will be applied during checkout.
Not a member? Join the ASBMB and save!
***Registration is currently sold out, join the waitlist to be notified of any availability.***
Early registration (by May 23) |
Regular registration (by June 27) |
|
---|---|---|
Grad student/postdoc single lodging |
$650 | $700 |
Grad student/postdoc commuter (no lodging) |
$400 | $450 |
Faculty single lodging |
$800 | $850 |
Faculty commuter (no lodging) |
$550 | $600 |
What’s included
The registration rates include:- Single lodging at Nathan R. Miller Residence Hall on the campus of Suffolk University, arriving on July 27 and departing on July 30.
- Double occupancy rooms/guest lodging is available at an additional $250 (for three nights). Please note that children (ages 17 and under) are not permitted in the dorms.
- All sessions, poster sessions and meeting materials.
- The following meals are included in your registration fee:
- Thursday, July 27: Dinner
- Friday, July 28: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Saturday, July 29: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Sunday, July 30: Breakfast
Registration changes
Registration changes will be accepted as space allows until June 28, 2023, and can be made by contacting meetings@asbmb.org.Cancellation policy
Cancellations received in writing on or before June 28, 2023, are subject to a $100 processing fee. No refunds will be issued for cancellations after June 28, due to final guarantee commitments. Email meetings@asbmb.org and attach a copy of your meeting registration receipt/paid invoice.Location
Meeting location
Suffolk University
David J. Sargent Hall
120 Tremont Street
Boston, MA 02108
Lodging
Suffolk University
Nathan R. Miller Residence Hall
10 Somerset Street
Boston, MA 02108
Nathan R. Miller Residence Hall is located in the heart of downtown Boston. The rooms at Miller Hall are suites comprised of two rooms that share an adjoining bathroom. Though rooms in Miller Hall have two twin beds, all accommodations for this meeting will be single. All rooms will have twin beds with linens provided, closet, dresser and desk. Note: Minors (under the age of 18) are not permitted to enter Miller Hall.
The walking distance between Sargent Hall and Miller Hall is 0.2 miles. Walking directions From Miller Hall to Sargent Hall.
Getting to Suffolk University
- Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) – 2.6 miles away
- Boston South Station (BOS-Amtrak) – 2 miles away
Program schedule
Thursday agenda
Conference registration
Dinner
Keynote address
Small group discussion on DEI and student success
Facilitators: Tayo Odunuga, Stephen F. Austin State University & Celeste Peterson, Suffolk University
Friday agenda
Breakfast
Catalyst conversations
Coffee break
Faculty development
Faculty development
Strategically planning your future in leadership: considerations when moving into a leadership role as a chair/head or administrator
Facilitator: Ben Caldwell, Radford University
Faculty development breakout sessions
Option A: Engaged leadership using the Four-Frame model: How to view, respect and involve people using their frame of reference
Facilitator: Joe Provost, University of San Diego
Option B: The leadership of difficult conversations and conflict resolutions
Facilitator: Bill Davis, Washington State University
Option C: Negotiation
Facilitator: Pam Mertz, St. Mary’s College of Maryland
Faculty development feedback
Report on key discussions.
Lunch with discussion themes
- Theme A: CHEGG, ChatGPT and other systems; dealing with the new reality
- Theme B: Mentoring undergraduates in research
- Theme C: Science Identity among BIPOC students in our lab and classrooms
- Theme D: Faculty looking for research collaboration and ideas for funding
- Theme E: Midcareer faculty
Preparing our students for careers in the biotech/pharma/chemical industries
A panel of biotechnology industry scientists and educators.
Facilitator: Celeste Peterson, Suffolk University
Presentations
Three 15-minute presentations from abstracts selected by the organizers.
Poster session with refreshments
Dinner and keynote address
Saturday agenda
Breakfast
Catalyst conversations
Themes based on submitted abstracts.
NSF funded network, assessment and teaching programs
Facilitator: Tayo Odunuga, Stephen F. Austin State University
- Malate Dehydrogense CUREs Community (MCC)
Joe Provost, University of San Diego & Amy Springer, University of Massachusetts Amherst - CRISPR in the Classroom Network
Michael Wolyniak, Hampden–Sydney College - Biochemistry Authentic Scientific Inquiry Laboratory (BASIL)
Rebecca Roberts, Ursinus College - BioMolViz
Kristen Procko, University of Texas at Austin - Molecular CaseNet
Shuchismita Dutta, Rutgers University–New Brunswick - Transforming the BMB education community by building an inclusive community for the assessment of BMB learning (ICABL)
Dan Dries, Juniata College - CUREnet: A network of people and programs integrating research into courses
Erin Dolan, University of Georgia
Coffee break
NSF-Funded Programs Showcase
10:40–11:25 a.m. Visit first session
11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Visit second session
12:20–1:05 p.m. Visit third session
Lunch
Butts in seats
Facilitator: John Tansey, Otterbein University
Small group discussion
Key SWOT issues
Coffee break
Presentations from submitted abstracts
Sunday agenda
Breakfast
Applying education research in your instruction and getting started in education research
Facilitator: Celeste Peterson, Suffolk University
Panel: Erika Offerdahl, Washington State University & Erin Dolan, University of Georgia
Grant opportunities
10:20–10:50 a.m., NIH grant proposals
Rebecca Burgess, National Institutes of Health & Anne Gershenson, National Institutes of Health
10:55–11:25 a.m., NSF grant proposals
Ellen Carpenter, National Science Foundation
11:30–11:50 a.m., Creative ways in which Department of Education Title V grants can further BMB education
Marvin Payne, La Sierra University
Questions
Closing comments
Pam Mertz, St. Mary’s College of Maryland