Category Archives: Biochemistry

Biochemistry

People and Places at Penn: Homecoming | Penn Today – Penn Today

Penn students are encouraged to engage with the wider world, to be curious about their passions. In the case of the six alumni profiled here, the wider world eventually led them back to Penn. These alumni share their favorite campus spotsand how they found their niche, whether the road was slow and steady or circuitous and surprising.

Several alumni, like Brian Peterson of Makuu and Heather Calvert of mindCORE, pursued advanced degrees while working for the University. As an athlete and anthropology major, Alanna Shanahan chose Franklin Field and the Penn Museum as her favorite spots. Chaz Howard is energized by the intellectual life at W.E.B. Du Bois College House and contemplates major life decisions at the BioPond. Craig Carnaroliwho climbed up the Benjamin Franklin statue to take a picture with the founder on graduationis undergoing a second education at Penn, in addition to his Wharton degree. Kushol Gupta, wearing two hats, serves as both assistant director of the Penn Band and studies drugs that target HIV.

For many in the Penn community, campus rhythms have become intertwined with family life. Carnaroli, Peterson, Gupta, and Howard all met their partners at PennGupta proposed to his wife in Hill College House, her freshman dorm. Calvert recalls the Penn Relays playing while she was in the maternity ward after the birth of her son. One thing I really like about Penn is it feels like theres a unique set of seasons, Calvert says: the dynamic energy of Move-In, the crunch of autumn leaves and dim rumble of leaf-blowing, the holiday decorations, the calm during Winter Break, the sprucing-up that happens in spring: mulching and painting. Your seasons are marked by the ebb and flow, she says. Throughout the changes, here are the spots these alumni have chosen as touchstones.

I spent many an hour on Franklin Field as an undergraduate, says Alanna Shanahan, who graduated from Penn in 1996. She was a lacrosse midfielder, and spring training would start on Feb. 1. If it snowed, the field would be plowed and the coaches would incorporate the huge mounds of snow into their drills, Shanahan remembers. Often we had practices at night, so youre out there and its freezing, she says. Just some of the memories created through those moments where youre like, Oh my goodness, are we going to get through this?

Franklin Field is now one of her favorite Penn places, along with the Penn Museum, where she spent time as an anthropology major. Later, she had her wedding reception in the rotunda.

Shanahan, who is now the T. Gibbs Kane, Jr. W69 Director of Athletics and Recreation, was not someone who went through Penn with a grand plan, she says. As a student-athlete with a part-time job, I was always running from one thing to the next. Shanahan started working in the athletics department after graduation and earned first her masters degree and then a doctorate in higher education administration from the Graduate School of Education.

As her career blossomed, Shanahan discovered that she also enjoyed being a part of a professional team and providing people with transformative opportunities. I am absolutely someone who loves watching people and organizations advance and grow, she says. As an athlete, she loved the aspiration of a common goal. As athletics director, Shanahan is still pushing through the tough days, supporting her teammates, and working toward a greater whole.

Brian Peterson is the director of Makuu: the Black Cultural Center, housed in the ground floor of the ARCH building, one of Petersons favorite spots. While doing his undergraduate work at Penn (Peterson graduated with a degree in engineering), the ARCH building housed a restaurant called the Palladium. I never went there, he says. The restaurant was in the center of campus, with the castle, and all the frats. It was like passing through something that wasnt really yours.

Now, he says, Theres so much that happens here: Sister, Sister and Black Men United [both discussion groups], Makuus open house, Penn Spectrum events. Having Makuu be in the middle of campus is representative of the work we do; how important it is.

Makuus Kwanzaa celebration is traditionally held in Houston Halls Hall of Flags, currently being used for COVID testing, which Peterson loves for its Harry Potter feel.

Kwanzaa is a great way to close out the semester, he says. The event ushers students into the finals period with a positive affirmation, Peterson says. We nourish you with food and have a great cultural reminder for why you are here.

Chaz Howard carries in his pockets a clean, white handkerchief and a Russian icon of Jesus on his phone. As University Chaplain and University vice president for social equity & community, Howard has need for both. As he paces the paths encircling the BioPond, he is constantly greeted by warm nods and playful banter. Everyone wants to say hello, to elicit a smile, to reach out, to connect. Yet for Howard, the BioPond is often a place of meditation, of reflection. Before any big decision, he says, I came here to pray.

The BioPond is a bit hidden, tucked away on campus, but thats part of its appeal, Howard says.

It was here he decided to proposed to his wife, here he decided to accept the call to go to divinity school, here he decided to accept the offer to become University vice president for social equity & community, a position with added responsibility and weight for the father of three.

Howard first arrived as a freshman on campus in 1996. He lived at W.E.B. Du Bois College House, where he felt excited and moved by the Black intellectual life he found there, discussions on slavery, leadership, and political activism, often organized by classmates. Howard ultimately chose to double major in urban studies and Africana studies, motivated by his passion and curiosity. In his senior year, he decided to further his studies to become a chaplainand also to reach out to his good friend Lia to tell her, right before leaving, that he was falling in love. I kind of put that on her, he says. My timing was terrible. But like any of Howards decisions, it was not without careful reflection. Howard and Lia stayed in touch. After a few years, and a few more walks around the BioPond, she became his wife.

After graduating in 1994, Kushol Gupta had friends clear the 5th floor balcony at Hill College House, waited for his girlfriend to arrive, and proposed. Kids nowadays wouldnt dare do that at 22, but back then, we knew, he says. Gupta, research assistant professor of biochemistry and biophysics in the Perelman School of Medicine, met his wife, now an ER veterinarian, in the Penn Band where he played trombone, she clarinet.

When he first came into Penn, Gupta thought he would major in science, but then started taking music classes. The moment I got of hit of it, I just wanted more, he says. Gupta ended up double-majoring in biochemistry and music. It became a part of who I was, he says. And then I never really left the band. Gupta is now the Bands assistant director, and one of its many passionate advocates. To join, all you need is a passion and a pulse, he says. We teach you the rest.

On March 5, 2020, Kushol Gupta was in his element: with the Band, at the Palestra, watching A.J. Brodeur surpass Penns career scoring record. This was also the same night HUP documented its first COVID case, Gupta recalls, foreshadowing the pandemic shutdown and the end of March Madness. We were already cleaning surfaces and started using elbow bumps.

It was then that his two hats came in handy. With his scientific background, Gupta became deeply involved, translating medical language into vernacular, helping the performing arts community at Penn implement new ways to keep students safe while continuing to make music. (Making recordings virtually was a challenge.) If Gupta could teach a tone-deaf kid to play the tuba, he could figure out how to play through a pandemic.

One thing I try to do every year is go to Commencement, says Heather Calvert, executive director of mindCORE, an interdisciplinary research center for studying the mind. My son was born April 28, 2005, during the Penn Relays. And I was on maternity leave during graduation, but I pushed him in a stroller from my home in West Philly to go to Commencement, she says. It ended up being the first time Calvert breastfed him out of her house, a weird new mom moment, she says.

The next year, when her son was 1, Calvert pushed him through campus on the way to drop him off at Penn Childrens Center and stopped to watch the parade. He was wearing a Penn sweatshirt and I remember these graduating seniors who were like Hey, this will be you someday, little buddy. It was a touching moment and one that brought her into the pageantry of the event. I love when the band plays on the Button. I love the speeches. I love all the proud parents, Calvert says. As both a staff member and alum, the ebb and flow of campus has become tied up with her family life, Calvert says.

Calvert graduated from the Fels Institute of Government with a masters in public administration in 2015. It was hard to have a family and work full-time and go to school, she says. Fels held their graduation ceremony in the garden, and it was a meaningful accomplishment for Calvert with her parents in attendance, especially as she didnt walk after earning a B.A. from Villanova in 1992.

Claes Oldenburgs Split Button sculpture is another tie to campus life for Calvert. She would walk through campus to drop her son off at daycare and he would want to get out of the stroller to play on the sculpture. During the early part of the pandemic, when everything was shut down and quiet, Calvert and a friend who walked daily with Calverts foster dog from the Working Dog Center, stopped to take a picture while walking through campus: dog, son, friendeveryone at the Button. We were all a little depressed and freaked out, but it felt grounding in some sense to be back on campus, she says, a little bit of constancy in the midst of so much uncertainty.

Senior executive vice president Craig R. Carnaroli vividly remembers the day he got a call from President Amy Gutmanns office. I think theres a tree growing out of the chimney at 38th and Locust, he remembers her saying. She was right, he says. It spurred us into how to reimagine that location. That location turned into what is now Perry World House, which recently celebrated its fifth anniversary. He loves the public lectures and the open space that invites everyone in, offering an education that extends beyond the classroom, Carnaroli says.

There is no typical day at Penn, where a conversation about building maintenance can lead to a world-renowned policy hub, Carnaroli says. The strength of Penn is the people, from top to bottom. People really buy into the mission of what were trying to achieve.

Carnaroli, who graduated from the Wharton School in 1985 as a finance and economics major, is currently undertaking what he calls my second education at Penn, in that I continue to learn a lot on the job. Thats because I have great colleagues, and because of the culture here, the collaboration, he says.

At his graduation, Carnaroli and his closest friends climbed up the Benjamin Franklin statue on College Green to take a picture. We were admonished by our parents and the onlookers, he notes. That statue continues to serve as an inspiration point. What Franklin wanted in a university, I think weve all worked together to make sure that vision was realized: an education that improved society and the world.

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People and Places at Penn: Homecoming | Penn Today - Penn Today

Biochemistry

Cheryl Keech, MD, Ph.D. has joined Uvax Bio as a Consultant and Acting Chief Medical Officer – BioSpace

"We are pleased to have Cheryl join our leadership team as we continue to optimize our commercial and business strategies and to progress our promising pipeline of vaccines positioned to address major areas of unmet need in global health. Her depth of experience in strategic clinical vaccine development will be especially valuable during this pivotal time at the company." said Ji Li, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer at Uvax Bio.

Dr. Keech brings to Uvax Bio two decades of life sciences experience in clinical vaccine development, medical affairs and medical/commercial strategy, including multiple product launches. Most recently, she served as Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President at iLiAD Biotechnologies, where she was responsible for the clinical development and execution of BPZE1- a next generation live attenuated pertussis vaccine that is delivered via nasal immunization. Dr. Keech also served as the Senior Vice President and Acting Chief Medical Officer for Novavax, initiating the SARS-CoV2 and overseeing the phase 3 Influenza vaccine programs. Prior to that, she served as the Executive Medical Director, Global Product Development and Therapeutic Area Head at PPD, and held positions with PATH, GlaxoSmithKline, and Eli Lilly.

Dr. Keech earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from Indiana University (IU) School of Medicine (internal medicine, board certified) and held a clinical appointment at IU. She received her Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Colorado Anshutz Medical Campus, and her masters degree in reproductive physiology from Texas A&M University.

"I am excited to be joining Uvax Bio and look forward to working with the rest of the management team here in advancing the company's multiple vaccine programs through the clinical development process" said Dr. Keech. "I believe that Uvax Bios unique vaccine platform has the potential to combat multiple unmet medical needs and serve the global community."

ABOUT UVAX BIO LLC

Uvax Bio is a privately held biotechnology company focused on the development of protein nanoparticle vaccines for infectious diseases. For more information visit http://www.uvaxbio.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211103006354/en/

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Cheryl Keech, MD, Ph.D. has joined Uvax Bio as a Consultant and Acting Chief Medical Officer - BioSpace

Biochemistry

List of full professors in the faculty of agriculture in Nigerian universities Nigeria news – Legit.ng

The faculty of Agriculture is one of the best faculties in the Nigerian educational system. With different departments, the faculty boasts of having brilliant academics at its disposal.

In this article, Legit.ng lists the names of professors in this department as released by the national university commission.

ABDULSALAM, Zakari is a Professor of Agricultural Economics in the Faculty of Agriculture, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.

ABOLAGBA, Okhumen Joel is a Professor of Fish Postharvest Technology in the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin, Benin City.

ABU, Sunday is a Professor of Soil Science in the Faculty of Agriculture, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

ABUBAKAR, Bello Zaki is a Professor of Rural and Community Development in the Faculty of Agriculture, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.

ABUBAKAR, Ibrahim Umar is a Professor of Agronomy in the Faculty of Agriculture and Institute for Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

ABUBAKAR, Lawali is a Professor of Plant Breeding in the Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS).

ACHIKE, Anthonia is a Professor of Agricultural Economics, in the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Nigeria Nsukka.

ACHINEWHU, Simeon Chituru is a Professor of Food and Nutritional Biochemistry. He is a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology.

ADAMU, Usman Izge is Professor of Genetics and Plant Breeding in the Faculty of Agriculture, Federal University Dutse.

ADEBAYO, Elizabeth Femi is a Professor of Agricultural Economics (Production Economics and Farm Management) in the School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola.

ADEBAYO, Isaac is a Professor of Veterinary Virology in the School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure.

ADEBOOYE, Odunayo Clement is a Professor of Agronomy/Sustainable Crop Production/Physiology.

ADEKPE, David Idoko is a Professor of Agronomy in the Faculty of Agriculture, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

ADEKUNLE, Adefunke is a Professor of Plant Pathology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin, Benin City.

ADEKUNLE, Ojo is a Professor of Plant Nematology in the Faculty of Agriculture, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

ADEKUNLE, Victor Ajibola Jimoh is a Professor of Forest Ecology and Inventory in the Department of Forestry and Wood Technology, School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure.

ADELOYE, Abiodun Adefunmilayo is a Professor of Animal Science in the University of Ilorin.

ADENIJI, Adedayo is a Professor of Animal Science in the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Abuja.

ADENIJI, Oladimeji Bolaji is a Professor of Agricultural Extension in the Faculty of Agriculture, Federal University, Oye-Ekiti.

ADENIYI, Olawamiwa Reuben is a Professor of Agricultural Economics in the Faculty of Agriculture, Bowen University, Iwo.

ADEPARUSI, Eunice is a Professor of Fish Nutrition in the School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure.

ADESOPE, Olufemi Martins is a Professor of Agricultural Extension in the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Port Harcourt, Port-Harcourt.

ADEWUMI, Matthew is a Professor of Agricultural Economics in the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ilorin, Nigeria.

Adeyemi, Segun is a Professor of Fisheries in the Faculty of Agriculture, Kogi State University, Anyigba.

ADEYEMO, Abiodun Oluseye is a Professor of Fisheries in the Faculty of Agriculture, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.

ADEYEMO, Adebisi Ilesanmi is a Professor of Wildlife Ecology and Nutrition, Ecotourism and Hospitality in the Faculty of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure.

AFOLAMI, Carolyn is A Professor of Agricultural Economics in the College of Agricultural Management and Rural Development, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta.

AFOLAMI, Stephen is a Professor of Nematology in the College of Plant Science and Crop Production, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB).

AGANGA, Ademiju Adeolu is a Professor of Animal Production and Nutritional Biochemistry in the Faculty of Agriculture, Federal University, Oye-Ekiti.

AGBEBI, Olubunmi is a Professor of Fish Breeding and Genetics in the College of Environmental Resources Management. Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta.

AGBEDE, Johnson is a Professor of Agricultural Biochemistry and Nutrition in the School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA).

AGBELUSI, Emmanuel Abayomi is a Professor of Wildlife Ecology in the School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure.

AGELE, Samuel Ohikhena is a Professor of Crop Physiology in the School of Agriculture and Agricultural technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure.

AGIANG, Emmanuel is a Professor of Animal Science in the Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Wild Life Resources, University of Calabar.

AGU, Clifford Madubuko is a Professor of Crop Science in the School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri.

AGUMAGU, Anthony is a Professor of Agricultural Extension in the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

AGWUNOBI, Leonard is a Professor of Animal Nutrition in the Faculty Agriculture, Forestry and Wildlife Resources Management, University of Calabar, Calabar.

AHMED, Benjamin is a Professor of Agricultural Economics in the Faculty of Agriculture, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.

AHMED, Hamidu Gwandu is a Professor of Agronomy (Crop Production) in the Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.

AIHONSU, John is a Professor of Agricultural Economics and Farm Management in the College of Agricultural Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye.

Aiyedun, Ernest is a Professor of Agricultural Economics in the Faculty of Agricultural Science.

AIYELOJA, Adedapo is a Professor of Forest Economics and Management in the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Port Harcourt.

AJAYI, Adedayo is a Professor of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development in the Faculty of Agriculture, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

AJAYI, Babatunde is a Professor of Wood Products and Bio Resources Technology in the School of Agriculture, FUTA, Akure.

AJAYI, Sunday Adesola is a Professor of Seed Science and Technology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. He holds.

AJIBEFUN, Igbekele Amos is a Professor of Agricultural Economics in the School of Agric. & Agric. Technology, FUTA

AJIEH, Patrick is a Professor of Agricultural Extension in the Faculty of Agriculture, Delta State University, Abraka. He holds a Ph.D from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. His email is

AKANDE, John Adebayo is a Professor of Environmental Management and Forestry in the Faculty of Agriculture, Bowen University, Iwo.

Akanni, Kassim is a Professor of Agricultural Economics and Farm Management in the Faculty of Agricultural Management and Rural Development, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye.

AKEGBEJO-SAMSONS, Yemi is a Professor of Aquaculture and Coastal Resources Management in the College of Environmental Resources Management, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta.

AKINBOLA, Gabriel is a Professor of Soil Science in the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ibadan, Ibadan.

AKINDELE, Shadrach Olufemi is a Professor of Forestry in the School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure.

AKINLADE, Jelili is a Professor of Animal Production and Health in the Faculty of Agriculture, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso.

AKINYELE, Benjamin Oluwole is a Professor of Plant Genetics in the School of Agriculture and Agric. Technology, FUTA.

AKPA, Abubakar Dominic is a Professor of Plant Pathology in the Faculty of Agriculture, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria.

AKPABIO, Iniobong is a Professor of Agricultural Extension in the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Uyo.

AKPODIETE, Job is a Professor of Agricultural Biochemistry and Animal Nutrition in the Faculty of Agriculture, Delta State University, Abraka.

ALA, Ahmed Ladan is a Professor of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.

ALABI, Olufunmilola is a Professor of Plant Pathology in the Faculty of Agriculture, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

ALADESANWA, Rex is a Professor of Chemical Plant Protection in the School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology (SAAT), FUTA.

ALAO, Johnson is a Professor of Forestry in the Faculty of Agriculture, Federal University, Gashua.

ALAWA, John Peter is a Professor of Animal Science in the Faculty of Agriculture, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt.

ALEMEDE, Iyabode is a Professor of Animal Production, Federal University of Technology, Minna.

ALHASSAN, Abdullahi Bala is a Professor of Soil and Water Management in the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Maiduguri.

ALIMBA, Jonathan Okechukwu is a Professor of Agricultural Economics in the Faculty of Agriculture, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki.

ALIYU, Olawale Mashood is a Professor of Plant Breeding and Molecular Genetics in the Kwara State University, Malete.

ALIYU, Umar is Professor of Agronomy in the Faculty of Agriculture, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.

ALOKAN, Julius is a Professor of Ruminant Nutrition and Management, School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, FUTA.

ALUFOHAI, Grace is a Professor of Agricultural Economics in the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin.

AMAKIRI, Mildred is a Professor of Soil Microbiology in the Faculty of Agriculture, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt.

AMALU, Uche Cyprian is a Professor of Soil Science in the Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Wildlife Resources Management, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria.

AMAPU, Ishaku Yoila is a Professor of Soil Science in the Faculty of Agriculture, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

AMAZA, Paul Sambo is a Professor of Agricultural Economics in the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jos.

AMINU, Abba is a Professor of Agricultural Economics in the Faculty of Agriculture, Bayero University, Kano.

AMINU, Abubakar is a Professor of Agricultural Economics, in Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.

AMOS, Taiwo is a Professor of Agricultural Economics, Federal University of Technology, Akure.

ANENE, Afamdi is a Professor of Fisheries in the Faculty of Agriculture, Abia State University, Uturu.

ANGBA, Augustine Oko is a Professor of Agricultural Extension in the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Calabar.

ANI, Anthony Okorie is a Professor of Agricultural Extension/Rural Sociology, who teaches in the Department of Agricultural Extension of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri.

ANI, Augustine is a Professor of Animal Nutrition in the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

ANI, Jane is a Professor of Food Chemistry in the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

ANIKWE, Martin is a Professor of Soil Science in the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources Management, Enugu State University of Science and Technology Enugu Nigeria.

ANYANWU, Sixtus O. is a Professor of Agricultural Economics in the Faculty of Vocational and Technical Education, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt.

APATA, David is a Professor of Mono-gastric Nutrition and Feed Toxicology in the College of Agriculture, Kwara State University, Ilorin.

APATA, Olasimbo Motunrayo is a Professor of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development in the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti.

ARDO, Mohammed Baba is a Professor of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology in the School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola.

AREMU, Ayo is a Professor of Animal Production in the School of Agriculture And Agricultural Technology Federal University of Technology, Minna.

AREMU, Okunlola is a Professor of Wildlife Ecology and Management in the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin, Benin City.

ARIFALO, Ebenezer Ibukun is a Professor of Forestry Economic and Policy in the School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology.

AROMOLARAN, Adebayo is a Professor of Agricultural and Development Economics, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State.

ARULEBA, Joseph Olusegun is a Professor of Soil Survey, Pedology and Land Evaluation, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti.

ASADU, Charles is a Professor of Pedology and Soil Survey in the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

ASIABAKA, Chigozie Cyril is a Professor of Agricultural Extension in the School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri.

ATUNGWU, Jonathan is a Professor of Plant Nematology in the College of Plant Science and Crop Production, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta.

AWONIYI, Tunde Amos McJones is a Professor of Public Health and Farm Hygiene in the School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, FUTA.

AYANLAJA, Samson Adenola is a Professor of Soil Science in the College of Agricultural Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye.

AYANWALE, Bisi is a Professor of Animal Production, Federal University of Technology, Minna. He holds a Ph.D from University of Ibadan (1992).

AYOTUNDE, Ezekiel Olatunji, is a Professor of Fisheries Management, with research interest in Ecotoxicology and Water Chemistry.

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List of full professors in the faculty of agriculture in Nigerian universities Nigeria news - Legit.ng

Biochemistry

What is biochemistry? | Biochemistry

Biochemistry is the branch of science that explores the chemical processes within and related to living organisms. It is a laboratory based science that brings together biology and chemistry. By using chemical knowledge and techniques, biochemists can understand and solve biological problems.

Biochemistry focuses on processes happening at a molecular level. It focuses on whats happening inside our cells, studying components like proteins, lipids and organelles. It also looks at how cells communicate with each other, for example during growth or fighting illness. Biochemists need to understand how the structure of a molecule relates to its function, allowing them to predict how molecules will interact.

Biochemistry covers a range of scientific disciplines, including genetics, microbiology, forensics, plant science and medicine. Because of its breadth, biochemistry is very important and advances in this field of science over the past 100 years have been staggering. Its a very exciting time to be part of this fascinating area of study.

To find out more about careers in biochemistry read our bookletsBiochemistry: the careers guideandNext Steps.

The life science community is a fast-paced, interactive network with global career opportunities at all levels. The Government recognizes the potential that developments in biochemistry and the life sciences have for contributing to national prosperity and for improving the quality of life of the population. Funding for research in these areas has been increasing dramatically in most countries, and the biotechnology industry is expanding rapidly.

The Biochemical Societyaims to inspire and engage people in the molecular biosciences. We offer study and careers advice toschool students,higher education studentsandteachersas well as carrying outpublic engagementevents.

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What is biochemistry? | Biochemistry

Biochemistry

Biochemistry: Free For All – Open Textbook Library

Reviewed by Jeffry Nichols, Associate Professor, Worcester State University on 6/1/21

Comprehensivenessrating:3see less

The material covered is fairly similar to other biochemistry textbooks, but does lack some of the details of a more comprehensive biochemistry text (i.e. Lehninger's text). This isn't a negative, just an observation. The order in which the concepts are presented is different, but again still fairly complete.

Content Accuracyrating:4

From what I could tell, the information is accurate. Examples appear to be unbiased and give good everyday correlations to biochemistry ideas.

Relevance/Longevityrating:3

The material for the basics and background for biochemistry are unlikely to change, so in that sense they are relevant. The way in which the material is presented, i.e. the formatting, does make it difficult to follow at times. The tables and figures are not always near the relevant text and often there are figures/tables that appear before the section in the text. Again, this could be a formatting issue.

Clarityrating:4

The text is easy to follow, avoids jargon for the most part (until it needs defining). As mentioned above, references to tables/figures are hard to follow and some tables/figures seem "stuck in" at random points. This hurts the clarity of the text while reading.

Consistencyrating:4

Each chapter sticks to a familiar layout and walks the student through the various topics in a coherent manner.

Modularityrating:3

Overall the text could be broken up, but again, possibly due to formatting, many of the links do not work, interrupting the flow, On all the end of chapter sections, I couldn't get any of the links to work, with a message about "to be developed" or "coming soon". This is unfortunate as these links could be great for further exploration and follow up assignments.

Organization/Structure/Flowrating:3

Yes, the organization is pretty good, although I think the introduction of electron transport and electrochemistry should come after an understanding of WHERE these molecules are coming from, i.e. metabolism, breakdown of sugars, fats, amino acids, etc. This doesn't make it "bad", just no my personal preference. And as mentioned previously, the plethora of tables/figures can be overwhelming when they don't always line up with the discussion of them in the text.

Interfacerating:2

Couldn't get the links to work--although it appears many of the links are "printed" after the end of entire book. So the material might be there, but as it is currently put together, it would be difficult for instructors or students to use these links effectively.

Grammatical Errorsrating:4

From what I can tell, the grammar is fine throughout the text.

Cultural Relevancerating:4

Again, from what I read, I didn't notice any insensitive or offensive parts. Examples were clear and highlighted the biochemical aspects without a need address social or other issues. (which could actually be good depending on the nature of the class and student's interest in how science touch many aspects of our lives)

I have hope for this book, but I couldn't readily tell if this book is being maintained or updated on a regular basis, or if it is just a framework for others to build upon. The organization isn't ideal, and there are problems with links and such, but the overall material and coverage looks pretty good.

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Biochemistry: Free For All - Open Textbook Library

Biochemistry

Biochemistry Open & Free OLI

Biochemistry is an introductory course, designed for both biology and chemical engineering majors.

A consistent theme in this course is the development of a quantitative understanding of the interactions of biological molecules from a structural, thermodynamic, and molecular dynamic point of view. A molecular simulation environment provides the opportunity for you to explore the effect of molecular interactions on the biochemical properties of systems.

This course assumes that students have taken introductory chemistry, including basic thermodynamics, as well as introductory organic chemistry. An introductory biology course is not a prerequisite for the course, but students would benefit from some prior exposure to biology, even at the high school level. Required mathematical skills include simple algebra and differential calculus.

The two main learning goals of the course are:

The course begins with amino acids and transitions into protein structure and thermodynamics. Protein-ligand binding is treated for both non-cooperative and cooperative binding using immunoglobulins and oxygen transport as examples. The enzymatic function of proteins is explored using serine and HIV proteases as examples. Enzyme kinetics is treated using steady-state kinetic analysis. Enzyme inhibition is treated quantitatively, using HIV protease as a key example.

Carbohydrate and lipids are presented in sufficient depth to allow the student to fully understand major aspects of central metabolism. The discussion of metabolism is focused on energy generation, fermentation, and metabolic control.

The course concludes with an extensive section on nucleic acid biochemistry. The focus of this section is to provide the student with sufficient background so that they are literate in the recombinant DNA technologies as they relate to protein production using recombinant methods.

After a treatment of molecular forces and solution properties, the course builds on molecular and energetic descriptions of fundamental monomeric building blocks to develop a comprehensive understanding of the biological function of polymers and molecular assemblies at the molecular and cellular level. In addition to multiple case studies, the course concludes with a capstone exercise that leads students through the steps required to produce recombinant proteins for drug discovery. The major topics in the course are:

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Biochemistry

Changing the face of science | @theU – @theU

Adapted from a story that originally appeared here in the University of Utah Health newsroom.

When Faith Bowman was deciding where to attend graduate school, the University of Utah wasnt exactly at the top of her list. Coming from Wisconsin, she didnt know much about the school or the state. But during her recruitment visit, an informal gathering with students from the all-inclusive University of Utah SACNAS (Society for Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science) chapter helped her see things differently. After talking with them, she knew that if she came, she would be surrounded by a supportive community. She chose the U, and three years later, that prediction has held true.

To me, SACNAS is a community away from home, says Bowman, now president of the U chapter. Its a place that has created a sense of belonging for me on campus while helping me to achieve my professional goals.

Bowmans experience isnt unique. The Bioscience graduate programs have collaborated with the U SACNAS community in its annual recruitment activities since 2017. These efforts, which included hosting the 2017 SACNAS National Conference in Salt Lake City, have resulted in tripling recruitment of students from historically underrepresented (UR) backgrounds. UR students now comprise 33% of the domestic class, and racial and ethnic minorities comprise 28%, reflecting the national talent pool.

Knowing this diverse, all-inclusive community is here helps recruits decide, in parallel to the awesome research, that we are their best fit, says Jeanette Ducut-Sigala, U SACNAS manager.

The ability to make meaningful change in diversity and inclusion has earned U SACNAS national recognition. In a virtual ceremony held on October 13, the national organization designated the U group Chapter of the Year along with six other local chapters of the 133 located in the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

U SACNAS officially launched in 2014 with the goal of training and supporting the next generation of diverse STEM talent. From students to professionals, the parent organization fosters success in attaining advanced degrees, careers and positions of leadership within STEM. The U chapter mainly serves graduate students, postdocs and staff while a sub-chapter centered on main campus is open to both undergraduates and graduate students. Ducut-Sigala, biochemistry faculty Minna Roh-Johnson and Paul Sigala and human genetics faculty Clement Chow operate as advisors.

Its clear that across the country there is a great need for organizations like this one. According to SACNAS, the national STEM workforce is only 6% Hispanic, 4.8% Black, and 0.2% Native American, numbers that are significantly lower than in the overall U.S. workforce. A lack of diversity hurts all of us, the organization explains, because diverse voices bring creative solutions to our worlds most pressing scientific problems.

U of U SACNAS helps its members to grow through authentic inclusion: hosting talks by professionals to inspire career aspirations and create connections with role models, supportive peer mentoring, outreach and leadership development. In collaboration with the University Counseling Center, Health and Wellness Center and Center for Student Wellness, they hold sessions where members can talk through troublesome issues and learn strategies for balancing their lives in and outside of science. Knowing that role modeling can make all the difference, particularly in young children, they also perform outreach with local K-12 schools to show that science is for everyone.

The organization has provided a sense of belonging to member Jesse Velasco-Silva, a biochemistry graduate student and the chapters vice president. The SACNASfamiliaalways encourages me to bring, show and celebrate my strength, resilience, culture, traditions and science, he says. He explains that being a first-generation Mexican-American immigrant and college student has come with challenges. The guidance and support hes received from the SACNAS community has helped him to overcome them.

As for Bowman, her experience has come full circle. She benefitted from the openness of the U SACNAS community when she was making the difficult decision of where to get her doctoral degree. Now, she does the same for the next sets of prospective students.

I get to show the recruits, particularly the first-gen BIPOC students, how we belong on campus, belong in our programs, and thrive here because we have a community like SACNAS, she says. We have a supportive, collaborative environment at Utah and really, a university committed to equity and inclusion.

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Changing the face of science | @theU - @theU

Biochemistry

Assessing Early Biochemical Alterations in Tumors – Technology Networks

Researchers at the University of Arkansas have demonstratedthe first use of a noninvasive optical technique to determine complex biochemical changes in cancers treated with immunotherapy.

We show that optical spectroscopy provides sensitive detection of early changes in the biomolecular composition of tumors, said Narasimhan Rajaram, associate professor of biomedical engineering. This is important because these changes predict response to immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Thus, our work is the first step in determining whether Raman spectroscopy can identify treatment responders and non-responders early during the course of therapy.

Immune checkpoints act as brakes on the immune system to ensure that the bodys immune response is proportional to the threat level detected. Immune checkpoint inhibitors effectively remove these brakes and unleash the bodys immune system against cancer cells.

The study, published inCancer Research, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research, describes the use of Raman spectroscopy to determine the molecular composition of colon cancer tumors in mice treated with two types of immunotherapy drugs currently used in the clinical treatment of patients.

Raman spectroscopy uses optical fibers to direct near-infrared laser light to biological tissue. The Raman signal scattered from the tissue is especially sensitive to the molecular composition of the tissue.

For this study, the researchers used machine-learning approaches to train hundreds of Raman datasets acquired from colon cancer tumors treated with different immunotherapy drugs. They then tested the data from each tumor against the overall dataset to determine the difference between tumors that had received various types of immunotherapy and tumors that did not receive any therapy.

The Raman technique demonstrated sensitive detection of early changes in the biomolecular composition of tumors and differentiated tumor response to different treatments. Changes picked up by the non-invasive Raman probe were consistent with changes described by detailed tissue analysis, the researchers found.

Unlike other forms of cancer treatment, immunotherapy does not result in an immediate and predictable reduction in tumor size, and there are currently no accurate methods to determine treatment response in patients. Only a small group of patients benefit from immunotherapy, and there are severe side effects associated with specific combinations of immunotherapy.

Rajaram partnered with Ishan Barman, associate professor of mechanical engineering at Johns Hopkins University, and Alan J. Tackett, deputy director of the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute and professor of biochemistry at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Joel Rodriguez Troncoso, graduate student in biomedical engineering at the U of A, and Santosh Kumar Paidi at Johns Hopkins University were lead authors on the paper.

In addition to Rodriguez Troncoso and Kumar Paidi, co-authors of the paper were Paola Monterroso Diaz, Jesse D. Ivers and David E. Lee at the University of Arkansas, Piyush Raj from Johns Hopkins University, and Nathan L. Avaritt, Allen J. Gies, Charles M. Quick, and Stephanie D. Byrum from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

This research was supported by the Society of Laboratory Automation and Screening Graduate Education Fellowship Grant, the Arkansas IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence, the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute and grants from the National Cancer Institute, the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, and the National Institute of General Medical Sciences.

Reference:Paidi SK, Troncoso JR, Raj P, et al.Raman spectroscopy and machine learning reveals early tumor microenvironmental changes induced by immunotherapy. Cancer Res. 2021. https://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/early/2021/09/28/0008-5472.CAN-21-1438

This article has been republished from the following materials. Note: material may have been edited for length and content. For further information, please contact the cited source.

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Biochemistry

Hani Goodarzi, PhD, Awarded Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise in the Biomedical Sciences – UCSF News Services

Last month, Hani Goodarzi, PhD, received a $50,000 award for his work in the early detection of cancer and identification of therapeutic targets in cancer metastasis.

Dr. Goodarzi, Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics with affiliations in the Department of Urology, Helen Diller Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, earned the Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise in the Biomedical Sciences in September. The prize is awarded to young immigrant professionals who have demonstrated outstanding achievements in their early careers. Dr. Goodarzi is one of three winners in the biomedical sciences this year.

I was ecstatic to learn I was awarded this prize, Dr. Goodarzi said. This is important to me because there is not really any other award in the biomedical sciences dedicated to immigrants in the US. I have always been very passionate about the issues and challenges immigrants face.

In 2006, Dr. Goodarzi moved to the US from Iran to pursue his doctorate degree in computational biology and genomics at Princeton University. After completing his postdoctoral fellowship at Rockefeller University in cancer systems biology, he started his multidisciplinary lab at UCSF in 2016.

Using modeling and computational methods to study breast cancer metastasis, Dr. Goodarzi regards his lab as an amalgamation of computational and experimental biology. He loves collaborating with a diverse group of scientists who are at the top of their fields to look at cancer from new perspectives.

[Dr. Goodarzi] is absolutely a rising star at UCSF, said Jeremy Reiter, MD, PhD, Professor and Chair of the Department of Biochemistry. He is choosing his research questions wisely, and having two realms of expertise makes him a particularly effective discoverer of new biology.

Dr. Goodarzi believes it is important to be in an environment that fosters and augments his interests, citing that as the motivation behind his immigration to the US he wanted to surround himself with people dedicating their careers to the pursuit of knowledge. He states that science and technology in the US are really driven by immigrants. Unfortunately, he thinks there are few international students in the graduate programs at UCSF.

That is something we have to change if we want to capture that broader global diversity and enrich our student body, Dr. Goodarzi said. Every single one of my mentors were themselves immigrants.

Going forward, Dr. Goodarzi hopes to advocate for younger generations to make the pursuit of knowledge in a foreign country easier for them. He knows that more diversity among investigators means more vantage points and more opportunities to solve problems.

These vantage points are very much driven by our upbringing, culture, and where we come from, Dr. Goodarzi said. There is not a one-size-fits-all approach in how we think about science.

Dr. Reiter said that Dr. Goodarzi exemplifies some of the many things immigrants bring to our society, including scientific advances. Good-natured, humble, and conscientious, Dr. Goodarzi is deeply devoted to his group members, ensuring they are well-supported in their abilities to do good science.

The department is extremely happy for him and very proud of him to be recognized by the Vilcek Prize.

[Dr. Goodarzi] is a great example of somebody who has followed their curiosity and is making impactful discoveries that are driven by pure love of discovering the new, Dr. Reiter said. There is no one who is better suited to be recognized for his contributions.

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Biochemistry

Chemistry Building Renovation, Construction Will Create New Collaborative Learning Spaces – University of Arizona Provost

University Communications

Tuesday

Work is underway on a $42 million renovation to the University of Arizona's historic Chemistry Building and construction of a new building called The Commons that's dedicated to collaborative learning.

UArizona officials welcomed dozens of guests on Tuesday for a groundbreaking ceremony at the work site on the south side of the University of Arizona Mall.

The combined 78,600-square-foot facilities will be the future home of classrooms designed to encourage cooperation, inclusive practices, and active learning to increase student and faculty engagement and help students develop workplace-relevant skills.

Spread between the new building and renovated Chemistry Building, known affectionately as Old Chem, will be seven collaborative classrooms that range in size from 30 to 200 seats.

"From the beginning, when we first revealed our strategic plan, we had our sights on renovating and reimagining the Old Chem Building into learning spaces that would support collaborative and flexible teaching," University of Arizona President Robert C. Robbins told attendees at the groundbreaking. "We are investing in initiatives that encourage active teaching and learning practices, and this renovation is part of our goal to develop spaces on campus that leverage this interactive and holistic approach to teaching and learning."

In addition to four collaborative classrooms, the renovated Chemistry Building will contain departmental and advising offices and numerous workspaces for Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry faculty; renovated space for nuclear magnetic resonance equipment and electronic and metal shops; a new General Education Office; and three teaching studios for online instruction.

"The renovation of the Old Chem Building will support theCollege of Science, chemistry and biochemistry department, and University of Arizona campus missions to provide high quality education and advance research," said Carmala Garzione, Dean of the College of Science. "The renovation includesstate-of-the-art core research facilities that researchers and students across campus can access.There will be a visualization cave for immersive virtual reality learning.The renovation also will enable the expansion of the world-renowned, award-winning 'Chemical Thinking' education program that transformed chemical education at the University of Arizona and across the country.

The project aligns with the first pillar of UArizona's strategic plan the "Wildcat Journey" by providing additional space for innovative teaching and learning that will prepare UArizona students to find solutions to the greatest challenges facing Arizona and beyond. It also extends the university's Undergraduate STEM Education Project, which since 2014 has transformed dozens of traditional classrooms on campus into collaborative learning spaces, intended to engage students in more active learning with features such as flexible seating arrangements and cutting-edge classroom technologies.

"The University of Arizona is strongly committed to world-class teaching and engaged student learning. The institution supports the Office of Instruction and Assessment and the Office of Digital Learning, and the 60-plus professionals from these units who work with faculty and graduate students to provide professional development in the use of the best teaching practices. Similarly, the university supports technology and classroom renewal, and since 2014, this has included transformation of 37 classrooms for collaborative learning," said Liesl Folks, university senior vice president for academic affairs and provost."Seven collaborative classrooms that facilitate engaged and active learning will be housed in the renovated and new building. In these spaces, faculty members are using innovative teaching and learning strategies that promote higher-order thinking that leads to better understanding and an improved ability to transfer knowledge to other applications."

Tuesday's groundbreaking also included the burial of a time capsule. People at the ceremony were invited to add notes or mementos to a metal container. A plaque will be installed on site when construction is complete, directing future generations where to retrieve the container if and when subsequent construction replaces the new structure.

The renovation and construction project aims to maintain historic elements of the original Chemistry Building, which was designed in 1936 by legendary architect Roy Place, who served as the university's chief architect from 1924 to 1940 and designed eight building on campus, including the Steward Observatory, Administration Building and Gila and Yuma dorms.

"The reimagining of the Chemistry Building and design of the new teaching facility breathes new life into an important building on campus that will evolve with the changing landscape of education and serve the university well through the 21st century," said Alison Rainey, principal architect at Shepley Bulfinch, the firm that designed the new building. "The new design creates flexible and adaptable classrooms for teaching and learning with integrated technology and a variety of collaborative environments."

"Space is an important partner in the teaching and learning experience. The physical layout of a classroom impacts the pedagogy, and when you walk into a collaborative classroom, you realize that something interesting happens in the space," said Gail Burd, senior vice provost for academic affairs, teaching and learning.

"The furniture is arranged for small-group student engagement and for problem solving or creative thinking. In large collaborative classrooms, the best instructors make use of undergraduate learning assistants who have previously taken the course and enjoy helping other students learn the material," said Burd, also a Distinguished Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology. "In turn, the learning assistants gain a deeper understanding of the course concepts. Instructors can also use formative assessment of student learning by engaging in discussion with different groups of students around the classroom and then, can adjust their instruction to improve learning."

Sundt Construction crews began work in May, demolishing much of the interior of the Chemistry Building to make way for new construction, while leaving untouched the original facade on the north side of the building to retain the aesthetic character of the University of Arizona Mall, and portions of a 1948 buildingexpansion.

Project managers expect the work to run through December 2022.

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Chemistry Building Renovation, Construction Will Create New Collaborative Learning Spaces - University of Arizona Provost