Biochemistry majors receive outstanding presentation awards for their research posters

Congratulations to the following Biochemistry majors for receiving presentation awards at the 2026 Undergraduate Research Symposium, held Friday afternoon on Apr 23, 2026 at Gray-Little Hall. There were over 130 posters at two poster sessions in this university-wide event that showcased undergraduate research across many disciplines at KU.    

Aarjo Roy

Best Overall Presentations for Poster Session 2

Best in Group for Poster Session 2

Aarjo Roy (Junior, BS Biochemistry) from Overland Park, Kansas, investigated the effect of Vitamin A (Retinal) on the activity of Glycogen Phosphorylase, an enzyme involved in energy metabolism. He found that the enzyme decreased in activity under the effects of the vitamin, and that Vitamin A acts as a mixed inhibitor. He will do summer research at the Soper Lab in Lawrence, working with Nanofluidic systems and fabricating nanoscale analytical testing chips. Aarjo’s career goal is to become an R&D head in the Biotech Industry, and he is currently applying to graduate schools. In his free time, Aarjo writes screenplays, manages a dance team, models, and likes to cook.

Nevaeh Miller

Best in Group for Poster Session 2 

Nevaeh Miller (Junior, BS Biochemistry) from Blue Springs, Missouri, investigated the effect of Ferrous Sulfate on the activity of Glycogen Phosphorylase, an enzyme involved in energy metabolism. She found that the impact of ferrous sulfate was dependent on the concentration of AMP. When AMP concentrations are low, ferrous sulfate has no impact on enzyme activity. When AMP concentrations are high, ferrous sulfate acts as a mixed inhibitor. This summer, Nevaeh will gain clinical and shadowing exposure and is working as a server. Nevaeh’s career goal is to become a physician. In her free time, she enjoys going on walks with her siblings, reading, and baking.

Cassia Allison

Best in Group for Poster Session 1

Cassia Allison (Junior, BA Biochemistry) from Pittsburg, Kansas, investigated the effect of Dramamine Original on the function of glycogen phosphorylase, an enzyme important to the release of glucose in metabolism and energy. She concluded that the medication had an overall activating effect on the enzyme in the system, possibly due to the structure of the drug including both a stimulant and an antihistamine. Cassia’s goals for her career include becoming a pharmacist and contributing to pharmaceutical research. In her spare time, she enjoys playing videogames, knitting, crochet, and cooking.

Ezra Joseph and Nicasio Jurani were also awarded Best in Group for Poster Session 1.