The School of Molecular & Cellular Biology is pleased to celebrate the outstanding research conducted by our students with the annual Undergraduate Research Symposium.
University of Illinois faculty are behind some of the most important discoveries in the last 150 years. Students are part of this inspiring tradition of innovation. MCB faculty conduct leading research programs in biochemistry, cell and developmental biology, microbiology, and molecular and integrative physiology. Being an undergraduate researcher provides valuable experience for students, who develop skills in conducting research, communication, leadership, project management, and more. The experience also prepares students for graduate school or a possible career in research.
Results from 2021 symposium
Director’s Award for Exceptional Research Presentation: Neal Dadlani, in Sayee Anakk’s lab, with “Elucidating Farnesoid X Receptor (FXR) Mediated Adipose-Liver Crosstalk on Secondary Metabolic Effects in Liver.” His research was supported by a School of MCB Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship.
Outstanding Research Presentation Award: Veronica Pronitcheva, in Justin Rhodes’ lab, with “Mutating Nemo: TOL-2 Mediated Generation of Transgenic Anemonefish, Amphiprion Ocellaris with GFP Constructs.” Her research was supported by a Jenner Family Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship.
Research Presentation Award: Niraj Lawande, in Catherine Christian-Hinman’s lab, with “Aromatase Expression Following Induction of Status Epilepticus Using Kainic Acid.” His research was supported by a Jenner Family Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship.
Many thanks to our 2021 judges: Rich Berkowitz, Chester Brown, Jie Chen, Aurora Cruz Torres, Luisa DiPietro, James Dolan, Eric Floyd, Jonathan Godbout, Aaron Godwin, Jack Ikeda, Michael Recny, Lauren Seaver, Keith Westcott, and Kai Zhang.