University of Delaware Department of Biological Sciences

Dissertation in one week!
Who: Nidhi
Title: “Integrase-deficient lentiviral vector mediated CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing and Newborn screening for Mucopolysaccharidosis Type IVA”
When: Monday, 6/29 @11 am
Where: Wolf Hall, Room 318
Advisor: Shunji Tomatsu, MD., Ph.D.

Dissertation TODAY @ 1pm!
Who: Thomas Manzoni
Title: “Bioengineering Articular Cartilage with Zonal Properties using Passaged Chondrocytes”
When: Thursday, 6/4 @1 pm
Where: Wolf Hall, Room 318
Advisor: Dr. Justin Parreno

"Four years ago...I had little understanding of what research was, let alone its role in advancing science. Honors Integrated Biology and Chemistry (HiBC) changed that trajectory entirely," - Atif Bacchus (Class of 2026)

Recent honors biological sciences graduate Atif Bacchus has published research in two oncology journals for work on breast cancer hotspots and systemic inflammation. During his time at University of Delaware, he also worked with CRISPR technology at the ChristianaCare Helen F. Graham Cancer Center, presented at national conferences and mentored fellow students. 🔬

UD’s HiBC course combines biology and chemistry in an immersive, research-driven learning experience. Read Bacchus' reflection on how the course helped prepare him for high-level research from his first semester onward: https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/cas/news-events/news/2026/may/investing-in-the-future-of-science/

📸 Pictured is Atif Bacchus in the lab, working with first-year students participating in an HiBC aquatic ecology research lab exercise, and mentoring students in the classroom.

Dissertation in one week!
Who: Thomas Manzoni
Title: “Bioengineering Articular Cartilage with Zonal Properties using Passaged Chondrocytes”
When: Thursday, 6/4 @1 pm
Where: Wolf Hall, Room 318
Advisor: Dr. Justin Parreno

Congrats to our graduates, many of whom are in these pictures!!

The Biological Sciences faculty are ready to celebrate our students!!

Atif Bacchus's journey in Honors Integrated Biology & Chemistry is one of exploration, determination, and publication! We are looking forward to seeing all that he does as he graduates this week!

Investing in the Future of Science | College of Arts & Sciences | University of Delaware University of Delaware senior Atif Bacchus shares how the HiBC course launched his research journey, leading to oncology publications and student mentorship.

Thesis TODAY @2:30PM!
Who: McKenna Millar
Title: “Investigating the loss of cystathionine beta-synthase on C. elegans muscle function and mitochondria”
When: Wolf, Room 318
Advisor: Dr. Jessica Tanis

On Day, consider supporting the undergraduate driven brain cancer research in Dr. Deni Galileo's lab!! 🧠💛💙

I Heart UD Giving Day | April 29, 2026 Blue Hens are the Heart of UD!

Dissertation TODAY @11 AM!
Who: Leah O’Neill
Title: “Mechanisms Regulating Responses of Lens Epithelial Cells Following Lens Injury”
When: Friday 4/3 @ am
Where: Wolf Hall, Room 318
Advisor: Melinda K. Duncan, Ph.D.