Message from the Department Chair…

Alaba Danagogo

“My time at SU has been incredibly fulfilling and full of so many opportunities to grow and learn. I feel like I was able to explore the depths of my interest in biology with the independent research I was able to do, as well as the interesting higher level courses offered. Now, I feel very prepared to step out into the world with my degree and keep on learning! Thank you to SU and the Department of Biology for all the support and guidance I’ve received during my time here.”

Erin Jyo

“I’m very grateful to have had the experiences that made my time at SU unforgettable. SU provided a chance to diversify my interests by offering a wide range of classes, including Japanese Literature, Greco-Roman Religion, and STEM courses. Professors that I have had, as well as my research mentor, Dr. Maine, taught meaningful lessons that I can utilize in the future. From joining extracurriculars,  working on campus, and attending my classes, I have made lifelong friends along the way, who I hope to see soon.”

Linzy Dineen

“My time at Syracuse gave me everything I wanted from my college experience, but more importantly, it gave me everything I didn’t know I needed. The knowledge, skills, and personal development I’ve gained in the past four years are immeasurable, and the memories I’ve made along the way are invaluable. Thinking back, it wasn’t my actions such as doing research in the Bioforensics Lab, studying abroad in Australia, and being part of countless clubs that defined my Syracuse experience, but rather the people that were by my side through it all. I could never thank this place enough, but I am forever grateful and forever orange.”

Peter Fioramonti

“Studying biochemistry at Syracuse University was a great experience. Gradually improving my understanding of life at a molecular level in my classes was truly fulfilling and I enjoyed finding creative ways to implement what I learned into my research. Learning how to use live-cell fluorescence microscopy, CRISPR gene editing, and other cell culture techniques was a very rewarding experience. Working alongside an exceptional group of peers I met through organizations and laboratories on campus made the whole experience even more enjoyable.”

Yasmine Chahine

“Syracuse means many things to me, but most importantly it has been a place where I can surround myself with people who inspire me to be better. In the biology department alone I am constantly amazed at the work of other students and their passion for what they do. To be sitting amongst them was a privilege in itself, and it inspired me to work hard and strive for excellence. I have also been lucky to live amongst designers, journalists and musicians whose creativity greatly contributed to my growth as a person and a student. Syracuse has so much to offer as long as you are willing to take the reins and explore.”

Nicholas Sawyer

“Syracuse University is a unique community which incessantly promotes the four pillars of a STEM education: service, academia, community and research.  Coming into my freshman year I never would have believed it was possible to accomplish so much in three years, not only did I find my best friends, I was also able to participate in novel research work all while finishing my coursework.  This is all possible because of our supportive family in the biology department, the professors and staff have not only pushed me to accomplish more during my time, but they have done everything they can to help me accomplish it. I have loved every moment that I’ve been on SU’s beautiful campus and cannot wait to come back for a graduate program next year!”

Nidaa Aljabbarin: Sharing Her Personal Journey Through Poetry

Biology major Nidaa Aljabbarin’s published poem “The Day I Left” shares her experience as a Syrian refugee.

Ifeyinwa Ojukwu: Making a Difference

Ifeyinwa Ojukwu works toward making a difference through her research, course offerings and more. 

Dakota Voitcu: Fungi and Renewable Energy

Dakota Voitcu, a senior in biotechnology, researches how fungi impacts the growth of poplar trees which are a possible source of biomass.  

Alaba Danagogo

2021 Syracuse University Scholar

Biology Major

In addition, Alaba was awarded the Dr Ruth Burton Medical Scholarship.

She was also the 2021 graduating class Senior Marshal and she gave the student speech at the A&S Convocation. Her speech begins at 27:41 in the video linked below.

Click to watch her recorded speech at the A&S Convocation.  

Simran Vinod Mirchandani

2021 Syracuse University Scholar

Biochemistry Major 

Simran also addressed the Class of 2021 during commencement.  Click to watch her recorded speech. 

Katherine Winebrake

2021 Syracuse University Scholar

Biology Major 

Yasmine M. Chahine

Yasmine M. Chahine was awarded the Outstanding Achievement in Biology Award.  Yasmine worked in the Lewis lab during her junior and senior years.

Dr Lewis said “Yasmine was an essential part of our research program the last two years. She isolated and started to characterize a brand new CRISPR mutation in a gene called hmx3a in zebrafish. This gene is required for spinal cord nerve cells to be able to communicate properly with other cells in spinal cord neuronal circuitry. I am excited and proud that Yasmine’s intelligence, and superb scientific and organizational skills have been recognized with this Outstanding Achievement in Biology Award. Congratulations Yasmine!”

Erin Jyo

Erin Jyo was awarded the Outstanding Achievement in Biology Award.  Erin worked in the Maine lab during her junior and senior years.

Dr. Maine said, “In her research, Erin addressed a central question in animal development: understanding how the balance between cell proliferation and differentiation is regulated in different tissues.  She used a variety of experimental approaches describe how the conserved protein, NHL-2, modulates cell division during germline development in our study organism, the roundworm C. elegans.  Erin’s independence, persistence, and creativity were critical for her success, and she moved this project to a point where we are writing it up for publication.  I am proud of Erin having been selected for the Outstanding Achievement in Biology Award.”

Peter J. Fioramonti

Peter J. Fioramonti was awarded the Outstanding Achievement in Biochemistry Award.  Peter worked in the Hehnly lab during his junior and senior years.  

Dr. Hehnly said, “Peter Fioramonti has been at the forefront of developing engineered cell lines using CRISPR technology in our lab to study the role of a GTPase, Rab11, during cell division. A demonstration of his independence as a scientist is his ability to present his work at national and international meetings, and also at an SU alumni weekend on how to use CRISPR technology to understand cancer cell invasiveness. This work has earned Peter authorship on an important study being submitted for publication. Peter is a bright and talented young scientist. I’m excited and proud that he was an Outstanding Achievement Award winner this year.”

Nicholas H. Sawyer

Nicholas H. Sawyer was awarded the Outstanding Achievement in Biotechnology Award.  Nick worked in the Ross lab during his junior and senior years.

Dr. Ross said, “Nick Sawyer was an outstanding undergraduate researcher in my lab. His thesis work on protein phase separation and how it is changed when enzymes are around in the environment. This is a brand new project and concept in my lab, and it could not have been launched without Nick and his dedication, clear thinking, and hard work. Congratulations, Nick!”

Giving

Your donations to the biology department discretionary fund have a direct impact on biology faculty and students, enabling us to enrich the educational experiences of our students and further our research mission. For example, this fund makes it possible for us to provide summer internships for undergraduate students to conduct independent research, fund student travel to research conferences, buy new scientific equipment so that we can expose students to cutting-edge technologies and take advantage of unique opportunities as they arise, such as bringing a prominent scientist to campus.  

Please donate by clicking the link below or sending a check to Syracuse University, Advancement Services, 640 Skytop Road, 2nd Floor, Syracuse, NY 13244-5160 with a note that indicates that the donation is for the biology department.