ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA – Winthrop University’s biochemistry and molecular biology program recently attained recertification from a national organization through 2030.
Evaluators with the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) completed their review of Winthrop’s application in the fall and notified the university in January that it was approved.
Of particular note were the following aspects of Winthrop’s program:
Takita Sumter, chemistry professor and dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, said Winthrop was the first program in the nation to be awarded this distinction in 2013 and now boasts 10 years of academic excellence in biochemistry. “This approval will enable us to continue to educate students in alignment with the ASBMB’s rigorous stamp of approval through 2030,” she added.
Winthrop students within the accredited program are eligible to sit for the 2024 certification exam to be offered in April.
Chemistry Professor Nick Grossoehme authored the self-study for the second time with the support of his former and current department chairs. Sumter also thanked faculty members Jason Hurlbert, Timea Fernandez and others teaching chemistry introductory courses.
Grossoehme said the recertification reaffirms the strength of the university’s biochemistry program, which has continued to serve as a model for other institutions. “The diverse experience and expertise of our faculty coupled with the resources and opportunities available to students make this a top destination for students to pursue a career in any of the numerous fields related to biochemistry,” he said.
In addition, the recertification of the biochemistry program by ASBMB complements the recent reaffirmation of the university’s chemistry program by the American Chemical Society which was reapproved in 2022 and extends through 2028. “Both of these recognitions are awarded after rigorous external review and signify that Winthrop students are receiving the very best education and training in chemistry and biochemistry,” said Robin Lammi, chemistry professor and chair of the Department of Chemistry, Physics, Geology & the Environment.
About the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
The ASBMB is a nonprofit scientific and educational organization with more than 11,000 members worldwide. Most members teach and conduct research at colleges and universities. Others conduct research in government laboratories, at nonprofit research institutions and in industry. The society publishes three journals: the Journal of Biological Chemistry, the Journal of Lipid Research, and Molecular and Cellular Proteomics.
For more information, contact Grossoehme at grossoehmen@winthrop.edu.
