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Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Undergrads Make Presentations at National Annual Meeting

Emily Bosche ’24 and Spencer Quon ’24 studied DNA repair in Dr. Andrew Schurko’s lab

CONWAY, Arkansas (May 20, 2024) — Two Hendrix College seniors majoring in biochemistry and molecular biology presented their research this spring at DiscoverBMB, the annual meeting of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, held March 23-26 in San Antonio, Texas.

EmilyBosche2024_research.JPGEmily Bosche ’24 and Spencer Quon ’24 each presented a poster detailing their summer research in the laboratory of Hendrix Professor of Biology Dr. Andrew Schurko, who chairs the College’s Biochemistry-Molecular Biology Program. The students’ research was funded through the Morris and Ann Henry Odyssey Professorship, which Schurko currently holds. Their poster titles were:

  • The plausible role of histone H2A proteins in bdelloid rotifer DNA repair (Bosche)
  • Using CRISPR to Inactivate Candidate DNA Repair Genes in Bdelloid Rotifers (Quon)

“It was rewarding to see Emily and Spencer present their work about DNA repair to other scientists at this national conference,” Schurko said. “These two students were committed to their projects, having worked many hours in the lab during the summer and also during the academic year, so it was fulfilling to see them make such a strong showing at the conference.”

Both Bosche and Quon graduated from Hendrix on May 11. Bosche is currently working as a medical scribe in Jonesboro, Arkansas, and is applying to medical school. Quon is starting dental school this summer at the University of Mississippi.

About Hendrix College

Founded in 1876, Hendrix College is featured in Colleges That Change Lives: 40 Schools That Will Change the Way You Think About Colleges and celebrated among the country’s leading liberal arts colleges for academic quality, engaged learning opportunities and career preparation, vibrant campus life, and value. The Hendrix College Warriors compete in 21 NCAA Division III sports. Hendrix has been affiliated with the United Methodist Church since 1884. Learn more at www.hendrix.edu.

“… Through engagement that links the classroom with the world, and a commitment to diversity, inclusion, justice, and sustainable living, the Hendrix community inspires students to lead lives of accomplishment, integrity, service, and joy.” —Hendrix College Statement of Purpose