涩里番

The 涩里番 ASBMB Undergraduate Research Award provides $1,200 to support summer research projects for student chapter members, helping them gain hands-on experience and advance their studies in molecular life sciences. This is one of several awards and scholarship programs exclusively available to undergraduate students in the ASBMB Student Chapters program.

For many undergraduate students, summer is a break from the classroom. But, for this year’s ASBMB Undergraduate Research Award winners, it was an opportunity to step into the lab and bring their research ideas to life.

In 2025, 10 undergraduates at colleges and universities around the country received these awards. Read on to learn a bit about them and their summer research results.

Their responses have been edited for length and clarity.

Tyler Downs, University of Mary Washington

Tyler Downs

I studied Mycobacterium phage Mercurio, a virus that infects bacteria, to understand the functions of its uncharacterized genes. I overexpressed individual genes in M. smegmatis to see their effect on host cells, identifying some that were cytotoxic. This work helps predict the function of related viral genes.

The most fulfilling part of my summer was presenting my research in my first oral presentation. Although I was initially intimidated, I put a lot of effort into preparing and practicing. Sharing my project in this way allowed for a unique form of scientific collaboration. Upon the conference’s conclusion, I was awarded an honorable mention for my presentation.

I plan to pursue a Ph.D. in genetics or microbiology. I’m particularly interested in studying the molecular basis of pathogenesis and how these processes are or can be manipulated. I would be interested in returning to a primarily undergraduate institution after obtaining a Ph.D. for the unique balance of teaching and research of early-career scientists.

Joseph Kidwell, Campbell University

Joseph Kidwell

This summer, I investigated mutations in the TaoK1 protein, associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, by creating mutant genes and studying their function, localization and impact on cell morphology. This was my first lab research experience, and I became confident in techniques like PCR and experimental design.

The best part of the summer research experience was working alongside others in the lab, each contributing to their own projects. We had the opportunity to share ideas and collaborate, which created an incredible, team-based environment.

I am fascinated by the intersection of scientific research and the application of healthcare. It would be a fantastic opportunity to attend an MD/Ph.D. program and get into this space. I find the investigation of neuropsychology from a biochemical perspective most interesting.

Mariah Ledbetter, University of South Alabama

Mariah Ledbetter

This summer, I studied how Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacterium that causes lung infections in ventilated patients, affects lung blood vessel cells. My project focused on two proteins, ExoS and ExoY and whether ExoY changes the damage caused by ExoS. I found that active ExoY can reduce ExoS-induced cell damage, improving our understanding of how these bacterial proteins interact.

The best part of my summer research experience was learning from a wide variety of people in the lab, including a postdoc, Ph.D. candidate, M.S. student and a medical student. I learned different things from each of their specific fields.

I plan to pursue a Ph.D., run my own research lab and teach at the undergraduate level. I am especially interested in studying how the body responds to bacterial infections, and I hope to mentor undergraduate students in my research lab while teaching courses such as microbiology or chemistry.

Pricilla Lopez Serrano, Hamline University

This summer, I investigated how bacteria can degrade nitroguanidine, a compound from munitions that can harm the environment. I isolated bacterial strains able to use it as a nitrogen source and studied their breakdown process. Moving forward, the project could continue by confirming the exact degradation pathway of nitroguanidine and potentially applying these bacteria to bioremediation strategies.

The best part of my summer research experience was the independence I gained in the lab. I learned how to manage experiments, problem-solve and keep thorough records on my own. That independence gave me confidence and helped me develop strong habits as a researcher.

I am strongly interested in biomedical sciences and public health. This project showed me how research can bridge environmental issues with human health, and I hope to continue building skills that will prepare me for graduate school or medical research in the future.

Isla Williams, Hope College

Isla Williams

This summer, I focused on “orphan” mitochondrial proteins, OXNAD1 and C15ORF61, which are uncharacterized proteins in cells’ energy-producing mitochondria. I tested how altering these proteins affected cell survival and energy production and used microscopy to confirm their location near the mitochondrial nucleoid.

The best part of my summer research was working alongside my lab members. I love being a part of a lab that fosters connection with each other as we grow our skills and work through problems.

I hope to become a pathology assistant in the future. I love working in the lab because it allows me to use both my hands and my brain, and I want to apply these skills in a way that helps people receive the information they need for proper treatment.

Additional 2025 Undergraduate Research Award recipients include Ashton Ware of Liberty University, Ethan Liskey of the University of Tampa, Holly Kiernan of Lake Forest College, Richard Bouck of the Rochester Institute of Technology and Yaara Tzadikario of the University of California, Santa Barbara.