Features
2022 Brosnan Lecture in Biochemistry
This 2022 Brosnan Lecture in Biochemistry is coming up on Wednesday Nov 23rd at 1pm. For all the details please click here:Brosnan Lecture
Biochemistry, Nutrition, & Dietetics Career Talk
October 27th, 2022
12pm-1:30pm @ The Landing (UC 3015)
Pizza for lunch!
**All students and alumni are welcome to attend this event!
Science alumni who are working in the industry will present to students about their current careers and how they navigated their job search. This is a great opportunity to learn where a science degree can take you. Since many jobs are not publicly advertised, networking is a major factor for students and graduates in finding jobs and careers!
To learn more about the presenters and to register for event, please visit the link provided:
2021
July
About the Department of Biochemistry
The Department of Biochemistry was founded in 1967 and its first head was Dr. L.A.W. Feltham. We've grown from small beginings to a group of faculty, staff, and students that number well over 300 for Fall 2016. Our faculty are active in teaching, research, and comittee work as well as collegial activities across campus and indeed around the world. Many of our students have earned scholarhips and other awards for their high academic achievement. Our small group of staff are noted for their dedication to the department - many have been here in this department for most or all of their university career.
2020
August
Changes in Course Offerings for Fall 2020 and Winter 2021 Semesters
There are changes to our course offerings in the upcoming academic year as a result of the announcement that teaching will take place remotely for the Fall semester. You can find a full list of course offerings and related program information here.
2018
June
Free copy of Webinar - 4th Annual Faith Elizabeth Winifred (Rusted) Bayley Nutrition Lecture
Speaker: Catherine J. Field, PhD RD, Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Science, University of Alberta
Dr. Field gave the fourth annual Faith Elizabeth Winifred (Rusted) Bayley Nutrition Lecture on May 15 at Memorial. This presentation is now available as a recorded webinar available for free until July 5, 2018. The presentation can be accessed here - https://cns-scn.ca/education-portal/view/part-1-of-2-can-we-help-new-moms-eat-better-to-help-prevent-allergies-in-their-babies
Convocation Spring 2018
On May 30, 2018 we held our Convocation event and said goodbye to 22 B. Sc. (Honours) graduates, 44 B.Sc. graduates, and 21 graduates from other departments with Minors in Biochemistry. Maaran Suntharamoorthy received a Doctor of Philosophy in Food Science and Alaa Al-Jaroudi, Welaa, Al-Jaroudi, Scott Bray, and Julia Chalker all received a M.Sc. in Biochemistry.
January
Research Awards for Science Undergraduate Students 2018-2019
The Faculty of Science has 2 competitive programs of paid employment for science undergraduate students interested in conducting research projects with Faculty of Science academic staff members:
1. NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA) program
2. Faculty of Science Undergraduate Research Awards (SURA) program
Each program has its own eligibility requirements and the prospective students are responsible for completing and submitting their own applications. The purpose of these programs is to introduce science undergraduate students to academic research outside the course-based laboratory setting. While there is no academic credit for these programs, receipt of these awards and the experienced gained over the 16 weeks are excellent additions to the students’ resume and will improve their employability and scholarship potential.
2017
December
Deferred and Supplementary Exams
The Biochemistry General Office along with many other of our departmental services will be closed from 10 am Friday, December 22nd until 9:00 am Wednesday, January 3rd. All deferred and supplementary exam applications should be submitted by Wednesday, January 3rd. Students will be given a minimum of 48 hours notice for writing any such exam. All exams will be written during the first week of classes, (January 4 – 10, 2018).
November
We're hiring!
We are seeking a qualified candidate for our tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Nutritional Biochemistry. Please see our Faculty Positions employment page for more details. Note, the application deadline is November 30
June
Convocation Spring 2017
Spring Convocation 2017 took place from May 31 - June 2, 2017. On May 31, 2017 Biochemistry helds its Convocation event to honour our graduates.
Congratulations to Dr. Shahidi
Congratulations to Dr. Fereidoon Shahidi on being the 2017 recipient of the MilliporeSigma /Nicholas Pelick-AOCS Research Award which recognizes outstanding original research in fats, oils, lipid chemistry, or biochemistry. The award is sponsored by MilliporeSigma, and Nicholas Pelick, a past president of AOCS. The award consists of a plaque, an honorarium, and travel funds for the recipient to attend the AOCS Annual Meeting, where they present an award lecture.
May
Biochemistry turns 50!
Holy Krebs! The Memorial University Biochemistry Department will be 50 years’ old this year.
To mark the occasion, we are putting the call out to all graduates for an all years celebration weekend. Whether you graduated with a Biochemistry, Dietetics, Food Science or Nutrition undergraduate or graduate degree, save the dates Friday September 8 – Sunday September 10, 2017.
Biochemistry Convocation Event
Graduates and their guests are invited to join the faculty and staff of the Biochemistry Department for a light luncheon at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, May 31, 2017.
April and May News
The Biochemistry Society had to cancel their end of year formal dinner and dance due to weather and instead
April
Tender awarded, construction to resume on Core Science Facilty
Memorial University has awarded the main construction contract for the Core Science Facility to Marco Services Limited.
The contract, known as CP-3R, is for the remaining work on the building. Construction will resume on the project this spring. It is slated to open for the fall semester in 2020.
“The development of our new Core Science Facility at Memorial University is the cornerstone of our infrastructure renewal plan and vital for the continued success of our great university,” said President Gary Kachanoski. “Once complete, the core science facility will enhance our ability to recruit and retain world-class faculty who will provide the best education for undergraduate and graduate students.”
January
Biochemistry Society participates in the Relay for Life
Congratulations to the Biochemistry Society who participated in the Relay for Life this past weekend, raising $3,157 for the Canadian Cancer Society in the process, the largest amount raised by any of the participating teams. Pictured is the Biochemistry team.
Science Undergraduate Research Award (SURA) program
The Dean of Science Office is pleased to announce its Science Undergraduate Research Award (SURA) program will be offered again this year. The SURA program is created to provide undergraduate students in the Faculty of Science with more opportunities for hands-on research experience. The duration of the SURA work period is 16 weeks and must take place in the Faculty of Science during the 2017 spring/summer semester.
2016
December
Deferred and Supplementary Exams
The Biochemistry General Office along with many other of our departmental services will be closed from 10 am Friday, December 23rd until 9:00 am Wednesday, January 4th. All deferred and supplementary exam applications should be submitted by Wednesday, January 4th. Students will be given a minimum of 48 hours notice for writing any such exam. All exams will be written during the first week of classes, (January 6 – 11, 2017).
January
University Student Summer Internship Program (USSIP)
Competition Deadline – Monday, February 22, 2016 at 5p.m.
Each year, through the University Summer Student Internship Program (USSIP), 10 summer internships will be awarded through a competitive application process with the expectation that the funds will be used to stimulate research intensity through student engagement. Competitive awards will be based on: Academic excellence of student applicant; quality of proposed summer research project; and quality of the supervisor’s recommendation.
2015
August
Dr. Ryan Mailloux joins the Biochemistry Department
Dr. Ryan Mailloux visited us in February as part of his interview process for an assistant professor job in Biochemistry. He has since accepted the offer and will start in September 2015. Dr. Mailloux joins us from the University of Ottawa and University of Ottawa Heart Institute. Welcome Dr. Mailloux.
June
PhD graduation celebration
Biochemistry professors Janet Brunton and Rob Bertolo had a lot to celebrate at Memorial University’s recent convocation.
Three of the students they co-supervised, Matthew Nosworthy, Laura McBreairty and Jason Robinson, all picked up their PhDs during the May 26th ceremony.
2014
December
Dr. Sean Brosnan receives 2014 President's Award
Dr. Seán Brosnan has been awarded the 2014 John Lewis Paton Distinguished University Professorship, Memorial’s newest and most prestigious award for faculty. Named for the founding president of Memorial University College, the award recognizes those who distinguish themselves across the continuum of teaching and learning, research and public engagement. Dr. Brosnan is an accomplished educator and one of Memorial’s premier scientists and researchers in the Department of Biochemistry.
PhD students receive CRTP Fellowship
Congratulations to Craig Ayre and Nikitha Kendyala Pallegar, PhD students in Dr. Sherri Christian’s lab, on receiving Cancer Research Training Program Fellowships from the Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, matched by Memorial University. CRTP fellowships are awarded to outstanding graduate students or post-doctoral fellows undertaking any type of research with relevance to cancer.
August
Biochemistry Summer Symposium 2014
The fourth annual Biochemistry Summer Symposium was held on August 13, 2014, at the Fluvarium. The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Alain Nepveu, Professor of Biochemistry at McGill University. This year, graduate students were competing for the L.M. Stead Oral Competition Award for Best Oral Presentation. This award was generously donated by Dr. Lori Stead and by Dr. René Jacobs, both alumni of the department.
April
Maternal consumption of omega-3 may prevent neurological disorders in offspring
Formed during late pregnancy and early post-natal periods, the brain relies heavily on the accumulation of DHA, a clasic form of omega-3, which can only be obtained through the mother's diet.
Researchers at Memorial are studying whether or not increased consumption during those times can help prevent neurological diseases or disorders in offspring later in life.
March
Creator of glycemic index to give inaugural nutrition lecture
Dr. David Jenkins, Canada Research Chair in Nutrition and Metabolism will give a free public lecture titled, Diet and Chronic Disease in the 21st Century on Monday, April 7 at 7 p.m. in the Bruneau Centre for Research and Innovation, Room IIC-2001.
In his talk, he will discuss the effect of diet on modifying the progression and severity of chronic diseases.
2013
July
Bakeapples - a long history of nutritional value
Newfoundlanders love their bakeapples. But, did you know that the nutritional value of this little fruit was well known to the Vikings and was used to combat scurvy? The bakeapple (cloudberry) has had a distinguished place in the history of nutritional science, public health, and botany.
April
Biochemistry profs win distinguished award for nutrition leadership
Drs. Seán and Margaret Brosnan have been announced as the recipients of the 2012 Danone Institute of Canada Distinguished Nutrition Leadership Award (DNLA) for excellence in nutrition.
March
Marie Codner recognized for community service
Marie Codner was recently presented with the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal in recognition of more than 30 years of volunteerism for Town of Torbay. Marie is a leader in the social life of the department. Congratulations, Marie!
2012
November
Biochemist hopes to make health impact in India with Omega-3
Dr. Sukhinder Cheema is hoping to make a long-term impact on the health and economic well being of India.