UDR Peer Advising
The Brandeis Undergraduate Departmental Representatives (UDRs) are a group of juniors and seniors whose job it is to advise, plan events, and generally be a resource for their fellow majors. The 2025-2026 UDRs are Mia Nydam '26 and Edelmis Calderon Marcano '27.Meet the 2025-2026 Biochemistry UDRs

Mia Nydam is pursuing a double major in Biochemistry and Biology. She currently works in the Street lab researching the mechanisms of protein folding in the cell by investigating interactions between the BiP/Grp94 chaperone system. Mia is also a coordinator for SPECTRUM, on the E-board for Global Medical Brigades and Biochemistry club, and volunteers at Newton-Wellesley Hospital. She enjoys crossword puzzles, watercolor painting, and spending time with friends. Mia is happy to help anyone with questions about Biochemistry at Brandeis, so please feel free to reach out to her with any questions, concerns, or suggestions!

Edelmis is a junior from Massachusetts, pursuing a B.S in both Biochemistry and Biology while also minoring in Chemistry and Women & Gender studies. Edelmis is interested in the drug discovery field and small molecule - protein interactions. She has experience working in industry labs where she learned many valuable lab techniques and soft skills. Outside of the classroom, Edelmis is the Co-Captain of Brandeis' Women's Rugby clubs and is also involved in volunteering opportunities on campus. She enjoys cooking while having a show or movie in the background as entertainment. As Biochemistry UDR, Edelmis is excited to bring more light to the fun that the biochemistry major can offer and help students in the major connect more with each other.
There are additional ways to contact your UDRs:
- The simplest is to contact us by email: biochemistry-udr@brandeis.edu.
- You can also sign up for the Biochemistry Interested Google Group: biochem-interested-
group@brandeis.edu. -
If you are looking for information about joining a lab in the Biochemistry department, please begin by reading the Biochem UDR Lab Guide.