Department Updates

The Laboratory of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics (LBSD) is pleased to invite you to a CryoEM Symposium on May 15, 2025, hosted in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics.

May 6th, 2025

This event celebrates two years of CryoEM research at LBSD and will feature 10-12 scientific presentations, including invited speakers from leading universities and research institutions. Participants will also have the opportunity to tour LBSD’s CryoEM facilities and learn more about the technologies and support available for structural biology research. The event is free and open to all.

Congratulations to Dr. Pozzi for receiving The Association of Former Students Distinguished Achievement Award for Teaching

May 6th, 2025

These awards recognize, encourage, and reward exceptional classroom teachers— those individuals whose command of their respective discipline, teaching methodologies, pervasive caring, communication skills, and commitment to the learning process exemplify the meaning of teacher/mentor in its highest sense. This award is designed to distinguish those teachers who maintain high expectations of their students and who… Read More →

Professor Receives Chancellor’s Innovation Award for Breakthrough in Copper Metabolism Therapy

May 6th, 2025

Professor Receives Chancellor’s Innovation Award for Breakthrough Copper Therapy Dr. Vishal M. Gohil, professor of Biochemistry & Biophysics at Texas A&M University, received the 2025 Chancellor’s Innovation Award for his groundbreaking work on copper metabolism and mitochondrial diseases. Dr. Gohil’s lab discovered that elesclomol—a former cancer drug—can deliver copper into mitochondria, correcting defects caused by… Read More →

Our First Annual Biochemistry and Genetics Honors Research Symposium

April 15th, 2025

Ragd Elsaigh from Dr. Kurouski’s Lab giving a presentation on Phospholipid Effects on Tau Toxicity. Kenzie G. Laird-Undergraduate Presenting her slides on Sex Chromosome to Autosome Fusions are Disfavored in Mammals. Isabel Wang-presenting a presentation on the Ability of Bacteriophage P1 as a Protein Delivery Vector in Escherichia Coli Host Cells. Thank you to everyone… Read More →

First Annual Biochemistry and Genetics Honors Research Symposium

April 1st, 2025

We are pleased to announce that the first annual Biochemistry and Genetics Honors Research Symposium is scheduled for Friday April 11, 2025 from 2:30-5 PM in Room BICH 106A. Titles and abstracts are due Thursday, April 3. If any of your students are registered for 491-Honors, please encourage them to present a poster or oral… Read More →

Congratulations to Omkar Shinde on being awarded the John Mack Prescott Award

February 27th, 2025

Pictured is Dr. Michael Polymenis Associate Head of Graduate Programs and Graduate Student Omkar Shinde. Congratulation again on your success.

Congratulations to Joonyoung Shin on being awarded the Paul Barry Gayle TA Laboratory Award

February 27th, 2025

Pictured is Joonyoung Shin. Way to go, on this wonderful accomplishment.

Congratulations to Rachel Stanfield on being awarded the Paul Barry Gayle TA Lecture Award

February 27th, 2025

Pictured is Dr. Michael Polymenis Associate Head of Graduate Programs, and Graduate Student Rachel Stanfield. Way to go Rachel!

Congratulations on the Award of Excellence

December 4th, 2024

Congratulations to Graduate Student Tram Le, Laboratory Mechanic Ryan Lovingshimer, Postdoc Taerin Oh, on receiving the Biochemistry and Biophysics Department Award of Excellence. Thank you for your hard work and dedication to the department way to go!

Congratulations to Dr. Juan Dong on the high honor of being named the Sadie Hatfield Endowed Professor.

July 30th, 2024

Dr. Juan Dong is a distinguished scientist specializing in molecular genetics, cell signaling, cell biology, and plant development. She has received the high honor of being named the Sadie Hatfield Professor and has a rich academic background, having completed her undergraduate studies at Shandong Normal University, her M.S. at the Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy… Read More →

Congratulations Dr. Vishal Gohil on being named 2024 Chancellor EDGES Fellow.

July 3rd, 2024

The Fellowship was create to honor and recognize Texas A&M faculty for significant accomplishment in their discipline and gaining recognition both nationally and internationally for their scholarship. A well deserved honor! Congratulations again Dr. Vishal Gohil.

Congratulations Britt Faulk

June 21st, 2024

Britt Faulk (Biochemistry and Biophysics Department Dr. Polymenis’ Lab on receiving a fellowship through the Hagler Institute for Advanced Study at Texas A&M University. A well deserved honor. Congratulations on your achievement.

Congratulations Dr. John Mullet University Distinguished Professor 2024

June 3rd, 2024

Professor John Mullet, in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics has been selected as one of the 2024 University Distinguished Professors, representing excellence in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.  Dr. Mullet is the Perry Adkisson Chair in Agricultural Biology in the Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics.  He is also a member of the… Read More →

Congratulations Katelyn Willis

April 16th, 2024

Junior neuroscience major Katelyn Willis recently placed first in an exam-based biochemistry competition against other undergraduate students at the Texas HOSA Spring Leadership Conference. The annual conference brings together aspiring healthcare professionals for the purposes of competing and building leadership skills. With this achievement, Katelyn has qualified to compete at the international level. She credits her… Read More →

Congratulations to Kaitlyn McGaff on receiving the President’s Meritorious Service Award.

April 12th, 2024

This Award is given to individuals who demonstrate their commitment to the Aggie Core Values of Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity and Selfless Service. Way to go Kaitlyn! You deserve this.

Congratulations to Dr. Yuxiang Sun for being selected as the recipient of the2024 Osborne and Mendel Award

April 12th, 2024

This award is given for outstanding recent basic research accomplishments in nutrition.

“Ms. Harman Kaur, a graduate student in the Gohil lab, won the outstanding presentation award at the 2024 Texas Genetics Society Meeting.”

April 8th, 2024

A little bit about Ms. Kaur, her major is Biochemistry. Her class year is 2026. Also, she is a departmental representative of WISE (Women in Science and Engineering). A fun fact about her is, she once randomly answered some quiz questions to her friend on call and he won a cash prize. Congratulations to Harman… Read More →

Symposium & Workshop on High-Pressure and Reverse Micelle NMR

February 5th, 2024

National Science Foundation Research Coordination Network on Extreme Biophysics April 6th Symposium & April 7th Workshop Click Here to register.

2024 Vice Chancellor’s Award goes to Morgan Powers

January 19th, 2024

During the Texas A&M AgriLife Connect Conference held on January 11, 2024, Morgan Powers was recognized for her outstanding contribution and commitment to her Graduate Student Teaching. Ms. Powers has been a graduate student TA for the undergraduate courses, Comprehensive Biochemistry, II (BICH 411) and Biochemistry Laboratory, I (BICH 412). Prior to graduate school, Ms…. Read More →

2023 Research Director’s Awards

January 12th, 2024

Congratulations to Dr. Dmitry Kurouski, Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics for being selected as the William A. Dugas Early Career Awards for Research Excellence.  Dr. Wand states that Dmitry Kurouski is not just the “diamond in the rough” that one might expect at this point in his career, but is, rather, a… Read More →

Biochemistry, Chemistry and Genetics Research Competition

June 2nd, 2023

Students in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics took top prizes in a recent poster and oral presentation competition.

Ph.D. Student, Melissa Koff, wins prestigious poster award at the 2023 Glycobiology Gordon Research Seminar (GRS).

April 19th, 2023

Melissa’s
presentation titled “TMTC-type 0- mannosyltransferases as potential regulators of
cadherin-mediated cell adhesion” was chosen to be one of the best posters.

New POS system for Biochemistry and Biophysics Stockroom

February 20th, 2023

The Biophysics and Biochemistry Stockroom is proud to announce a new platform for buying supplies, called Lightspeed.

Texas A&M Research Aims To Improve Lyme Disease Diagnostics

February 7th, 2023

Scientists are testing Raman spectroscopy, a technique used to detect vibrations at the molecular level, as a diagnostic tool for Lyme disease.

Texas A&M Researchers To Further Develop Unique Cancer Drug With $2.3 Million NIH Grant

February 7th, 2023

Preliminary data indicate that the compounds developed in the laboratory of Dr. Stephen Safe both kill tumors and rejuvenate the immune system, which becomes exhausted as it responds to cancer.

Discovery in fight against drug-resistant fungal infections

January 24th, 2023

Developing new antifungal treatments is a rising health priority due to an alarming rise in multidrug-resistant fungal “superbugs” that evade medications clinicians have relied on for decades.

B.S. in Biochemistry accredited by ASBMB

January 11th, 2023

An ASBMB accredited program is held to extremely high standards in its course offerings and hands-on research experiences.

Exploring the impact of space radiation on plants

December 20th, 2022

Rockets and other exploratory technology can take astronauts to the moon and beyond, but plants will sustain their trips over longer periods.

Atomic-resolution microscopy facility opens at Texas A&M

November 10th, 2022

A state-of-the-art resource for cryogenic-electron microscopy, cryo-EM, is now set up and open to all academic and industry users.

Rapid delivery: Injected protein flips a switch in the brain, disappears

September 29th, 2022

A multidisciplinary research team with Texas A&M AgriLife and Texas A&M University has found a way to deliver a protein quickly, effectively and briefly to the brain.

Dr. Megan Reynolds receives AFS College Level Teaching Award

September 23rd, 2022

We are proud to highlight Dr. Megan Reynolds for having received the AFS College Level Teaching award.

Texas A&M Aggie Women Network names Shippen as Eminent Scholar

September 21st, 2022

Biochemistry and biophysics’ Shippen is renowned for work in telomere biology The 2022 Eminent Scholar recognized by Texas A&M University’s Aggie Women Network is Dorothy Shippen, Ph.D., University Distinguished Professor and Regents Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The award honors extraordinary women faculty who serve as role… Read More →

4th-year graduate student, Kayla Glockzin, achieves major publication

September 16th, 2022

4th-year graduate student Kayla Glockzin was recently published in The Journal of Biochemistry.

Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics 75th anniversary brings new lecture series, awards

September 9th, 2022

Hundreds of current and former students, faculty and staff flocked to College Station recently to officially celebrate the 75th anniversary.

Celebrating Ryland Young’s career, advances in phage applications

August 30th, 2022

New biochemistry lecture series will honor the soon-to-be professor emeritus After Ryland ‘Ry’ Young retires on Aug. 31, his students can keep an ear out for his signature jangling of keys in the hallways — the renowned faculty member will still manage his lab, as professor emeritus. Young, Ph.D., is the director of the Texas… Read More →

Managing phage therapy to help save lives

July 20th, 2022

Scientists with the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences were among those providing the biochemical tools needed to help save a man’s life through a unique emergency intervention in 2016. Now those Center for Phage Technology scientists in the Texas A&M Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Bryan-College Station, have completed a study about that treatment as well as… Read More →

Texas A&M AgriLife describes new protein structures to aid rational drug design

May 17th, 2022

New ideas for treatments may come from newly solved structures of the C1 domain of protein kinase C In a major advance for rational drug design, a Texas A&M AgriLife team has described several protein structures of a crucial player in cellular processes. The advance could bring new ideas for treatments of diseases such as Alzheimer’s, AIDS,… Read More →

Cryo-electron microscopy resource for studying life at the molecular level

May 16th, 2022

Soon, the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics at Texas A&M University will house a leading-edge 300 kV cryo-electron microscope.

Recent BCBP Graduate Awarded Prestigious Fellowship

May 13th, 2022

Dr. Nairita Maitra, a 2021 Polymenis Lab graduate, received a three-year fellowship from the Jane Coffin Childs Memorial Fund for Medical Research (a.k.a the JCC Fund). It is one of the most competitive and sought-after postdoctoral fellowships. The JCC Fund is known for its rigorous selection process. Over the years, JCC Fund scientific advisors, grantees,… Read More →

AgriLife Research continues quest for cure of Menkes Disease

March 10th, 2022

Engrail Therapeutics license agreement for Menkes Disease research A life-saving cure solution for Menkes Disease, a copper deficiency in young children, is at the center of a licensing agreement by the The Texas A&M University System, through the Intellectual Property and Commercialization office of Texas A&M AgriLife Research, and a California-based biopharmaceutical company, Engrail Therapeutics. The Texas A&M University research team, led… Read More →

Zhang lab work featured on Viruses journal cover

March 10th, 2022

Click here to read the article featured on the Viruses journal cover.

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences celebrates faculty, staff, students

February 23rd, 2022

Ceremonies recognize award winners, faculty promotions Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences honored recipients of the Dean’s Outstanding Achievement Awards, Association of Former Students awards and faculty member career milestones at a Feb. 23 ceremony on the Texas A&M University campus, Bryan-College Station. “The faculty and staff honored this year are part of the reason that our… Read More →

Disruptin work featured on the cover of Journal of Bacteriology

February 17th, 2022

Recent work from the Young lab made the cover of Journal of Bacteriology with their story on a new class of phage lysis proteins, the disruptins. The work is described in a special issue of Journal of Bacteriology on small proteins. The journal cover features a cell lysing due to the disruptin-encoding phage infection. The featured work started a… Read More →

Bioenergy sorghum’s roots can replenish carbon in soil

February 17th, 2022

Texas A&M AgriLife study shows the annual crop can sequester atmospheric carbon dioxide The world faces an increasing amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and a shortage of carbon in the soil. However, bioenergy sorghum can provide meaningful relief from both problems, according to a new study by Texas A&M AgriLife Research scientists. The study, “Bioenergy… Read More →

Shan receives $1.9 million Outstanding Investigator Award

February 17th, 2022

AgriLife Research study will investigate host immunity signaling Libo Shan, Ph.D., a professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University, has received an Outstanding Investigator Award from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences to study host immune signaling against infection. The award is a National Institutes of Health Maximizing Investigators’… Read More →

A new view of Parkinson’s disease

October 8th, 2021

Texas A&M AgriLife researchers shed light on neurotoxicity in the disorder More than 10 million people worldwide have Parkinson’s disease, which is progressively debilitating and, at present, incurable. Now, Texas A&M AgriLife researchers have found a new way to study the disorder’s progression on a molecular level. The team has also obtained new clues toward a treatment…. Read More →

Team of Texas A&M researchers identify potential new drug to treat COVID-19

September 13th, 2021

Wenshe Liu, Ph.D., team leader COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) – A team of Texas A&M researchers has identified a potential new drug to treat COVID-19. The drug, known as bepridil, is used to treat a heart condition called Angina. The team’s leader, Texas A&M Department of Chemistry Professor Wenshe Liu, says it received FDA approval… Read More →

Engrail Therapeutics and The Texas A&M University System Enter Licensing Agreement for Elesclomol in Disorders of Mitochondrial Copper Metabolism

September 10th, 2021

Provides new potential treatment option for Menkes disease and establishes Engrail’s rare/orphan disease development portfolio SAN DIEGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Engrail Therapeutics™ (Engrail) (the Company), a neuroscience company focused on the acquisition, development and commercialization of patient-centric therapies and The Texas A&M University System (TAMUS), today announced that they have entered into a license agreement which grants Engrail… Read More →

Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics graduate recognized by Journal of Cell Biology

September 10th, 2021

Dr. Yaxi Wang graduated from the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics in 2019 and is currently a post doctoral fellow at the University of Washington. An article by Wang was recently featured in the Journal of Cell Biology. Wang’s article, titled, “Noncanonical Regulation of Phosphatidylesine Metabolism by a Sec 14-like Protein and a Lipid Kinase,”… Read More →

The Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics is pleased to highlight the outstanding achievements of Graduate Student Charlie Farber

August 20th, 2021

Mullet contributes to MRI crop roots research

August 6th, 2021

A team of scientists led by Texas A&M AgriLife, is taking a page from the medical imaging world and using MRI to examine crop roots in a quest to develop crops with stronger and deeper root systems. John Mullet, Ph.D., a biochemist and Perry L. Adkisson Chair in Agricultural Biology in the Department of Biochemistry and… Read More →

Texas A&M AgriLife Research Director’s Awards: Research Scientist of the Year

July 8th, 2021

The Texas A&M AgriLife Research Director’s Awards recognize the achievements of individuals and teams who have put forth outstanding work in support of the agency’s research mission. Meritorious accomplishments this year are recognized through four award categories: Research Scientist of the Year, Administrative Staff Support, Infrastructure and Information Technology Staff Support and Technical Staff Support. Nominations are… Read More →

Texas A&M researchers receive grant funding to defeat antibiotic-resistant bacteria

May 14th, 2021

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) – Researchers at Texas A&M recently received grant funding that will help them study ways to neutralize antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The research involved viruses called phages that are used to disarm bacteria instead of kill them. Dr. Lanying Zeng and her team are looking at how they can suppress parts of certain… Read More →

Barbero wins first place research presentation, SS-ASPB meeting

April 26th, 2021

Congratulations to Borja Barbero, a graduate student in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics. Barbero recently won first place in the graduate student division of oral research presentations at the Southern Section-American Society of Plant Biologists meeting. His presentation was titled, PROTECTION OF TELOMERES 1b protects against telomere oxidation in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Low named Outstanding Junior

April 26th, 2021

At the Senior Merit Awards and Convocation ceremony held on April 10, 2021 the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences celebrated the Alpha Zeta Award winners. Alpha Zeta is an honorary professional society for students and industry professionals in agricultural and natural resources fields.Alyssa Low, a student in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, was awarded… Read More →

Texas A&M AgriLife Research study to focus on amino-acid radicals

April 23rd, 2021

Research could have implications from drug development to sustainable energy Texas A&M AgriLife Research was recently awarded a grant by from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to study the function of amino-acid radicals, which are fundamental to both beneficial and harmful chemical reactions in living organisms. A better understanding of these chemical reactions is likely… Read More →

Texas A&M researchers leaders in study of COVID-19 blocking enzyme

April 12th, 2021

Collaborative study shows K777 effective in combatting SARS-CoV-2 virus An enzyme inhibitor could become a new weapon in the arsenal to fight COVID-19 as a result of collaborative research by Texas A&M University, the University of Texas Medical Branch – Galveston, the University of California San Diego and others. The SARS-CoV-2 virus associated with COVID-19 is… Read More →

Order Form

April 10th, 2021

Please no special characters letters and numbers only. Please fill all the fields to submit an order. All orders are final and cannot be canceled after submitted.NOTE: Please pickup all your merchandise within one (1) week of notification of arrival. After one (1) week, the items will charged to the professor’s account, whether the items… Read More →

Biochemistry and Biophysics names John Mack Prescott award winner

February 28th, 2021

The Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics would like to congratulate the winner of the John Mack Prescott Award, Mengqiu Jiang. Mengqiu will receive a thousand dollars and a plaque that will celebrate her achievements.  Mengqiu is a fifth-year graduate student in Professor Junjie Zhang’s research group. She has co-authored 6 papers, including the first cryo-EM… Read More →

Stockroom Delivery and Shipping Information

December 9th, 2020

Drs. Carr and Safe receive 2020 Distinguished Achievement Award

August 6th, 2020

For 65 years, Texas A&M University and The Association of Former Students have recognized the most deserving faculty and staff members with one of the university’s highest professional honors—the University-Level Distinguished Achievement Awards. This year’s recipients were chosen for their stellar performances in teaching, research, student relations, continuing education, staff service and graduate student mentoring. Since… Read More →

New link between calcium and cardiolipin in heart defects

July 14th, 2020

New Texas A&M AgriLife study explains aspects of Barth syndrome The heart needs energy to pump blood. So, energy production defects in heart muscles result in a variety of cardiac diseases. Texas A&M AgriLife scientists have now discovered a new link between calcium, heart energy production and cardiolipin, a type of fat. The discovery helps explain… Read More →

Cody Martin ’21, recipient of 2020 Astronaut Foundation Scholarship Award

June 25th, 2020

The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF) seeks to support the brightest scholars and most accomplished undergraduate researchers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) while commemorating the legacy of America’s pioneering astronauts. The ASF has supported undergraduate students across the nation in pursuing their education for more than 30 years. The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation award is one… Read More →

Gohil lab recipient of prestigious BSF Grant

June 25th, 2020

The goal of the BSF Research Program is to foster the discovery and development of therapies to alleviate suffering and prolong life for individuals affected by Barth syndrome. Since 2002, the Barth Syndrome Foundation Research Grant Program has awarded a total of USD $5.1 million via 115 research grants to 68 principle investigators worldwide in… Read More →

Graduate student, Charlie Farber, awarded with FFAR fellowship

June 17th, 2020

Charlie Farber, 3rd-year graduate student, was one of 23 students in the U.S. who was awarded the FFAR fellowship, beginning in the fall. The FFAR Fellows Program was established to provide professional development and career guidance to the next generation of food and agriculture scientists across the Foundation for Food and Agriculture’s Challenge Areas and strategic initiatives…. Read More →

Former student, Kim Orth, elected as new NAS member

June 17th, 2020

The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) is a private, non-profit society of distinguished scholars. Established by an Act of Congress, signed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, the NAS is charged with providing independent, objective advice to the nation on matters related to science and technology. Scientists are elected by their peers to membership in the NAS for outstanding contributions to research. The… Read More →

Graduate admissions workshop kicks off 10-week virtual series

June 1st, 2020

The Outreach & Recruitment Committee’s Graduate Admissions Workshop kicked off at the end of May. Open to junior and senior undergraduate students, this 10-week virtual series will address common questions, dispel myths, and identify strategies for success. With nearly 150 students across 60 universities currently registered, we are excited to connect with and guide prospective graduate scholars… Read More →

Fast, accurate way to check peanut plants for healthy traits

June 1st, 2020

Texas A&M AgriLife scientists use biophysics to speed up plant breeding MAY 25, 2020 The lengthy process of breeding better peanut plants can be sped up by using a biophysics technique, Raman spectroscopy. Texas A&M AgriLife biophysicists and plant breeders have demonstrated the use of Raman spectroscopy to quickly scan the levels of oleic acid in… Read More →

Promising study by Texas A&M scientists offers hope for Menkes disease patients

May 14th, 2020

Repurposing cancer drug for disorders of copper deficiency A Texas A&M AgriLife Research team has good news for patients with copper-deficiency disorders, especially young children diagnosed with Menkes disease. A team led by James Sacchettini, Ph.D. professor and Welch Chair of Science, and Vishal Gohil, Ph.D., associate professor, both from the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics at Texas A&M… Read More →

Dr. Kurouski Presents Hemp Scanner

May 5th, 2020

Dr. Dmitry Kurouski worked with Sam Craft, Multimedia Project Coordinator in the Division of Marketing & Communications to create this short clip explaining his lab’s new hemp scanner. Watch the video below to learn more on how the hemp scanner can accurately differentiate between THC and hemp, which could help out law enforcement in the… Read More →

Dr. James Hu Honored at Aggie Muster

April 28th, 2020

Each year, Aggies gather to celebrate Muster at over 300 locations around the world. Each of these celebrations is unique, reflecting the preferences and personalities of the communities and volunteers that step forward to host them. From the small county gatherings with barbecue and beer to the larger formal events hosted in hotel ballrooms, the… Read More →

Liu Lab Working on New Drugs to Fight COVID-19

April 14th, 2020

COLLEGE STATION, Texas – Despite what you may have heard, right now there is no drug that specifically treats coronavirus. Around the world, night and day scientists are on the hunt for COVID-19 treatments, including the researchers at Texas A&M. “So we are very close right now,” said Dr. Wenshe Liu with Texas A&M University. His… Read More →

Kurouski Lab Back at KBTX!

April 14th, 2020

BRYAN, Tex. (KBTX) – A new tool, developed by Texas A&M University scientists, could tell the difference between legal hemp and illegal marijuana in seconds. “We developed this technology that allows for non-invasive, non-destructive—and what’s very important for law enforcement officers—on-site identification of cannabis,” said Dmitry Kurouski, assistant professor in the department of biochemistry and biophysics… Read More →

Dean’s Outstanding Achievement Award Winners

April 14th, 2020

Friday, January 10, 2020, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences held the Dean’s Outstanding Achievement Award Ceremony. Established in 2012, these awards recognize, reward and encourage excellence in the work of faculty, staff and students within the college. Four members of our department were recognized for this prestigious award. Dr. Vishal Gohil- TeachingDr. Ryland… Read More →

AgriLife Research Award Winners

April 14th, 2020

The AgriLife Research Awards were presented last week on Thursday, January 9, 2020. We had two faculty and one staff member representing the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics! The first of the awards were presented to the Faculty Fellows, whom AgriLife Research established in 1998 to acknowledge and reward exceptional research faculty within the agency…. Read More →

2020 Vice Chancellor’s Award Winners

April 14th, 2020

On Wednesday, January 8, 2020, two of our very own from the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics received the Vice Chancellor’s Award of Excellence! Established in 1980, this awards program recognizes the commitment and outstanding contributions of faculty and staff across Texas A&M AgriLife. These awards provide us with a unique opportunity to celebrate the… Read More →

BGA’s Newest Video, “Gradhemian Rhapsody,” Goes Viral!

April 14th, 2020

It looks like our Biochemistry Graduate Association (BGA) has outdone themselves yet again, with their newest music parody of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” titled, “Gradhemian Rhapsody.” You can view their video here! Enjoy!

Dr. Kurouski Interviewed by KBTX

April 14th, 2020

What if you could point your finger at any food and know its complete nutrient makeup? It’s not that simple, but the technology is closer than you might think. On Monday, Dmitry Kurouski joined First News at Four to discuss the latest developments in Raman spectroscopy. The science uses laser scanning to determine the makeup… Read More →

Faculty Retreat

April 14th, 2020

The majority of the faculty ventured off to attend a retreat at The Artesian Lakes in Cleveland, TX over the weekend of November 15, 2019. It was enjoyed by all, but it was truly a packed agenda to get ideas, suggestions, and strategies out in the open.  It was very informative, well organized and helped… Read More →

“Missing Link” between pond scum and humans discovered, holds promise for cancer research

April 14th, 2020

As written by Ryan W. Miller of USA Today: Researchers discovered a “missing link” within plants between humans and simple pond scum that could provide insight into how some organisms live for thousands of years, according to a study published Monday. The enzyme telomerase can slow aging within cells by lengthening telomeres, a sort of cap at the… Read More →

Dr. Ping He Named 2019 Presidential Impact Fellow

April 14th, 2020

The third class of Presidential Impact Fellows joins with more than 40 colleagues recognized in prior years with one of the most prestigious scholarly impact awards presented to Texas A&M faculty. The award was initiated by President Michael K. Young as a significant investment in faculty excellence and a recognition of the scholarship, personal commitment,… Read More →

Protein Chemistry Lab Named No.1 in the Country

April 14th, 2020

The Protein Chemistry Lab, or PCL, was named No. 1 Top Performer for Protein Engineering, Productions and Characterization labs in a recent international survey performed by Science Exchange. The PCL was ranked No.1 out of 526 protein service labs that operate through the exchange. Science Exchange is a global one-stop shop for laboratory services, where… Read More →

Dr. Vytas Bankaitis Gives Advice to Early-Career Scientists

November 5th, 2019

Kurouski Lab Featured in AgriLife Today

November 5th, 2019

Researchers can now quickly, accurately scan for nutrient content in the produce aisle Texas A&M AgriLife scientists find fruitful applications of Raman spectroscopy in food production, from the field to the grocery store. The first quick, accurate, nondestructive and portable way to scan produce for nutrients has been demonstrated by a team of Texas A&M AgriLife Research scientists…. Read More →

Adey Awah from Young Lab Featured in The Eagle

September 23rd, 2019

The True Value of a Texas A&M EducationOne scholarship made the difference for Adey Awah ’20. Howdy Ags, What is the true value of a Texas A&M University education? There are a few different ways to approach this question. You could take it literally and answer “the cost of tuition.” Or maybe you could think… Read More →

Dr. Jean-Philippe Pellois Receives CPRIT Grant

September 17th, 2019

This year, five Texas A&M University research teams received CPRIT grants with a total of over $6 million. Our very own Dr. Jean-Philippe Pellois, Professor and Associate Head for Graduate Programs received a grant from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, for his studies of how cells communicate with each other. When cells… Read More →

Bio/Bio Welcomes Our New Department Head!

August 26th, 2019

Dr. Josh Wand took over as head of the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University in College Station beginning August 1. Dr. Wand joins Texas A&M from the University of Pennsylvania, where he served as the Benjamin Rush professor of Biochemistry and Biophysics in the Perelman School… Read More →

Dr. Junjie Zhang’s Lab Publishes in Nature Communications

July 24th, 2019

MS2, an ssRNA virus, has a long (> 50 years) history as a model system in molecular biology. MS2 infects the Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli via a single maturation protein, which attaches to retractile F-pili of the host and has potential biotechnological applications for RNA delivery into cells. While MS2 was the first organism sequenced,… Read More →

Bio/Bio welcomes our new REU students!

June 12th, 2019

Dr. Mary Bryk and Dr. Gary Kunkel are back it again with coordinating a summer research experience for undergraduates who come from all over the United States. We hope they enjoy their experience and summer here with us at Texas A&M University! Maybe we’ll even get lucky and some will apply to our graduate program… Read More →

Taking the “STING” out of immune dysfunction

May 31st, 2019

The detection of pathogen-derived nucleic acids is a central strategy by which the host senses infection and initiates protective immune responses. Cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) is a dsDNA sensor. It catalyzes the synthesis of cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP), which stimulates the induction of type I interferons through the STING–TBK1–IRF-3 signaling axis. However, the precise mechanisms that govern activation of STING by cGAMP and subsequent activation of TBK1 remain unclear. A paper published by Dr. Pingwei Li’s… Read More →

ASBMB Annual Conference

May 28th, 2019

Back in June 2018, Drs. Vytas Bankaitis and Dorothy Shippen received the ASBMB National Award and were nominated by colleagues and other leaders in their field. The 2019 ASBMB Annual Meeting was held in Orlando from April 6-9, where they both presented their works. The meeting had a full schedule, including networking, workshops, sessions, and… Read More →

LAUNCH Golden Medal Recipient

May 13th, 2019

Isaac Esparza, senior undergraduate in the Entomology Department specializing in Forensic Investigative Sciences, won a golden medal for completing the LAUNCH undergraduate research scholar program for his research in the Kurouski Lab. Isaac is first author in his paper titled, “Surface-Enhanced Raman Analysis of Underlaying Colorants on Re-dyed Hair” and it was accepted in to… Read More →

Dr. Shippen Named Distinguished Professor

May 8th, 2019

Texas A&M University has awarded its highest faculty honor by bestowing seven scholars with the title of Distinguished Professor. The designation identifies faculty members who are preeminent in their fields and who have made at least one landmark contribution to their discipline. Their research and advancements are considered central to any narrative of the field…. Read More →

2019 Brown-Rudder Award Winner

May 8th, 2019

Karissa Yamaguchi, graduating senior from Dr. Xiuren Zhang’s lab, was named one of two winners of the Brown-Rudder Award for 2019. The Brown Foundation-Earl Rudder Memorial Outstanding Student Award was established in 1970 as the highest honor bestowed upon a graduating senior at Texas A&M University. The award honors the outstanding senior student who exemplifies… Read More →

TXGAP Travel Scholarship Recipient

May 8th, 2019

Dr. Ximena Paez-Colasante, Postdoctoral Administrative Fellow of the Genetics Department, is the recipient of the TXGAP Travel Scholarship. This is a very competitive scholarship and no one from TAMU has received it. TXGAP is scheduled for June 6-7, 2019 in Dallas, TX and is a great opportunity for advisors to meet with seasoned advisors and… Read More →

2019 Guseman Award Winner

April 30th, 2019

Drew Roth, from the Rye Lab, is the recipient of the 2019 Guseman Award by the Graduate & Professional Student Council. The GPSC offers awards each year which honor students and faculty who go above and beyond to serve the Council, University and Community. The Guseman Award recognizes graduate and professional students for their outstanding… Read More →

2019 Distinguished Achievement Award Winner

April 30th, 2019

The Distinguished Achievement Awards, sponsored by The Association of Former Students and Texas A&M University, recognized 24 outstanding faculty and staff for superior performance in the classroom, laboratory, campus office, or clinic, in these categories: Teaching; Research; Student Relations; Administration; Extension, Outreach, and Continuing Education; Staff; and Graduate Mentoring. The university-level Distinguished Achievement Awards were… Read More →

Texas Genetics Society Presentation Award

April 30th, 2019

Earlier this month at the Texas Genetics Society 46th Annual Meeting, Donna Iadarola from Dr. Vishal Gohil’s lab, received the Best Graduate Student Platform Presentation Award for her talk titled: Molecular mechanisms underlying mitochondrial phosphatidylethanolamine import. Congratulations Donna!

Goldwater Fellowship Recipient

April 30th, 2019

Alison Vicary, a BioBio senior undergraduate in Dr. Vishal Gohil’s lab, received this year’s Barry Goldwater Scholarship! This is the most prestigious, nationally competitive undergraduate scholarship in the natural sciences, mathematics, and engineering in America. This award comes with $7,500 and was given to 496 college students from across the United States, with Alison being… Read More →

President’s Meritorious Service Award Winner

April 24th, 2019

Monday, April 22, was Texas A&M University’s 32nd annual presentation of the President’s Meritorious Service Awards. President Michael K. Young recognized 25 individual staff member, two supervisors and two staff teams with this prestigious award. They were recognized for demonstrating their commitment to the Aggie core values of excellence, integrity, leadership, loyalty, respect and selfless… Read More →