Biological Sciences Blog

Category: Awards

2024 Songer Research Award for Human Health Recipients

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Vaishali Sharma, a Biological Sciences Ph.D. student, and Xinqian Chen, a previous MTU Biological Sciences graduate and now Integrative Physiology Ph.D. student, have received this year’s Songer Research Award for Human Health.

Vaishali Sharma
Vaishali Sharma

Vaishali Sharma is currently working under Dr. Stephen Techtmann (BioSci) and Dr. Caryn Heldt (ChE/HRI) on a project titled “Antiviral efficacy of amino acid-based surfactants: A proposal for advancing human health by breaking the chain of viral infection.” Xinqian Chen graduated with a M.S. in Biological Sciences, and is now working under Dr. Zhiying Shan of Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology on a project titled “Exploring the role of brain-derived extracellular vesicles in salt-sensitive hypertension.”

To read more about Sharma, Chen, and their research, visit the College of Sciences and Arts Newsblog.

Xinqian Chen
Xinqian Chen

About the Biological Sciences Department

Biological scientists at Michigan Technological University help students apply academic concepts to real-world issues: improving healthcare, conserving biodiversity, advancing agriculture, and unlocking the secrets of evolution and genetics. The Biological Sciences Department offers seven undergraduate degrees and three graduate degrees. Supercharge your biology skills to meet the demands of a technology-driven society at a flagship public research university powered by science, technology, engineering, and math. Graduate with the theoretical knowledge and practical experience needed to solve real-world problems and succeed in academia, research, and tomorrow’s high-tech business landscape.

Questions? Contact us at biology@mtu.edu. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest happenings.

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2024 Alumni Award Recipient – Danna Kasom

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The Office of Alumni Engagement has announced the recipients being honored with the 2024 Alumni Awards. Amongst the award recipients is Biological Sciences’ alumni, Danna Kasom. Kasom has earned the 2024 Humanitarian Alumni Award, which recognizes volunteer leadership or service that has enriched or improved the lives of others and the welfare of humanity, and whose accomplishments bring honor to their Alma Mater.

Danna Kasom
Danna Kasom

Danna graduated from Michigan Tech’s Biological Sciences program, magna cum laude, in 2014 and now holds a position as a health science specialist at the Department of Veteran Affairs. Before her current position, Kasom had a variety of job experiences, including coaching youth soccer teams for nonprofit organizations, Detroit PAL and DC Scores, writing articles for Girls Soccer Network, and serving on the Detroit Lions Volunteer Energy Team. Danna has served in the Peace Corps and AmeriCorps, where she found a passion for identifying patterns across several human experiences.

Learn more about Danna Kasom and her experiences at Michigan Tech, and how they prepared her for her career after college.

These extraordinary alumni will be honored at the 2024 Alumni Awards Ceremony, which will take place during Reunion Weekend on Aug. 2.

Learn more about each award and recipient.

About the Biological Sciences Department

Biological scientists at Michigan Technological University help students apply academic concepts to real-world issues: improving healthcare, conserving biodiversity, advancing agriculture, and unlocking the secrets of evolution and genetics. The Biological Sciences Department offers seven undergraduate degrees and three graduate degrees. Supercharge your biology skills to meet the demands of a technology-driven society at a flagship public research university powered by science, technology, engineering, and math. Graduate with the theoretical knowledge and practical experience needed to solve real-world problems and succeed in academia, research, and tomorrow’s high-tech business landscape.

Questions? Contact us at biology@mtu.edu. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest happenings.

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BioSci Instructors Earn Exceptional Student Evaluation Scores!

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Congratulations to the following 9 instructors from Biological Sciences identified as among only 55 MTU instructors campus-wide that received an exceptional “Average of 7 Dimensions” on student evaluations for Spring Semester 2024!

Casey Huckins, Professor and Chair
Robert Larson, Assistant Professor
Brigitte Morin, Teaching Professor
Jill Olin, Assistant Professor
Gordon Paterson, Assistant Professor (Nominated for the 2024 MTU Distinguished Teaching Award)
Thomas Werner, Professor
Jenna Disser, MS Graduate Student
Alexzandra Markle, PhD Graduate Student
Hunter Roose, MS Graduate Student

Their evaluation scores were in the top 10% of similarly sized sections university-wide, with at least a 50% response rate, and a minimum of five responses. Thank you, instructors, for being such an important part of Biological Sciences’ key role in fulfilling the educational mission of MTU!

About the Biological Sciences Department

Biological scientists at Michigan Technological University help students apply academic concepts to real-world issues: improving healthcare, conserving biodiversity, advancing agriculture, and unlocking the secrets of evolution and genetics. The Biological Sciences Department offers seven undergraduate degrees and three graduate degrees. Supercharge your biology skills to meet the demands of a technology-driven society at a flagship public research university powered by science, technology, engineering, and math. Graduate with the theoretical knowledge and practical experience needed to solve real-world problems and succeed in academia, research, and tomorrow’s high-tech business landscape.

Questions? Contact us at biology@mtu.edu. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest happenings.

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West Iron County High School Wins 34th Annual Bioathlon!

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To stimulate an interest in biology, the Department of Biological Sciences at Michigan Technological University has sponsored a single-day, hands-on, problem-solving competition known as the Bioathlon each May since 1989. As many as 20 high schools from across the Upper Peninsula have participated in the day-long competition, using their biological skills and knowledge to solve the problems presented to them.

This year, 6 high schools competed in the 2024 Bioathlon: Calumet, Houghton, Dollar Bay, Luther L. Wright, A. D. Johnston, and West Iron County. The event consisted of 3 sub-competitions: a microbiology gram staining and cellular structure competition, an anatomy and physiology dissection competition, and an ecological scavenger hunt and trophic interactions competition.

Prizes and Results

2024 Bioathlon 1st place team West Iron County High School
2024 Bioathlon 1st place team West Iron County High School

Prizes for 2024’s Bioathlon winners included a generous $100 for each member of the 1st place team, $75 for the 2nd place team members, and $50 for those who took 3rd.

West Iron County High School traveled a long way to compete in this year’s Bioathlon, and it was well worth it… West Iron County earned 1st place, Luther L. Wright High School came in 2nd, and A. D. Johnston came in 3rd! Each of the winning teams went home with an award certificate, and all of the participating students and teachers left with their brand new 2024 34th Annual Bioathlon t-shirts, some extra goodies, and bright smiles.

About the Biological Sciences Department

Biological scientists at Michigan Technological University help students apply academic concepts to real-world issues: improving healthcare, conserving biodiversity, advancing agriculture, and unlocking the secrets of evolution and genetics. The Biological Sciences Department offers seven undergraduate degrees and three graduate degrees. Supercharge your biology skills to meet the demands of a technology-driven society at a flagship public research university powered by science, technology, engineering, and math. Graduate with the theoretical knowledge and practical experience needed to solve real-world problems and succeed in academia, research, and tomorrow’s high-tech business landscape.

Questions? Contact us at biology@mtu.edu. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest happenings.

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Biological Science’s Influential Leader – Brigitte Morin

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Biological Science’s Brigitte Morin was recognized as one of Michigan Tech’s most influential leaders during Women’s History Month. Morin was featured in Tech Today’s story on Michigan Tech’s most influential women, who are making strides to improve equity, diversity, and inclusion across campus. A Husky Nation post titled, “Women’s History Month and Beyond: Six Michigan Tech Leaders Reflect on Their Work and Inspiration” features Brigitte’s personal and professional perspectives on the subject, with insight and quotes from Morin herself.

Brigitte Morin
Brigitte Morin

As the daughter of two K-12 educators, she experienced first-hand what it took to have a significant positive impact on young students. Now, as she teaches her own sizeable college courses at MTU, she takes steps to make sure her classroom is a space for learning, inclusivity, and positivity.

Brigitte earned her Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) from Michigan Technological University, as well as a certificate in Secondary Education and minors in both General Science and Spanish. After graduating from Michigan Tech, Brigitte taught high school Biology for six years, then earned her MS degree in Biology from Northern Illinois University. Brigitte has returned to Michigan Tech as a lecturer, primarily in the MLS program. Her teaching interests include Clinical Lab Techniques, Clinical Immunology and Serology, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Human Nutrition, and Parasitology.

About the Biological Sciences Department

Biological scientists at Michigan Technological University help students apply academic concepts to real-world issues: improving healthcare, conserving biodiversity, advancing agriculture, and unlocking the secrets of evolution and genetics. The Biological Sciences Department offers seven undergraduate degrees and three graduate degrees. Supercharge your biology skills to meet the demands of a technology-driven society at a flagship public research university powered by science, technology, engineering, and math. Graduate with the theoretical knowledge and practical experience needed to solve real-world problems and succeed in academia, research, and tomorrow’s high-tech business landscape.

Questions? Contact us at biology@mtu.edu. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest happenings.

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Amy Marcarelli: Distinguished Teaching & MASU Distinguished Professor of the Year Nominee

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Amy Marcarelli
Amy Marcarelli

Congratulations to Amy Marcarelli! She is one of the 2023 Distinguished Teaching Award winners. She also is a nominee for the 2023 University’s MASU Distinguished Professor of the Year.

Amy is an ecosystem ecologist with interests in energy and biogeochemical cycles in freshwaters. Her research program blends basic and applied research and integrates across aquatic habitats, including stream, river, wetland, lake littoral zones, and the nearshore regions of the Great Lakes. Marcarelli’s past and future research trajectory is governed by an interest in understanding the role of small, poorly quantified fluxes or perturbations on ecosystem processes and in linking those ecosystem processes to the underlying structure of microbial, algal, macrophyte and animal communities.

Since 1982, a Michigan Tech Distinguished Teaching Award has been presented annually in each of two categories: Associate Professor/Professor and Assistant Teaching Professor/Associate Teaching Professor/Teaching Professor/Professor of Practice/Assistant Professor. The award nomination and review processes have always been student-driven; an explicit student nomination process was discontinued in 1999 when it was determined that too few students were participating to identify the best candidates.

Since 1999, a group of five finalists in each of the two categories is selected based on student ratings of instruction completed during a calendar year. All instructional personnel who received at least 35 student ratings during spring and fall semesters within that calendar year are eligible except for those who are previous winners, department chairs, teaching assistants, temporary hires, etc. Eligible faculty are ranked by their cumulative average of the 7-Dimensions on the survey for the given year. The top 5 in each category are selected as finalists.

The Michigan Distinguished Professor of the Year award recognizes the outstanding contributions and dedication exhibited by the faculty from Michigan’s 15 public universities to the education of undergraduate students. Each university was invited to nominate a faculty member who has had a significant impact on undergraduate student learning through various activities, particularly classroom instruction, applied research, experiential learning, innovation and mentoring.

Biological Sciences Department Award Winners holding their awards
Biological Sciences Department Award Winners

About the Biological Sciences Department

Biological scientists at Michigan Technological University help students apply academic concepts to real-world issues: improving healthcare, conserving biodiversity, advancing agriculture, and unlocking the secrets of evolution and genetics. The Biological Sciences Department offers seven undergraduate degrees and three graduate degrees. Supercharge your biology skills to meet the demands of a technology-driven society at a flagship public research university powered by science, technology, engineering, and math. Graduate with the theoretical knowledge and practical experience needed to solve real-world problems and succeed in academia, research, and tomorrow’s high-tech business landscape.

Questions? Contact us at biology@mtu.edu. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest happenings

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Brigitte Morin, 2023 University Diversity Award Winner

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Brigitte Morin
Brigitte Morin

Congratulations to Brigitte Morin: the winner of the 2023 University Diversity Award!!

Brigitte attended Michigan Tech in 2001, where she received a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science (MLS). She also received a certificate in Secondary Education and minors in both General Science and Spanish. Following graduation in 2006, Brigitte taught high school Biology for six years in Illinois. After receiving an MS degree in Biology from Northern Illinois University, Brigitte has returned to Michigan Tech as a lecturer, primarily in the MLS program.

The Michigan Technological University Diversity Award recognizes the accomplishments of a faculty and/or staff member of the University who contributes to diversity, equity, and inclusion through exemplary leadership and actions. Recipients will demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and sense of belonging (DEIS) as through recruitment and retention efforts, teaching, research, culturally responsive mentorship, inclusive programming, diversity literacy, community outreach activities, or other initiatives.

Casey Huckins, Brigitte Morin, and Amy Marcarelli
Casey Huckins, Brigitte Morin, and Amy Marcarelli

About the Biological Sciences Department

Biological scientists at Michigan Technological University help students apply academic concepts to real-world issues: improving healthcare, conserving biodiversity, advancing agriculture, and unlocking the secrets of evolution and genetics. The Biological Sciences Department offers seven undergraduate degrees and three graduate degrees. Supercharge your biology skills to meet the demands of a technology-driven society at a flagship public research university powered by science, technology, engineering, and math. Graduate with the theoretical knowledge and practical experience needed to solve real-world problems and succeed in academia, research, and tomorrow’s high-tech business landscape.

Questions? Contact us at biology@mtu.edu. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest happenings.

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Amy Marcarelli is the recipient of MTU’s 2023 Distinguished Teaching Award in the Associate Professor/Professor category 

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Amy Marcarelli
Amy Marcarelli

Amy Marcarelli is a professor of biological sciences and an ecosystem ecologist with an interest in energy and biogeochemical cycles in freshwater bodies. She received her bachelor’s in biology from Colgate University and her Ph.D. in ecology from Utah State. She is the director of both the Ecosystem Science Center and the Aquatic Analysis (AQUA) shared facility at Michigan Tech. Her research applies across aquatic habitats, including streams, rivers, wetlands, lake littoral zones — the sloping area where sunlight reaches from the lake’s surface all the way to the sediment, located between the shore and deeper water — and the nearshore regions of the Great Lakes.

“Amy Marcarelli is a true example of the teacher-scholar model. She maintains an active research program studying ecology of aquatic ecosystems and has administrative duties as the director of our Ecosystem Science Center on campus. Yet she also devotes vast time and talent to doing an outstanding job in the classroom, introducing our students to the remarkable ecology of Lake Superior, involving them by the dozens in research in her laboratory, and preparing students for graduate school and careers. Michigan Tech is fortunate to have Dr. Marcarelli on our faculty.”

David Hemmer, Dean of the Michigan Tech College of Sciences and Arts
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Catherine Rono Receives 2023 Songer Research Award

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Matthew Songer (Biological Sciences ’79) and Laura Songer (Biological Sciences ’80) have generously donated funds to the College of Sciences and Arts (CSA). This will be used to support a research project competition, the Songer Research Award for Human Health, for undergraduate and graduate students. Remembering their own eagerness to engage in research during their undergraduate years, the Songers established these awards to stimulate and encourage opportunities for original research by current Michigan Tech students. This is the sixth year of the competition.

Students may propose an innovative medically-oriented research project in any area of human health. The best projects will demonstrate the potential to have a broad impact on improving human life. This research will be pursued in consultation with faculty members within the College of Sciences and Arts. The Songers’ gift will support one award for undergraduate research ($4,000) and a second award for graduate research ($6,000). Matching funds from the College will allow two additional awards.

Catherine Rono
Catherine Rono

What are you studying and why?

I am currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences with a specialization in Cancer Biology. My decision to focus on Cancer Biology stems from a profound passion and unwavering interest in cancer research. I strongly believe that advancing scientific knowledge in this field is crucial for improving human health and making a significant impact on society.

Having witnessed the devastating effects of cancer firsthand, I was deeply motivated to dedicate my career to understanding and combating this disease. The global impact of cancer and the challenges it presents have only intensified my determination to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected. Being part of the scientific community and working towards finding solutions to this global health concern is both a privilege and a responsibility that I take to heart.

Are you getting the award to continue your research?

I am truly honored to be selected as the recipient of the 2023 Songer Research Award for Human Health in the amount of $6,000. This prestigious award will support my research that aims to understand the mechanisms associated with the loss of Liver Kinase B1 (LKB1) function in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). Specifically, I aim to examine the effect of LKB1 loss in sensitizing NSCLC cell lines to Phosphodiesterases 3A (PDE3A) modulators and its role in tumorigenesis. Through these investigations, I hope to uncover valuable insights that will aid in proposing novel biomarker candidates for the treatment of patients with LKB1-deficient cancers. Ultimately, this study will help to contribute to the advancement of personalized and effective therapeutic approaches.

What does the Songer Award mean to you?

This prestigious award holds immense significance for me as it validates the importance of my research and also provides the necessary resources to further contribute to this vital field of study.

I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to Matthew Songer and Laura Songer for their generous donation and their commitment to supporting groundbreaking research in human health. The confidence and trust that has been placed in me through this award inspires me to push the boundaries of scientific exploration and strive for excellence in my work.

I would also like to express my gratitude to the esteemed panel of judges and reviewers who evaluated the applications. Their time, expertise, and dedication are greatly appreciated.

Lastly, I am indebted to my mentor, colleagues, research team, and the entire Biological Sciences Department for their guidance, encouragement, and invaluable contributions. Their support has been instrumental in the progress I have made thus far. I look forward to their continued collaboration as I continue with my research journey.

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Catherine Rono is an HRI Fellowship Winner

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Catherine Rono HRI Fellowship
Catherine Rono HRI Fellowship Winner

Ph.D. Student in Biological Sciences, Catherine Rono, continues to be recognized for excellence. Rono is the winner of the Summer 2023 HRI Graduate Student Fellowship.

Rono stood out among the applicants. Rono published a first-author peer-reviewed article, “A dynamic compartment model for xylem loading and long-distance transport of iron explains the effect of kanamycin on metal uptake in Arabidopsis,” following her undergraduate years at Spelman College. She also won several awards and scholarships.

“The proposal is to screen essential molecules that work together with PDE3-modulator to induce apoptosis of LKB1-mutated tumor cells and to understand the molecular mechanism. The findings are likely useful for precise applications of target therapy relating to the LKB1-regulated cellular metabolisms,” said the award committee. “The project is clearly laid out.”

Health Research Institute (HRI) Graduate Fellowships were created to assist with the cost of graduate studies. Fellowships are awarded three times per year in the Fall, Spring, and Summer terms, with a limit of one award per student of up to $5000 to be used in one semester. 

What are you studying and why?

I am currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences with a focus on Cancer Biology. My decision to focus on this field is deeply rooted in a personal experience I had during my childhood, where I witnessed my beloved aunt battle against ovarian cancer, which tragically claimed her life. This traumatic event left an indelible mark on me and sparked an unwavering passion to make a meaningful contribution to cancer research.

Through my research, I aim to uncover the complexities of this disease and develop innovative approaches for its diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. I hope to contribute to the growing body of knowledge in the field of cancer, working towards improved patient outcomes and, ultimately, a future where cancer is no longer a devastating threat. It is my firm belief that by dedicating myself to this field, I can honor the memory of my aunt and positively impact the lives of countless individuals and families affected by cancer.

Do you plan to continue research with this award?

I am incredibly grateful and honored to have been chosen as the recipient of the Summer 2023 HRI Graduate Fellowship award in the amount of $5,000. This prestigious recognition will provide invaluable support for my research work focused on exploring and uncovering novel metabolic components and biomarkers within the Liver Kinase B1 (LKB1) signaling pathway.

Through rigorous experimentation and analysis, I aim to elucidate the regulatory functions of LKB1 in suppressing the expression of key proteins associated with promoting apoptosis. By unraveling these intricate mechanisms, my research findings have the potential to make substantial contributions to the development of targeted therapies, and personalized medicine approaches for the treatment of patients with LKB1 mutated cancers. The ability to tailor treatments to individual patients based on their specific genetic profiles and molecular characteristics holds great promise for improving patient outcomes and reducing the burden of cancer worldwide.

What does the HRI Fellowship mean to you?

The HRI Graduate Fellowship award is a tremendous honor and a testament to the significance and potential impact of my research work. It not only acknowledges the value of my research but also provides the necessary resources and connections to further drive my work forward. I am deeply grateful for this recognition and committed to utilizing this opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting impact in the field of cancer research.

Furthermore, I would like to express my deepest appreciation to the entire HRI community, my mentor, my colleagues, the research team, and the Biological Sciences Department. I am truly fortunate to be surrounded by such brilliant and dedicated individuals. Their encouragement and support have been instrumental in my growth as a researcher.

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