BIOCHEMISTRY/ MOLECULAR BIOLOGY T
he biochemistry/molecular biology major connects chemistry to biology in a way that opens a whole new world of possibilities—literally. At Rollins, it’s application over memorization. It’s mentoring over lecturing. It’s handson researching over data downloading. You will not get lost in a sea of classmates either, because at Rollins the doctorate-level professors in the BMB program know each student by name and by career goals. The mission is to inspire you to conduct novel research and choose a personal path, and then personally guide you there, whether it’s in health, pharmacy, post-grad work, business, or in a field we’ve barely discovered.
Why Study Biochemistry/Molecular Biology at Rollins Focused Attention The BMB major is small at Rollins, which means the faculty provides concentrated counseling throughout college and beyond. The program pairs nicely with highly marketable minors in global health or neuroscience.
Grant Writing Skills You’ll apply biochemistry skills to the writing of grant proposals for real-world problems like diseases that need more research. This is the essence of global citizenship and critical thinking.
Research Access Undergraduates have opportunities to do their own novel research under the direct guidance of professors (no teaching assistants) and to be published in peer-review journals.
“The BMB program at Rollins challenged us to apply lessons learned from different courses to our experiments and to think as we would outside a classroom. I was given amazing opportunities to do exactly that— like volunteering in labs and attending national conferences. By my senior year, I was ready for the next steps in my career.”
Tonya Aaron ’13
In third year of MD/PhD program, Albert Einstein College of Medicine (Bronx, New York)
Rollins Biochemistry/Molecular Biology Careers Rollins BMB grads are making tomorrow happen at some of the world’s most innovative organizations.
Taylor Cole Ball ’14
Graduate of Doctor of Dental Surgery, University of Maryland School of Dentistry; General Practice Residency, Johns Hopkins
Katia Chadaideh ’15
PhD Candidate, Department of Human Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University
Shan Kasal ’13
PdD Candidate, Committee on Immunology, University of Chicago
Justin Pomeroy ’16
Medical Scientist 1, University of Florida College of Medicine, Institute for Therapeutic Innovation
Cherie Ramirez ’06
Lecturer in Biochemistry and a STEM Faculty Fellow, Center for Excellence in Teaching, Simmons College
Kayla Stuckey ’16
Graduate of Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of Colorado
Real World Experience From internships to research, BMB students hone their skills in the real world.
Popular Courses The approach of the lab-driven classes is to immerse you in each topic, so you can say, “Yes, I’ve done that.” Although this is not a “pre-med” major, those who choose to pursue med school will be fully prepared to take the MCAT. • BCH 310 Microbial Genetics • BCH 335 Biochemistry • BIO 341 Molecular Biology • BCH 435 Advanced Biochemistry • CHM 360 Advanced Topics in Chemistry • BCH 498 Independent Study Research
Beyond the Classroom Research Experiences for Undergraduates Individual lab training makes Rollins students nationally competitive for these sought-after research positions.
Pre-Med Observership Program Students in Rollins’ BMB major can shadow professionals in a health-care setting such as Advent Health (formerly Florida Hospital). This type of experience is necessary for acceptance into med school.
Study Abroad Living and studying in another culture fuels the global citizenship perspective. BMB students typically use this time to take a subspecialty such as pharmacology.
ADM 1808-0156
Expert Faculty Before coming to Rollins as part of the BMB program, each faculty member did postdoctoral research as part of their training. You’ll notice strong interest in solving problems associated with diseases, inspiring undergrads to think big.
Kasandra J. Riley, PhD | Associate Professor of Chemistry Research interests: Exploring the functions of non-coding RNAs in viral and bacterial infectious diseases
Ellane J. Park, PhD | Assistant Professor of Chemistry Research interests: The development of bioselective gold and polymeric nanoparticles that can serve as platforms for improved cancer therapeutics
James D. Patrone, PhD | Assistant Professor of Chemistry Research interests: Applying fragment-based ligand discovery (FBLD) in cancer research
Jay Pieczynski, PhD | Assistant Professor of Biology Research interests: The dynamics of microtubules and motor proteins in cell signaling and behavior
Brendaliz Santiago-Narvaez, PhD | Assistant Professor of Biology Research interests: Oral microbiology, in particular the bacterial species Streptococcus mutans, which is capable of forming dental plaque
Susan Walsh, PhD | Associate Professor of Biology Research interests: Studying the live event of the trafficking of mitochondria in the nervous system
rollins.college/bmb