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College of Life Sciences

Microbiology & Molecular Biology News

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Bridging Cultures and Battling Diseases: A Scholar's Thai Odyssey

By Parker Smith
April 27, 2024
After seeing the hardships experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand, Curtis Hoffman was determined to help. He never realized the life-changing opportunities he would have while there.
5 Min Read
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MMBIO Honored Graduate: How Epigenetics Shaped Aaron Bohn

By Parker Smith
April 16, 2024
After someone close to Aaron Bohn was diagnosed with a genetic disease, he needed to know how to help. Little did he know he would get hooked on genetics.
3 Min Read
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Pushing the Boundaries of Science and Self: Brandon Lopez

By Parker Smith
April 08, 2024
Brandon Lopez's master's research on the HIV virus is part of a global battle to combat HIV and AIDS. Yet enthusiastically mentoring undergraduates and advocating for his fellow students has been just as important to his BYU experience.
4 Min Read
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MMBIO CURA Winner Researches a New Technique to Fight Cancer

By Parker Smith
March 29, 2024
Drawn to help those suffering from chronic illness, Joshua Bennett (MMBIO) is focusing his research on making antibodies that mark cancer cells for macrophages and neutrophils to attack.
2 Min Read
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Joshua Wright: Preserving Hearts and Strengthening Bones

By Shannon Haddock
February 28, 2024
One premed student's Boston internships open his eyes to a plethora of possibilities in medicine.
4 Min Read
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Dr. Jeffery Schachterle: Fieldwork First

By Aubrey Johnson
December 08, 2023
Meet Dr. Jeffrey Schachterle, a new assistant professor of microbiology & molecular biology researching plant pathology.
1 Min Read
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The Agar Art Competition: Linking Science and Art

By Parker Smith
December 05, 2023
Participants from the BYU community used multicolored bacteria to create masterpieces at the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology’s (MMBIO) Agar Art Competition on Tuesday, October 10 with the theme of “Microbiology in Space.”
2 Min Read
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"God is Involved": Faith and Science Seminar 2023

By Grace Christensen
October 30, 2023
The auditorium seats were filled with students eager to hear the words of Dr. Ryan Cordner, microbiology and molecular biology associate professor, and Dr. Tim Jenkins, cell biology and physiology associate professor. Recipients of the College of Life Sciences Spiritually Strengthening Award, both professors spoke on how their faith guided their career and life paths.
3 Min Read
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Saving Plants From Salty Soil

By Grace Christensen
September 04, 2023
Alfalfa is a major cash crop and significant food source for cattle, horses, chickens, turkey, and sheep across the western United States. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, 40.8 million tons of alfalfa were harvested in 2022. But alfalfa, among other abundant crops, is extremely susceptible to the salty soil brought on by Utah’s dry climate and low precipitation.
2 Min Read
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Impact Magazine

Triple Crown of Student Achievements

By Nicholas Rex
July 26, 2023
Students in the College of Life Sciences were recognized this year as Student Employee of the Year and as winners at the Student Innovator of the Year and 3-Minute Thesis competitions.
6 Min Read
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Jessica Lewis: Proteins Changing Her Perspective

By Aubrey Johnson
April 11, 2023
Jessica Lewis (MMBIO ’24) uses her passion and curiosity to delve into the building blocks of life itself. As a PhD student, she's learned to appreciate the details, celebrate her relationships, and reflect on the progress she's made as a person and as a scientist.
4 Min Read
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Impact Magazine

Painting with Bacteria: Connecting Art and Science

Hannah LeSueur
By Hannah LeSueur
July 28, 2022
Winners of the Semiannual Agar Art Contests for the 2021-2022 school year, sponsored by the College of Life Sciences Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology (MMBIO).
1 Min Read
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Impact Magazine

COVID Contributions

July 26, 2022
Inspiring Learning Through a Pandemic: How the College of Life Sciences Took Initiative
5 Min Read
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Impact Magazine

Failing Forward: Unearthing Success

By Allie Richael
February 24, 2022
Molecular biology student Zak Webber (’20) worked his way down the hallways of the BYU Life Sciences Building, stopping at office doors and waiting patiently on upholstered chairs. His research idea could improve the health of the Navajo Nation, so there wasn’t time for a rain check. While waiting to meet with one professor, Webber noticed another open office door. He walked over and pitched his idea to Department of Plant and Wildlife Sciences professor Ben Abbott, who felt himself to be a match for the project.
3 Min Read
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