Experiences & Opportunities

1. Use biochemistry to explore big issues.

All students at Knox are encouraged to undertake in-depth projects. Biochemistry students have studied a large range of topics with the assistance of faculty supervisors. Some have even received grants and other funding to support their work. Below are a few examples of recent independent studies and College Honors projects, which are evaluated by a board of faculty and an outside specialist in the field.

Recent Independent Research

• "C6 Glioma Cell Research," Theodore Ruffins '18.
• "Impact of Music on Biochemistry," Hansini Krishna '17.
• "Synthesis of Mutant GBH1." Uduak-Obong Ekanem '17.
• "Effect of Ethanol on the Inflammatory Response," Shannon Henry '16.

Recent Honors Projects

• "Using Site-Directed Mutagenesis to Enhance the Hydrogel Properties of the GBH1 Biopolymer," Uduak-Obong Iniabasi Ekanem '17.
• "The Effect of Ethanol on Signal Transduction in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Macrophages," Oluwagbemiga Abiodun Ojo '15.
• "The Sigma-1 Receptor: Implications in the Behavioral Effects of Methamphetamine Additional and Withdrawal," Timothy O'Neal '14.
• "Alpha-Hydroxy Phosphonic Acids via Lesquerella Oil," John Salvatore Cusimano '13.

2. Study with some of the leading thinkers in the field.

There are many opportunities to study biochemistry outside of Knox. Attend classes with British scholars through a direct enroll at England's University of Reading, spend a semester on a ship with the SEA program, or join a research team and be mentored by a leading biochemist through the Oak Ridge Science Semester.

Here are some other opportunities to study biochemistry:

• Akita International University
• University of St. Andrew's
• Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
• Denmark's International Study Program
• Argonne National Laboratories: All sciences; recent projects include nuclear chemistry, superconductivity and energy resources
• U.S. Department of Agriculture, Northern Regional Research Laboratory

3. Experience life after Knox with an internship.

As a Knox biochemistry student, you can conduct an internship for course credit during the academic year or the summer. You'll work closely with a faculty supervisor while you engage in fieldwork and complete an academic paper. Recent internships by biochemistry students include:

• Laboratory Intern, Allied Blending and Ingredients, Keokuk, Iowa. Connor Niemiec '17.
• Wild Salmon Conservation and Restoration Internship, Sitka Conservation Society, Sitka, Alaska. Melissa Jaffe '17.
• Physician Shadow, OSF Galesburg Clinic/Linda M. Auer, DO, Galesburg, Illinois. Roman Magid '15.
• Intern, Department of Pharamcology, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil. Timothy O'Neal '14.