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Celebrating 60 Years of Biochemistry at NC State

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a pokeweed growing green, unripe and poisonous berries

Jul 9, 2026

Mining Rare Earth Elements with Plants

The United States is looking to boost domestic mining of rare earth elements to secure greater control over pricing and manufacturing of essential technologies we rely on. To that end, the U.S. Department of Energy is backing NC State University’s interdisciplinary research for optimizing phytomining — the process of extracting valuable minerals using plants. 
a man inside a industrial shed looking at baskets of duckweed

Jul 8, 2026

Could Duckweed Solve One of Hog Farming’s Biggest Challenges?

CALS professor Ryan Sartor has an idea that could turn waste into worth by using domesticated duckweed grown in hog lagoons to prevent overflows and capture excess nutrients. 
a woman with long dark hair wearing a red shirt that says NC State Wolfpack standing in front of a gray and red brick building with marble steps

Apr 29, 2026

Thomas Jefferson Scholars: Finding Value in Intentional Community

As a double major in biochemistry and political science, Pooja Narasimhan will graduate in May with a broad skillset and the confidence to find her place in the world thanks to support through NC State’s Thomas Jefferson Scholars program. 
image shows green leafy plants in small pots being grown under reddish light

Apr 16, 2026

How a New Technique Will Help Us Mine Rare-Earth Metals…With Plants

Researchers have developed a technique for detecting and measuring the concentration of rare-earth elements in plants. 

Mar 24, 2026

From farms to fusion: UK-US research teams honored

Seven UK-US collaborations spanning a wide range of disciplines demonstrated how the UK-US research and innovation partnership is addressing global challenges. The teams were presented the Pioneering UK-US Breakthroughs (PUB)… 
A man wearing a black T-shirt sits in a science lab with a laptop computer

Mar 16, 2026

New Grant to Grow Interdisciplinary Biochemistry Master’s Program

Thanks to the Interdisciplinary Biochemistry Master’s Program, Dontae Mosley was able to pursue his master’s degree and launch his career in the biotech industry. Now, more biochemistry graduate students will have the same opportunity through a new grant from the National Science Foundation. 
a man samples cells from a petri dish

Mar 5, 2026

Piecing Together the Puzzle of Prostate Cancer

The recipient of the Anne A.J. Work Award for outstanding biochemistry graduate research, Asher Utz is helping lead the way to better understanding prostate cancer. 
a photo of a juvenile corn plan in the sun

Feb 25, 2026

Reimagining Photosynthesis for Efficiency

Research exploring artificial photosynthesis through designed proteins could one day open the door to new possibilities in agriculture and beyond. 
a woman holding a red graduation cap stands in front of a grey brick building

Jan 8, 2026

From Chemistry to Cures

For biochemistry graduate student Katy Klein, curiosity and passion fuel her drive for understanding how the inner workings of biological processes can mean the difference between health and heartbreak. 
a woman stands in front of a screen projector with boxes of text on the screen

Nov 25, 2025

Celebrating 60 Years of Biochemistry at NC State

For six decades, biochemistry faculty at NC State have guided research, education and workforce development with an eye toward advancing solutions in agriculture, medicine and beyond.