91¿´Æ¬Íø

First-Year Studies 106; Biology/Neuroscience/Psychology 128: Medical Mysteries of the Mind
Health Professions Program 180: Seminar Series Introduction to Health Professions (Co-Director)
Biology/Neuroscience/Psychology 118: Our Amazing Brain
Biology/Neuroscience/Psychology 116: Exploring the Brain
Biology/Neuroscience/Psychology 130: Biological Inquiry Deadly Shapes, Hostage Brains
Biology 221: Molecules, Genes, & Cells (Cell & Molecular Biology)
Biology/Neuroscience/BMB 291: Tutorial
Biology/Neuroscience/BMB 324: Advanced Cell Biology
Biology/Neuroscience 346: Molecular Neuroscience
Biology/Neuroscience/BMB 362: Mechanisms of Brain Dysfunction
Neuroscience 398: Neuroscience Practicum
Biology/Neuroscience/BMB 480: Senior Seminar Neural Frontiers
Biology 492: Independent Research Colloquium
Biology/Neuroscience/BMB 493: Independent Study
Biology/Neuroscience/BMB 494: Senior Thesis

Biology of Disease
Advanced Topics in Neurobiology
Advanced Topics in Cell Biology
Neurobiology: From Molecules to Behavior

2017-present, Disque D. and Carol Gram Deane Professor of Biological Sciences

2009-present, Member, Neuroscience Program, 91¿´Æ¬Íø; Chair (2020-Present, 2009-2015, Fall 2016) 

2012-present, Professor, Department of Biology, 91¿´Æ¬Íø; Chair (2017-2020);  Professor (2012-Present), Associate Professor (2006-2012); Assistant Professor (2001-2006)

2018-present, Member, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Program

2020-2023, Senior Director for Science Partnerships, 91¿´Æ¬Íø

2020-2023, Chair, Health Professions Program and Pre-Health Advising, 91¿´Æ¬Íø

2021-2023, Chair, Nursing Pathways Program, 91¿´Æ¬Íø

1998-2001, Visiting Assistant Professor, Biology Department, Kalamazoo College

1997-1998, Research Associate, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Chicago (Mentor: )

1996-1997, Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Chicago (Mentor: )

1996, 1997 Visiting Scientist & Volunteer, NIH-NIAID Rocky Mountain National Laboratories (Collaborator: )

1994-1996 Graduate Scholar, Northwestern University (Mentor: Marlene Hosey)

1992-1993 Teaching Fellow, Northwestern University Institute of Neuroscience

1991-1992, University Fellow, Northwestern University

2023 Nu Rho Psi grant $2000 (for undergraduate training Fede Bertolotti  ’24)

2023 ASBMB Undergraduate Research Award  $1000 (for undergraduate training Fede Bertolotti ’24)

2022 Grass Foundation/FUN Travel Grant $1000 (for undergraduate training Amanda Grassel ’23)

2022 Nu Rho Psi grant $2000 (for undergraduate training Tracey Nassuna’23)

2022 Parkinson Foundation summer grant $5000  (for undergraduate training Ryan Osselborn ‘23)

2020 Nu Rho Psi grant $2000 (for undergraduate training Carris Borland ’21)

2019   Research Grant and Travel Award $5000 ( for undergraduate training: Niam Abeysiriwardena ’20)

2018   Research Grant and Travel Award $5000 ( for undergraduate training: Yoan Ganev ’19)

2018-2019  Nu Rho Psi grant  ( for undergraduate training: Ariane Balaram ’20)

2013-2017 91¿´Æ¬Íø Faculty Bridge Research Grant

2017   Travel Award $400 ( for undergraduate training: Emily Ong ’17)

2016-2017  Nu Rho Psi grant  ( for undergraduate training: Paul Jones ’18)

2016   Grant $4000 ( for undergraduate training: Emily Ong ’17)

2015-2016  Nu Rho Psi grant  ( for undergraduate training: Alexandra Roman ’16)

2013-2014 91¿´Æ¬Íø Neuroscience Lab Renovation Grant $10,000)

2013   Grant $4000 ( for undergraduate training: Natalie Kukulka ’13)

2007-2012   (NIH R15 AREA) Grant, $207,571

2009-2010  NIH American Recovery and Reinvestment Act ARRA Undergraduate Research AREA Supplement $14,514 ( for undergraduate training: Daniel Sanchez ’11 and Keith Solvang ’11)

2008-2010   Individual Investigator Grant $50,000

2009  Grant $3000 ( for undergraduate training: Michael Fiske ’10)

2007   Grant $1700 ( for undergraduate training: Lokesh Kukreja ’08)

2004-2007 National Institutes of Health Academic Research Enhancement Award (NIH R15 AREA) Grant, $195,810

2004-2005 NIH AREA Research Supplement $25,708 ( for undergraduate training: Sara Herrera ’05)

2005, 2004, 2003, 2000 ASBMB Undergraduate Faculty Research Travel Awards, Experimental Biology Meeting

2004   $2000 ( for undergraduate training: Isaac Holmes ’05)

2004 Council of Undergraduate Research (CUR) summer grant $3000 ( for undergraduate training: Nijee Sharma ’04)

2004 91¿´Æ¬Íø Learning and Teaching Center Pedagogical Innovation Grant $4000  (Creation of an Integrated Teaching & Research Cell Imaging & Culturing Facility Johnson 240)

2003-2007  , $141,878 including 1:1 match by college

2003   $3500 ( for undergraduate training: Nijee Sharma ’04) (2003)

2001-2004  , 91¿´Æ¬Íø ( Co-PI with three LFC colleagues) $94,000

2000  , Ann Arbor, MI $4500 ( for undergraduate training: Aash Bhatt ’01)

1999-2001 Neurological Disorders Grant, Campbell Foundation, Grand Rapids, MI $65,700

1998-2001 McGregor Research Grant, Kalamazoo College, Michigan $20,000

1997-2000   of the   ($35000/year;  voluntarily declined after 1998 to pursue faculty career)

1996-1997 Charles Webster Postdoctoral Fellow (Institution:  )

1994-1996 Advanced Predoctoral Fellow in Pharmacology & Toxicology. Institution:   (PRMAF)

1983-1987  , National Council of Education, Research & Training, Delhi, INDIA ( Premier merit scholarship in India awarded annually to 250 college-bound students)

2024 The Biology Division Mentor Award (Advanced Career), The Council of Undergraduate Research () 

2023 The Distinguished Mentor Award, Faculty for Undergraduate Neuroscience (awarded at 2023 Society for Neuroscience national meeting in Washington, DC)

, Wittenberg University Alumni Association
2019 Career Achievement Award Faculty for Undergraduate Neuroscience (FUN) (awarded at the Neuroscience 2019, the annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience, Chicago, IL

 Illinois Science and Technology Coalition (ISTC) An annual honor that highlights outstanding researchers across universities in Illinois

2018 Career Achievement Award, Chicago Society for Neuroscience

2016 Distinguished Alumnus Lecture, Northwestern University Interdepartmental Neuroscience (NUIN) Program

2015 Trustee Award for Teaching Excellence and Campus Leadership: Awarded annually to “recognize faculty who demonstrate outstanding teaching in its broadest context, and who inspire all members of the teaching faculty to strive for such goals” 91¿´Æ¬Íø.

2015 Chicago Society for Neuroscience President citation “for outstanding vision, inspiration and Leadership”

2009 The Bird Award: Awarded annually to recognize faculty “for intellectual contributions to the campus community”, 91¿´Æ¬Íø

2006 Outstanding Service Citation in Undergraduate Neuroscience Education, Chicago Chapter Society for Neuroscience

2004 William L. Dunn Award “for Outstanding Teaching & Scholarly Promise”, 91¿´Æ¬Íø

2004 F21 Faculty For the 21st Century, Project Kaleidoscope
Member Statement

2004 Hotchkiss Fellow, 91¿´Æ¬Íø (one semester competitive leave for scholarship)

1998 The Outstanding Young Alumnus Award, Wittenberg University, Springfield, OH (First alumnus to receive this award; given annually since 1998 for professional achievements that reflect Wittenberg’s ideals)

1998 American Society of Cell Biology (ASCB) Selected Biomedical Abstract (Among the 10 selected for press release from over 3000 abstracts presented at the 1998 ASCB meeting)

1996 Schiff-Kahn Prize, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, IL (Award for outstanding Ph.D. dissertation in molecular pharmacology and biological chemistry)

1996 Student Speaker representing Northwestern University, Graduate Student Symposium Annual Meeting of the Chicago Chapter, Society for Neuroscience, Chicago, IL

1994 1st Place Honors-Graduate Research Poster Competition, Annual meeting of the Great Lakes Chapter- American Society Pharmaceutics and Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET), Chicago, IL

1994 Gramm Student Research Travel Award, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, IL

1994 Sigma Xi Graduate Research Prize - 2nd Place honors, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL

1991 John F. Mitchell Award, Wittenberg University, Springfield, OH
(Awarded to graduating male senior best exemplifying the liberal arts at Wittenberg University)

1990-91 President, Wittenberg University Student Government

1990 Beta Beta Beta (national biology honorary) & Phi Alpha Theta (national history honorary), Wittenberg University, Springfield, OH

1990 Student Leader of the Year, Wittenberg University, Springfield, OH (Annual award to a student for outstanding campus leadership)

1989 Omicron Delta Kappa Academic Sophomore Excellence & Service Award, Wittenberg University, Springfield, OH

2022-present, Faculty Mentor, FUN One-on-One Mentoring program,, Faculty for Undergraduate Neuroscience

2020-2023, CO-CHAIR, Lake County Nursing Education and Workforce (NEW) Advisory Council

2020-2023, CO-CHAIR, Nursing Academic-Practice Leadership Council (RFU College of Nursing)

2017-2022: Coordinator,  (Annual neuroscience competition for greater Chicago area high school students)

2014-present, LFC Faculty Mentor, Teacher-Scholar Program at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science

• Mentored seven PhD students and postdoctoral fellows

2012-present, Co-coordinator, LFC-RFUMS Summer Research Scholars program (2008-2012, Co-coordinator)

• Helped over 190 91¿´Æ¬Íø students get undergraduate research experiences

2016-2020: President-elect 2016-2017, President 2017-2019, Past-President 2019-20, Nu Rho Psi National Council (National Honor Society in Neuroscience)

2010-2023 Past-President 2015-2016, President 2013-2015, President-elect 2012-2013, Councilor 2010-2012, 2017-2021, Chicago Chapter Society for Neuroscience (

• Introduced Chicago Neuroscience Career Achievement award (2015), career mentoring tables (2014), and breakfast mentoring panel (2014) at annual meeting; organized Keynote and Presidential Symposia on Neurodegeneration (2014) and Synapse Function/Dysfunction (2015); organized graduate symposium (2011-2013), and postdoctoral session (2010)

2001-2022, Regular Panelist, Bio-Opportunities Program, Northwestern University

2001-present, LFC Faculty Mentor for the Preparing Future Faculty (PFF) Program and Graduate Teaching Certification Program, Northwestern University

• Mentored eight PhD students and postdoctoral fellows

2014 External Faculty Reviewer,  Neuroscience Program, Skidmore College, New York

2008-2013, Member, Education Committee, American Society of Cell Biology (ASCB; )

2011 External Faculty Reviewer, for the Biology Department, Gustavus Adolphus College, Minnesota

2008-2010 Councilor, Great Lakes Chapter- American Society of Pharmaceutical & Experimental Therapeutics
(GLC-ASPET; http://www.aspet.org/public/chapters/gl_chapter.html)

• Served as undergraduate liaison: founded and organized the first undergraduate sessions (2009, 2010) and co-organized the first postdoctoral sessions at annual meeting (2010)

2004-2012, Regular faculty session chair, Annual Argonne National Labs Undergraduate Research Symposia

2004-2006 Councilor, Faculty for Undergraduate Neuroscience ()

2003-2006, Undergraduate Liaison, Chicago Chapter Society for Neuroscience ()

• Founded and organized the undergraduate session (2002-06)

2005 (and 2004), Grant Reviewer, National Science Foundation, Curriculum, Course, and Laboratory Improvement (CCLI) Program

2005 (and 2004), Judge, Undergraduate Research Symposium, Annual meeting of the American Society of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology (ASBMB; )

Nu Rho Psi

Faculty Advisor to 91¿´Æ¬Íø student organizations:
Nu Rho Psi, 2016-2019, 2012-2014 (founding advisor) *National Chapter of the Year 2013, *Collaborative Program of the Year 2019
Synapse, 2009-2019 (founding advisor) *National Brain Awareness Award 2011Eukaryon, 2004-2007, 2009-2011, 2013-2015 (founding advisor)
Beta Beta Beta, 2008-2010

Undergraduate Authors (asterisked)

2011 Fiske, M*#, Valtierra, S*,# Solvang, K*, Zorniak, M*, White, M.*, Herrera, S*, Brezinsky, R*, Konnikova, A* and DebBurman, SK. .  Parkinson’s Disease Volume 2011, 12 pages, Article ID 392180; doi:10.4061/2011/392180. #: co-first authors.

2011 Fiske, M*#, White M*#,  Valtierra, S*, Herrera, S*, Solvang, K*, Konnikova, A* and DebBurman, SK.  ISRN Neurology, vol. 2011, Article ID 521847, 14 pages, 2011. doi:10.5402/2011/521847. #: co-first authors.

2006 Sharma, N*#, Brandis, K*#, Herrera, SK*, Johnson, BE*, Vaidya, T*, Shrestha R*, and DebBurman, SK. (2006) Alpha-Synuclein Budding Yeast Model: Toxicity Enhanced By Impaired Proteasome and Oxidative Stress. Journal of Molecular Neuroscience 28, 171-178. #: co-first authors

2006 Brandis, K*, Holmes, I*, England, S*, Sharma, N*, Kukreja, L*, and DebBurman, SK. Alpha-Synuclein Fission Yeast Model: Concentration-Dependent Aggregation Without Membrane Localization or Toxicity. Journal of Molecular Neuroscience 28, 179-192.

2002 DebBurman, S.K. . Cell Biology Education 1, 154-172.

1999 Caughey, B, Chabry, J, Hermann, L, Demaimey, R, Raymond, G, Raymond, L, DebBurman, SK, Lindquist, SL, & B Chesebro. Formation of protease-resistant prion protein: Stimulation and inhibition, in Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders (Edited by K Iqbal, DF Schwab, B Winblad, and HM Wisniewski), John Wiley & Sons, 581-587.

1998 Lindquist, SL, DebBurman, SK, Glover, JR, Kowal, AK, Liu, J, & TC Serio.  Amyloid fibers of Sup35 support a prion-like mechanism of inheritance in yeast. Biochemical Society Transactions 26, 486-90.

1997 DebBurman, SK, Raymond, GJ, Caughey, B, & SL Lindquist (1997) . Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA. 97, 13938-13943.

* Highlighted as Nature News & Views: by Welch, WJ, and P Gambetti.
Nature 392, 23-24 (1998)
* Highlighted in New Scientist This Week by Philip Cohen. New Scientist 2112, December 13, 1997, p8.
* Highlighted in Folding & Design 3, 1998, R41 (as a new paper alert).

1996 Hosey, MM, DebBurman, SK, Pals-Rylaarsdam, R, & JL Benovic.  The Role of G protein-coupled receptor kinases in the regulation of muscarinic cholinergic receptors, in “Cholinergic mechanisms: From Molecular Biology to Clinical Significance” (Proceedings of the Ninth International Symposium on Cholinergic Mechanisms), Progress in Brain Research (Editors: K. Loffelholz and K. Klein), Elvesier, 236-253.

1996 DebBurman, SK, Ptasienski, J, Benovic, JL, & MM Hosey.  .  Journal of Biological Chemistry  271, 22552-22561.

1995 Hosey, MM, Benovic, JL, DebBurman, SK, & RM Richardson.  Multiple mechanisms involving protein phosphorylation are linked to desensitization of muscarinic receptors, Proceedings of the Sixth International Symposium on Subtypes of Muscarinic Receptors) Life Sciences 11/12, 951-955.

1995 DebBurman, SK, & MM Hosey. Role of Protein Phosphorylation in the Desensitization of Muscarinic Cholinergic Receptors, in Molecular Mechanisms of Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor Function (Editor: J. Wess), R.G. Landes Company, Biomedical Publishers, Austin, USA, 209-226.

1995 DebBurman, SK, Ptasienski, J, Boetticher, E., Lomasney, JW, Benovic, JL, & MM Hosey.  . Journal of Biological Chemistry 270, 5742-5747.

1995 DebBurman, SK, Kunapuli, P, Benovic, JL, & MM Hosey. Agonist-dependent phosphorylation of human muscarinic receptors in Spodoptera frugiperda insect cell membranes by G protein-coupled receptor kinases. Molecular Pharmacology 47, 224-233.

Note: the papers below were published in national peer-reviewed undergraduate journals

2009 Kukreja, L*, and DebBurman, SK. Oxidants Induce alpha-Synuclein-Independent Toxicity in a Fission Yeast Model for Parkinson’s Disease. Journal of Young Investigators. Volume 19, Issue 17 on 03 November.  ()

2008 Kukreja, L* (Faculty Advisor: DebBurman, SK.) Evaluating alpha-synuclein’s interaction with cellular phospholipids and potential toxicity in yeast models for Parkinson’s disease. AJUR: The Journal for Undergraduate Research in the Pure and Applied Sciences, Vol 7, 9-24.

2007 Zorniak, M* & Brandis, K* (Faculty Advisor: DebBurman, SK.) Can Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial Dysfunction Enhance alpha-synuclein Toxicity in a Yeast Model of Parkinson’s Disease? Journal of Young Investigators Vol 17, issue 6. WebID: 

2006 Paul, AG* (Faculty Advisor: DebBurman, SK.)  Evaluation of STP2-dependent alpha-synuclein toxicity in a budding yeast model: Is GAPDH involved? Impulse: Impulse: An Undergraduate Journal in Neuroscience.

Borland C*, Grassel A*, Bertolotti, F* Ganev, Y*, Mwale C*, DebBurman SK. Evaluation of three alpha-synuclein mutants (A18T, A29S, A53V) in yeast models: Insight into Parkinson’s disease.

Impact of PD-causing genes and PD-risk genes on wildtype and genetic mutants of alpha-synuclein toxicity in yeast models. Grassel, A*, Jones, P*, Bertolotti F*, DebBurman, SK

Ganev, Y*, Borland C*, Thomas R*, Mwale C*, Roman, A*, DebBurman, SK. Combinatorial effects of post-translational modifications on wildtype and genetic mutants of alpha-synuclein toxicity in yeasts.

Tembo, W*, Ong, E*, Alvarado C*, Marshall, M*, DebBurman SK. Differential Toxicities linked with H50Q, G51D, and A53E mutants of alpha-synuclein in yeast models.

Senagolage, M*, Perez, J*, Ayala, A*, Vahedi, M*, Price, J*, Fiske, M*, Khan, R*, Tembo, M*, and DebBurman, SK. Complex regulation of alpha-synuclein pathological properties in yeasts by endocytosis genes.

Konnikova, A*, Choi, R*, Sanchez, D*, Ahlstrand, K*, Sullivan, P*, Perez, J*, and DebBurman, SK. Autophagic regulation of alpha-synuclein membrane association, aggregation and toxicity in budding yeast.

DebBurman, SK, Reich A*, Rizvydeen*, S, Konnikova, A*, Fiske, M*, Davis, S*, Pore, S*, Zorniak, M*, Brandis, K*, Smith, P., and Menke, S. EUKARYON: An undergraduate peer-reviewed life sciences journal that strengthens an inquiry-based biology curriculum and supports and community of students as scholars.

DebBurman, SK.  Learning How Scientists Think: Role-Playing Famous Neuroscientists in an Undergraduate Neuroscience Course.

Evaluation of the family of three synucleins for synucleinopathy-related toxicity in yeast models.  Osselborn R*, Bertolotti, F*, Moonlight, I*, Gacek, S*, Nassuna, T*, Borland, C*, Abeysiriwardena N*, DebBurman, SK

Molecular characterization of beta-synuclein in synucleinopathy-related toxicity in yeast models. Nassuna, T*, Bertolotti, F*, Osselborn R*, Kiernan, H*,  DebBurman, SK

Characterization of toxicity potential of gamma-synuclein in synucleinopathy-related toxicity in yeast models. Bertolotti, F*, Nassuna, T*, Osselborn R*, Casares, L*, DebBurman, SK

2024 "The Rewarding Career of a Small College Professor and How to Prepare for it", University of Chicago (Postdoctoral Association), Forthcoming in June

2024 "The Rewarding Career of a Small College Professor and How to Prepare for it", Washington University at St Louis (Office of Postdoctoral Affairs/DBBS Graduate Program)

2024 "Teaching and Research in Primarily Undergraduate Institutions", University of Chicago (Graduate School/myCHOICE series)

2024 "The Fulfilling Life of a Small Liberal Arts College Professor: How to Become One", Loyola Stritch School of Medicine (Graduate Student Council)

2022 “Building networks to solve critical nursing workforce needs in the greater Chicago metropolitan region” (Co-panelist with Sandra Larson, Rosalind Franklin University), Institute of Medicine Chicago

2020 “How Undergraduates Use Yeasts to Understand Parkinson’s Disease”, Northeastern Illinois University

2020 “Simple Organism, Complex Insights: Understanding Parkinson’s from Yeasts”, DePaul University

2019 “Understanding Parkinson’s Disease: Complex Insights with Simple Yeasts”, Midwestern University

2019 “Fostering Chapter Engagement through your Local Brain Bee: Collaboration and Interaction with Industry and Local Partners, 2019 National Meeting of the Society for Neuroscience, Chicago, Illinois

2019 Northside College Prep High School (May 2019), “Simple Organism, Complex Insights: Understanding Parkinson’s from Yeasts”, Northside College Prep High School

2019 “The Career of a Liberal Arts College Professor”, Career Panel, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science

2016 “Discovering Ikigai: That Perfect Brew of Life, Yeasts, and the Liberal Arts”, Northwestern University

2016 “What is Neuroscience?” Opening Remarks, 2016 Chicago Brain Bee, University of Illinois -Chicago

2016 “Deadly Shapes, Hostage Brains: Lessons on Neurodegenerative diseases from Yeasts”, Benedictine University

2015 “Yeasts, Undergraduates, and Parkinson’s: Perfect brew for research success at a small college” Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine

2015 “A Juggler with three hats: The career of a Liberal Arts College professor” Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine

2015 “Applying for and getting jobs in Academia”, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (Invited panelist)

2014 “Parkinson’s Disease: Modeled in Yeasts, Insights by Undergraduates”, Loyola Stritch School of Medicine

2014 “The Small College Professor: Why and how to become one”, Loyola Stritch School of Medicine

2014 “An undergraduate-centered research program model: Insights into Parkinson’s Disease”, Northwestern University

2014 “The Juggling Act of a Small College Professor: Nuts and Bolts of Career Preparation”, Northwestern University

2014 “Undergraduates drive insights into Parkinson’s Disease using yeast models”, University of Chicago

2014 “The Juggling Act of a Small College Professor: Why be one and how to prepare for it”, University of Chicago

2013 “Undergraduates drive insights into Parkinson’s Disease using yeast models”, Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Wisconsin - Madison

2013 “The Juggling Act of a Small College Professor: Why be one and how to prepare for it”, Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Wisconsin - Madison

2013 “Preparing for a Career as a Liberal Arts College Professor: The Nuts and Bolts”, Molecular & Environmental Toxicology Program, University of Wisconsin - Madison

2012 “Yeasts and Undergraduates help Understand Parkinson’s Disease Pathology”, University of Buffalo, Buffalo, NY

2012 “Preparing for a Career as a College Professor: Juggling Three Hats” University of Buffalo, Buffalo, NY

2012 “Careers: Teaching & research at a small liberal arts college” Northwestern University, IL

2011 “Value of an undergraduate liberal arts education at a small college in the United States”, at several high schools in India, including Delhi Public School (Gurgaon), Heritage School (Gurgaon), American Embassy School (New Delhi), United World Colleges Mahindra (Pune), KIIT University (Bhubaneswar)

2011 “New Insights into Parkinson’s Disease from Yeast Models”, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL

2011 “Preparing for a Career as a College Professor: Teacher, Scholar, & Citizen”, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL

2011 “How Undergraduates use Yeasts to Drive New Insights into Parkinson’s disease”, Roosevelt University, Chicago, IL

2011 “Modeling a Protein Misfolding Disease in Yeasts”. Dominican University, River Forest, IL

2009 “Tips to Start and Sustain a Student-Centered Research at a Liberal Arts College”, American Society of Cell Biology Meeting, San Francisco, CA

2008 “The Job Search & Interview Process”, Panelist, Northwestern University Directions Professional Development Conference, Evanston, IL

2008 “The Job Search & Interview Process”, Panelist, Preparing Future Faculty Workshop, Oakton Community College, IL

2008 Tips to Start and Sustain a Student-Centered Research at a Liberal Arts College, American Society of Cell Biology Meeting, San Francisco, CA

2008 “Insight into Parkinson’s Disease From Yeast Models”, Rush Medical College/Rush University

2008 “The 21st Century College Professor: Teacher, Scholar, & Citizen”, Rush Medical College/Rush University

2007 “A Faculty Career At a Liberal Arts College”. Careers in Pharmacology Workshop, Great Lakes Chapter-American Society of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics meeting

2005  A Toxic Shape, A Tragic Consequence: Yeasts & Undergraduates Help Understand Parkinson’s Disease, Skidmore College

2005 “Modeling Parkinson Disease: Two Yeasts, Distinct Insights” Loyola Stritch School of Medicine, IL

2005 “Mentoring Preparing Future Faculty Fellows in Biology at 91¿´Æ¬Íø”, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine

2005 “Careers: Teaching & research in a small liberal arts college” Loyola Stritch School of Medicine, IL
 
2005 “Integrating Teaching, Scholarship, & Service to Strengthen Undergraduate Student Scholarship”, Pedagogies of Engagement, An American Association of Colleges & Universities (AACU) Meeting, Bethesda MD

2004 “Protein Misfolding & Neurodegeneration: Insights from Chaperones and Yeast”, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN

2004 “Pedagogical Scholarship: Translating Philosophy Into Practice” Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN

2004 “Insights into Prion Disease and Parkinson Disease from Chaperones & Yeasts”, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL

2004 “Probing Yeasts to Gain Insight Into Neurodegeneration Linked to Parkinson Disease”, Rosalind Franklin University/Chicago Medical School, IL

2004 “Protein Misfolding & Neurodegeneration: Insights from Chaperones and Yeast”, Purdue University, Calumet City, IN

2004 “A Career as a College Professor: The Specifics of How To Get To Where You Want To Be”, American Society of Pharmaceutical & Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET) Committee on Minorities Affairs, Annual Meeting of Experimental Biology, Washington, DC

2004 “Careers: Teaching & research in a small liberal arts college” Northwestern University, IL

2002 “The Small Liberal Arts College: Is this for You?”
(Beyond Books Series discussion on Alternate Careers in Academia, Preparing Future Faculty Program), Northwestern University, IL
 
2000 “Combating Neurodegeneration”, Biology Department, 91¿´Æ¬Íø, IL

2000 “Combating Diseased Protein Shapes With Molecular Chaperones”, Biology Department, Grinnell College, IA

2000 “Deadly Protein Shapes In Human Disease”, Joint Sciences Department, Claremont Colleges, CA

1999 “Combating Diseased Protein Shapes With Molecular Chaperones”, Department of Biology, Macalester College, MN

1999 “Careers: Teaching & Research In A Small Liberal Arts College” (A Bio-Opportunities Workshop) Northwestern University Medical School, IL

1999 “Diseased Protein Shapes: Combating Them With Molecular Chaperones”, Department of Biology, Western Michigan University, MI

1999 “Combating Neurodegenerative Diseases With Molecular Chaperones”, Faculty Seminar Series, Kalamazoo College, MI

1999 “Combating Neurodegenerative Diseases With Molecular Chaperones”, Department of Biology, Hope College, MI

1998 “Prions: Novel Agents Of Genetic Inheritance And Infectious Disease”, Pharmacia-Upjohn Company, Kalamazoo, MI

1998 “Molecular Chaperones & Mammalian Prion Formation”
BIOMEDICINE Meeting-American Federation of Medical Research, Washington DC

1998 “Prions: Agents Of Mad Cow Disease”, Department of Biology, Kalamazoo College, MI

1998 “Do Prions Cause Mad Cow Disease?”, Department of Biology, Alma College, MI

1997 “An Expanding World Of Prions”, NIH Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Hamilton, MT

1997 “Molecular Chaperones & Misfolded Proteins: Implications In Neurodegenerative Disease”, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, MD

1997 “Protein Conformation Switches: In Health & Disease”, Department of Biology, Wittenberg University, Springfield, OH

1997 “Mad Cow Disease: Can We Cure It?”, Department of Biology, 91¿´Æ¬Íø, Lake Forest, IL

2002 “Experiential research projects promote learning an inquiry-based undergraduate science curriculum”, Undergraduate Research Network, National Council of Undergraduate Research, Whitewater, WI

1997 “Molecular chaperones modulate prion conformation switch” Midwest Stress Response & Chaperones Conference, Chicago, IL

1996 “Phosphorylation and regulation of G protein-coupled receptors” Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Biological Chemistry, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, IL

1995 “Lipid mediated regulation of G protein-coupled receptor kinases GRK2 and GRK3”, Graduate Research Symposium, Society for Neuroscience-Annual meeting of the Chicago Chapter, Chicago, IL

1995 “Molecular basis of homologous desensitization of G protein-coupled receptors”, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Chicago, IL

1995 “G protein-coupled receptor regulation by protein phosphorylation”, Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, Northwestern University, IL

Undergraduate co-authors asterisked. Where possible, the lead undergraduate(s) present the poster.

2024 Insight into Synucleinopathies: Molecular Dissection of β- and γ-Synuclein for potential toxicity in a yeast model. Federica Bertolotti*, Holly Kiernan*, Tracey Nassuna*, Ryan Osselborn*, Leslie Casares*, Shubhik DebBurman. National American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Meeting (San Antonio, TX)
2024 ASBMB TRAVEL GRANT TO FEDE BERTOLOTTI ‘24
2024 HONORABLE MENTION- ASBMB UNDERGRADUATE RSEEARCH POSTER COMPETITION

2024 Insight into Synucleinopathies: Comparative evaluation wild-type alpha-, beta-, gamma-synuclein in a yeast model, Sebastian Gacek*, Leslie Casares*, Federika Bertolotti*, Isaiah Moonlight*, Ryan Osselborn*, Marcelo Camba Almazan*, Shubhik DebBurman. National American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Meeting (San Antonio, TX)

2023 Insight into Synucleinopathies: Molecular Dissection of β- and γ-Synuclein for potential toxicity in a yeast model. Federica Bertolotti*, Tracey Nassuna*, Ryan Osselborn*, Isaiah Moonlight*, Holly Kiernan*, Leslie Casares*, Sebastian Gacek*, Shubhik DebBurman. National Society for Neuroscience Meeting (Washington, DC)
2023 NU RHO PSI TRAVEL GRANT TO FEDE BERTOLOTTI ‘24

2023 Insight into Synucleinopathies: Comparative Evaluation of Wild-Type allpha, beta, and gamma Synucleins in a Yeast Model. Isaiah Moonlight, Ryan Osselborn, Federica Bertolotti, Tracey Nassuna, Marcelo Camba Alamban, Sebastian Gacek, Shubhik DebBurman. National Society for Neuroscience Meeting (Washington, DC)

2023 All in the Family? Studying Toxicity Tendencies of Alpha-, Beta-, and Gamma-Synuclein in a Yeast Model. Ryan Osselborn*, Tracey Nassuna*, Bryce Zabat*, Carris Borland*, and Shubhik DebBurman. Chicago Society for Neuroscience Meeting, Chicago, IL

2022  All in the Family? Studying Toxicity Tendencies of Alpha-, Beta-, and Gamma-Synuclein in a Yeast Model. Tracey Nassuna*, Ryan Osselborn*, Bryce Zabat*, Carris Borland*, and Shubhik DebBurman, National Society for Neuroscience Meeting, San Diego, CA
2022 NU RHO PSI TRAVEL GRANT TO TRACEY NASSUNA ‘23
2022 PARKINSON’S FOUNDATION TRAVEL GRANT TO RYNAN OSSELBORN ‘23

2022  Insight into Parkinson's Disease From a Yeast Model: How Three Alpha-Synuclein Mutants (A18T, A29S, & A53V) Generate Toxicity Amanda Grassel*, Fede Bertolotti*, Ryan Osselborn*, Tracey Nassuna*, Carris Borland*, and Shubhik DebBurman.National Society for Neuroscience Meeting, San Diego, CA
2022 FUN-GRASS FOUNDATION TRAVEL GRANT TO AMANDA GRASSEL ‘23

2022 Insight into Parkinson's Disease From a Yeast Model: How Three Alpha-Synuclein Mutants (A18T, A29S, & A53V) Generate Toxicity Amanda Grassel*, Fede Bertolotti*, Ryan Osselborn*, Tracey Nassuna*, Carris Borland*, and Shubhik DebBurman. Annual Experimental Biology Meeting/Annual Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (Philadelphia, IL

2022 All in the Family? Studying Toxicity Tendencies of Alpha-, Beta-, and Gamma-Synuclein in a Yeast Model. Ryan Osselborn*, Tracey Nassuna*, Bryce Zabat*, Carris Borland*, and Shubhik DebBurman.Chicago Society for Neuroscience Meeting, 

2021 Insight into Parkinson’s Disease from Yeasts: Analysis of three New Genetic Mutations on Alpha-Synuclein. Carris Borland*, Yoan Ganev*, Matt McMahon*, Kang Ryul-Min*, Niam Abeysirwardena*, and Shubhik DebBurman. Annual Society for Neuroscience National Meeting (Chicago, IL)

2021 Insight into Parkinson’s Disease from Yeasts: Combined Impact of Covalent Modifications and Familial Mutations on Alpha-Synuclein. Carris Borland*, Yoan Ganev*, Rosemary Thomas*, Alexandra Roman*, Chisomo Mwale*, Niam Abeysirwardena* and Shubhik DebBurman. Annual Experimental Biology Meeting/Annual Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (Chicago, IL) HONORABLE MENTION TO CARRIS BORLAND ‘21, ASBMB NATIONAL UNDERGRADUATE POSTER COMPETITION

2021 Insight into Parkinson’s Disease from Yeasts: Evaluation of three new  Genetic Mutations on Alpha-Synuclein. Carris Borland*, Yoan Ganev*, Rosemary Thomas*, Alexandra Roman*, Chisomo Mwale*, Niam Abeysirwardena* and Shubhik DebBurman.Chicago Society for Neuroscience Meeting (Chicago, IL).

2020 Insight into Parkinson’s Disease from Yeasts: Combined Impact of Covalent Modifications and Familial Mutations on Alpha-Synuclein. Carris Borland*, Yoan Ganev*, Rosemary Thomas*, Alexandra Roman*, Thea Grauer*, Chisomo Mwale*, Paul Jones*, Ariane Balaram*, Estella Tcaturian*, and Shubhik DebBurman. Annual Experimental Biology Meeting/Annual Society of Investigative Pathology Meeting (San Diego, IL)

2020 Insight into Parkinson’s Disease from Yeasts: Combined Impact of Covalent Modifications and Familial Mutations on Alpha-Synuclein. Carris Borland*, Yoan Ganev*, Rosemary Thomas*, Alexandra Roman*, Thea Grauer*, Chisomo Mwale*, Paul Jones*, Ariane Balaram*, Estella Tcaturian*, and Shubhik DebBurman. Annual Chicago Society for Neuroscience Meeting (Chicago, IL)

2019 Neuroscience at 91¿´Æ¬Íø: A Model for Student Organizations’ Contributions to Academic Experience. Eliska Mrackova*, Yoan Ganev*, Danielle Sychowski*, Danielle Berninzoni*, Ariane Balaram*, Matthew R. Kelley, and Shubhik DebBurman, Annual National Meeting of the Society for Neuroscience (Chicago, IL)

2019 Insight into Parkinson’s Disease from Yeasts: Combined Impact of Covalent Modifications and Familial Mutations on α-Synuclein, Yoan Ganev*, Rosemary Thomas*, Alexandra Roman*, Chisomo Mwale*, Joseph Mountain*, Ariane Balaram*, Morgan Marshall*, and Shubhik DebBurman. Annual National Meeting of the Society for Neuroscience (Chicago, IL)

2019 RAISING BRAIN AWARENESS ALL-YEAR-ROUND: Student Organizations Integrate Undergraduate Curriculum With Public Education and K-12 Outreach at 91¿´Æ¬Íø. Yoan Ganev*, Eliska Mrackova*, Danielle Sychowski*, and Shubhik DebBurman. Annual National Meeting of the Society for Neuroscience, Chicago, IL

2019 Comparative Evaluation of three Synucleins for Neurodegenerative Potential in a Yeast Model, Bilal Khan*, Kealey Humphrey*, Bari Mohammed*, Yoan Ganev*, Ananta Srivastava*, Pranav Anand*, Rosemary Thomas*, Shubhik DebBurman. Faculty for Undergraduate Neuroscience Social, National Meeting for the Society for Neuroscience, Chicago, Illinois

2019 Comparative Evaluation of three Synucleins for Neurodegenerative Potential in a Yeast Model, Bari Mohammed*, Kealey Humphrey*, Bilal Khan*, Ananta Srivastava*, Pranav Anand*, Rosemary Thomas*, Shubhik DebBurman. Great Lakes Chapter-American Society of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics meeting, Chicago, Illinois

2019 Insight into Parkinson’s Disease from Yeasts: Combined Impact of Covalent Modifications and Familial Mutations on α-Synuclein, Yoan Ganev*, Rosemary Thomas*, Alexandra Roman*, Chisomo Mwale*, Joseph Mountain*, Ariane Balaram*, Morgan Marshall*, and Shubhik DebBurman. Annual Meeting of the Chicago Society for Neuroscience.

2018 Insight into Parkinson’s Disease from Yeasts: Combined Impact of Covalent Modifications and Familial Mutations on α-Synuclein, Yoan Ganev, Rosemary Thomas, Alexandra Roman, Chisomo Mwale, Joseph Mountain, Ariane Balaram, Morgan Marshall, and Shubhik DebBurman. Annual Meeting of the Society for Neuroscience (San Diego, CA).

2018 UNDERSTANDING PARKINSON’S DISEASE IN YEAST MODELS: The nature of α-toxicity linked with A30P, H50Q and A53E α-Synuclein Mutants, Chisomo Mwale*, Emily Ong*, Paul Jones*, Maiwase Tembo*, Charles Alvarado*, Michael Buabeng*, and Shubhik DebBurman. Annual Meeting of the Society for Neuroscience (San Diego, CA).

2018 Impact of several PD-associated genes on the toxicity of α-synuclein in a yeast model, Ariane Balaram*, Paul Jones*, Alexsandra Biel*, Chisomo Mwale*, Maiwase Tembo*, and Shubhik DebBurman  Annual Meeting of the Society for Neuroscience (San Diego, CA).

2018 Impact of several PD-associated genes on the toxicity of α-synuclein in a yeast model, Ariane Balaram*, Paul Jones*, Alexsandra Biel*, Chisomo Mwale*, Maiwase Tembo*, and Shubhik DebBurman.  Great Lakes Chapter-American Society of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics meeting, Chicago, Illinois
(First Prize to Ariane Balaram ’20, Undergraduate Poster)

2018 Impact of several PD-associated genes on the toxicity of α-synuclein in a yeast model. Paul Jones*, Emily Ong *, Chisomo Mwale*, Ariane Balaram*, Alexsandra Biel*, Maiwase Tembo, and Shubhik DebBurman. Annual Meeting of the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (San Diego, CA).

2018 Insight into Parkinson’s Disease from Yeasts: Growing evidence for sumoylation as a protective factor against alpha-synuclein toxicity. Yoan Ganev*, Rosemary Thomas*, Joseph Mountain*, Ariane Balaram*, Paul Jones*, Alexandra Roman*, Morgan Marshall*, Galina Lipkin*, and Shubhik DebBurman.  Annual Meeting of the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (San Diego, CA).

2018 Insight into Parkinson’s Disease from Yeasts: Growing evidence for sumoylation as a protective factor against alpha-synuclein toxicity. Rosemary Thomas*, Yoan Ganev*, Joseph Mountain*, Ariane Balaram*, Paul Jones*, Alexandra Roman*, Morgan Marshall*, Galina Lipkin*, and Shubhik DebBurman. Annual Meeting of the Chicago Society for Neuroscience.
(Third Prize to Rosemary Thomas ’18, Undergraduate Poster)

2017 Differential Impact of several PD-associated genes on the toxicity associated with wild-type and familial mutants forms of alpha-synuclein-dependent toxicity in yeast models. Paul Jones*, Emily Ong *, Chisomo Mwale*, Ariane Balaram*, Alexsandra Biel*, Maiwase Tembo, and Shubhik DebBurman. 2017 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Cell Biology (Philadelphia, PA).

2017 Four stories from yeast: New insights into the toxicity of new familial PD mutant forms of alpha-synuclein. Emily Ong*, Maiwase Tembo*, Paul Jones*, Chisomo Mwale*, Charles Alvarado*, Morgan Marshall*, Michael Buabeng*, and Shubhik DebBurman. 14th Annual World Congress on Neurology and Neurological Disorders (Chicago, IL).
(Best Poster Award, Emily Ong ’17)

2017 Insight into Parkinson’s Disease from Yeasts: Growing evidence for sumoylation as a protective factor against alpha-synuclein toxicity. Yoan Ganev*, Rosemary Thomas*, Joseph Mountain*, Ariane Balaram*,Paul Jones*, Alexandra Roman*, Morgan Marshall*, Galina Lipkin*, and Shubhik DebBurman. Great Lakes Chapter-American Society of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics meeting, Chicago, Illinois
(First Prize to Yoan Ganev ’19, Undergraduate Poster)

2017 Understanding the nature of toxicity of Parkinson’s disease associated alpha-synuclein familial mutants H50Q, G51D, and A53E with yeast models. Chisomo Mwale*, Emily Ong*,  Maiwase Tembo*, Morgan Marshall*, Charles Alvarado*, Michael Buabeng*, Natalie Kukulka*, Shubhik DebBurman.
Great Lakes Chapter-American Society of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics meeting, Chicago, Illinois
(Second Prize to Chisomo Mwale ’19, Undergraduate Poster)

2017 Understanding Parkinson’s disease in Yeast: How N and C Domains of alpha-synuclein contribute to disease. Alexsandra Biel ’20, Niam Abeysiriwardena ’20, Yoan Ganev ’19, Katrina Campbell ’14, Michael Fiske ’10, Shubhik DebBurman. Great Lakes Chapter-American Society of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics meeting, Chicago, Illinois

2017 Insight into Parkinson’s Disease from Yeasts: Growing evidence for  sumoylation as a protective factor against alpha-synuclein toxicity. Rosemary Thomas*, Paul Jones*, Alexandra Roman*, Morgan Marshall*, Yoan Ganev*, Galina Lipkin*, and Shubhik DebBurman. Annual meeting of the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Chicago, Illinois.

2017 Four emerging stories: What Yeast tell us about new familial mutants that cause Parkinson’s Disease. Emily Ong*, Morgan Marshall*, Maiwase Tembo*, Chisomo Mwale*, Michael Buabeng*, Charles Alvarado*, Alexandra Roman*, Shubhik DebBurman. Annual meeting of the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Chicago, Illinois., Chicago, Illinois

2016 Four emerging stories: What Yeast tell us about new familial mutants that cause Parkinson’s Disease. Emily Ong*, Morgan Marshall*, Maiwase Tembo*, Chisomo Mwale*, Michael Buabeng*, Charles Alvarado*, Alexandra Roman*, Shubhik DebBurman. Great Lakes Chapter-American Society of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics meeting, Chicago, Illinois
(co-Second Prize to Emily Ong ’17, Undergraduate Poster)

2016 Insight into Parkinson’s Disease from Yeasts: Growing evidence for  sumoylation as a protective factor against alpha-synuclein toxicity. Rosemary Thomas*, Aleandra Roman*, Morgan Marshall*, Yoan Ganev*, Galina Lipkin*, and Shubhik DebBurman. Great Lakes Chapter-American Society of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics meeting, Chicago, Illinois
(co-Second Prize to Rosemary Thomas’18, Undergraduate Poster)

2016 Three emerging stories: Alpha-Synuclein familial mutant analysis in yeast models. Morgan Marshall*, Emily Ong*, Maiwase Tembo*, Viktoriya Georgieva*, Natalie Kukulka*, Charles Alvarado*, Maribel Munoz*, Shubhik DebBurman. Chicago Society for Neuroscience Meeting, Illinois.
(First Prize to Morgan Marshall ’16, Undergraduate Poster)

2016 Building Neuroscience at 91¿´Æ¬Íø: Integration of curriculum with public education, K-5 outreach, and peer learning. Kayla Huber*, Sarah Chiren*, Saul Bello Rojas*, Peyton Schrag*, Logan Graham*, Alexandra Roman*, Khadijah Hamid*, and Shubhik DebBurman.  Chicago Society for Neuroscience Meeting, Illinois.

2016 Examining the Contributions of a-Synuclein Nitration and C-terminal truncations in Parkinson’s Disease using Yeast Models. Charles Alvarado*, Keith Solvang*, Katrina Campbell*, Saul Bello Rojas*, Alexandra Roman*, Jyothis James*, Sarah Chiren*, Paul Jones*, Peyton Schrag*, Logan Graham*, and Shubhik DebBurman. Chicago Society for Neuroscience Meeting, Illinois.

2015 Building Neuroscience at 91¿´Æ¬Íø: Integration of curriculum with public education, K-5 outreach, and peer learning. S. G. Chiren*, K. A. Huber*, S. Bello-Rojas*, S. K. DebBurman. 45th Annual Meeting of the Society for Neuroscience (Chicago, Illinois)

2015 Alpha-synuclein familial mutant analysis in yeast models. C. Alvarado*, M. Marshall*, M. Tembo*, N. Kukulka*, V. Georgieva*, E. Ong*, M. Munoz*, S. K. DebBurman. 45th Annual Meeting of the Society for Neuroscience (Chicago, Illinois)

2015 Evaluation of alpha-synuclein nitration in yeast models. M. Marshall*, C. Alvarado*, K. Solvang*, Y. Zayats*, S. K. DebBurman. 45th Annual Meeting of the Society for Neuroscience (Chicago, Illinois)

2015 Insight into Parkinson’s Disease: Evaluation of Splice Variants and C-Terminal Truncations of Alpha-Synuclein in Yeast. S. Bello Rojas*, K. Hamid*, C. Alvarado*, K. Campbell*, N. Kukulka*, and S. DebBurman. Great Lakes Chapter-American Society of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics meeting, Chicago, Illinois
(Second Prize to Saul Bello Rojas ’16, Undergraduate Poster)

2015 Insight into Parkinson’s disease from yeast: Examination of how familial mutants of alpha-synuclein causes pathology in yeast. V. Georgieva*, M. Tembo*, C. Alvarado,* E. Ong*, M. Marshall*, N. Kukulka*, Shubhik DebBurman. Great Lakes Chapter-American Society of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics meeting, Chicago, Illinois

2015 Insight into Parkinson’s disease from yeast: Examining the contributions of alpha-synuclein nitration. M. Marshall*, C. Alvarado*, Y. Zayats*, K. Solvang*, and Shubhik DebBurman. Great Lakes Chapter-American Society of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics meeting, Chicago, Illinois

2015 Insight into Parkinson’s Disease: Evaluation of Sumoylation of Alpha-Synuclein in Yeast. A. Roman ’16, M. Tembo ’16, G. Lipkin ’16, C. Alvarado ’16, M. Munoz ’16, and S. DebBurman. Chicago Society for Neuroscience Meeting, Illinois
(Third Prize to A. Roman ’16, Undergraduate Poster)

2014 Unexpected Insights into C-terminal Truncation of Alpha-Synuclein in Yeast: Relevance to Parkinson’s Disease.  C. Alvarado*, K. Campbell*, S. Chiren*, J. James*, M. Munoz*, A. Roman*, and S. DebBurman. Great Lakes Chapter-American Society of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics meeting, Chicago, Illinois
(First Prize to C. Alvarado ’16, Undergraduate Poster)

2014 Uncovering the Contributions of Alternatively Spliced Variants and Amino Domain of Alpha-Synuclein in Parkinson’s Disease: Insights from Yeast.  K. Hamid*, S. Bello Rojas*, L. Graham, P. Schrag*, C. Gudmundson*, A. McCracken*, N. Kukulka*, and S. DebBurman. Great Lakes Chapter-American Society of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics meeting, Chicago, Illinois

2014 Evidence of Endocytic Regulation of Alpha-Synuclein Aggregation and Toxicity: Insights from yeast.  M. Tembo*, M. Senagolage*, J. Perez*, A. Ayala*, S. DebBurman. Chicago Society for Neuroscience Meeting, Illinois
(Third Prize to M. Tembo ’15, Undergraduate Poster)

2014 Two stories about Parkinson’s Disease Protein, Alpha-Synuclein: Truncations and Amino acid determinants. K. Campbell*, M. Munoz*, C. Alvarado*, S. Chiren*, J. James*, A. Roman*, G. Lipkin*, and S. DebBurman. Chicago Society for Neuroscience Meeting, Illinois

2014 Creation of Spliced-Variant forms of Alpha-Synuclein for study in Yeast Models. S. Bello Rojas*, K. Hamid*, and S. DebBurman. Chicago Society for Neuroscience Meeting, Illinois

2013 Evidence of Endocytic Regulation of Alpha-Synuclein Aggregation and Toxicity: Insights from yeast.  M. Tembo*, M. Senagolage*, J. Perez*, A. Ayala*, S. DebBurman. Great Lakes Chapter-American Society of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics meeting, Chicago, Illinois
(First Prize to M. Tembo ’15, Undergraduate Poster)

2013 Creation of C-terminal Truncation Variants of Alpha-Synuclein to test for Parkinson’s Disease Relevance in Yeast.  C. Alvarado*, S. Chiren*, J. James*, A. Roman*, K. Campbell*, and S. DebBurman. Great Lakes Chapter-American Society of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics meeting, Chicago, Illinois

2013 Alpha-Synuclein Familial Mutants in Parkinson’s Disease: Unexpected A30P Dominance.  N. Kukulka*, S. DebBurman. Chicago Society for Neuroscience Meeting, Illinois
(Third Prize to N. Kukulka ’13, Undergraduate Poster)

2013 Identifying Specific Amino Acids in Parkinson’s Disease Protein Alpha-Synuclein that Control its Toxic Properties. K. Campbell*, K. Solvang*, M. Senagolage*, G. Lipkin*, S. DebBurman. Chicago Society for Neuroscience Meeting, Illinois

2012 Alpha-Synuclein Familial Mutants in Parkinson’s Disease: Does combining them aggravate pathological properties in yeast models? N. Kukulka*, R. Vlaar*, M. Herriges*, M. Senagolage*, S. DebBurman. Great Lakes Chapter-American Society of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics meeting, Chicago, Illinois

2012 Identifying Specific Amino Acids in Parkinson’s Disease Protein Alpha-Synuclein that Control its Toxic Properties. K. Campbell*, K. Solvang*, M. Senagolage*, G. Lipkin*, S. DebBurman. Great Lakes Chapter-American Society of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics meeting, Chicago, Illinois
(Second Prize to K. Campbell ’14, Undergraduate Poster)

2012 Are multiple Parkinson’s disease mutants worse than one? N. Kukulka*, R. Vlaar*, S. DebBurman. Chicago Society for Neuroscience meeting, Illinois

2012 Seven Years of Eukaryon: An undergraduate scholarship journal that supports inquiry-based pedagogy & strengthens a community of undergraduate scholars. A. Reich*, M. Senagolage*, S. Rizvydeen*, A.  Konnikova*,  M Fiske*, S.  Davis*, S. Pore*, M. Zorniak*, K. Brandis*, S. Menke*, P.  Smith, S.K. DebBurman. Chicago Society for Neuroscience Meeting,  Illinois

2012 RAISING BRAIN AWARENESS: Integration Of Undergraduate Curriculum With Public Education & K-5 Outreach at 91¿´Æ¬Íø. K. Johnson*, D. Brutman*, M. Senagolage*, S.K. DebBurman. Chicago Society for Neuroscience Meeting, Illinois

2011 M. Senagolage*, J Perez*, A. Ayala*, M. Vahedi*, J. Price*, M. Fiske*, and S.K. DebBurman. Complex regulation of alpha-synuclein pathotoxic properties in yeasts by endocytosis genes.  Society for Neuroscience Meeting, Washington, DC
(M. Senagolage ’12 received 2011 travel awards from the Society for Neuroscience and the Faculty for Undergraduate Neuroscience )

2011 RAISING BRAIN AWARENESS: Integration Of Undergraduate Curriculum With Public Education & K-5 Outreach at 91¿´Æ¬Íø. D. Brutman*, M. Senagolage*, S.K. DebBurman. Society for Neuroscience Meeting, Washington, DC
(D. Brutman ’12, Society for Neuroscience Brain Awareness Week Travel Award recipient)

2011 Eight Years of Eukaryon: An undergraduate scholarship journal that supports inquiry-based pedagogy & strengthens a community of undergraduate scholars. M. Senagolage*, S. Rizvydeen*, A.  Konnikova*,  M Fiske*, S.  Davis*, S. Pore*, M. Zorniak*, K. Brandis*, S. Menke*, P.  Smith, S.K. DebBurman. Society for Neuroscience Meeting, Washington, DC

2011 Evaluating the role of two post-translational modifications of Parkinson’s disease protein alpha-synuclein in yeast model. K Solvang* and S.K. DebBurman. Great Lakes Chapter-American Society of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics meeting, Chicago, Illinois
(First Prize to K. Solvang ’11, Undergraduate Poster)

2011 Genetic support for endocytosis as degradation route for alpha-synuclein, the Parkinson’s disease protein. M. Senagolage*, J. Perez*, A. Ayala* & S.K. DebBurman. Chicago Society for Neuroscience meeting
(Second Prize to M. Senagolage ’12, Undergraduate poster)

2011 Deciphering Parkinson’s: Are multiple mutants worse than one? N. Kukulka*, M. Fiske*, K. Solvang*, S. DebBurman. Chicago Society for Neuroscience meeting.Annual Society for Neuroscience Meeting, Chicago, Illinois

2011 Evaluating the genetic link between autophagy and Parkinson’s disease in yeasts. A. Konnikova*, S. DebBurman. Chicago Society for Neuroscience meeting, Chicago, Illinois

2010 Insight Into Parkinson’s Disease: Is alpha-synuclein degraded by endocytosis? M. Senagolage*, J. Perez*, A. Ayala*, M. Vahedi*, J. Price* & S. Debburman. American Society of Cell Biology Meeting, Philadelphia, PA
(M. Senagolage ’12, 2010 ASCB Undergraduate Travel Award recipient)

2010 Eukaryon: An undergraduate scholarship journal that supports inquiry-based pedagogy & strengthens a community of undergraduate scholars.? S. Rizvydeen*, M. Senagolage*, M.  Fiske*,  A.  Konnikova*,  S.  Davis*, P.  Smith; S. K. DebBurman. American Society of Cell Biology, Philadelphia, PA

2010 Evaluating Autophagic regulation of alpha-synuclein pathotoxicity properties in budding yeast. A. Konnikova*, R. Choi*, D. Sanchez*, K. Ahlstrand*, P. Sullivan*, Shubhik DebBurman. Great Lakes Chapter-American Society of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics meeting, Chicago, Illinois
(First Prize to A. Konnikova ’11, Undergraduate Poster)

2010 Insight Into Parkinson’s Disease: Is alpha-synuclein degraded by endocytosis? M. Senagolage*, J. Perez*,& S. Debburman. Great Lakes Chapter-American Society of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics meeting, Chicago, Illinois

2010 Contributions of familial mutation E46K, phosphorylation, protein domains, and alanine-76 to alpha-synuclein toxicity in yeasts. M. Fiske*, Shubhik DebBurman. American Society of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Meeting, Anaheim, California
(First Prize Undergraduate Poster Award and UAN-ASBMB Travel Award to M. Fiske ’10)

2010 Eukaryon: An undergraduate scholarship journal that supports inquiry-based pedagogy & strengthens a community of undergraduate scholars. M.  Fiske*,  A.  Konnikova*,  S.  Davis*, P.  Smith, S. K. DebBurman. American Society of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Meeting, Anaheim, California

2010 Evaluation of alpha-synuclein’s connection to novel UPP Genes in a yeast model for Parkinson’s disease. C. Becerra*, W. Press*, M. Fiske* and SK DebBurman. Chicago Chapter Society for Neuroscience Symposium, Chicago, Illinois

2010  Phosphorylation and Alanine-76 contribute to alpha-synuclein’s membrane association and aggregation. R. Brezinsky*, K. Solvang*, M. Fiske*, and SK DebBurman. Chicago Chapter Society for Neuroscience Symposium, Chicago, Illinois

2009 Autophagic regulation of alpha-synuclein pathotoxicity properties in budding yeast reveals unexpected complexities .?  A.  Konnikova*, D.  Sanchez*, R.  Choi*,  K.  Ahlstrand*, P.  Sullivan*, and  SK DebBurman. American Society of Cell Biology, San Diego, California

2009 Investigating the contribution of serine phosphorylation, alanine-76, and familial mutant E46K to alpha-synuclein pathotoxicity in two yeast models.? M.  Fiske*, K.  Solvang*, S.  Valtierra*, S.  Herrera*, M.  Zorniak*, A.  Konnikova*, and S. K. DebBurman. American Society of Cell Biology, San Diego, California

2009 An advanced cell biology course designed for undergraduates to propose, conduct, and publish original biomedical research.?  S.K. DebBurman and M.  Fiske*. American Society of Cell Biology, San Diego, California

2009 Eukaryon: An undergraduate scholarship journal that supports inquiry-based pedagogy & strengthens a community of undergraduate scholars. M.  Fiske*,  A.  Konnikova*,  S.  Davis*, P.  Smith, S. K. DebBurman. American Society of Cell Biology, San Diego, California

2009 Eukaryon: An undergraduate scholarship journal that supports inquiry-based pedagogy & strengthens a community of undergraduate scholars. P.  Smith, M.  Fiske*,  A. Konnikova*,  S.  Davis*, S. K. DebBurman. Society for Developmental Biology Meeting, San Francisco, California (John Doctor Education Prize to P. Smith)

2009 Evaluating autophagic regulation of alpha-synuclein pathotoxicity properties in budding yeast. A. Konnikova*, R. Choi*, D. Sanchez*, K. Ahlstrand*, P. Sullivan*, S.K. DebBurman. Annual Society for Neuroscience Meeting, Chicago, Illinois

2009 Unexpected complexity in endosome/MVB pathway-mediated regulation of alpha-synuclein localization, accumulation, and toxicity in budding yeast. J. Perez*, A. Ayala*, S.K. DebBurman
Annual Society for Neuroscience Meeting, Chicago, Illinois

2009 Investigating the contribution of serine phosphorylation and alanine-76 To alpha-synuclein aggregation, membrane association, and toxicity In two yeast models. M. Fiske*, K. Solvang*, M. White*, S. Valtierra*, S. Herrera*, M. Zorniak*, S.K. DebBurman. Annual Society for Neuroscience Meeting, Chicago, Illinois

2009  EUKARYON: The use of an undergraduate scholarship journal to strengthen inquiry-based pedagogy and a community of undergraduate scholars. M. Fiske*, A. Konnikova*, S. Davis*, P. Smith, S.K. DebBurman. Annual Society for Neuroscience Meeting, Chicago, Illinois

2009 Design of an advanced biology course wherein undergraduates propose, conduct, and publish original neuroscience research. S.K. DebBurman. Annual Society for Neuroscience Meeting, Chicago, Illinois

2009 Evaluation of alanine-76, serine phosphorylation, and lysosome-based degradation of alpha-synuclein in yeast models. M. Fiske*, A. Ayala*, R. Choi*, S.K. DebBurman. Gordon Conference “Stress Proteins in Growth Development & Disease”, Proctor Academy, Andover, New Hampshire
(M. Fiske ’10 was awarded a Gordon Research Conference GRC Chair’s Award to attend and present this conference- he was the only undergraduate at this meeting).

2009 Investigating whether alanine-76 and serine phosphorylation contribute to alpha-synuclein aggregation, membrane association, and toxicity in yeasts. M. Fiske*, M. White*, S. Valtierra*, S. Herrera*, M. Zorniak*, A. Konnikova*, S.K. DebBurman. Great Lakes Chapter-American Society of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics meeting, Chicago, Illinois

2009  Evaluating autophagic regulation of alpha-synuclein in a budding yeast model. R.Choi*, M.White*, A. Konnikova*, J. McLain*, S.K.DebBurman. Great Lakes Chapter-American Society of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics meeting, Chicago, Illinois

2009 Evaluating autophagic regulation of alpha-synuclein in a budding yeast model. R.Choi*, M.White*, A. Konnikova*, J. McLain*, S.K. DebBurman Chicago Chapter Society for Neuroscience Symposium, Chicago, Illinois
(R.Choi ’09 awarded Third Prize, undergraduate poster).

2009 Investigating whether alanine-76 and serine phosphorylation contribute to alpha-synuclein aggregation, membrane association, and toxicity in yeasts. *M. Fiske, *M. White, *S. Valtierra, *S. Herrera, *M. Zorniak, *A. Konnikova, S.K. DebBurman. Chicago Chapter Society for Neuroscience Symposium, Chicago, Illinois. 
(M. Fiske ’10 awarded First Prize, undergraduate poster)

2008 EUKARYON: The use of an undergraduate scholarship journal to strengthen inquiry-based pedagogy and a community of undergraduate scholars. S.K. DebBurman, *S. Davis, *M.  Fiske, P. Smith. American Society of Cell Biology Meeting, San Francisco, CA
 
2008 Investigation of endosome/MVB Pathway-mediated regulation of alpha-synuclein localization, accumulation, and toxicity in a yeast model reveals unexpected complexity. *A. Ayala, *M. White, S.K. DebBurman. American Society of Cell Biology Meeting, San Francisco, CA
 
2008 Investigating whether Alanine-76 and serine phosphorylation contribute to alpha-synuclein aggregation, membrane association, and toxicity in yeasts. *M. Fiske, *S. Valtierra, *S. Herrera, *M. White, *M. Zorniak, and S.K. DebBurman. American Society of Cell Biology Meeting, San Francisco, CA
 
2008 Evaluating autophagic regulation of alpha-synuclein in a budding yeast model. *R. Choi, *A. Konnikova, *J. McLain, *M. White, & S.K. DebBurman. American Society of Cell Biology Meeting, San Francisco, CA
 
2008 Yeasts shed light on alpha-synuclein hydrophobicity: Alanine-76 regulates aggregation & plasma Membrane binding. *M. Fiske, *S. Valtierra, *M.White, *M. Zorniak, and S.K. DebBurman. American Society for Pharmacological & Experimental Therapeutics-Great Lakes Chapter Meeting
 
2008 Evaluating the role of the multi-vesicular body/vacuole pathway in the regulation of alpha-synuclein aggregation and toxicity in budding yeast. *A. Ayala, *M. Vahedi, *J. Price, S.K. DebBurman. American Society for Pharmacological & Experimental Therapeutics-Great Lakes Chapter Meeting
(A. Ayala ’09 awarded First Prize, undergraduate poster)
 
2008 Similarities and differences in alpha-synuclein properties within two yeast models: Analysis of E46K, A76E, & post-translation modification mutants. *S. Valtierra, *M.White, *M. Fiske, *S. Herrera, & S.K. DebBurman. Chicago Signal Transduction Symposium
 
2008 Evaluating alpha-synuclein concentration threshold and phospholipid composition to induce aggregation, membrane localization and toxicity in yeast. *L. Kukreja, *S. Valtierra, S.K. DebBurman. Chicago Signal Transduction Symposium
 
2008 Similarities and differences in alpha-synuclein properties within two yeast models: Analysis of E46K, A76E, & post-translation modification mutants. *S. Valtierra, *M.White, *M. Fiske, *S. Herrera, & S.K. DebBurman, Chicago Society for Neuroscience Symposium
(S. Valtierra ’08 awarded Second Prize- undergraduate poster)
 
2008 Evaluating the role of the multi-vesicular body/vacuole pathway in the regulation of alpha-synuclein aggregation and toxicity in budding yeast. *A. Ayala, *M. Vahedi, *J. Price, Shubhik DebBurman. Chicago Society for Neuroscience Symposium
(A. Ayala ’09 received Honorable Mention- undergraduate poster)
 
2007 Evaluation of E46K & A76E alpha-synuclein aggregation and toxicity In budding & fission Yeasts. *S. Valtierra, *M.White, *M. Zorniak, *S. Herrera, *M. Fiske, & S.K. DebBurman. American Society of Cell Biology Meeting, Washington DC
(S. Valteirra ’08 awarded First Prize- ASCB MAC undergraduate poster)
 
2007 Evaluating alpha-synuclein concentration threshold and phospholipid composition to induce aggregation, membrane localization and toxicity in yeast. *L. Kukreja, *S. Valtierra, S.K. DebBurman. American Society of Cell Biology Meeting, Washington DC
(L. Kukreja ’08 was a 2010 ASCB undergraduate travel Award recipient)
 
2007 Evaluating the role of the multi-vesicular body/vacuole pathway in the regulation of alpha-synuclein aggregation and toxicity in budding yeast. *A. Ayala, *M. Vahedi, *J. Price, Shubhik DebBurman. American Society of Cell Biology Meeting, Washington DC

2007 Budding yeast model for Parkinson disease. *M. White, *M.Zorniak, *L. Kukreja, *A. Ayala, *M. Fiske, S.K. DebBurman
Gordon Conference “Stress Proteins in Growth Development & Disease”, Oxford University, UK (M. White ’07 was awarded a Gordon Research Conference GRC Chair’s Award to attend and present this conference- he was the only undergraduate at this meeting).
         
2007 Fission yeast model for Parkinson disease. S.K. DebBurman, *L. Kukreja, *K. Brandis, *M. Zorniak, *S. Valtierra. Gordon Conference “Stress Proteins in Growth Development & Disease”, Oxford University, UK

2007 Students as scholars: Design of an advanced cell biology course wherein undergraduates propose, conduct, and publish original research. S.K. DebBurman. Great Lakes Chapter-American Society of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics meeting          

2007 EUKARYON: Design, publication, and governanance of a student peer-reviewed undergraduate journal of life science scholarship at 91¿´Æ¬Íø. S.K. DebBurman, *M.Zorniak, *A. Spivak, *C. Bueter, *M. Mckinzey. Great Lakes Chapter-American Society of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics meeting          

2007 The newest familial Parkinson disease mutant E46K Alpha-Synuclein is selectively toxic to yeast. *M.White, S.K. DebBurman
Great Lakes Chapter-American Society of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics meeting

2007 In Parkinson disease, What happens to your brain when energy generators crash? *M.Zorniak, S.K. DebBurman. Great Lakes Chapter-American Society of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics meeting    

2007 ALPHA-SYNUCLEIN FISSION YEAST MODEL: Live cell evidence for threshold concentration for aggregation. *L. Kukreja, *K. Brandis, S.K. DebBurman. Great Lakes Chapter-American Society of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics meeting

2007 ALPHA-SYNUCLEIN FISSION YEAST MODEL: Live cell evidence for threshold concentration for aggregation. *L. Kukreja, *K. Brandis, S.K. DebBurman. Chicago Signal Transduction Symposium

2007 The newest familial Parkinson disease Mutant E46K Alpha-Synuclein is selectively toxic to yeast. *M.White, S.K. DebBurman
Chicago Signal Transduction Symposium

2007 EUKARYON: Design, publication, and governanance of a student peer-reviewed undergraduate journal of life science scholarship at 91¿´Æ¬Íø. S.K. DebBurman, *M.Zorniak, *A. Spivak, *C. Bueter, *M. Mckinzey. Chicago Signal Transduction Symposium   

2007 The newest Familial Parkinson disease mutant E46K Alpha-Synuclein is selectively toxic to yeast. *M.White, S.K. DebBurman 
Chicago Society for Neuroscience Symposium 
(M. White ’07 awarded SECOND PRIZE, undergraduate poster competition)
           
2007 ALPHA-SYNUCLEIN FISSION YEAST MODEL: Live cell evidence for threshold concentration for aggregation. *L. Kukreja, *K. Brandis, S.K. DebBurman. Chicago Society for Neuroscience Symposium

2006 BUDDING YEAST MODEL FOR ALPHA-SYNUCLEIN: Evaluation of E46K toxicity, catalase deletion, & multivesicular body (MVB) formation. *M. White, *M.Zorniak, *M. Vahedi, *S. Herrera, *K. Brandis, S.K. DebBurman. American Society of Cell Biology Meeting, San Francisco

2006 ALPHA-SYNUCLEIN FISSION YEAST MODEL: Live cell evidence for  threshold concentration for aggregation. *L. Kukreja, *K. Brandis, S.K. DebBurman. American Society of Cell Biology Meeting, San Francisco
(L. Kukreja ’10 received an ASCB Travel Award to attend the meeting)

2006 Live cell evidence to support nucleation polymerization model for alpha-synuclein toxicity: Concentration is key. *L. Kukreja, *K. Brandis, S.K. DebBurman.  Chicago Society for Neuroscience Symposium

2005  Alpha-SYNUCLEIN FISSION YEAST MODEL: Concentration-dependent aggregation without membrane localization or toxicity”
*K. Brandis, *I. Holmes, *S. England, *N. Sharma, S.K. DebBurman American Society of Cell Biology Meeting, San Francisco, CA

2005 “Alpha-SYNUCLEIN BUDDING YEAST MODEL: Toxicity enhanced by impaired proteasome and qxidative stress” *T. Vaidya, *K. Brandis, *S. Herrera, *N. Sharma, B. Johnson, S.K. DebBurman American Society of Cell Biology Meeting, San Francisco, CA

2005 “EUKARYON: An undergraduate journal of life science scholarship at 91¿´Æ¬Íø” *K. Brandis, *T. Vaidya, & S.K. DebBurman American Society of Cell Biology Meeting, San Francisco, CA

2005 “Design of a cell Biology course wherein undergraduates propose, conduct, and publish original research”. American Society of Cell Biology Meeting, San Francisco, CA

2005 “Fission yeast recapitulate alpha-synuclein misfolding”
*K. Brandis, *I. Holmes, *S. England, S.K. DebBurman Experimental Biology, San Diego, CA
(K. Brandis ’06 received an ASBMB Travel Award to attend the meeting)

2005 “Budding yeast model for alpha-synuclein: Evaluating E46K mutant, post-translational modification,  & ubiquitin conjugating enzyme specificity”. *S. Herrera ’05, *N. Sharma ’04, *B Johnson ’03, *K. Brandis ’06, *R. Shrestha ’07, *M. Stevenson ’06, S.K. DebBurman. Experimental Biology, San Diego, CA (S. Herrera ’05 received an ASBMB Travel Award to attend the meeting)

2005 “Design of a cell biology course wherein undergraduates propose, conduct, and publish original research”. Experimental Biology, San Diego, CA

2005 “Fission yeast recapitulate alpha-synuclein misfolding”
*K. Brandis ’06, *I. Holmes ’05, *S. England ’04, S.K. DebBurman Chicago Signal Trandsuction Symposium, IL

2005 “Budding yeast model for alpha-synuclein: Evaluating E46K mutant, post-translational modification,  & ubiquitin conjugating enzyme specificity” *S. Herrera ’05, *N. Sharma ’04, *B. Johnson ’03, *K. Brandis ’06, *R. Shrestha’07, *M. Stevenson ’06, S.K. DebBurman. Chicago Signal Trandsuction Symposium, IL

2005 “EUKARYON: A Undergraduate journal of life science scholarship at 91¿´Æ¬Íø” *T. Vaidya ’07, S.K. DebBurman. Chicago Signal Trandsuction Symposium, IL

2005 “Budding yeast model for alpha-synuclein: Evaluating E46K mutant, post-translational modification,  & ubiquitin conjugating enzyme specificity” *S. Herrera ’05, *N. Sharma ’04, *B. Johnson ’03, *K. Brandis ’05, *R. Shrestha ’07, *M. Stevenson ’07, S.K. DebBurman. Chicago Society for Neuroscience Symposium, IL

2005 “Evaluating STP2-dependent alpha-synuclein toxicity in yeast: A role for GAPDH?” *A. Paul ’04, *R. Shrestha ’07, S.K. DebBurman. Chicago Society for Neuroscience Symposium, IL (A. Paul ’05 received First Prize in the meeting’s undergraduate research competition)

2004 “Fission yeast recapitulate alpha-synuclein misfolding”.
*I. Holmes ’05, *K. Brandis ’06, *S. England ’04, S.K. DebBurman. American Society of Cell Biology Meeting, Washington DC

2004 “Evaluating protein degradation pathway and post-translational modification in regulating alpha-synuclein” misfolding in yeast. *S. Herrera ’05, *N. Sharma ’04, *B Johnson ’03, *K. Brandis ’06, R. Shrestha ’07, *M. Stevenson ’06, S.K. DebBurman. American Society of Cell Biology Meeting, Washington DC (S. Herrera ’05 received an National Institute of Aging Travel Award to attend this meeting and won the First Prize at the meeting’s MAC research symposium)

2004 “Fission Yeast Recapitulate Alpha-Synuclein Misfolding”
*I. Holmes ’05, *K. Brandis ’04, *S. England ’04, SK DebBurman Society for Neuroscience, San Diego, CA

2004 “Evaluating Protein Degradation Pathway and Post-translational Modification in Regulating Alpha-Synuclein” Misfolding in Yeast. *S. Herrera, *N. Sharma, *B Johnson, S.K. DebBurman. Society for Neuroscience, San Diego, CA

2004 “Alpha-synuclein localizes to cell membrane and forms cytoplasmic aggregates in baker’s yeast”. *N. Sharma ’04, *B. Johnson ’03, *S. Herrera ’05, Shubhik DebBurman Annual Meeting of the American Society of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Boston, MA (N. Sharma ’04 received an ASBMB Travel Award to attend the meeting and won the First Prize at its undergraduate poster competition )

2004 “Schizosaccharomyces Pombe Model Recapitulates Alpha-Synuclein Misfolding”. *I. Holmes ’05, *S. England ’04, *K. Brandis ’05, Shubhik DebBurman Annual Meeting of the American Society of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Boston, MA (I. Holmes ’05 received an ASBMB Travel Award to attend the meeting)

2004 “Undergraduate appreciation for research in medicine: Role-playing projects using primary literature”. Annual Meeting of the American Society of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Boston, MA

2004 “Alpha-synuclein localizes to cell membrane and forms cytoplasmic aggregates in baker’s yeast”. *N. Sharma ’04, *B. Johnson ’03, *S. Herrera ’05, Shubhik DebBurman Chicago Signal Transduction Symposium, IL

2004 “Schizosaccharomyces pombe models alpha-synuclein misfolding and supports the nucleation polymerization hypothesis” *I. Holmes ’05, *S. England ’04, K. Brandis ’05. S.K. DebBurman Chicago Signal Transduction Symposium, IL

2004 “Utilizing genetic and live cell microscopy tools to study alpha-synuclein misfolding in two yeasts” *N. Sharma ’04, *I. Holmes ’05, S.K. DebBurman. Posters on the Hill, Council of Undergraduate Research Symposium, Washington, DC

2004 “Alpha-synuclein localizes to cell membrane and forms cytoplasmic aggregates in baker’s yeast”. *N. Sharma ’04, *B. Johnson ’03, *S. Herrera ’05, S.K. DebBurman.  Annual Meeting of the Chicago Chapter Society for Neuroscience, IL

2004 “Schizosaccharomyces pombe models alpha-synuclein misfolding and supports the nucleation polymerization hypothesis”
*I. Holmes ’05, *S. England ’04, Katrina Brandis ’05, S.K. DebBurman Annual Meeting of the Chicago Chapter Society for Neuroscience, IL (I. Holmes ’05 received First Prize at the meeting’s undergraduate research competition)

2004 “Igniting undergraduate appreciation for neuroscience research in medicine: Role-playing projects using primary literature” Annual Meeting of the Chicago Chapter Society for Neuroscience, IL

2003 “Two yeast models for protein misfolding associated with Parkinson’s disease” *N. Sharma ’04, *S. England ’05, *K. Brandis ’06, *I. Holmes ’05,  *B. Johnson ’03, S.K. DebBurman. Annual Meeting of the American Society of Cell Biology

2003 “Appreciating the role of research In medicine & society: Experiential research projects for beginning, intermediate, and advanced undergraduates” Annual Meeting of the American Society of Cell Biology

2003 “Developing a yeast model for protein misfolding linked to Parkinson’s disease: Expression, & biochemical studies of wildtype & mutant forms of human alpha-synuclein” *N. Sharma, *S. England, *B Johnson, S.K. DebBurman. Chicago Signal Transduction Symposium

2003 “Expression of wildtype and mutant alpha-synuclein in baker’s yeast” *B. Johnson ’03, *N. Sharma ’04, Shubhik DebBurman. American Society of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Meeting (Brandon Johnson ’03 received an ASBMB Travel Award to attend this meeting)

2003 “THINKING LIKE A SCIENTIST: Experiential Research Projects To Promote Undergraduate Biology Learning And Scientific Process”
Shubhik DebBurman, *M. McNeeley, *A Eakley. American Society of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Meeting

2003 “Expression of wildtype and mutant alpha-synuclein in Baker’s Yeast” *N. Sharma, *B. Johnson, Shubhik DebBurman. Chicago Chapter Society for Neuroscience Meeting (N. Sharma ’04 received Third Prize at the meeting’s undergraduate research competition)

2003 “Learning How Scientists Think: Experiential Teaching and Learning in an Undergraduate Neuroscience Course” *M. McNeeley, *A Eakley, Shubhik DebBurman. Annual Meeting of the Chicago Chapter Society for Neuroscience

2002 “Learning How Scientists Work: Experiential research projects to promote cell biology learning and scientific process skills”, Annual Meeting of the American Society of Cell Biology

2002 “Experiential research projects requiring primary article mastery promotes student learning in an undergraduate neurobiology course”
Annual Meeting of the Society of Neuroscience

2002 “Experiential research projects promote learning an inquiry-based undergraduate science curriculum”, Annual Meeting of the American Society of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry

2000 “Chaperone-promoted solubilization of protease-resistant prion protein”  Chicago Signal Transduction Symposium, Chicago, IL

2000 “Experiential projects promote learning via mastery of primary articles in two undergraduate cell biology courses” Annual Meeting of American Society of Cell Biology, San Francisco, CA

2000 “Chaperone-promoted solubilization of protease-resistant prion protein” Annual Meeting of American Society of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, Boston, MA

2000 “Mastering primary articles: two experiential projects that facilitate learning among science undergraduate majors” Annual Meeting of American Society of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, Boston, MA

1998 “Chaperone-promoted solubilization of PrP-res, the infectious element in transmissible spongiform encephalopathies”, American Society of Cell Biology Meeting, San Francisco, CA

1998 “Chaperone-assisted formation of mammalian prions” Annual Midwest Chaperone & Stress Response Meeting, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL

1997 “Chaperone-supervised misfolding of the prion protein to its protease-resistant aggregated form” Annual meeting of the Life Sciences Research Foundation, Baltimore, MD

1997 “Chaperone-promoted misfolding of the cellular prion protein”
Annual Life Science Departmental Retreat, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL

1997 “Will prion chaperones control the madness?”, Annual Minisymposium on Cancer Biology, University of Chicago, IL

1996 “G protein-coupled receptor kinase GRK2 is a phospholipid-dependent enzyme that is conditionally activated by G protein beta-gamma subunits”, Annual Meeting of American Society for Pharmaceutical and Experimental Therapeutics-Great Lakes Chapter, Chicago, IL

1995 “Lipid-mediated regulation of G protein-coupled receptor kinases GRK2 & GRK3”, International Symposium of Muscarinic Receptor Subtypes and Signaling, Ft. Lauderdale, FL

1995 “Lipid-mediated regulation of G protein-coupled receptor kinases GRK2 & GRK3”, Annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience-Chicago Chapter, Chicago, IL

1995 “Agonist-dependent phosphorylation of human muscarinic receptors in Spodoptera frugiperda insect cell membranes by G protein-coupled receptor kinases”  Annual meeting of American Society for Pharmaceutical and Experimental Therapeutics-Great Lakes Chapter, Chicago, IL

1994 “Lipid-mediated regulation of G protein-coupled receptor kinases GRK2 & GRK3”  Annual Meeting of the Society for Neuroscience, Miami Beach, FL

1994 “Agonist-dependent phosphorylation of human muscarinic receptors in Spodoptera frugiperda insect cell membranes by G protein-coupled receptor kinases”  Annual Meeting of the Society for Biophysics, New Orleans

Medical Mysteries of Our Amazing Brain: Four Frontiers, Spring 2024
A five-week mini course for senior citizen residents at lake Forest Place retirement community, Lake Forest (Illinois)

Our Amazing Brain (2003-present, every semester) 
A teaching outreach for elementary school children through partnership with North Chicago, Lake Bluff, and Lake Forest schools

Medical Mysteries of the Mind: LFC Brain Awareness Week ( 2003-present, annual fall event)
Organized public brain outreach campaigns at 91¿´Æ¬Íø featuring work of  91¿´Æ¬Íø students and highlighting neuroscience research by 91¿´Æ¬Íø faculty and neuroscience leaders in the Chicago research community

Robert B. Glassman Memorial Brain, Mind, and Behavior Symposium (2013-present, annual fall event)
An annual celebration of interdisciplinary neuroscience scholarship pursue by faculty, students and alumni of 91¿´Æ¬Íø

 (2017-2022, annual spring event)
Organizer of this outreach and education program on behalf of the USA Brain Bee and Chicago Society for Neuroscience for the larger Chicago area/Great lakes community for a five-year period (till 2021).

Laura Maxson ’00*, MS-PA
Dr. Dan Appledorn ’00*, PhD
Dr. Aash Bhatt ’01*, MD
Dr. Geetha Athappilly ’01*, MD
Dr. Anne Hinz ’02*, MD
Ryan Paulsen ’02, Senior Thesis
Dr. Brandon Johnson ’03, PhD, Senior Thesis
Dr. Samantha England ’04, PhD, Senior Project
Dr. Nijee Sharma ’04, MD/PhD, Senior Thesis**
Rity Upadhyaya ’04, MS
Dr. Isaac Holmes ’05, MD, Senior Project
Dr. Sara Herrera ’05, MD, Senior Thesis
Dr. Olga Mikhaylov ’05, MD
Dr. Arun Paul ’05, PhD, MD
Dr. David Mann ’06, MD, Senior Thesis
Dr. Katrina Brandis ’06, PhD, Senior Thesis**
Melissa Stevenson ’06, MS-PA
Dr. Jessica Price ’06, MA, PhD
Dr. Ruja Srestha ’07, PhD
Dr. Tulaza Vaidya ’07, PhD
Dr. Michael White ’07, MD, Senior Thesis
Dr. Michael Zorniak ’07, PhD, Senior Thesis
Lavinia Sinitean ’07, MSN
Dr. Lokesh Kukreja ’08, PhD, Senior Thesis
Dr. Mithaq Vahedi ’08, MD
Dr. Sina Vahedi ’08, MD
Dr. Stephanie Valtierra ’08, PhD, Senior Thesis
Alexandra Ayala ’09, Teach for America,  Senior Thesis
Dr. Ray Choi ’09, MD, Senior Thesis
Dr. Nengding Wang ’09, PhD
Dr. Daryn Cass ’10, MD, Senior Thesis
Dr. Michael Fiske ’10, PhD, Senior Thesis**
Jaime Perez ’10, MPO, Senior Thesis
Carlos Becerra ’10, MSN, pursuing DNP studies
Rebecca Brezinsky ’11, MPH
Dr. Alina Konnikova ’11, MD, Senior Thesis
Dr. Julian McLain ’11, MD
Daniel Sanchez ’11
Dr. Keith Solvang ’11, MD, Senior Thesis
Dr. Kayla Ahlstrand ’12, DVM
Dr. Madhavi Senagolage ’12, PhD, Senior Thesis
Dr. Peter Sullivan ’12, PhD, Senior Thesis
Dr. Daniella Brutman ’12, MD, Senior Thesis
Dr. Natalie Kukulka ’13, MD, Senior Thesis
Ashley Reich ’13, Senior Thesis
Dr. Kim Diah ’13, PhD, Senior Thesis
Katrina Campbell ’14, pursuing PhD studies, Senior Thesis
Anhar Mohamed ’14, Senior Thesis
Rida Khan ’14, MS/MBA
Galina Lipkin ’14, MS, pursuing PhD studies
Dr. Michael Herriges ’15, MD 
Dr. Maiwase Tembo ’15, PhD
Charles Alvarado ’16, M.A.T. pursuing PhD studies, Senior Project
Dr. Saul Bello Rojas ’16, PhD 
Sarah Chiren ’16, MS-PA
Dr. Khadijah Hamid ’16, DO 
Jyothis James ’16, pursuing PhD studies
Morgan Marshall ’16, MS, Senior Project
Dr. Maribel Munoz ’16, MD 
Dr. Alexandra Roman ’16, MD, Senior Project
Logan Graham ’17, MHA/MBA 
Cam Gudmundson ’17
James Haney ’17, Senior Thesis, MD 
Dr. Ana McCracken ’17, MD
Dr. Emily Ong ’17, DO, Senior Thesis**
Peyton Schrag ’17, pursuing M.Ed. studies
Dr. Viktoriya Georgieva ’18, MD 
Paul Jones ’18, pursuing PhD studies, Senior Thesis
Dr. Rosemary Thomas ’18, MD, Senior Thesis
Dr. Yuliya Zayats ’18, pursuing DO studies
Michael Buabeng ’19 pursuing MS studies
Yoan Ganev ’19, pursuing MD studies,  Senior Thesis**
Chisomo Mwale ’19, pursuing MS studies
Danielle Sychowski ’19, pursuing DO studies
Niam Abeysiriwardena ’20, MS
Ariane Balaram ’20, pursuing PhD studies
Ruqia Bibi ’20, pursuing MS-PA studies
Alexsandra Biel ’20, pursuing MD studies
Carris Borland ’20, pursuing PhD studies, Senior Thesis
Joseph Mountain ’20, pursuing MS-PA studies
Leslie Gonzales ’21, pursuing PhD studies
Matthew McMahon ’21, pursuing PhD studies
Bari Mohammed ’21
Kang Ryul-Min ’21, pursuing DMD studies
Estella Tcaturian ’21, pursuing PhD studies
Kealey Humphrey ’22
Bilal Khan ’22, pursuing DMD Studies
Barry Khim ’22
Amanda Grassel ’23, Senior Thesis**
Tracey Nassuna ’23, pursuing PhD studies, Senior Thesis
Ryan Osselborn ’23, Senior Project
Fede Bertolotti ’24
Bryce Zabat ’24
Nilufar imomdova ‘25
Isaiah Moonlight ’25
Sebastian Gacek ‘25
Leslie Casares ‘26
Holly Kiernan ‘26
Marcelo Camba Almazan ‘26
Kate Feist '27
Mieng Chandavimol '27
Ananta Srivastava (HS)#
Pranav Anand (HS)$
Thea Grauer (HS)%

*Kalamazoo College students
**Phi Beta Kappa Senior Thesis Award
Senior Thesis (= Committee chair)
#Lake Forest Academy student
$California Public School Student
%Libertyville High School