The Synapse

The June issue of the Synapse brings news of the launch of a new academic department, the start of new degree programs, new faculty promotions, and the Hauber 2023 program that runs between June and August.

“Everything good, everything magical, happens between the months of June and August.”

- Jenny Han

Share your news, photos, inspiring stories, and upcoming events for a future issue. Please send any feature suggestions to Hizbullah Baryal at hbaryal@loyola.edu

Growth of the forensic studies programs at Loyola University Maryland will reach a new milestone beginning July 1, 2023. The new Department of Forensic Science will launch, serving as the home for the Forensic Studies BA degree and graduate programs in Forensic Pattern Analysis (MS) and Biological Forensics (MS). Along with department status, the forensic programs will be moving from their current location on the second floor of Donnelly Science to newly renovated space in Newman West Towers. Forensic Science will be the new neighbors to DSS on the second floor of Newman West and located just above Iggy’s. The department will include two instructional laboratories, faculty offices, and two research laboratories. Please contact Dr. David Rivers, Chair, with any questions.

The Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) has given us the approval to launch Loyola’s Bachelor of Science in Biohealth and Master of Science in Biological Forensics. Faculty leaders who designed and helped launch the Biohealth (BS) degree program were Professor Michael Tangrea and Christopher Thompson, while the creation of the graduate Biological Forensics (MS) degree program became possible under the leadership of Professor David Rivers. Both these new degree programs will be in effect starting the 2023-24 academic year.

Congratulations to Dr. Bu Hyoung Lee for being promoted to the rank of Associate Professor of Mathematics and Statistics with tenure. Professor Bu Hyoung Lee joined Loyola in 2016 after he received his Ph.D. & M.S. in Statistics at Temple University, Fox School of Business. He also has an M.A. in Communication (Journalism and Media Studies) and a B.S. in Earth Science Education from Seoul National University in South Korea. His diverse academic background has helped to enrich the quality of his teaching, research, and service at Loyola. Dr. Lee has taught a wide range of statistics and data science, from intro statistics to graduate-level capstone projects, including natural science/social science/economics data. He is currently the academic advisor for the statistics-actuarial science majors. His primary research interests include statistical methods in time series analysis and applications in environmental science and economics. He loves teaching and working with the Loyola community.

Congratulations to Dr. Courtney Hastings for being promoted to the rank of Associate Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry with tenure. Dr. Courtney Hastings joined Loyola’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry in 2014. A bioorganic chemist by training, Dr. Hastings currently teaches courses in Organic Chemistry, General Chemistry, and Medicinal Chemistry. He majored in chemistry and music at The College of William and Mary and earned a Ph.D. in organic chemistry at UC Berkeley. Before starting his independent career at Loyola, Dr. Hastings was a postdoctoral fellow at Johns Hopkins University. His research is focused on designing environmentally friendly reactions for building useful organic molecules, especially reactions that involve both biological catalysts (enzymes) and synthetic catalysts. He enjoys so much about the Loyola community, especially working with students in his research lab and convincing non-majors that organic chemistry is an interesting and not so scary subject to study! Outside of work, Dr. Hastings enjoys traveling, playing music, biking, and spending time with his wife and two daughters.

Loyola celebrated two NAS faculty members at the recent Bene Merenti Reception. Dr. Bernadette Roche and Dr. Brian Barr were recognized at the event for their 25 years of service. Congratulations Bernadette and Brian!

The Choudhury Sarkar-Dey Medal is presented to an outstanding senior student graduating with a degree in the Natural or Applied Sciences for academic excellence and outstanding efforts in supporting diversity and community service. This medal was established in 2019 by the Sarkar-Dey family in honor of Dr. Dipa Sarkar-Dey, professor emerita of mathematics, as the first division medal at Loyola University Maryland. This year for the first time two graduating seniors received the medal. The selection was based on the student resume and an essay addressing reflecting on their Loyola experience, with an emphasis on their efforts related to diversity and community service as specified in the following selection criteria: (a) Co-curricular activities, including research, (b) On-campus service/engagement, (c) Off-campus service/engagement, and (d) Engaged in diversity-related activities. The first two essays were published last month, and the remaining two essays will be published in the July and August issues of the Synapse.

Ashley Dwyer selected as the Choudhury Sarkar-Dey medal finalist for 2023. However, we already published the essays of our recipients in our last month newsletter and this series will continue to publish the essays of the remaining medal finalist in the future.

Click here to read more about Ashley Dwyer essay for this month.

The Loyola Biology Department welcomed 20 undergraduate research summer interns from across the country for a one-week training course in Laboratory Practices and Techniques (LPT). This program is part of the Nathan Schnaper Summer Internship Program (NSIP) in Translational Cancer Research through the University of Maryland Greenbaum Cancer Center. NSIP interns come from college campuses across the United States to participate in the 11-week NSIP program. The program, open to students interested in careers in cancer research, provides a summer-long research internship as well as exposure to clinical and translational cancer experiences. Interns begin their summer experience by attending the LPT course held on the Loyola campus to learn commonly used biomedical laboratory techniques. This training allows NSIP research interns to begin their research projects in individual laboratories at the University of Maryland with a foundation of basic skills as well as confidence in the lab. Importantly, the LPT course at Loyola also provides an opportunity for NSIP interns to build a community and connect with their peers before beginning their research work in separate laboratories for the summer.

The NSIP internship program typically admits one to three Loyola students each year. This year three Loyola students will be participating: Kristine Jones, Lea Petratos, and Bryan Schattle. Five faculty members from the Biology Department contributed to the instruction of the LPT program modules. They are Dr. Lisa Scheifele (instructor), Dr. Christopher Thompson (instructor), Dr. Armina Kazi (instructor), Dr. Derek Kendig, and Dr. Theresa Geiman (course director and instructor). The LPT course is funded as a sub-award of an NIH R25 Cancer Training Grant through the National Cancer Institute. Loyola has been conducting the LPT course for the NSIP program as a sub-awardee of this NIH grant since 2015. Loyola students interested in applying to the NSIP program can find out more about the program and LPT course by contacting Dr. Geiman (tmgeiman@loyola.edu) or visiting the NSIP program website (https://www.umms.org/umgccc/healthcare-professionals/crcera/undergraduate/translational-cancer-research-intern-program ). Applications are generally due in early to mid-February each year.

The Biology Department held the annual Farewellomony event to recognize all the graduating seniors within the biology majors. The informal celebration allowed students and their families to come together for a brief ceremony followed by a light breakfast. Students were awarded certificates and given the opportunity to thank those that contributed to their successful journey to graduation - including friends, family, faculty, and pets (lots of pets!). Congratulations to all the Class of 2023 graduates!

The 2023 cohort of Hauber Summer Fellows comprises a diverse group of exceptional individuals who have displayed unwavering passion, curiosity, and a commitment to making a positive impact in their respective fields. Hauber research projects reflect the breadth and depth of intellectual exploration that this program champions.

We firmly believe that this fellowship is not just a stepping stone, but a transformative experience that will shape the future trajectories of these young scholars. It is an opportunity for them to immerse themselves in their chosen areas of study, engage in interdisciplinary dialogue, and forge lifelong connections with their peers and mentors. The Kick-off session of the 2023 Hauber summer research was on June 7, with a group picture after the kick-off lunch as seen below.

The second week of the 2023 Hauber Summer Research was a panel discussion involving four Hauber alum; Hannah LaMond, Collin Habig, Meghan Reynolds, and Kylee Sullivan.

This session aimed to provide a valuable opportunity for current Fellows to engage with and learn from the experiences of distinguished Hauber Alumni who have excelled in their respective fields. During the panel discussion which took place virtually on June 14, 2023, a diverse group of Hauber Alumni, accomplished professionals from various industries, shared their journeys, insights, and expertise. They discussed various topics such as leadership, career development, industry trends, and the challenges they have encountered along the way. The panelists offered valuable advice and strategies for success, enabling the Fellows to gain a broader perspective on their career paths.

The Hauber Alumni Panel Discussion Session is designed to foster connections and facilitate networking opportunities for the 2023 Fellows. The interactive format encouraged active participation and allowed Fellows to pose questions, seek advice, and engage in meaningful discussions with the panelists and their peers.

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