Biology Department

As the Spring 2024 semester closes, we would like to celebrate the brilliant minds who light up our paths with knowledge and inspiration! 📚 Here are some of the professors our social media interns would like to make sure to shoutout, but thank you to all our Georgia State educators for all they teach us

Comment with a professor you appreciate and needs a shoutout!

1. Dr. Paul Ulrich, Principal lecturer
2. Dr. Hongmei Zhang, Senior Lecturer
3. Dr. Jessica Joyner, Senior Lecturer
4. Dr. Joan Mutanyatta-Comar, Principal Senior Lecturer
5. Dr. Chandan Robbins, Senior Academic Professional
6. Dr. Jeremiah Harden, Principal Senior Lecturer
7. Dr. Rachel Santymire. Academic Professional

We love strong women in STEM! Dr. Zehava Eichenbaum started at Georgia State as an assistant professor in 1998 and she is now the associate chair of the biology department. 👩‍🔬

Prior, had received her BS in Biology from Tel-Aviv University, and her M.S. & Ph.D from the Weizmann Institute of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, working on spontaneous and induced mutagenesis in E. coli. After her first postdoctoral fellowship at the Weizmann Institute of Science with Dr. David Mirelman, Dr Eichenbaum complete another fellowship program at Emory University with Dr. June Scott investigating the role of iron metabolism in the physiology and pathogenesis of Group A Streptococcus (GAS).

Dr. Eichenbaum specializes in Molecular Microbiology, Bacterial Genetics & Physiology, and Host pathogen interactions, and has been published in PubMed multiple times for research involving hemoglobin & pneumococcal physiology and group A Streptococcus (GAS). She was also featured on HOUSE CALL WITH DR. SANJAY GUPTA in February 2009 discussing the potential health risks associated with bacterial contamination from household objects and the importance of maintaining good hygiene practices.

Dr. Eichenbaum is celebrating 25 years with Georgia State University, and we thank her for her scientific contributions and dedication to our community! 🎊

https://t.gsu.edu/3U0I3m3
https://t.gsu.edu/3JiRJDt

Happy Global Recycling Day Panthers ♻️ First celebrated March 18, 2018 after establishment by the Global Recycling foundation, today is meant to demonstrate to world leaders the importance of recycling as a global concern, and to encourage individuals worldwide to view items as valuable resources rather than mere waste. At Georgia State University, multiple sustainability efforts are underway on campus including centralized waste stations, reverse vending machines, ink cartridge recycling, paper shredding and more! You can learn more on our website, https://t.gsu.edu/4cipCl3 and make sure to show off your green thumb today 🌎

Did you know Panthers?!, it’s time to get a 'pizza' the action because today is ! 🎊Celebrating the small things brings us together – and what better way than with a slice of cheesy goodness?

Grab your study buddies, hit up your go-to Atlanta pizza joint, or make your own masterpiece in the dorm kitchen. 🍴🏠
Do you have a favorite pizza place, near campus?

Happy National Pizza Day, Keep it cheesy Panthers! 🐾💙

Embrace finals week as your chance to shine. 😎 The late nights and study sessions are your stepping stones to success. Stay focused, stay determined, & show those exams what you’re made of. 😎 You’ve got this!

Amidst the stress of finals, find strength in your preparation. Every exam is a chance to showcase your expertise. Stay confident, stay persistent, and turn each challenge into a triumph. Finals week is your spotlight – shine brightly!

Remember that each study session is a step closer to your dreams. Stay resilient, stay driven, and turn the pressure into motivation. You’re prepared for this moment – go out and conquer those finals!

Finals week isn’t just a test of knowledge; it’s a testament to your dedication. Every exam is an opportunity to prove your capabilities. Keep pushing, keep believing, and watch your effort turn into achievement!

The intensity is rising as we prepare for the semester’s final stretch! 📚 With finals starting NEXT WEEK, we channel our inner scholars. Late nights, early mornings, and the aroma of fresh coffee fuel our journey. We share determination and a common goal: conquering finals with unwavering confidence. Let’s embrace the challenge and support one another; success is on the horizon! 💪 💼📗

Grateful spirits, balanced minds 🦃! Amidst our student journeys, we pause to celebrate the season of thankfulness with friends, food, and fun. Let’s reflect on all that enriches our path. What fills your heart with gratitude this Thanksgiving? Share your thoughts in the comments! 🍁

As the semester comes to a close, we’d like to introduce our last Pre-Med/Health organization, a part of our Monday series. PMCP is a pilot program for pre-med students, offering mentorship by current medical students, physician shadowing in metro Atlanta, and career-boosting workshops. Their mission? Empower premeds for success in graduate medical education. Be sure to check out their virtual event this Wednesday and stay tuned for upcoming suturing workshops, among other activities! 🔬👩‍⚕️👨‍⚕️
For more information:
Pin page: https://t.gsu.edu/46dq3Jf
IG:

Introducing our newest addition to our Pre-Med/Pre-Health organization spotlight, M.A.P.S. If you are looking for a supportive community that uplifts minorities and helps you navigate to a career in the field, then M.A.P.S. is for you. This also includes pre-dental students! They host events from volunteer opportunities to networking socials which include their upcoming events such as a vision board social and melanoma walk! To learn more visit their pin page: https://t.gsu.edu/3Suf8HP and IG:
They look forward to meeting you!

The next few Mondays we will share about some GSU medical school or post bacc. programs to provide opportunities to network outside of the classroom! Today, meet MSMD, a pre-med org. dedicated to providing opportunities for volunteering and community outreach (one of the attributes that stand out to medical schools most). Some programs they work with include: American Heart Association, Open Hand Atlanta, and Atlanta Children’s Shelter. In addition to their impressive charitable background, they also offer development opportunities such as professional workshops. For more information check out their PIN page (https://t.gsu.edu/49exT83), Linktree (https://t.gsu.edu/49fHf3g), and IG handle, . They also have two events coming up within the month!

Take advantage of the vast opportunities offered at GSU by engaging in research projects and collaborating with fellow faculty members. By building a strong network and gaining foundational research experience, you can amplify your résumé’s competitiveness.

Ghazal: I started asking my own professors about the research that they were doing and if they had any space that I could join their team! All you need to do is email your professor and ASK! by using the link below or searching GSU CURE lab you can fill out the interest form and start getting involved with the lab that interests you the most!

https://t.gsu.edu/3PK5YTy
(Link also in bio)

image description: student looking through microscope in the lab

🌸Spring into Action, Students! 🌸 Don’t leaf your Spring registration until the last minute! 🍃 Just a friendly reminder, the scheduling of registration is live on October 9th and registration is available on October 23rd. If you need assistance, reach out to your advisors – they are here to help! 📚

Research experience will enhance your overall desirability for most graduate/professional programs. Make effective use of your network and contact GSU faculty members in time to inquiry about research opportunities, projects, and collaborative efforts. Don’t wait until your last year! Ask your professor early, certainly by the end of your third year!
If you are not sure if you can get into a research project for a professor, ask a professor for a class that you are currently enrolled in!
image description: 2 students working in the lab

Internships, shadowing, or research experience in your desired field remain critical for admission into most professional or graduate programs. On-campus resources and networking, can conveniently enhance your resume.
One way to get started, search *GSU Biology research faculty* (on the dept website), you will find a list of professors and their research topic. Email them requesting a meeting to discuss when they’ll accept new students on their team. Don’t forget to read what their research is about and have ideas of how you can contribute to the lab work.
Another way to build your resume, is to search the *Panther Involvement Network* for student organizations related to your career interests.

Georgia State Day starts TODAY! We are proud of the growth of our department this year in new faculty and student success! Please consider supporting the department by sharing this to your account and adding how you are a proud panther current student, alumni, staff or faculty! You can also give to our endowments to support students through achievement awards.

https://t.gsu.edu/3PyVDKZ

As time goes by, tragedy becomes a memory and it’s hard to remember the time before or the unity during the tragedy. How can you help build up our GSU community by serving each other in memory of those lost in tragedies?

(Image description: Greyscale image of USA Flag w/ the NY skyline of the twin towers overlaid. Then an outline of Atlanta skyline across the middle)

If you’re a science major w/ big dreams 📚🔬, this is your ticket to a remarkable journey. 🌟 Connect, learn, & grow w/ AMSA, MAPS, and the Pre-Medical Mentorship & Clinical Program, among others. 🤝🌐 Unveil new horizons, enhance your resume, & expand your network within your field of interest. Don’t miss out on the chance to make your mark! ⭐️ Check out PIN (https://t.gsu.edu/3JtB9jO) for more info on these incredible organizations. Hurry, the clock is ticking for the Pre-Medical Mentorship & Clinical Program application - due TODAY! ⏳📆

- Panther Involvement Network (PIN) Discover unique opportunities at Panther Involvement Network (PIN)! Find and attend events, browse and join organizations, and showcase your involvement.

New Biology Interns: My name is Jordyn Fletcher. I'm in my 4th yr of a Pre-Med conc. Time has flown as I plan my next steps in my academic career: attending a PA program to specialize in Pediatrics. If you see me arnd campus, please say 'hi' as I enjoy getting to know you all!

New Biology Interns: My name is Ghazal Koushyar, and I'll be going to dental school. Meanwhile, I'm studying to become a national certified pharmacy tech. To take my mind off school, I go on walks with friends & love going to the gym. Otherwise, if I have extra time, I read books (eg It Ends With Us).

It's the first day of class & I bet you're already feeling so *educated* 😎✨ Be bold and introduce yourself to your professors! It pays off in Rec Letters later on!

Pouncing on the training for our Graduate Teaching Assistants. These incoming students, mostly in our Master's Program, are eager to engage with the undergraduates in our teaching labs.

It is a beautiful day on campus! We look forward to welcoming you back for the start of the academic year. Let us know, comment or share, what you're looking forward to most this semester!

GSU Student Spotlight: Morgan McCraw is graduating Spring 2023 with a BS in Biology. Morgan grew up around agriculture, loving to constantly learn and observe the organisms growing. This interest peaked her interest in science and attending GSU. Morgan is the first college graduate in her family with scholarships supporting her academic journey. Her curiosity was exercised during course-work including Course-Based Research Experiences (CURE) with Dr. Ulrich. Morgan’s research actually started with an accident, which grew into her project about the impacts of ethanol concentrations on a parasite, Crithidia fasciculata. This project progressed into a publication and attending a conference at Clemson University as the only undergraduate presenter. Currently, Morgan is applying to graduate programs for Cardiovascular Perfusion Science and working as a lab assistant for her undergraduate CURE Lab and Microbiology. Attending GSU has offered Morgan “unique opportunities for independent research as an undergraduate through the CURE Labs under Dr. Ulrich.” Congratulations Morgan, we hope to see more great things from you!

Can fermented food or food-derived prebiotics be associated with mental health during a cognitive performance? Learn which diet is more effective in reducing stress levels here. Evidence-based exam prep. Start today! Karbownik, M. S., & Mokros, E. (2022). Association between the consumption of Fermented food and dietary prebiotics with cognitive performance.
https://t.gsu.edu/41gmwIk

Can the Attention Training Technique reduce test anxiety among the music-listening control group? Find out which technique is more effective in lowering anxiety and stress levels. Evidence base exam prep. Start today!
Thomas A. Fergus, Zeidner, M., & Wells, A., Embse, (2018). Reducing test anxiety in school settings: delivery of attention training technique among adolescent students. https://t.gsu.edu/3A7m3fR

Stressed? GSU Recreation Center offers free fitness classes, nutrition services and offers trips off campus, including horseback riding! Students can also rent outdoor equipment. There are many services provided. Call 404-413-1750 for more information. GO get your workout on! https://t.gsu.edu/3GNzW6v

You may have heard chewing mint gum keeps you more alert when studying and test-taking, but now any flavor will do! It’s the motion of chewing that is said to affect our alertness. Evidence base exam prep. Start today! Allen, A. P., & Smith, A. P. (2015). Chewing gum: cognitive performance, mood, well-being, and associated physiology. https://t.gsu.edu/43DuMUt