Biochemistry & Genetics Society (BGS)

Established in 1994, the Biochemistry & Genetics Society (BGS) seeks to promote interest and knowledge of biochemistry and genetics, to connect with students and faculty, and to explore available career options for those with a biochemistry or genetics degree.

Professional speakers
BGS hosts professionals from various career paths, including graduate programs, industry, and research. Some examples of speakers they have hosted include:
- UT Genetic Counseling
- FujiFilm Diosynth Biotechnologies
- BCBP faculty

Volunteer opportunities
The BGS has numerous volunteer opportunities for members including:
- Twice per semester blood drives
- The Big Event

Want to be a member?
Dues are $20 per semester and $35 for the entire year. The cost includes the price of a t-shirt and food at the meetings. Dues can be paid in person or online—BGS has a marketplace for paying dues.
Fall 2020 Schedule
Days: 9/9, 9/23, 10/7, 10/21, 11/4, 11/18
Time and Location: 5:30-6:30 PM in Rudder 404
Representation
Faculty Advisor | Dr. Paul Straight
Secondary Advisor | Dr. Tim Devarenne

President: Kayla Williams
Major: Genetics
Minor: Biology
Class Year: 2021
Hobbies: Reading, camping, and embroidery
BGS has been a huge part of my college journey, and I’m so glad that in my senior year I’ll be able to serve as the President! This year I hope to improve the retention of our members and continue to make BGS a club that provides the resources that make our members successful. After I graduate, I plan to attend medical school. Thanks & Gig ‘Em!

Vice President: Jacquelyn McCullough
Major: Genetics
Class Year: 2021
Hobbies: Orchestra and outside activities
If I’m not studying, I’m in orchestra, my lab, or outside! If I’m not there either, I have probably crawled into a very deep hole & plan to stay there. 🙂

Secretary: Logan Rivera
Major: Biochemistry & Genetics
Class Year: 2022
Hobbies: Tennis, coding (AI and bioinformatics)
I hope to earn an MD and to specialize in oncology. I do research related to ATP synthase in tuberculosis for the purpose of drug design. In my free time, I enjoy tennis and coding (AI and bioinformatics). I am thankful for being elected as secretary and look forward to working with the other officers and members!

Treasurer: Kaylyn Dinh
Major: Biochemistry
Class Year: 2022
Hobbies: Playing/teaching classical & jazz piano, baking, and running
I’m looking forward to working with the other officers and helping members of BGS further their interest in research, medicine, or whichever career path they may choose! Future plans include attending medical school after graduation and specializing in either anesthesiology or neurology.

Social/Fundraising: Delilah Chavez
Major: Biochemistry
Minor: Health
Class Year: 2021
Hobbies: Online shopping, going to the beach, painting, & baking
Hi guys! I’m so excited to be an officer for BGS during my senior year and hope to improve and promote the inclusion of members with the organization and one another through fun social and fundraising activities. If you have any ideas, please reach out to me! My experience in the lab includes research over renal lymphatics and hypertension. My plan after graduation is to attend medical school to become a surgical oncologist! Thanks & Gig ‘Em!

Volunteer Coordinator: Savana Green
Major: Biochemistry
Class Year: Spring 2021
Hobbies: My interests include dabbling with soil bacteria for far too much of my time and cooing over bacteriophages.

Communications Executive/Historian: Emily Curtis
Major: Biology
Minors: Chinese, English
Class Year: 2022
Hobbies: Reading and writing science fiction and fantasy, drawing, overthinking, and enjoying interesting weather.
I’m very thankful to the members of BGS for electing me as our communications executive! I have a lot of ideas I’ve already started working on and can’t wait to offer club members even more opportunities to better themselves through biochemistry and genetics, whether as a career, hobby, or casual interest. As for my biochem/genetics path, I’m studying to attend medical school and improve lives through endocrinology.