Goucher student elected to American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology honor society

Rylee McDonnell ’21, a Goucher College biochemistry and molecular biology (BCMB) major and member of the women’s soccer team, was elected this spring to ΧΩΛ, the honor society of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB). According to ASBMB, the honor society recognizes exceptional undergraduate juniors and seniors pursuing degrees in the molecular life sciences at colleges or universities. Students are recognized for their scholarly achievement, research accomplishments, and outreach activities.

“While at Goucher, I had a great experience as a biochemistry and molecular biology major,” said McDonnell. “In all of my classes, I formed close relationships with my professors as they challenged me and pushed me to ask more questions, think deeper, and defend my ideas. I enjoyed the lab classes the most as they provided an opportunity to practice techniques and see the science I had learned about in class, and the smaller class setting allowed me to bond with both my peers and professors.”

Goucher’s biochemistry and molecular biology major was one of the first in the country to be accredited by ASBMB. The accreditation recognizes the institution for upholding the highest standards of quality and innovation in the major and further attests to the curriculum aligning with the fundamental concepts and critical reasoning skills needed in BMB careers.

“I had the opportunity to complete my independent research project my senior year with Dr. Mark Hiller,” said McDonnell. “This allowed me to bring together the skills I learned throughout my four years at Goucher, improved my problem-solving and science communication skills, and increased my confidence in a lab setting.”

McDonnell will now continue to do research while working as a postgraduate researcher in the Muzumdar Lab at Yale University School of Medicine, investigating the causes of pancreatic cancer. She plans to pursue a career in medicine.