News Articles for 2023
Celebrating Excellence in Scientific Achievement
2023-11-21
The Department of Biological Sciences proudly acknowledges the outstanding contributions of two eminent faculty members, Professor Richard J. Kuhn and Professor Zhao-Qing Luo, who have been honored with the prestigious Morrill Award and the Herbert Newby McCoy Award, respectively, showcasing Purdue University's commitment to excellence in scientific research.
Bridging Science and Outreach for a Brighter Future
2023-11-13
Paradyse Blackwood, a graduate student in Purdue University’s College of Science, has made a significant impact in the field of ecology through their groundbreaking research and unwavering commitment to scientific outreach. With a fervor for both scientific innovation and community engagement, Blackwood is not only advancing knowledge in the field but also inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.
Deciphering the Mysterious Signals of the Brain
2023-11-06
In a quiet laboratory at Purdue University, Suma Chinta observes with keen fascination as a mouse scurries on a miniature wheel. The mouse's whiskers move rhythmically as it scans the unfamiliar surroundings of a virtual environment. To an onlooker, this might appear to be just a curious experiment, but to Chinta and her team, it's a window into the complex world of the neural responses behind sensory perception.
Illuminating Hope: Beichen Wang's Vision for a Brighter Future
2023-10-30
In the realm of scientific exploration at Purdue University's College of Science, Beichen Wang, a graduate student in the Department of Biological Sciences, is casting a new light on inherited retinal degeneration.
The Herpetology Revolution: Pioneering Women in Science
2023-10-24
When Ximena Bernal, professor of biological sciences at Purdue’s College of Science began her academic journey she was in her native Colombia. Her specialty is herpetology – the study of reptiles and amphibians and since her home country has the second highest biological diversity per square mile of frog species, it seemed the perfect place to study. Little did she know, she would need to immigrate to the U.S to follow her dreams.
Unlocking the Secrets of Proteins: Dr. Daisuke Kihara's Pioneering Work at Purdue
2023-10-19
In the world of modern biology, a unique blend of disciplines is making waves. Dr. Daisuke Kihara, a professor of both Biological Sciences and Computer Science in the College of Science at Purdue University, stands at the intersection of biology and computer science, utilizing his expertise to delve into the intricate world of protein function and structure.
AI takes the reins in deep-tissue imaging
2023-10-16
Artificial intelligence is finding more and more applications every day. One of the newest is in the biomedical field, using AI to control and drive single-molecule microscopy in ways no human can. The result is a landmark capacity of nanoscale optical imaging deep into tissue — visualizing 3D ultrastructure of the brain circuitry and plaque-forming amyloid beta fibrils in healthy and diseased brains, promising insights into autism and Alzheimer’s disease.
First-in-class targeted microRNA therapy slows cancer tumor growth
2023-10-04
A new cancer therapy developed by Purdue University researchers attacks tumors by tricking cancer cells into absorbing a snippet of RNA that naturally blocks cell division.
The Science of Teaching Science
2023-09-12
Jacob Adler, assistant professor of practice in biological sciences in the College of Science, is excited to bring meaningful, authentic research opportunities to first year biology students in his classroom. However, he knows that there is always room for improvement in teaching methods, and, through his research, he hopes to help students find a sense of belonging in science and develop their community.
Molecular mechanism for Tn7-like transposon recruitment by a type I-B CRISPR effector
2023-08-16
Dr. Leifu Chang and his lab published an article in Cell on, "Molecular mechanism for Tn7-like transposon recruitment by a type I-B CRISPR effector".
Remembering Dr. Bill Pak, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Biological Sciences
2023-08-16
With the passing of William (Bill) Pak, biology has lost one of its true pioneers.
Doing What it Takes to Develop New Scientists
2023-08-10
When biology Professor Jeff Lucas of Purdue’s College of Science realized that his current grants wouldn’t be sufficient to cover travel for his graduate students, he offered them each $1,000 out of his own pocket to present their research at a conference.
Biological Sciences Graduate Student Awards
2023-07-19
With the wrap-up of the academic year, there are a number of graduate student awards and accomplishments that the Biological Sciences department would like to recognize.
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Three large, interdisciplinary research projects have been chosen as the first to receive Purdue University SPARK funding. SPARK (Supporting Partnering for Advanced Research Teamwork) is a recently launched strategic initiative within the Office of Research to support and empower Purdue-led research to achieve national prominence through the establishment of cutting-edge research centers. The program provides up to $100,000 in salary supplements and other support for development activities, such as project strategy and proposal development needed to secure federally funded awards in excess of $7 million.
Selected by the Residential Academic Initiatives office in University Residences.
This honor recognizes outstanding and scholarly teachers.
Distinguished Professor Richard Kuhn named 2023 winner of Morrill Award, Purdue’s highest honor
2023-05-01
Structural biologist Richard J. Kuhn, the Trent and Judith Anderson Distinguished Professor in Science and Krenicki Family Director of the Purdue Institute of Inflammation, Immunology and Infectious Disease, has been named as Purdue's Morrill Award winner for 2023. The Morrill Award is the highest honor that Purdue confers on a member of its faculty.
2023 Faculty Promotions
2023-04-19
The Department of Biological Sciences would like to congratulate Dr. Claudio Aguilar, Dr. Ximena Bernal, Dr. Leifu Chang, and Dr. Selcen Guzey on your promotion.
Zhao-Qing Luo to receive 2022 McCoy Award for demystifying modes of microbial pathogens
2023-03-30
Dr. Zhao-Qing Luo is receiving Purdue's 2022 Herbert Newby McCoy Award.
David Sanders gives Keynote Address at Scientific Research Integrity Workshop
2023-01-13
Associate Professor David Sanders gave a keynote address titled, "Ethics of Scientific Publication--Deficient Institutional Responses" at a Research Integrity Workshop at the Liverpool Medical Institution in the United Kingdom on December 5.