ASBMB announces 2024 Marion B. Sewer scholarship recipients

The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is pleased to announce the 2024 recipients of the Marion B. Sewer Distinguished Scholarship for undergraduates.

The ASBMB’s Maximizing Access Committee created this award in 2016 to support undergraduate students interested in biochemistry and molecular biology. The scholarship awards 10 students $2,000 each toward undergraduate tuition and related educational costs.

The 2024 scholarships went to Mohamed Salem, Danielle Amaegbo, Jonathan Martin, Sara Beth Bouchard, Mya Soto, Adam Chernoff, Anita Nguyen, Soliana Yohannes, Pamela Green and Dymuhn Williams.

The award honors Marion B. Sewer, who died in 2016 at the age of 43. Sewer was a principal investigator on projects devoted to increasing participation among historically underrepresented groups and furthering student training. Within the ASBMB, she organized the MAC’s Interactive Mentoring Activities for Grantsmanship Enhancement Workshop for postdoctoral fellows and early career scientists.

Below the 10 recipients of the 2024 Sewer scholarships describe their career goals, ambitions and research interests. Their statements have been edited.

 

Mohamed Salem, junior, Penn State University

Salem’s focus is on treatment possibilities for high-grade gliomas using drugs developed for other purposes. He has participated in a zero-phase clinical trial at Penn State College of Medicine, researching the neuropharmacology of posaconazole as part of his larger interest in translational medicine. Salem’s professional aspirations consist of university teaching and providing direct patient care and business development. He would like to enroll in a graduate program to continue his studies on brain cancers. His goal is to promote health sector advancement through MediMentor, an artificial intelligence platform designed to make medical services available worldwide.

 

Danielle Amaegbo, junior, Austin College

Amaegbo’s research interests center around the biochemistry of drug research, specifically drug delivery and infection development processes. After completing her undergraduate studies, she aims to earn a biochemistry Ph.D. in expectation of working in the drug industry. She wants to engage in research that focuses on the engineering and discovery of novel and competent therapeutic drugs using cheap and abundant natural materials to make affordable treatments. Amaegbo also wants to promote the global reach of African research. She believes African researchers should be acknowledged and encouraged by the world for their innovations. She is a strong advocate for both scientific exploration and affordable, accessible health care solutions on a global scale.

Jonathan Martin, sophomore, University of San Diego

Martin is in his second year majoring in biochemistry with a minor in Spanish. After completing his undergraduate studies, Martin aims to attend medical school to deepen his understanding of orthopedics and gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations. His goal is to complete a residency in orthopedic surgery, acquiring the specialized training required to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions effectively. Martin plans to volunteer at low-income community health centers, emphasizing helping immigrants from Mexico. He is driven to give back to his community, ensuring everyone has access to high quality health care.

Sara Beth Bouchard, senior, Wesleyan University

Bouchard wants to study and develop biopharmaceutical candidates, which requires experience in chemistry, biochemistry and molecular biology.  She has enrolled in the chemistry Ph.D. program at the University of Connecticut where numerous labs pique her interest. After completing her degree, Bouchard plans to work in the industry, and she’s passionate about ensuring that there are outreach opportunities in the community. She plans to participate in education to inspire young scientists.  

Mya Soto, junior, Rochester Institute of Technology

With her current passion for biochemistry, Soto would like to pursue a biochemistry-based major. Specifically, looking forward to investigating topics in biochemical mechanisms in infectious disease. She would like to pursue her studies in graduate school, and her long-term goal is to establish a career to carry out research. Eventually, Soto would like to teach, as she has a passion for connecting with people over her love for science.

Adam Chernoff, sophomore, Tufts University

Chernoff’s aspirations are rooted in the intersection of biochemistry, molecular biology and public health. He is specifically, focusing on combating diseases like Lyme disease that disproportionately affect rural and underserved populations. Chernoff’s goal is to leverage his research in biochemistry and biotechnology to develop innovative, accessible health care solutions that bridge the gap in medical care access and effectiveness. He aims to attend medical school, pursuing a dual MD/MPH degree to equip him with a comprehensive understanding of both clinical medicine and public policy. He envisions himself working as a medical officer in the U.S. Army Medical Corps to apply expertise in rural medicine to improve the health outcomes of both military personnel and civilian populations. Chernoff hopes to inspire others to pursue careers in health care and public service, making a tangible difference in the lives of people who are most vulnerable.

Anita Nguyen, senior, University of South Alabama

Nguyen aspires to become a dentist who can contribute to both the treatments of patients and the advancement of dental technology through research. She intends to model her career after orthodontists she has connected with in Mobile. As a student researcher, Nguyen has gained a strong respect for researchers during her time in a lab at the University of South Alabama. She would like to incorporate aspects of research into her career as a dentist. Nguyen strives to find balance between the research development of technological advancements in dental treatments and her desire to cater to the well-being of her patients.

Soliana Yohannes, senior, University of California, Berkeley

Yohannes’ aspiration to pursue a career in medicine stems from a personal connection to mental health issues, especially within underserved communities. Her professional journey is fueled by a fascination with the human body, particularly the brain and its disorders. Yohannes is interested in neurobiological diseases such as autism, Alzheimer's, Parkinsons and depression. She is an undergraduate research assistant in a neuroscience lab focusing on autism.  Her goal is to blend research with clinical practice as a physician–scientist, allowing her to make contributions to society, satisfy intellectual curiosity and foster her growth in her field. Yohannes’ vision is to be part of the movement that transforms how these health challenges are perceived and treated, enhancing quality of life for all.

Pamela Green, junior, University of Virginia

Green’s long-term goal is to become a physician and a scientist. She would like to be a part of a lab that specializes in researching diabetes and diabetes prevention. Green would like to be part of a generation that invents revolutionary and lasting treatments that can give people with diabetes a higher quality of life and a longer life span. Green works in a lab at the pharmacology research lab in UVA. She would like to continue research and eventually discover new things about diabetes through medical school. She can then gain the tools to become a primary care doctor who can help patients, especially in the African American community, manage the disease.

Dymuhn Williams, junior, Georgia Southern University

Williams is interested in cancer biology research, the focus of her honors thesis and one she plans to pursue in graduate school. After completing her undergrad studies, Williams plans to apply to MD/Ph.D. programs with the hope of pursuing pediatric oncology. Ideally, her career would consist of being a clinical research physician, conducting clinical studies to positively impact the progress being made to end pediatric cancer. Williams hopes to run her own research lab while seeing patients in an academic hospital setting.