Science Undergraduate, New Alumna Achieve Distinguished ‘Mastery’ Rank on ASBMB Exam

Charles E. Schmidt College of Science senior Gustavo Mundim and alumna Alexis Crowder ’24 were recognized by the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) for their superb achievements on the organization’s April exam. Both received scores at the “mastery” level — the ASBMB’s highest possible scoring category.  

The ASBMB exam is designed to test students’ knowledge and understanding of the core competencies in biochemistry and molecular biology. All students who are enrolled in an ASBMB-accredited program are invited to take the ASBMB exam in their junior or senior year. Students may attempt the exam only once during their undergraduate career regardless of the outcome.  

Mundim is wrapping up his final semester as a chemistry major with a concentration in biochemistry. Mundim said he felt that this achievement would not have been possible without the help from his chemistry and biochemistry professors.  

“As an aspiring M.D./Ph.D. candidate, receiving this recognition from the ASBMB solidifies the high-quality education I received during my undergraduate years at Florida Atlantic, ultimately demonstrating my knowledge of the core competencies of the field,” expressed Mundim. “I believe this will validate my readiness to pursue a graduate school education.”  

Mundim also expressed appreciation toward his longtime mentor, Mare Cudic, Ph.D., associate professor, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and director, Honors in Chemistry Program, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science. He joined Dr. Cudic’s lab during his freshman year.  

“Dr. Cudic has always invested in my education and training, allowing me to pursue independent research, and ultimately leading to the co-authoring of a publication and presenting my findings at national conferences,” stated Mundim. “Her dedication to my pursuit of knowledge has been impactful in my undergraduate career, and I am grateful for her continued dedication.”   

Mundim is the recipient of numerous awards, including the University Scholar Award, the Carey and Rosamond Jackson Memorial Scholarship Award, the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF), along with two Undergraduate Research Grants. He is also a member of the University Honors Program and the Honors in Chemistry Program. Following his graduation in December, Mundim plans to pursue a M.D./Ph.D. dual degree and continue doing biochemical research with medicinal applications.  

Crowder received her Bachelor of Science in biochemistry degree in May 2024. For her, this exam marked a crucial milestone in her collegiate journey because it allowed her to demonstrate, through a standardized assessment, that she had fully mastered the knowledge and skills essential to her degree.  

“I am incredibly proud to have earned the ‘mastery’ rank on the ASBMB exam,” shared Crowder. “I am also deeply grateful to my biochemistry professors at Florida Atlantic, whose guidance, instruction, and support were instrumental in helping me master the material in biochemistry and molecular biology.”  

Like Mundim, her mentor was Dr. Cudic. Her courses in Chemical Literature and Advanced Biochemistry introduced Crowder to biochemical research and Cudic’s lab. After completing her courses, Crowder joined her lab and has worked there for nearly a year, applying her biochemical knowledge to hands-on research.   

“Her mentorship has been invaluable in deepening my understanding of biochemistry and advancing my skills,” stated Crowder.  

Crowder graduated magna cum laude and was awarded both Undergraduate Researcher of the Year and Peer Mentor of the Year for the 2023-24 academic year. Additionally, she participated in Florida Atlantic’s SURF program. Currently, Crowder is applying to medical school with the goal of becoming a surgeon. She intends to integrate her biochemistry knowledge and research experience into her future medical studies and career and contribute to advancements in the biochemical medical field.  

Both Crowder and Mundim served as peer mentors for the Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry (OURI) and guided students who were interested in pursuing scientific research. They helped students identify their interests, find lab positions, and prepare for grants, fellowships, manuscript submissions, as well as poster and oral presentations.