Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at UMass Amherst
Hebert and Gierasch labs publish advanced gene therapy research
Department News
-
Timothy Mehrmann ‘23 named Fall 2022 UMass Rising Researcher
Timothy has always had an interest in studying infectious disease, and the COVID-19 pandemic further cemented his passion for virology. His research focuses on how the protein C19ORF66 (named “Shiftless”) inhibits Kaposi’s-sarcoma associated herpesvirus (KSHV). -
Chien Lab discovers how the enzyme ClpX helps cells manage stress
In their recent publication in the journal Cell Reports, the Chien Lab details how the enzyme ClpX can mutate to fix multiple cellular issues and respond to changing levels of cellular energy to help keep a cell healthy. -
Peter Chien featured in video about UMass Amherst SEA-PHAGES Program
The SEA-PHAGES Program is a course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) where freshmen perform unique research projects in their introductory lab courses. BMB Professor Peter Chien was instrumental in implementing the program at UMass Amherst, which was designed to help foster a sense of belonging in science among students from all walks of life. -
Elizabeth Vierling receives four-year, $2.3 million NSF grant to investigate the role that mitochondria play in plant productivity
How do mitochondria know what kind of cell they’re in? The Vierling Lab will work with colleagues at Dartmouth, San Diego State University, and the University of Georgia to investigate the role that a protein known as ATAD3 plays in the mitochondria. -
7 BMB Majors Earn Certification on ASBMB Exam
UMass Amherst BMB is accredited by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB), which gives our majors the opportunity to take an exam and have their degree certified to demonstrate competitiveness against peers from across the nation. -
Li-Jun Ma elected to Fungal Genetics Policy Steering Committee
BMB Professor Li-Jun Ma was elected as one of the nine members of the Fungal Genetics Policy Steering Committee at the Fungal Genetic conference this past March. She will serve the international fungal community from 2022 - 2028.
OUTREACH
Biochemistry Club conducts outreach events at Holyoke High School
Thanks to a grant from the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB), members of the Biochemistry Club were able to take several trips to the Holyoke High School over the course of the Spring 2022 semester to perform hands-on experiments and conduct Q&A panels.
The Holyoke Public School system is currently under state receivership after being designated as chronically underperforming in 2015. The district has been working to increase graduation rates, and as part of this goal, Holyoke High School has been redesigned to let each student choose a pathway that will prepare them for success in college, career, and community leadership. The Biochemistry Club worked specifically with students in the Medical and Life Sciences Pathway to help foster their curiosity in STEM.
Explore Our Department
Award-winning teaching, research opportunities, and interdisciplinary programs in a diverse, inclusive community of excellence.
