Hope College junior Alicia Bostwick of Zionsville, Indiana, has received a summer undergraduate research award from the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
The awards, which are through the ASBMB’s student chapters program, provide $1,000 for reagents and supplies for students involved in research. Bostwick is working on “Investigating Mechanisms of Regulation of Mitochondrial DNA Transcription” this summer mentored by Dr. Kristin Dittenhafer-Reed, assistant professor of chemistry. The research is using biochemical and cell biology approaches to study how gene expression within mitochondria, the energy factories of cells, is controlled.
A biology major, Bostwick began participating in research during the beginning of her freshman year through the college’s year-long Day1: Phage course, and has been working with Dittenhafer Reed since May 2017. Earlier this year Hope named her a Beckman Scholar through the college’s newest — and record eighth — Beckman Scholars Program award from the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation, which is supporting her in conducting research during this summer, next summer and the school year between.
The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology seeks to advance the science of biochemistry and molecular biology and to promote the understanding of the molecular nature of life processes through publication of scientific and educational journals, organization of scientific meetings, advocacy for funding of basic research and education, support of science education at all levels and promoting the diversity of individuals entering the scientific workforce. Founded in 1906, the society has more than 12,000 members.
The ASBMB Student Chapters program is devoted to building a national community of undergraduate students and faculty members for the advancement of biochemistry and molecular biology research, education and science outreach. Its mission is to provide networking and career-development opportunities at regional and national levels, access to research and science outreach, and grants and awards to facilitate its aims. Hope’s chapter is in the program’s North-central region, which includes Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan and Wisconsin.