Our department is committed to the development of new scientists and researchers. The faculty are internationally recognized researchers who work at the cutting edge of science, maintaining externally funded laboratories that investigate an array of exciting questions. We have both a strong undergraduate major and a thriving graduate program in Biochemistry, and many of our significant discoveries are being made by undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral researchers working closely with our faculty. We invite you to explore what we have to offer, bring us your curiosity and your talent, and join us in our search for answers.

Here are a few areas in which we are making an impact:

          ► Biochemistry Education
          ► Metabolism and Metabolic Engineering
          ► Structural and Chemical Basis of Protein Function
          ► Molecular Mechanisms of Disease
          ► Plant and Microbial Biochemistry and Biotechnology

Biochemistry Department Highlights
"Creating Reactions, Forming Bonds"

Biochemistry Department Recipients of 2012-2013 Milton E. Mohr Awards

May 7, 2012 -- The Biochemistry Department recipients of the 2012-2013 Milton E. Mohr Awards are:
          Fellowship awardees:
                    Ben W. Arentson
                    Nicole M. Milkovic
          Scholarship awardees:
                    Rachel A. Coburn
                    Blake I. Hoffmeyer
                    Samikshya Poudel
                    Mitchell T. Shea
                    Michael G. Stewart
          The Milton E. Mohr Awards Program recognizes outstanding students in the sciences of biotechnology and engineering based on their academic performance and potential for accomplishments in their specific field.
          Fellowship recipients are required to be a full-time graduate student, a graduation date no sooner than May 2013, an overall GPA of 3.5 or greater and enrollment in one of the College of Engineering or Biotechnology Degree Programs.
          Scholarship recipients are required to be a full-time junior, senior with a graduation date no sooner than May 2013, an overall  GPA of 3.5 or greater and enrollment in one of the College of Engineering or Biotechnology Degree Programs.
 

Tim Guenther Receives Vann Student Leadership Award from the Nebraska Alumni Association

May 3, 2012 -- Cadet Timothy Guenther is a senior biology and biochemistry double major and member of Air Force ROTC. Timothy was the fall 2011 Cadet Wing Commander for Air Force ROTC Detachment 465 at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where he has received many awards such as the Air Force ROTC physical fitness ribbon, Sons of the American Revolution achievement medal and the Air Force ROTC meritorious service ribbon. He is also active in Pershing Rifles Company A-2, a military fraternity, and has been named to the Arts and Sciences Dean’s List the last six semesters. Timothy also works in a biochemistry research lab on a UCARE project, volunteers at People’s City Mission Free Health Clinic, and is a human physiology lab teaching assistant. He hopes to graduate with distinction this spring and then attend the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine where he will pursue his goal of become a flight surgeon and physician in the United States Air Force.

To read the Nebraska Alumni Association Article: http://newsroom.unl.edu/announce/todayatunl/1267/7566

Two Biochemistry Faculty Selected for
University Professorships

April 2, 2012 -- Two Biochemistry faculty members have been conferred University Professorshps. They will be recognized at the Honors Convocation on April 22. Terms of the new professorships begin this summer.

	Edgar Cahoon received the George W. Holmes University Professor of Biochemistry. Holmes was a prominent Lincoln businessman, civic leader and philanthropist. The professorship carries a $15,000 stipend supported by endowed funds at the University of Nebraska Foundation. The professorship is conferred for five-year terms renewable upon review.
	Jaekwon Lee was named Susan J. Rosowski Associate Professor of Biochemistry. The Rosowski Professorshp recognizes faculty who show exceptional promise for future excellence. It is named in honor of the late Susan J. Rosowski (1942-2004), who at the time of her death was the Adele Hall Distinguished Professor of English at UNL. The five-year appointment carries a $3,000 annual stipend.

Congratulations to Biochemistry senior
Abbey Berkebile!

March 30, 2012 -- Congratulations to Biochemistry senior Abbey Berkebile! Abbey is the first ever Biochemistry recipient of a three-year NSF pre-doctoral fellowship to pursue graduate studies in biomedical research at the University of Iowa beginning in the fall. The awards are highly competitive and based on academic and research accomplishment, as well as meritorious review of an original research proposal submitted by the student. Abbey is an Honors student doing research in the laboratory of Dr. Melanie Simpson to characterize the effects of a new enzyme inhibitor designed to block cancer metastasis.

UNL Students win Prestigious Goldwater Scholarship

March 28, 2012 -- Nebraska

	Rachel Coburn Institution University of Nebraska-Lincoln Major(s): Biological Chemistry Career Goal: Ph.D. in Biochemistry. Conduct research in evolutionary genetics and teach at the university level. Working with Stacey Smith.
	Elizabeth Spring Jaensch Institution: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Major(s): Biological Chemistry Career Goal: Ph.D. in Molecular Biology. Conduct epigenetic research and teach at a university. Working with Zoya Avramova.