Transforming undergraduate education in the molecular life sciences
Re-examining what we teach and how we teach it
July 24–27, 2025
Macalester College, St. Paul, Minn.

Join us for a small interactive education-focused 91Ӱmeeting to re-examine existing practice and develop new engaging approaches to supporting student success in biochemistry and molecular biology. Reconnect with peers, meet new colleagues and increase your network of education-minded professionals while exploring the Twin Cities.
Talks and panel discussions will include sessions on the skills, competencies and key concepts we teach through biochemistry and molecular biology content, as well as on the pedagogical approaches that lead to student achievement. Each day will begin with a keynote talk on topics such as culturally-responsive pedagogy, an indigenized chemistry curriculum, alternative grading practices and fidelity of implementation. Keynotes will be followed by panel discussions and break-out sessions, with opportunities to learn about several education-focused NSF-funded projects, including CUREs, assessment, case-based learning and biomolecular visualization. Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet with program directors to learn about funding opportunities for education projects.
Anyone interested in biochemistry and molecular biology education — from experienced practitioners to postdocs and graduate students considering careers involving teaching — is encouraged to attend.
Important dates
May 20 | Early registration deadline |
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May 20 | Abstract submission deadline |
June 24 | Regular registration deadline |
Organizers




Registration
91Ӱmembers will receive a $50 discount on their registration fee which will be applied during checkout Not a member? Join the ASBMB and save!
Early registration (by May 20) |
Regular registration (by June 24) |
|
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Faculty or equivalent with single lodging | $875 | $925 |
Faculty or equivalent with double lodging (shared room with another meeting attendee) |
$825 | $875 |
Faculty or equivalent commuter (no lodging) |
$700 | $750 |
Trainee: Graduate student or postdoc with double lodging (shared room with another meeting attendee) |
$650 | $700 |
Trainee: Graduate student or postdoc commuter (no lodging) |
$450 | $500 |
NOTE: Registration is on a first come, first served basis and will remain open until capacity is reached. This may mean that the conference registration closes before the officially posted registration deadline. To secure your spot at the conference, we encourage you to register early.
What’s included
- All sessions, poster sessions and meeting materials
- Lodging for 3 nights (arriving on July 24, departing on July 27) in on-campus housing at Macalester College.
- The following meals are included in your registration fee:
- Thursday, July 24: Dinner
- Friday, July 25: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
- Saturday, July 26: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
- Sunday, July 27: Breakfast
Note: Lodging is not included in the commuter rates.
Lodging
Lodging arrangements will be made in on-campus housing. All housing arrangements must be made through 91Ӱduring the registration process.
If you require an early arrival or late departure (one night pre- and/or post-meeting) you may purchase these additional nights during the registration process for $45 per room per night.
Registration changes
Registration changes will be accepted as space allows until June 24, 2025, and can be made by contacting meetings@asbmb.org.
Cancellation policy
Cancellations received in writing on or before June 24, 2025, are subject to a $100 processing fee. No refunds will be issued for cancellations after June 24 due to final guarantee commitments. Email meetings@asbmb.org and attach a copy of your meeting registration receipt/paid invoice to cancel your registration.
Location
The conference will be held at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minn.
Visas
All individuals traveling from outside of the United States should apply for a visa as soon as possible and at least four to five months prior to their date of travel.
- The most up-to-date information about traveling to the U.S. can be found at the .
- Scientists visiting the U.S. may find helpful information at the .
- .
Please do not wait until you receive your registration confirmation before applying for a visa. We encourage you to apply for your visa right away if you are considering attending to avoid delays and longer than anticipated wait times.
If you need a letter of invitation for your visa process, please email meetings@asbmb.org.
- Please include ‘LETTER OF INVITATION’ as the subject line of this email.
- Body of email must include:
- Your name as it appears on your passport
- Your affiliation and mailing address
- Best contact number and email address
Health and safety
Mask-wearing and other health and safety measures will be determined based on local, state and venue guidelines and will be communicated to attendees prior to the conference.
Program schedule
Thursday agenda
Name badge pickup
Pre-conference for trainees and aspiring faculty
A pre-conference session for trainees and aspiring faculty. Topics to include the following:
- An introduction to student-centered pedagogies
- What does a teaching career look like?
- Types of institutions, types of positions, and expectations
- How to land an academic position
How can 91Ӱhelp you launch and thrive in your teaching career?
How can 91Ӱhelp you launch and thrive in your teaching career?
Welcome remarks and dinner
Keynote address
Small group discussion: Who are our students? What goals do we have in our classes?
Friday agenda
Name badge pickup
Day one: What we teach — Re-examining our curricula
Plenary Talk
Creation of a community-aligned chemistry curriculum
Bev Devore–Wedding, Nebraska Indian Community College
Mark Griep, University of Nebraska Lincoln
What we teach: Practitioner panel
Civics in the classroom, Rou-Jia Sung, Carleton College
Competency-based curricula, Jenny Loertscher, Seattle University
Science communication, Karin Musier–Forsyth, Ohio State University
Group photograph
Catalyst Conversations
(Presenters selected from submitted abstracts)
Lunch tables
Themes to include mentorship, support and advocacy circles.
What we teach I (Concurrent sessions)
Theme A: Big data
Theme B: Concepts vs. content
Theme C: Science communication
Theme D: Molecular visualization
Afternoon break
Poster reception
Even-numbered boards presented from 5:15–6 p.m.
Dinner
Saturday agenda
Day two: How we teach — Re-examining our pedagogy
Plenary talk
How we teach: Practitioner panel
Psychosocial aspects of STEM education, Alex Ajayi, University of Minnesota
Alternative grading practices, Will Howitz, University of Minnesota
Teaching online, Dawn Foster–Harnett, University of Minnesota
Catalyst Conversations
(Presenters selected from submitted abstracts)
Lunch tables
Themes selected from attendees.
How we teach I (Concurrent sessions)
Theme A: AI in the classroom
Theme B: Active learning
Theme C: Learning in teams
Theme D: CUREs
Levers for change: Enacting “vision & change”
Afternoon break
Dinner
Sunday agenda
Name badge pickup
Grab-and-go breakfast
Day three: Moving forward — Putting it into practice
Plenary talk
Plenary talk
Small-group discussion: Where do we go from here?
Developing a strategy to address a gap in our teaching praxis.
Making plans
Mentored discussions for planning next steps.