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We are excited to announce that Alyssa Helmling and Vivian Shen are the recipients of the 2021/2022 Marion Kramer Award!
The award was established in 2001 in honor of Dr. Marion Kramer, who earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology from BU in 1963 and continued to have an extensive and successful career in biology and medicine. This award recognizes high-achieving female juniors and seniors majoring in Biology.
Alyssa is a senior majoring in Biology with a Specialization in Ecology and Conservation Biology.
“During my freshman year, Dr. Richard Primack lectured in my BI107 class and described his research using Thoreau’s writings to study climate change. I approached him afterward to talk with him about joining his lab, and from this meeting, I launched one of the most important mentor relationships of my life. Working with Dr. Primack and the Primack Lab on climate studies and plant phenology was one of the most impactful experiences during my first year at BU. I broadened this research foundation while studying abroad in Ecuador by completing projects in tropical ecology with Dr. Kelly Swing. I am now engaged in my own research project with the Primack Lab to study the pandemic’s impact on noise pollution in the Boston area. Noise pollution affects human and environmental health, making studies like these valuable in urban settings like Boston. This research has been funded through UROP and the Campus Climate Lab, and we plan to use our findings to make suggestions to the University about how to both reduce noise pollution and foster a healthy soundscape. I plan to apply to medical school after graduation.”
Vivian is a senior candidate in our BA/MS in Biology program. She is pursuing a BA in Biology with a specialization in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, and Genetics and an MS in Biology.
“Growing up, I’ve always had a passion for science and found biology particularly fascinating, specifically the intricate functions of the human body at the cellular level. Learning about current research and innovations in the field through my Biology courses at BU further stimulated my curiosity in research. My sophomore year, I began working in the Fuxman Bass Lab and this past summer, I was fortunate enough to receive UROP funding. My current project focuses on the inhibitory effects of viral peptides from numerous deadly human viruses on immune gene expression and I plan to further characterize the mechanisms by which viruses evade immune antiviral responses. I am currently in the BA/MS in Biology program and after graduating, I plan on applying to medical school to continue pursuing my love for science.”
Congratulations to Vivian and Alyssa on their hard work and the 2021/2022 Marion Kramer Award!