Spring Celebration & Awards Night

Edward Cao, Outstanding Senior, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Edward has demonstrated dedication to academic success since he started as an undergraduate in the major in 2019. He is an outstanding student who has distinguished himself academically and in his undergraduate research project as a Nevada Undergraduate Research Award recipient. Edward is conducting his senior thesis as a Biochemistry & Molecular Biology major investigating a novel biochemical pathway associated with mitochondrial disease, including the characterization of a key enzyme in this pathway, 3-methylglutaconyl CoA hydratase.

Madison Blea, Outstanding Senior, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Madison embodies the exceptional potential of our University’s students. She has demonstrated outstanding academic ability in the classroom, and creativity and determination in her research. Madison has also shown strong leadership skills as a Pack Leader for the NevadaFit Program and as a peer-mentor for Biochemistry & Molecular Biology freshmen. Madison has authored multiple peer-reviewed papers and will pursue a Ph.D. in plant biochemistry during her next phase of education. She truly has a brilliant future ahead.

Joshua Soriano, Outstanding Senior, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Joshua is a highly committed and persevering undergraduate researcher. His initial experiments on neuropeptide F regulation in Lygus hesperus, the Western tarnished plant bug, were challenging, but he consistently demonstrates willingness to keep trying. With his analytical mindset and critical thinking skills, he is determined to comprehend the reasons behind his experiments' outcomes. Joshua's scientific curiosity and desire to learn will serve him well as he continues his research in the M.S. Biotechnology Program.

Spencer Danner-Bocks, Outstanding Senior, Biotechnology

Spencer is an accomplished, intelligent and energetic undergraduate student with a passion for investigating the pathological mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases. Currently, he is investigating how PTEN-Induced Kinase 1 (PINK1) in the brain protects neurons from oxidative stress induced by a variety of toxic insults. Spencer's long-term career goal is to obtain a Ph.D. in neuroscience, perform research in academia in the field of Alzheimer's disease, and train the next generation of undergraduate and graduate researchers.

Gabriel J. Angres, Outstanding Master's Student, Biochemistry

Gabriel has an excellent GPA and has done an outstanding job in his investigation into modeling cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) biomass production. Gabriel has made outstanding research contributions in the use of computational modeling and statistical analysis approaches, such as Python, R and SAS, to develop a robust yet simple goodness-of-fit model for estimating biomass in a nondestructive manner based upon cladode dimensions.

Omar Garcia-Cruz, Outstanding Master's Student, Biochemistry

Omar has a great work ethic and passion for science. He worked on a challenging project on functionally characterizing an enzyme that might be involved in odor degradation in the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti. His critical thinking and perseverance led to discovering a new mechanism that mosquitoes might use to compensate for slow clearing of odor molecules from the olfactory circuit. Omar is the first author of a manuscript in preparation describing this work.

Judith Cruz Amaya, Outstanding Master's Student, Biotechnology

Based on work ethic, skills and scientific intellectual maturity, Judith is one of the best graduate students her instructors have known. She worked on lymphocyte-mediated killing, developing skills in experimental design, flow cytometry and writing, with two national presentations, one publication and a second pending. She sees the questions and critiques answers. She overcame difficulties as a first-generation university student with English as a second language, and she will stand out in her chosen career.

Roopa Kala Attuluri, Outstanding Master's Student, Biotechnology

Roopa began working in the AuCoin Laboratory in June of 2021. It is always challenging to begin working in a new research laboratory, as many techniques need to be mastered before results can be generated. Roopa developed the skills to produce a panel of monoclonal antibodies specific to Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B (SEB), determined the binding characteristics of these antibodies, and developed sensitive assays for detection of SEB. Roopa's contributions were substantial, and it was a pleasure to see her grow as a scientist.