Katie Panning Spieth Vice President for Advancement Secretary of the College | Lake Forest College
Katie Panning Spieth Vice President for Advancement Secretary of the College | Lake Forest College
Nine science majors, an alumnus, and two faculty members attended the 2025 American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) national meeting in Chicago from April 12–15. Among them, five students presented their research.
The conference attracted over 2,500 researchers, educators, trainees, and students worldwide to discuss advancements in biochemistry and molecular biology.
Students presenting at the general poster session included Lily Avila ’25, who received a $500 travel award from ASBMB; Leslie Casares ’26; Martin Ettlin Cuitino ’27; Sebastian Gacek ’25; and Holly Kiernan ’26, a student-athlete. Kiernan was honored with an undergraduate research award from national ASBMB for her senior thesis proposal and presented her junior year work that contributed to this recognition.
In addition to the general sessions, Avila, Gacek, and Kiernan were invited to participate in the 27th annual Undergraduate Poster Competition. This session featured over 300 top undergraduate BMB majors from institutions across the United States showcasing high-level BMB research conducted by students nationwide.
Disque D. and Carol Gram Deane Professor of Biology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Neuroscience Shubhik DebBurman said: “I am proud to be part of this national organization that stands out as a scientific leader in undergraduate education and sees its mission to help build and empower young molecular life scientists to advance discovery. ”
DebBurman has been an ASBMB faculty member since 1998. He added: “I always feel professionally rewarded seeing our students feel at home thriving at this meeting and see them stand out for their professionalism and preparation. ”
Professor Karen Kirk, co-Chair of Biology and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology accompanied the team as well. As a judge at the poster competition, Kirk remarked: “I saw impressive work across the board—but I was especially proud of how our BMB students presented themselves with such expertise, poise, and dedication. ”
Both professors regularly support students presenting faculty/student collaborative research conducted in BMB labs at their college.
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