June 1, 2010

DWU students form American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology chapter

MITCHELL — The Undergraduate Affiliate Network (UAN) of the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) has announced the approval of a local chapter of UAN at Dakota Wesleyan University.

DWU is the only UAN chapter in South Dakota, and one of the stipulations for becoming a college chapter is that a regular ASBMB member in good standing be a sponsor. Dr. Anthony Cole, associate professor of biochemistry, has agreed to sponsor the chapter and apply for its membership.

The charter members of the DWU chapter are: Danielle Bellet, biochemistry, Lead (junior); Brandon Bilyeu, biochemistry, Red Lodge, Mont. (junior); Eric Christianson, Biology, Pierre (junior); Sarah Jefferies, biology and psychology, Fort Pierre (junior); Michael Lynch, biology and psychology, Omaha, Neb. (senior); Leah Miiller, biology, Corsica (sophomore); Karissa Miller, biology, Draper (senior); Mark Mingo, biochemistry, Armour (senior); Jeannette Mitchell, biochemistry, Copperas Cove, Texas (senior); Kara Robertson, biochemistry, Kincardine, Ontario, Canada (senior); Taylor Sharpe, biology, Apple Valley, Minn. (junior); Nicholas Tolsma, biology and biochemistry, Rapid City (senior).

The ASBMB UAN is a national organization comprised of university-based chapters dedicated to the advancement of undergraduate research, research-based undergraduate education, and K-12 outreach in biochemistry and molecular biology, according to its website. The organization helps scholars of similar backgrounds and pursuits to connect and network nationally through seminars, conferences and research opportunities.