Outstanding Achievements in Research and Education

Duquesne University continues to be a hub of excellence in research and education, as students and researchers achieve remarkable milestones in their respective fields. These accomplishments not only highlight their dedication but also underscore the university's commitment to fostering innovation and academic excellence. As the School of Science and Engineering continues to support and empower its students and researchers, there's no doubt that the future holds even more remarkable accomplishments on the horizon.

Jessica Packard: Bayer School Excellence in Graduate Research Award

At the Duquesne University Graduate Research Symposium in March, Jessica Packard was the recipient of the prestigious 2023 Bayer School Excellence in Graduate Research award. Jessica's research, investigated the intricacies of HSV-1 replication, was conducted under the guidance of Dr. Jill Dembowski, demonstrating the university's commitment to fostering cutting-edge research.

Cassandra Ziegler: Phipps Botany in Action Fellowship Recipient

Ph.D. student Cassandra Ziegler, working in Dr. Brady Porter's lab has received a $5,000 Phipps Botany in Action Fellowship. This significant grant will support her botanical research endeavors, underscoring the university's dedication to advancing the frontiers of scientific exploration.

Victoria Hrach and Kyle Emerson: Graduate Student Award for Excellence in Teaching Recipients

Recognizing their exceptional teaching abilities, Biological Sciences Ph.D. students Victoria Hrach and Kyle Emerson have both been honored with the university-wide Graduate Student Award for Excellence in Teaching. These accolades, bestowed by the Provost's Office, acknowledge their commitment to delivering quality education and nurturing future academic leaders.

Barathi Balasubramonian: Research on Curcumin Published in 'Steroids' Journal

Barathi Balasubramonian is a Biological Sciences Ph.D. student whose research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of curcumin in inflammation and cancer prevention- and recently found its way into the prestigious research journal "Steroids," published by Elsevier. Guided by the mentorship of her supervisor and co-author, Dr. Kyle Selcer, Barathi's work promises to reshape our understanding of curcumin's potential in health and medicine.

Zehra Mehdi: Best Oral Presentation Award Winner

Undergraduate student Zehra Mehdi won the prestigious Best Oral Presentation award at the Tri Beta (Biology Honors Society) regional conference. Her groundbreaking research focused on the quest for novel antimicrobials derived from salamanders. Zehra conducted her research under the mentorship of Dr. Sarah Woodley, showcasing the university's commitment to nurturing young talent.

Maya Williams: Research on Herpes Simplex Virus Inhibition Published in ‘PLOS Pathogens’ Medical Journal

Biological Sciences Alumna, Maya Williams’ undergraduate research work has contributed to a publication in a leading, peer-reviewed medical journal; PLOS Pathogens. The article, published in July is entitled “Proliferating cell nuclear antigen inhibitors block distinct stages of herpes simplex virus infection”, and demonstrates how a naturally-occurring cell protein can inhibit herpes simplex virus infection. Williams co-authored the paper with Duquesne graduate student; Jessica Packard and her faculty advisor; Dr. Jill Dembowski.