Melanie Berkmen

Melanie Berkmen is a Professor and Chair of Biochemistry at Suffolk University, Boston, MA. She holds a PhD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a BS from the University of Dayton (summa cum laude). Her research focuses on bacterial conjugation mechanisms, specifically the conjugation machinery of Bacillus subtilis, and the biochemical basis of metabolic diseases linked to fumarase mutations. She also collaborates on integrating virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) into biochemistry education to enhance molecular structure visualization.

Her research interests include: bacterial DNA transfer processes, clinical implications of fumarase deficiencies, and innovative STEM education technologies. She actively involves Suffolk undergraduate students in her lab, emphasizing hands-on research experience.

Berkmen has received grants from the NSF (IUSE and RUI programs), Suffolk University, and the Marion and Jasper White Foundation. Her awards include the College of Arts and Science Dean’s Excellence in Teaching Award (2012–2016) and multiple travel grants. She presents at international conferences such as the Gordon Research Conference and the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology annual meetings.

Her courses include Biochemistry I/II, Advanced Biochemical Techniques, and Honors Independent Study modules. She leads initiatives to modernize STEM education through immersive technologies like the VR app Nanome.