The National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology (NSCEB) and Senator Tammy Baldwin visited UW–Madison last Friday, Oct. 23 to explore the state’s biotechnology industry and talk about how researchers at the university can help improve the country’s economic strength and security. They joined Timothy Donohue, professor of bacteriology and Director of the Wisconsin Energy Institute and Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, for a panel discussion and heard about students’ work at a poster session.

The CALS undergraduates and graduate students who presented posters were:

• Jake Chung, biochemistry undergraduate (mentor: Robert Kirchdoerfer)
• Elliott Weix, biochemistry undergraduate (mentor: Scott Coyle)
• Ander Zheng, microbiology undergraduate (mentor: Mark Mandel)
• Valentina Infante, bacteriology graduate student (mentor: Jean-Michel Ane)
• Jonah O’Mara Schwartz, Integrated Program in Biochemistry graduate student
• Zoe Semersky, Integrated Program in Biochemistry graduate student

“We are continually inspired by the dedication of our faculty mentors and the enthusiasm of our student researchers,” says Jeri Barak, CALS associate dean for academic affairs and professor plant pathology. “When the opportunity arose to highlight our work, undergraduate and graduate students eagerly volunteered to share their research. Their professionalism, passion and pride reflect the best of our college and the collaborative environment that helps our students thrive.”