Biochemistry Majors Received Outstanding Presentation Awards
Congratulations to the following biochemistry majors for receiving Outstanding Presentation Awards at the 2025 Undergraduate Research Symposium, held Friday afternoon on Apr 25, 2025 at Gray-Little Hall. There were over 120 posters at two poster sessions in this university-wide event that showcased undergraduate research across many disciplines at KU.
Taiseer Al-Rajabi
Taiseer Al-Rajabi (Senior, BS Biochemistry) from Overland Park, Kansas investigated the effect of Chamomile tea and Apigenin on the activity of an enzyme involved in energy metabolism. He found out that the enzyme noticeably weakened under the effects of both the tea and medicine. He will do summer research at KUMC studying metastasis in late stage cancers. Taiseer’s career goal is to become a physician and he is applying to medical schools. In his free time, Taiseer does Tae Kwon Do, where he has a 3rd degree black belt.
View an online version of his research project
Bella Bryant
Bella Bryant (Junior, BS Biochemistry) from Lyons, Kansas investigated the effect of matcha on the activity of glycogen phosphorylase b, an enzyme involved in energy metabolism. She found that matcha overall inhibited the enzymes activity at higher concentrations but had some varying results that would need further testing to confirm. This summer, she will gain shadowing and volunteer hours as she prepares to apply to physician assistant (PA) programs. Her career goal is to become a physician assistant. In her free time Bella enjoys watching many shows, staying active, and working with children at a local daycare – experiences that have deepened her passion for patient care and helping others.
View an online version of her research project
Watch the Youtube version
Allison Babbit
Allison Babbit (Junior, BS Biochemistry) from Lawrence, Kansas investigated the effect of modafinil on the activity of an enzyme involved in energy metabolism. Her results showed that modafinil likely acts as an inhibitor of glycogen phosphorylase. This summer, Allison will be trying to find a full-time job in the bioscience field to fund her education, but will also help out at the KU Nanofabrication Facility in Gray-Little. She plans on attending UMKC to obtain her DDS and pursue general dentistry. In her free time, Allison enjoys running long-distance, building/fixing things, and hanging out with her cat, Panda.
View an online version of her research project
Watch the Youtube version
Elise McCall
Elise McCall (Junior, BS Biochemistry) from Kansas City, Missouri investigated the effect of Vitamin D on the activity of an enzyme involved in energy metabolism. Her results showed that Vitamin D was likely an activator of glycogen phosphorylase, but due to the high concentration of calcium in the supplements used, the results were inconclusive. Elise is planning on studying abroad with DIS this summer in Copenhagen, Denmark and Stockholm, Sweden. Elise’s career goal is to become an optometrist and plans on applying to schools in the fall. In her free time, Elise enjoys crocheting, listening to music, and taking care of her expansive plant collection.
View an online version of her capstone research project
Watch the Youtube version
Kai Smith
Kai Smith, a Junior majoring in Biochemistry and Astrobiology from Pretty Prairie, Kansas, studied the influence of berberine tablets on the activity of an enzyme involved in energy metabolism. His research revealed that berberine serves as a mixed inhibitor, suggesting it is capable of activating glycogen phosphorylase in low concentrations and inhibiting it in high concentrations. He will be working with Dr. Elisabeth Mills, studying prebiotic formations in the galactic center over this summer. Kai intends to go to graduate school and obtain a Ph.D. in biochemistry, eventually going on to work with NASA to trace prebiotic organics within extraterrestrial environments such as Europa. Lastly, Kai is a blacksmith and Polish Sabre expert in his free time. You can visit him at the Kansas City Renaissance Festival to see him perform!
View an online version of his biochemistry capstone project
Jaylinn Nguyen
Jaylinn Nguyen (Junior, BS Biochemistry) from Salina, Kansas investigated the effect of Vitamin B12 on the activity of an enzyme involved in energy metabolism. She found out that Vitamin B12 acts as an activator of the enzyme glycogen phosphorylase. Jaylinn is planning on working as a CMA this summer in her hometown and taking care of residents. Jaylinn’s career goal is to become a physician and she is applying to medical schools this summer. In her free time, Jaylinn loves to spend time with friends and travel to absorb herself in different cultures.
View an online version of her research project
These biochemistry majors were recognized for their poster presentations of their capstone undergraduate research projects in the course Advanced Biochemistry Laboratory, BIOL 639. They were mentored by Dr. Roberto De Guzman, a professor of biochemistry in the Department of Molecular Biosciences, who is now on his 20th year at KU.
Special thanks to the department and Maria Losito for printing the winning posters for these students!