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Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics
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Department Engagement Committee

Mission Statement

Logo for the BCBP Engagement Committee.

The primary goal of the Engagement Committee is to cultivate a welcoming environment within the department. We actively coordinate a range of activities designed to promote the department community.

Helpful Resources

Resources for Students

Dean of Student Life

979-845-3111

Counseling & Psychological Services

979-845-4427

Student Conduct Office

979-847-7272

Faculty Affairs Office:

979-845-4274

Resources for Faculty and Staff

Human Resources

979-862-4027

Misconduct line

888-501-3850

MHMR Authority of Brazos Valley

979-822-6467

Substance abuse crisis hotline

888-522-8262

TAMU University Police

979-845-2345 non-emergency

TAMU Helpline

979-845-2700

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

800-273-8255

Crisis Text Line

Text CONNECT to 741-741

Activities

BCBP department members posing at a department potluck event
  1. Invite Academic Seminar Speaker in BCBP Seminar Series:
    • Select and organize the visit of distinguished guest speakers from universities and research institutes for the BCBP Seminar Series.
  2. Bridging academia and industry to enhance career development prospects:
    • Select and organize the visit of a guest seminar speaker from biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry to offer career opportunities for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. This activity is done in coordination with the Biochemistry Graduate Student Association (BGA).
  3. International Potluck hosting:
    • Spearhead the coordination and execution of an International Potluck event, which provide department members with an opportunity to share cultural cuisines and foster cultural exchange.
  4. Panel discussion among various interest groups:
    • Organize formal and informal events such as a session where departmental faculty can share their personal paths to academia.
  5. Department events and activities:
    • Organize non-academic holiday activities within the department, creating festive gatherings to celebrate diverse traditions and strengthen community bonds.

Committee Members

Ivette Cornejo-Corona.

Ivette Cornejo-Corona

Postdoctoral Representative
979-862-6509
[email protected]

Learn more about this committee member

I’m Ivette Cornejo-Corona. Though Mexico City is where my journey began, I’ve embraced the thrill of living in three different countries and calling six unique cities home. Aggieland has been my enriching abode for the past five years. I proudly identify as a Aggie-biotechnologist, impassioned about guiding the next generation toward becoming better individuals.

My hobbies effortlessly intertwine with my scientific pursuits—I find solace in crafting illustrations and diving into captivating sci-fi novels. Nature’s allure, especially forests and lakes, captivates my heart. An intriguing tidbit about me: I devoted extensive time to artistic swimming; while the Olympic medal evaded me, I can hold my breath for a minute and navigate waters adeptly. Sociology and linguistics stand as my second interests, following science, of course. Additionally, I maintain a global network of friends fluent in various languages, stemming from diverse backgrounds and professions.

My involvement in the Climate Committee is driven by a desire to advocate for postdocs, ensuring our voices resonate. The Biochemistry and Biophysics department has been my academic family for over six years. I eagerly anticipate fostering a collaborative environment while contributing to our shared goals within the Climate Committee. Feel free to connect—I’m always open to engaging conversations and offering a cup of coffee at my office in BCBP NMR Bldg. Room 220, ready to embrace new perspectives and meaningful discussions.

Betty Cotton.

Betty Cotton

Staff Representative
979-458-0630
[email protected]

Learn more about this committee member

I’m Betty Cotton, proud to serve as part of the dedicated staff within the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics. Originally hailing from Cleveland, TX, I’ve called Bryan, TX, my home for the past 24 years.

A typical day for me at work consists of reading emails, addressing questions, and providing information or guidance to any situation that arises within the department.  Outside these walls, you’ll find me at the College Station F45 gym, dedicated to fitness, or capturing precious moments through scrapbooking—memories from our family’s adventures and escapades.  I like to scuba dive, (but only in crystal clear water, with shallow depths, and no sharks, of course). 

Inspirational quotes fuel my days; among my top five are:

  1. “What doesn’t kill you, will make you stronger.”
  2. “I didn’t come here to play.”
  3. “Work till Jesus comes, I’ll work…(song).”
  4. “Let your conscience be your guide.”
  5. “Two wrongs don’t make it right.”

Being part of the Climate Committee holds great meaning to me; it’s a platform to foster unity and familial bonds within our department. I extend a warm invitation for your participation in our events, hoping you find the committee as beneficial and inspiring as I do.

Feel free to drop by my office in room 103D for a chat or a simple hello.

Best wishes with your endeavors while here at Texas A&M University. It’s a great place to work and have a career!

Vishal Gohil.

Vishal Gohil

Chair of the Committee
979-847-6138
[email protected]

Learn more about this committee member

I am Vishal M. Gohil, a faculty in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics since 2012. I was born in Bombay (now Mumbai), India, and grew up in a small coastal town in western India called Porbandar, which is famous as the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi. While Gandhi conducted his experiments with truth, I experiment with mitochondria!

In addition to mentoring students in my lab, I teach metabolism-related courses to graduate and undergraduate students and serve in various departmental committees, including the Climate Committee. Symmetry, harmony, and balance found in nature inspire me and guide all my work. I derive immense pleasure in training my students while making fundamental discoveries that can benefit human health. I like working with honest and sincere colleagues, whereas dishonesty, arrogance, and manipulation drive me crazy. Apart from work, I enjoy playing and watching cricket, a popular sport in India. I also enjoy reading biographies, listening to music, and watching movies. My favorite quotes that describe my life philosophy are:

  1. “Truth is rarely pure and never simple.”
  2. “Hard work never killed a man.”
  3. “An eye for an eye will make the whole world blind.”

I have been very fortunate to have some dedicated students, a great family, wonderful friends, and teachers. I hope to create the same supportive environment in the department through the Climate Committee.

Melissa Koff

Melissa Koff

Faculty Representative
979-845-2087
[email protected]

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Graduate Representative

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Suhas Sura

Undergraduate Representative

[email protected]

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Howdy, my name is Suhas Sura, and I am the undergraduate representative for the BCBP Department Engagement Committee. I am a sophomore from Dallas, TX, and I am involved in a variety of clubs and extracurricular activities here on campus, one of those being BGS, or Biochemistry/Genetics Society

I am involved with genetics research on campus with the Wehman Lab, focused on utilizing the model organism C. elegans to understand lipid bilayer dynamics and EV release/production. All of the research is very involved, & if you’d like to talk about BICH/GENE 491 credits, please reach out!

If you have any questions or concerns about the department, or if you have any ideas for the undergraduate population here, feel free to email me at [email protected] and chat!

.

Faculty Representative

Learn more about this committee member

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