The School of Molecular & Cellular Biology is proud to announce the winners of the 2024 Undergraduate Research Symposium, held on November 13, 2024.

This annual event showcases the hard work of our undergraduate researchers, who contribute to advancing knowledge in biochemistry, cell and developmental biology, microbiology, and molecular and integrative physiology. Research experience equips students with valuable skills in leadership, communication, and project management while preparing them for graduate school or careers in research.

School of MCB Director’s Award for Exceptional Research Presentation

  • Ben Shapiro
    Activity-Based Nitric Oxide-Responsive Porphyrin for Site-Selective and Nascent Cancer Ablation
    Research mentor: Dr. Jefferson Chan, Department of Chemistry 

  • Meghan McCann
    Developing a Tool for Targeted, Ubiquitin-independent Protein Degradation
    Research mentor: Dr. Kai Zhang, Department of Biochemistry 

School of MCB Outstanding Research Presentation Award 

  • Angela Ho 
    Developing an In Vitro Toxicity Screening Model for the Progression of Spermatogenesis in Mice 
    Research mentor: Dr. Huanyu (Joe) Qiao, Department of Comparative Biosciences 

  • Kaela Maghinang 
    Investigating the Role of Immune Cells during Drosophila Wing Imaginal Disc Regeneration 
    Research mentor: Dr. Rachel Smith-Bolton, Department of Cell & Developmental Biology 

School of MCB Research Presentation Honorable Mention 

  • Devina Joshi 
    Chronic Exposure to DEHP and DiNP Alters Uterine Homeostasis and Integrity 
    Research mentor: Dr. Indrani Bagchi, Department of Comparative Biosciences 

  • Aarav Pathak 
    Investigating the Role of Paraventricular Thalamus in Balancing Energy State and Food-Seeking Behavior 
    Research mentor: Dr. Patrick Sweeney, Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology 

  • Jack Storm 
    The Role of Circadian Rhythms on Tight Junction Proteins of the Blood-Brain Interface  
    Research mentor: Dr. Martha Gillette, Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology

Congratulations to all of this year’s winners, and thank you to the judges for their time and support!