Biochemistry and Biophysics

Researchers discover an enzyme that protects DNA during rapid cell divisions (Cook lab)

Carolyn Clabo — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 15:06:03 +0000

Researchers have discovered that an enzyme called USP37 plays a crucial role in ensuring our cells copy their DNA correctly. The findings were published in Nature Communications. (Thanks to the first three co-authors—Derek Bolhuis, Dalia Fleifel and Thomas Bonacci.)

Congratulations to our faculty and staff celebrating state service awards

Carolyn Clabo — Thu, 22 May 2025 19:27:55 +0000

The University proudly acknowledges the long-term dedication and impactful contributions of faculty and staff across our institution. Reflecting our mission to advance research, teaching, and community service, the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics celebrates the achievements of its members through the State Service Recognition program.

Dalia Fleifel receives Graduate Fellow Award in Basic Sciences

Carolyn Clabo — Thu, 22 May 2025 16:33:07 +0000

Dalia Fleifel, a graduate student leader, has been awarded the 2025 Lineberger Graduate Fellow Award in Basic Science. This accolade was presented at the annual trainee awards ceremony on May 21st.

Researchers develop molecule that targets Ewing sarcoma

Carolyn Clabo — Sat, 17 May 2025 15:55:43 +0000

Our researchers (Pengda Liu lab) and their colleagues have developed a small molecule that selectively degrades a protein implicated in Ewing sarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer of the bone and soft tissue that primarily affects children and teenagers.

Dalia Tarek Fleifel receives the AACR Scholar-in-Training Award

Carolyn Clabo — Fri, 02 May 2025 17:08:57 +0000

The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) has announced that Dalia Tarek Fleifel has been awarded the prestigious AACR Scholar-in-Training Award. This recognition is based on the quality of her award application and her abstract titled “Unraveling c-MYC role in DNA replication origin licensing through non-canonical pathways.

Graduate students present findings at AACR annual meeting

Carolyn Clabo — Fri, 02 May 2025 15:54:40 +0000

Graduate students Dalia Tarek Fleifel (Cook lab) and Humeyra Kaanoglu (Sancar Lab) presented their research posters at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) annual meeting in Chicago during the week of April 25-30, 2025.

Congratulations to the 2024-25 Yang Family Biomedical Scholars

Carolyn Clabo — Thu, 01 May 2025 16:07:39 +0000

Gaorav Gupta, MD, PhD, Misty Good, MD, MS, and Jason Stein, PhD, were selected as Yang Family Biomedical Scholars in the eighth installment of this annual School of Medicine award.

Welcome Dr. Shota Kudo Visiting Scholar in the Kuhlman lab

Carolyn Clabo — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 14:58:37 +0000

We are pleased to introduce Dr. Shota Kudo, our new Visiting Scholar in the Kuhlman lab. Dr. Kudo comes from Japan and has an impressive background in pharmaceutical research.

Strahl lab undergrad receives many Awards at ��

Carolyn Clabo — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 13:15:02 +0000

Phu Nguyen, undergraduate researcher in the Strahl lab, has received The Edward Kidder Graham Award and the Bryan Public Service Award from the Chancellor. He also received the Stephen Brantley Undergraduate Award for his honors thesis!

Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics enables laboratory employees to pursue a Master’s degree

Carolyn Clabo — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 15:18:59 +0000

The Special Master’s Program for employees in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics enables laboratory employees to pursue a Master’s degree on a part-time basis while working full-time in the Department. The faculty member in whose laboratory the employee works will normally be their research advisor, and must agree to the employee’s participation in the program. The Special Master’s program is designed to help research technicians increase their level of participation in and contribution to the scientific activities of their current laboratories.

Heels Care Network offers resources for mental health

Carolyn Clabo — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 17:11:58 +0000

Heels Care Network is a hub for mental health and well-being resources, including links to 24/7 support, training opportunities and suicide prevention resources. It also features a live chat and a link to an anonymous care referral form for anyone to report concerns they have for a student. The website features a comprehensive, user-friendly database of mental health resources. More info.

Dr. Pittman co-presented the 2025 Microbiology Society Prize Lecture

Carolyn Clabo — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 18:45:52 +0000

Dr. Nikea Pittman was honored as a recipient of the Microbiology Society’s inaugural Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion award. During the opening ceremony in Liverpool, UK, Dr. Pittman co-presented the Prize Lecture along with Drs. Donovan-Banfield and Taylor on behalf of Black Microbiologists Association.