Hundreds of CSU students, faculty, alumni, administrators and partners gathered virtually for the 33rd annual CSU Biotechnology Symposium on Jan. 7 – 10, 2021, to share how they are advancing innovation in the life sciences.
Organized by the CSU Program for Education and Research in Biotechnology (CSUPERB), the symposium showcases students and faculty who reflect the best of research, teaching and service in the biological sciences.
Along with multiple presentations and workshops from faculty, CSUPERB alumni and students over four days, the symposium honored a handful of exemplary people as part of its annual awards program. Congratulations to the 2021 award winners:
The Glenn Nagel Undergraduate Research Award
Shaina Nguyen | Cal State Fullerton
Poster Title: “Structure Activity Relationship Study of Indole-based Scaffolds for the Inhibition of the West Nile Virus NS2B-NS3″
Faculty Mentor: Nicholas Salzameda, Ph.D., associate professor of chemistry & biochemistry
The award is named in honor of Dean Glenn Nagel, a biochemistry professor at Cal State Fullerton who later worked to promote high-quality undergraduate research as Dean of Natural Science and Mathematics at Cal State Long Beach. The Nagel Award fosters excellence in undergraduate student research.
The Don Eden Graduate Student Research Award
Angelo Niosi | Sacramento State
Poster Title: “The Autism-Associated Chromatin Modifier, Chromodomain Helicase DNA Binding Protein 8, Affects Gastrointestinal Phenotypes in Drosophila melanogaster”
Faculty Mentor: Kimberly Mulligan, Ph.D., associate professor of biological sciences
Named in honor of San Francisco State Professor Don Eden, a tireless participant in CSUPERB governance, the award celebrates the work of outstanding graduate student researchers.
See the entire list of student research posters submitted for the 2021 symposium.
Crellin Pauling Student Teaching Awards
Graduate student researcher, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Chloe Welch | Sacramento State
Graduate student researcher, Department of Biological Sciences
Named in honor of San Francisco State Professor Crellin Pauling, a co-founder of CSUPERB who made extraordinary contributions to the training of teachers and scientists, the award acknowledges outstanding student teachers who inspire future science and engineering educators.
Both students exemplify the Pauling Award, demonstrating a deep awareness and appreciation of the importance of educating the future generation in making informed and fact-based decisions. Odango, who is also a 2020-21 CSU Sally Casanova Pre-Doctoral Scholar, is recognized for combining her passion for teaching with her background as an underrepresented minority within STEM to help diverse students develop effective science communication skills. Welch is an excellent educator with experience teaching at different levels, mentoring and training students to help them reach their goals.
Andreoli Faculty Service Award
Katherine McReynolds, Ph.D. | Sacramento State
Professor, Department of Chemistry
College of Natural Sciences & Mathematics
Named in honor of Dr. Anthony Andreoli, a longtime chemistry professor at Cal State LA, the award celebrates CSU faculty members for outstanding contributions to the development of biotechnology programs. Dr. McReynolds, a Cal Poly San Luis Obispo alumna, is recognized for her more than 15 years of service developing and supporting biotechnology programs with CSUPERB, where she has supervised dozens of undergraduate and master’s students in their research projects. Read more about McReynolds‘ achievements.
CSUPERB Faculty Research Award
Associate Professor, Department of Biology
College of Science and Mathematics
The Faculty Research Award celebrates CSU instructors who have built outstanding biotechnology related research programs. Dr. Kelber, a Cal Poly Pomona alumnus, is recognized for his groundbreaking cancer research as the director of his National Institutes of Health (NIH) Developmental Oncogene Laboratory within CSUN’s Department of Biology. Kelber is providing opportunities for meaningful, hands-on research experience to many undergraduate and graduate students through his lab, inspiring the next generation of scientists. Learn more about Kelber‘s achievements and see his 2017 profile on Calstate.edu
Learn more about CSUPERB and its important role in preparing highly skilled graduates for California’s growing biotechnology workforce.
