BioSynthesis

beverly Andre Beverly Andre , BS Biology, pre-medical sciences (2017), earned her master's degree in Biomedical Sciences from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM).  Beverly conducted research at the University of Pennsylvania on racial disparities in healthcare and Veteran Affairs. Beverly will enter medical school at PCOM in August to begin pursuing a career as a physician.  At BU, Beverly was active in campus life.  She was on the Multicultural Student Advisory Board, the treasurer of the Black Cultural Society, the treasurer of IMPACT, a member of the BU Dance Ensemble and the Gospel choir, and was involved in the Health Science Learning Community. Beverly conducted research with Drs. Cindy Surmacz and John Hranitz on the effects of apiary treatments for Varroa mites on honey bees. Beverly presented her research at the national meeting of the Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology. She received grants from the Pennsylvania Academy of Sciences and Tri

The Health Sciences Learning Community (LC),  housed in Columbia Residence Hall, aims to provide an environment for students in health science majors to build relationships with classmates, peer mentors, and faculty and to achieve academic success. Freshmen who are majoring in Speech Pathology and Audiology, Biology, Health Physics, Exercise Science, Health Sciences, and Medical Imaging are eligible to join. A key element of the program are the mentors, upperclassmen who  help community members make the transition to college, focus on team building, and plan activities to engage the community.  Selected to serve as mentors for the 2020-2021 academic year are:  Allison Beaver (Health Sciences, pre-physician assistant), Phillip Friggle (Speech Pathology and Audiology), Allison McClain (Speech Pathology and Audiology), Emily Ciurleo ( Speech Pathology and Audiology), Madison Gustin (Speech Pathology and Audiology), Audrey Kepple (Medical Imaging), and Racquel Walsh (Speech Pathology

Congratulations to the following BAHS students who have been accepted to clinical programs and will begin their training this fall semester at sites in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New Jersey.  Students will begin programs in Radiologic Technology (RT), Sonography (S), Nuclear Medicine (NM), Cardiovascular Technology (CVT), and Medical Laboratory Science (MLS). We are very proud of you!  Have a rewarding and successful clinical experience!  For more information on allied health programs at BU. contact Dr. Jennifer Venditti, jvenditt@bloomu.edu STUDENT PROGRAM MODALITY Sydni Edwards Albert Einstein RT Hailey Glovach Albert Einstein RT Holly Holzer Albert Einstein RT Ashley Brent Geisinger RT Ashley Conaway Geisinger RT Chloe Dodge Geisinger RT Krista Eck Geisinger RT

MacKenzie McDowell Zebrafish embryos On June 24, MacKenzie McDowell defended her thesis research to a zoom audience on "Fishing for Alpha-L-Fucosidase: Evaluating Enzyme Activity and the Reproductive Role in Zebrafish ( Danio rerio ). Alpha-L-fucosidase is an enzyme that is generally thought to play an important role in fertilization of the egg by sperm. MacKenzie's research was the first to demonstrate the presence of alpha-L-fucosidase in zebrafish sperm, where it was associated primarily with the sperm pellet. Minimal activity of alpha-L-fucosidase was detected in egg extracts, suggesting that its role in reproduction is associated with the sperm.  Fertilization success was diminished in the presence of an inhibitor of alpha-L-fucosidase supporting the conclusion that the enzyme is involved in gamete interaction.  Check out MacKenzie's images of zebrafish embryos! MacKenzie's thesis advisor is Dr. Jennifer Venditti . Drs. William Coleman and Abby Hare-H

Pre-medical science majors  Oriana Balascio  and  Casey Donahoe  are recipients of the 2020 Dr. Stephen Schell Scholarship. The  award was generously established by  Dr. Stephen E. Schell, MD (BS Biology, 1975), a board certified otolaryngologist and graduate of Temple University School of Medicine. Funding provided by the award assists pre-medical science students in preparing for osteopathic or allopathic medical school by helping to defray the cost of a preparatory course or materials for the Medical College Admission Test. Oriana Balascio Oriana Balascio is a biology major and chemistry minor enrolled in the 3 + 2 Master’s in Biology program at Bloomsburg University.  She is a member of the Bloomsburg University Honors College. She has received a BU Academic Excellence Scholarship. Oriana has been inducted into Tri Beta Biology Honor Society and is a member of the Biology and Allied Health Club. Oriana’s research in cancer biology in Dr. Kate Beishline’s lab  has been s

Phi Kappa Phi is the nation's oldest, largest and most selective honor society that recognizes academic achievement in all fields of higher education. Only the top 7.5% of juniors and the top 10% of seniors and graduate students are eligible to join the society. Phi Kappa Phi members are eligible to apply for a number of scholarships and awards that fund graduate and professional schools and study abroad. The following BAHS students were inducted during in April 2020: Sarah Buckley, Casey Donahoe , and Allison Sowers . Our new initiates join current BAHS students who are members of Phi Kappa Phi:  Lauren Bunnell, Courtney Kovalaritch, Kyle Mausteller, Gabrielle Piccolo, Kathryn Sherry, Mikayla Ulicny, Heather Llewellyn,    Congratulations to all!

Dr. Lauri Greed Don Jacobs, host of WNEPS's Pennsylvania Outdoor Life, and Dr. Lauri Green , BAHS assistant professor, check out the Tree Swallow Project at a local artificial wetland. Dr. Green discusses her work on year 2 of the project and opens a nest box to reveal tree swallow chicks.  She also explains the migratory patterns and the food supply of the tree swallows. Check out the segment of Pennsylvania Outdoor Life at the following link:  https://www.wnep.com/article/entertainment/television/pa-outdoor-life/tree-swallow-project-update-lauri-green-bloomsburg-university/523-9d92b9fd-b8d1-4cdb-83ba-d98e38affa8a This is Dr. Green's fourth appearance on Pennsylvania Outdoor Life.