Holly Shepherd, Student Services Manager at the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, was one of eight recipients of the annual Dean’s Performance Award at the 2025 School of Medicine Annual Staff Summit.

cartoon cake with three diverse cartoon people

The University proudly acknowledges the long-term dedication and impactful contributions of faculty and staff across our institution. Reflecting our mission to advance research, teaching, and community service, the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics celebrates the achievements of its members through the State Service Recognition program.

Congrats to Steven Torchio our Human Resources Consultant, who earned his PHR certificate!

Amanda Chang with UNC Well image in the background

Amanda Chang was a former staff member in our department. Read more about her interests and career journey at UNC. UNC Research’s “Rooted: Amanda Chang – UNC Research“

collage of 8 photos from Christmas party with awardees

We held our annual end-of-year holiday party at the Kenan Conference Center. Latasha Mingo MBA introduced our chair, Jean Cook PhD, who shared our growth and successes over the past year. Qi Zhang PhD spoke and then Dr. Silvia Ramos announced awards...

KC Copper at the Puttery in Charlotte, NC. A place to play putt putt while enjoying a mixed drink or food.

Meet KC Cooper, research technician. Her work is focused on cGAS-like enzymes in prokaryotes and their role in anti-phage defense in the Jenson lab.

text "BCBP Equipment committee awarded $40K for anew autoclave! Leiah Carey and Jesse Arp, equipment committee co-chairs" images of fireworks and photo of Leiah Carey PhD

Special thanks to our Equipment Committee co-chairs: Leiah Carey PhD, Research Associate in the Campbell lab and Jesse Arp, Accountant for all their hard work to get this award for the UNC biochemistry and biophysics department.

On July 10 we held our inaugural Staff Retreat at the Rizzo Center. Special thanks to Latasha Mingo, MBA, Director of Finance and Administration, for organizing. Latasha and our Chair Dr. Jean Cook spoke about our departmental history, mission, plans for growth, and goals.

The team is excited to welcome Shakia Risby as the new Business Services Coordinator, stepping into the role previously held by Cindy. Shakia brings a strong background in business and leadership, having earned her B.A. in Business from Chowan University in May 2021 and her M.A. in Organizational Leadership in May 2023. Prior to joining …

Our annual research retreat included a keynote talk by Dr. Linda Columbus from the University of Virginia. She is an expert in the biophysics of membrane proteins, particularly regarding bacterial pathogenesis and host-pathogen interactions. Read all our highlights.

John, Jeff, Holly, and Rhonda from the Biochemistry and Biophysics department were nominated for the 2023 Dean’s Performance Awards due to their extraordinary efforts. The winners were announced at the School of Medicine Annual Staff Summit on October 3, 2023.

On Monday, October 2, 2023, Ellie Frost joined our department as our new Pre-Award Specialist. Ellie is supervised by Nhandi Kenion. She can be reached at azure@live.unc.edu.

Tag: Staff News

Holly Shepherd earns Dean’s Performance Award

Congratulations to our faculty and staff celebrating state service awards

Staff News: Congrats to Steven Torchio who earned his PHR certificate!

A former staff member highlighted in UNC Research Rooted

Department announces winners of our BCBP 2024 Excellence Awards

Welcome Research staff KC Cooper to BCBP and Jenson lab

BCBP Equipment Committee Awarded $40K for a new autoclave!

BCBP Staff Retreat held on July 10 at the Rizzo Center

Welcome Shakia Risby our Business Services Coordinator!

The 2023 Biochemistry and Biophysics Research Retreat was held on October 19 at the Cookery in Durham

BCBP Staff nominated for the 2023 Dean’s Performance Awards

Welcome Ellie Frost our new Pre-Award Specialist