Just months after earning national accreditation for its biochemistry program, St. Bonaventure University is affirming its students’ competitiveness.

The university’s May biochemistry graduates achieved certification with distinction from the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB). The two seniors took the ASBMB certification exam in the spring, along with 992 other college students. Some 417 (42 percent) achieved certification, with 122 students (12.3 percent of the total) achieving certification with distinction. 

“Certification with distinction for both our recent graduates in the biochemistry program truly speaks of the strength of our program, and the knowledge and ability of our students to think critically, said Dr. Xiao-Ning Zhang, professor of biology and director of the biochemistry program. The biochemistry majors, Jordan J. Powers and Timothy J. Rooney, graduated in May.

Because St. Bonaventure’s program was accredited just this past January, faculty didn’t know what to expect from its first students to take the ASBMB exam.

“Their excellent undergraduate education and their passion and dedication to a rigorous research program led to their success. These two recent graduates are real inspirations for the program. I am very proud of them,” said Zhang. 

The certification exam has been designed to test students’ knowledge and understanding of the core competencies in biochemistry and molecular biology developed by the ASBMB and its members. 

The St. Bonaventure students’ success suggests that the university’s curriculum is aligned very well with the expected undergraduate training at other institutions. 

“Although the certification exam is not a requirement for their future career, it definitely provides students with confidence about the quality of their undergraduate education and adds a professional society-level confirmation of their national competitiveness,” added Zhang.

In January, St. Bonaventure earned three-year accreditation by ASBMB, a prestigious, internationally recognized organization with more than 12,000 members.

Founded in 1906, ASBMB advances the science of biochemistry and molecular biology and promotes the understanding of the molecular nature of life processes through education, research and outreach.

Accreditation provides an independent, non-biased external recognition based on nationally applied, outcome-based criteria. ASBMB designation adds extra value to a St. Bonaventure biochemistry degree by providing more concrete and objective proof of SBU graduates’ qualifications and competitiveness.

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About the University:The nation’s first Franciscan university, we believe in the goodness of every person and in the ability of every person to do extraordinary things. St. Bonaventure University cultivates graduates who are confident and creative communicators, collaborative leaders and team members, and innovative problem solvers who are respectful of themselves, others, and the diverse world around them. Named the #1 regional university value in New York and #2 in the North by U.S. News and World Report, we are establishing pathways to internships, graduate schools and careers in the context of our renowned liberal arts tradition.