Amber Peek, a biochemistry graduate student in Dr. Deepali Bhandari’s lab, was selected as the recipient of the Don Eden Graduate Research Award from CSUBIOTECH in January 2026. This is a highly competitive, CSU-systemwide award designed to recognize and promote successful scientific communication to general audiences, to celebrate the work of outstanding graduate student researchers, and to highlight the pioneering work of collaborative faculty-student research groups.
Amber was one of five finalists selected from nominations across all CSU campuses. Finalists were evaluated by a cross-campus faculty committee based on the quality of their research abstract, written materials, oral presentation, and responses to questions from the committee and the audience. As part of the award, Amber will receive a $1,000 cash prize and travel reimbursement up to $1,000 to support presentation of their work at a scientific meeting.
Receiving the Don Eden Graduate Research Award is a true testament to Amber’s hard work, dedication, and excellence in research. For their mentor, there is nothing more rewarding than seeing Amber’s talent and effort recognized at this level!
Amber Peek and their research poster entitled “Salicylate Treatment Activates Inositol Requiring Enzyme Signaling in Colorectal Cancer Cell Lines”
Amber Peek (fourth from right) and their faculty mentor, Dr. Deepali Bhandari (fourth from left).
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