Faculty Highlights

Welcome to Assistant Professor Adelita Mendoza, Ph.D.

Jessica Helzer — Fri, 03 Jan 2025 00:53:42 +0000

Welcome to Assistant Professor Adelita Mendoza, Ph.D. Jessica Helzer Thu, 01/02/2025 - 17:53

Assistant Professor Adelita Mendoza, Ph.D.

The CU ��«��Ƶ Department of Biochemistry is welcoming Assistant Professor Adelita Mendoza, Ph.D. on January 6, 2025. Adelita is joining us following her role as a Postdoc Research Associate in Dr. Kerry Kornfeld’s Lab and the Abhinav Diwan Lab at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. As a former student of the University of Colorado at ��«��Ƶ, she is excited to return to CU and has provided insight into the planned research in the Mendoza Lab and why this return is appropriate now!

What are you most looking forward to as you head back to CU ��«��Ƶ as an assistant professor?

Coming back to CU ��«��Ƶ as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry is amazing because I will start my lab in a wonderful department with outstanding colleagues. I am excited to experience all of the “firsts” of the Mendoza lab, and to build my research group with talented and creative people. I am ready to integrate my lab into the CU community and start making groundbreaking discoveries!

Give us thoughts on your post-doctoral experience at Washington University in St. Louis and how this will support your work at CU ��«��Ƶ.

My research experience at Washington University has been challenging and rewarding! During my time as a post-doc in the Kornfeld and Diwan labs we discovered that lysosomes contain a compartment that responds to zinc perturbations in the model organism C. elegans. We think this compartment functions to allow lysosomes to perform their traditional functions while also conducting zinc metabolic activities. This sheds new light on what lysosomes can do- we already knew they were multi-functional, but now we can add zinc metabolic function. Furthermore, the response to zinc dyshomeostasis requires an interesting morphological change of the organelle, where lysosomes can contain a contracted or an expanded expansion compartment to support zinc storage. This finding also allows us to consider lysosomes as shape-shifting organelles and the shape change is necessary to respond to zinc dyshomeostasis.

My lysosome studies will be the bedrock for the start of the Mendoza lab and will allow us to ask questions about how this expansion compartment forms and how it is able to manage zinc trafficking. Being a member of the Department of Biochemistry will allow me to ask new exciting questions through availability of new resources and collaborations!

Please provide any details of your experience as a CU ��«��Ƶ alumna that enhances your new role - or simply provides additional details of why ��«��Ƶ is important in your career.

My return to CU presents a unique opportunity because I have experienced the university as a student and will (soon!) as a faculty member. I think that my history positions me to integrate into the culture of CU ��«��Ƶ more effectively and this will allow me start strong. I am looking forward to serving students and helping them achieve their own goals. When I was a student, I had a community of mentors supporting me. That model always stuck with me throughout my training, and I will implement it in my job. There were many programs that helped me along when I was an undergraduate that I look forward to giving back to including the MASP, HHMI, and McNair Scholars Programs. I would love to recruit these hard-working students from these programs to work in my lab!

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Welcome to Teaching Assistant Professor Dr. Novella Keeling Ph.D.

Jessica Helzer — Thu, 02 Jan 2025 15:00:00 +0000

Welcome to Teaching Assistant Professor Dr. Novella Keeling Ph.D. Jessica Helzer Thu, 01/02/2025 - 08:00

Teaching Assistant Professor Dr. Novella Keeling Ph.D.

What are you most looking forward to as you transition to Biochemistry as a teaching assistant professor?

I'm excited to teach organic chemistry and to engage with content that closely aligns with my background and expertise. Organic chemistry has always been a passion of mine, and I look forward to creating dynamic, supportive learning environments that help students build confidence and mastery in this challenging subject. This transition allows me to focus on areas where I can make the greatest impact, drawing on my experience to highlight the connections between organic chemistry, biochemistry, and their applications in health and research.

You have a passion for teaching and this position seems like a great fit in your career - tell us more!

My passion lies in creating inclusive and empowering learning environments where students feel supported and confident in their abilities. This role directly supports that mission by providing a platform to shape foundational courses and, hopefully, foster a love for chemistry and scientific inquiry. There is a shared joy when a difficult topic suddenly clicks for a learner – it’s a transformative moment that can change the course of their academic journey.

When I was in college, I didn’t initially believe I could succeed in my chemistry courses. However, through the mentorship and encouragement of a small group of professors, I not only mastered the content but was inspired to change my major and pursue more chemistry courses. That experience shaped my understanding of how vital mentorship and a supportive environment are for student success.

I believe every student deserves that same level of guidance and encouragement, and this position will allow me to provide those opportunities. I value the mentorship and engagement aspects of teaching, and this role will enable me to expand those efforts while contributing meaningfully to the Biochemistry and Chemistry communities. By fostering confidence and curiosity in my students, I hope to inspire the next generation of scientists and problem-solvers.

You initially transitioned to CU ��«��Ƶ as a Teaching Assistant Professor in Biomedical Engineering - how will that experience dovetail with your role as Teaching Assistant Professor in Biochemistry?

My transition to CU ��«��Ƶ has been eye-opening, especially in working with biomedical engineering students who are deeply driven by application and innovation. This forward-thinking mindset often leads them to view foundational topics, like chemistry, as less immediately relevant to their goals. One of the most rewarding aspects of my role has been bridging that gap—demonstrating how a solid understanding of chemistry is integral to driving biomedical advancements and innovation.

As I transition to the Biochemistry department, I am eager to build on this experience by showing students how core chemical concepts are applied across a variety of scientific disciplines. Chemistry provides the foundation for understanding processes at both the molecular and systemic levels, and I look forward to helping students see how these principles directly inform real-world breakthroughs. By fostering curiosity and emphasizing the interconnectedness of scientific fields, I hope to inspire students to approach their studies with confidence, recognizing foundational topics as essential tools for innovation in their respective fields.

Why is ��«��Ƶ important in your career?

��«��Ƶ is more than just a beautiful place to teach – the city provides a community that values innovation, collaboration, and inclusive excellence. CU ��«��Ƶ’s emphasis on fostering supportive and diverse learning environments aligns closely with my teaching philosophy. I am drawn to ��«��Ƶ because of its strong STEM focus and the opportunity to contribute to a department that prioritizes student growth and academic rigor. Being part of this environment not only supports my personal growth as an educator but also allows me to contribute to a larger mission of inspiring students and helping them succeed in scientific and health-focused fields.

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CU ��«��Ƶ Biochemistry Professor Xuedong Liu Recognized as an elite member of the 2024 Class of Fellows by the National Academy of Investors (NAI)

Jessica Helzer — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 18:03:46 +0000

CU ��«��Ƶ Biochemistry Professor Xuedong Liu Recognized as an elite member of the 2024 Class of Fellows by the National Academy of Investors (NAI) Jessica Helzer Mon, 12/16/2024 - 11:03

CU ��«��Ƶ Biochemistry Professor, Xuedong Liu, was announced as a member of the 2024 Class of Fellows by the National Academy of Inventors (NAI) on December 10th, among an elite elected group of 170 exceptional inventors. NAI Fellowship is the highest professional distinction awarded solely to inventors. The full list of 2024 Fellows can be found here.

The 2024 cohort of Fellows exemplifies the Academy’s belief that groundbreaking innovation knows no bounds and inventors can be found everywhere. This is evident in the fact that the honorees represent 39 U.S. states, 12 countries, and 43% identify as underrepresented inventors.

The 2024 Class of Fellows will be honored and presented their medals by a senior official of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) at the NAI 14th Annual Meeting on June 26th, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.

CU ��«��Ƶ Biochemistry Professor, Xuedong Liu, was announced as part of the 2024 Class of Fellows by the National Academy of Inventors (NAI) on December 10th, where NAI announced the election of 170 exceptional inventors into the 2024 Class of Fellows. NAI Fellowship is the highest professional distinction awarded solely to inventors.

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Mourning the loss of Jeffrey Cameron

Anonymous — Thu, 07 Nov 2024 22:00:40 +0000

Mourning the loss of Jeffrey Cameron Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 11/07/2024 - 15:00

Jeffrey Cameron, Associate Professor in the Biochemistry Department and Fellow in the Renewable and Sustainable Energy Institute (RASEI) at CU-��«��Ƶ died on September 25 in ��«��Ƶ County, Colorado. A memorial for Jeff was held on Friday, October 11 at Rundus Funeral Home in Broomfield, CO.

The Biochemistry Department wishes to recognize the person and life that Jeff embodied, his valuable contributions to our Department, as well as his enthusiasm, kindness, friendship, and collegiality.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to collect donations in support of Jeff’s four children and wife at this difficult time. Please consider donating and/or sharing this link: Fundraiser for Jennifer Cameron by Merritt Turetsky: Help Support a More Stable Future for Jeff Cameron's Family (gofundme.com)

Please also see the article in the Daily Camera: 'We lost a star': Colleagues, family mourn CU ��«��Ƶ professor

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Dr. Tom Cech Inducted into the 2024 ��«��Ƶ County Business Hall of Fame

Anonymous — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 17:02:50 +0000

Dr. Tom Cech Inducted into the 2024 ��«��Ƶ County Business Hall of Fame Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 08/19/2024 - 11:02

Dr. Tom Cech Inducted into the 2024 ��«��Ƶ County Business Hall of Fame

Encouraging and Recognizing Business Excellence: The ��«��Ƶ County Business Hall of Fame is a private, nonprofit 501C3 dedicated to the encouragement of business excellence in ��«��Ƶ County by recognizing and inducting ��«��Ƶ County business leaders into the prestigious Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame operates under the administration of a volunteer board of directors comprised of ��«��Ƶ County business leaders. The board provides operational and fiduciary oversight as well as serving as the selection panel for the Hall of Fame honorees.

Each year since its founding in 1992, the Hall of Fame board of directors has chosen and installed a select number of business leaders from a diverse field of candidates nominated by their peers, family members and associates. Candidates are evaluated against a set of criteria set forth in the Hall of Fame bylaws.

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Dr. Sabrina Spencer Shares Cancer Research Expertise with the Office of Science and Technology Policy White House Cabinet Director Dr. Arati Prabhakar

Anonymous — Thu, 25 Jul 2024 01:22:11 +0000

Dr. Sabrina Spencer Shares Cancer Research Expertise with the Office of Science and Technology Policy White House Cabinet Director Dr. Arati Prabhakar Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 07/24/2024 - 19:22

White House Science Official Comes to CU Anschutz for Cancer Briefing, Moonshot Updates

Arati Prabhakar, PhD, and a panel of elected officials and CU leaders shared information on the fight against cancer.

Dr. Sabrina Spencer, a CU ��«��Ƶ Biochemistry Professor and CU Cancer Center member, recently presented her lab's cancer research to White House Cabinet member and Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, Arati Prabhakar, PhD. The Biden Cancer Moonshot event took place at CU Anschutz on July 17, 2024. Also in attendance were CU President Todd Saliman, CU Anschutz Chancellor Don Elliman, Lieutenant Governor of Colorado Dianne Primavera, Congresswoman Diana DeGette, Cancer Center Deputy Director James DeGregori, and several other Anschutz faculty and staff. Dr. Spencer described her work using fluorescent sensors and time-lapse imaging to film and track cancer cells over many days. As an example of the discoveries her CU ��«��Ƶ lab has made, she described the identification of rare cancer cells that can rewire in just 3 days to escape from cancer drugs meant to block proliferation. “We detect these rogue cells across multiple cancer types and multiple drugs, and think they are a general seed population for resistance mutations months to years later. We are therefore working to limit this cancer cell plasticity in the hopes of reducing cancer relapse in patients."

More Details Here

Photo (left - right): Sabrina Spencer, PhD, Professor, CU ��«��Ƶ Andi Dwyer, Director, Colorado Cancer Screening Center Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, Arati Prabhakar Sarah Reynolds, Nurse Navigator in GI Oncology, UCHealth.

Photos Courtesy: University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

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Chroma awards Prof. Sabrina Spencer, PhD the Anne Heidenthal Prize for Fluorescence Research

Anonymous — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 16:36:31 +0000

Chroma awards Prof. Sabrina Spencer, PhD the Anne Heidenthal Prize for Fluorescence Research Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 07/18/2024 - 10:36

From the Chroma Technology Website:

This year, Chroma Technology is happy to present the Anne Heidenthal Prize for Fluorescence Research award to Prof. Sabrina Spencer from the ��«��Ƶ. This annual international prize is awarded to a young scientist who has performed extraordinary research in the field of fluorescence imaging. Dr. Spencer was selected by the committee for her work on the regulation of cell-cycle progression and cell-cycle withdrawal, enabled by single-cell, time-lapse imaging and computational tracking of novel live-cell sensors, in particular her sensor for CDK2 activity. In her prize lecture, she described her latest discoveries on the mechanisms by which cells rapidly adapt to to the new class of CDK2 inhibitors, allowing completion of the cell-cycle. CDK2 is hyperactive in many cancers, and Dr. Spencer's imaging of the dynamics of CDK2 activity suggests how to best apply these therapeutics, which are now in clinical trials for several types of cancer.

“We trust the committee year after year to select a scientist worthy of supporting, and we couldn’t be happier with this year’s choice,” said Georg Draude, General Manager of the Chroma GmbH German branch and presenter of the Anne Heidentah Prize, “We look forward to following Dr. Spencer’s future work.”

The Anne Heidenthal Prize for Fluorescence Research was established in 2014 to honor the memory of Anne Heidenthal (1968-2010). Anne Heidenthal was an accomplished researcher with a Ph.D. in Cardiovascular research who played a very important role in Chroma’s history. Anne led the opening of Chroma’s first international sales office in Germany in 2006. In preparation, she spent two years in Vermont working at Chroma’s main facility in Bellows Falls to learn the business and become deeply knowledgeable about our products and operations. Her commitment and energy laid the foundation for our future success.

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Here’s what a Nobel Prize-winning scientist wants you to know about the Covid-19 vaccines and the future of RNA

Anonymous — Fri, 07 Jun 2024 03:12:26 +0000

Here’s what a Nobel Prize-winning scientist wants you to know about the Covid-19 vaccines and the future of RNA Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 06/06/2024 - 21:12

Dr. Thomas Cech, Nobel Laureate, in an interview with CNN, provides insight into how RNA has impacted modern medicine and biology and how mRNA, holds promise for future vaccines and other scientific and health-related breakthroughs. For many years, Cech has researched RNA and taught chemistry to undergrads at the University of Colorado, ��«��Ƶ.

“We saw that with the mRNA (messenger RNA) vaccines that it can be a good messenger,” says Cech. “But it can do so much more than just act as a message.”

Cech would know. In 1989, he won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry alongside Sidney Altman for their discovery that RNA “is not only a molecule of heredity, but also can function as a biocatalyst,” or enzyme — basically a kind of spark that can facilitate a chemical reaction.

Now, he’s released a book titled “The Catalyst: RNA and the Quest to Unlock Life’s Deepest Secrets” to share his knowledge — and what it could mean for the future — with everyone.

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Innovative Project Led by CU ��«��Ƶ Biochemistry Professor Jeffrey Cameron Selected for New Frontiers in Bio-Integrated Organic Computing & Low-energy Innovative Carbon-based Manufacturing (BIO-CLIC)

Anonymous — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Innovative Project Led by CU ��«��Ƶ Biochemistry Professor Jeffrey Cameron Selected for New Frontiers in Bio-Integrated Organic Computing & Low-energy Innovative Carbon-based Manufacturing (BIO-CLIC) Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 04/25/2024 - 00:00

The Research & Innovation Office (RIO) and New Frontiers Grant partners—the College of Arts & Sciences, the College of Engineering & Applied Sciences, and the School of Education—announced planning grant winners in the inaugural round of the New Frontiers Grant Program, a novel initiative designed to foster new, interdisciplinary research directions for CU ��«��Ƶ. Jeff Cameron— Professor in Biochemistry and a Fellow in the Renewable and Sustainable Energy Institute (RASEI) is the lead PI on the project selected due to its Extraordinary Commercialization Potential and the project's focus is on: Global challenges in sustainability and computational efficiency demand the development of energy-efficient, unconventional computing approaches that utilize renewable sources and carbon fixation processes, thereby addressing urgent climate change and energy concerns. This project will harness CU ��«��Ƶ's expertise in physics, lasers, optics, materials science, and biology, creating a novel interdisciplinary domain that integrates neuromorphic computing with biophotonics and manufacturing. The collaborative team includes: Physics; Mechanical Engineering; Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering; BioFrontiers; National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).

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RASEI Fellows CU ��«��Ƶ Biochemistry Professor Jeff Cameron and CU ��«��Ƶ Physics Professor Ivan Smalyukh: Potential New Ways to Use Bacterial Systems in Bio-Manufacturing

Anonymous — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 06:00:00 +0000

RASEI Fellows CU ��«��Ƶ Biochemistry Professor Jeff Cameron and CU ��«��Ƶ Physics Professor Ivan Smalyukh: Potential New Ways to Use Bacterial Systems in Bio-Manufacturing Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 03/15/2024 - 00:00

Bacterial Disco Lights: Using light to control the movement and arrangement of cyanobacteria to form liquid crystalline active matter

This collaboration, between a bacterial biochemist and a condensed-matter physicist, uses light to control the movement and arrangement of cyanobacteria, forming two- and three-dimensional nematic liquid crystalline states that could provide significant opportunities to regulate the behavior of the bacterial systems and open up new areas in bio-manufacturing that use carbon dioxide as the feedstock for the production of oxygen, biofuels, or biomaterials. Read more here in Nature or on the RASEI website.

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Faculty Highlights

Welcome to Assistant Professor Adelita Mendoza, Ph.D.

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Welcome to Teaching Assistant Professor Dr. Novella Keeling Ph.D.

What are you most looking forward to as you transition to Biochemistry as a teaching assistant professor?

You have a passion for teaching and this position seems like a great fit in your career - tell us more!

You initially transitioned to CU ��«����Ƶ as a Teaching Assistant Professor in Biomedical Engineering - how will that experience dovetail with your role as Teaching Assistant Professor in Biochemistry?

Why is ��«����Ƶ important in your career?

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CU ��«����Ƶ Biochemistry Professor Xuedong Liu Recognized as an elite member of the 2024 Class of Fellows by the National Academy of Investors (NAI)

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Mourning the loss of Jeffrey Cameron

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Dr. Tom Cech Inducted into the 2024 ��«����Ƶ County Business Hall of Fame

Dr. Tom Cech Inducted into the 2024 ��«����Ƶ County Business Hall of Fame

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Dr. Sabrina Spencer Shares Cancer Research Expertise with the Office of Science and Technology Policy White House Cabinet Director Dr. Arati Prabhakar

White House Science Official Comes to CU Anschutz for Cancer Briefing, Moonshot Updates

Arati Prabhakar, PhD, and a panel of elected officials and CU leaders shared information on the fight against cancer.

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Chroma awards Prof. Sabrina Spencer, PhD the Anne Heidenthal Prize for Fluorescence Research

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Here’s what a Nobel Prize-winning scientist wants you to know about the Covid-19 vaccines and the future of RNA

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Innovative Project Led by CU ��«����Ƶ Biochemistry Professor Jeffrey Cameron Selected for New Frontiers in Bio-Integrated Organic Computing & Low-energy Innovative Carbon-based Manufacturing (BIO-CLIC)

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RASEI Fellows CU ��«����Ƶ Biochemistry Professor Jeff Cameron and CU ��«����Ƶ Physics Professor Ivan Smalyukh: Potential New Ways to Use Bacterial Systems in Bio-Manufacturing

Bacterial Disco Lights: Using light to control the movement and arrangement of cyanobacteria to form liquid crystalline active matter

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You initially transitioned to CU ��«��Ƶ as a Teaching Assistant Professor in Biomedical Engineering - how will that experience dovetail with your role as Teaching Assistant Professor in Biochemistry?

Why is ��«��Ƶ important in your career?

CU ��«��Ƶ Biochemistry Professor Xuedong Liu Recognized as an elite member of the 2024 Class of Fellows by the National Academy of Investors (NAI)

Dr. Tom Cech Inducted into the 2024 ��«��Ƶ County Business Hall of Fame

Dr. Tom Cech Inducted into the 2024 ��«��Ƶ County Business Hall of Fame

Innovative Project Led by CU ��«��Ƶ Biochemistry Professor Jeffrey Cameron Selected for New Frontiers in Bio-Integrated Organic Computing & Low-energy Innovative Carbon-based Manufacturing (BIO-CLIC)

RASEI Fellows CU ��«��Ƶ Biochemistry Professor Jeff Cameron and CU ��«��Ƶ Physics Professor Ivan Smalyukh: Potential New Ways to Use Bacterial Systems in Bio-Manufacturing