DEARBORN, Mich. - The Biochemistry program in the Department of Natural Sciences at the University of Michigan – Dearborn was recently accredited by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) for a full seven-year term, through December 31, 2032.
ASBMB noted several strong aspects within the Biochemistry program that assisted in the accreditation, from strong faculty training, scholarship and research to significant professional development activities. Additionally, ASBMB highlighted the program’s focus on student training in ethical conduct and research along with evidence of overall institutional support from UM-Dearborn for students and faculty as most noteworthy. 
Associate Professor of Biochemistry Besa Xhabija reflected on the milestone, stating, “ I am grateful for the faculty, staff, and students who invested so much care and discipline into building this program. Accreditation reflects daily choices in how we teach, mentor, and hold ourselves accountable. It is rewarding to see that effort recognized, and even more rewarding to see our students grow into capable scientists and professionals.”
Dr. Peter Oelkers, Biochemistry Program Director, added, “Successfully receiving accreditation from the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) was distinctly a group effort within the Biochemistry Program at the University of Michigan - Dearborn. We pride ourselves on structuring the curriculum to provide students with the knowledge and skills for success in any future professional setting. The ever expanding and evolving nature of Biochemistry, which seeks to understand life at the molecular level, requires that we regularly update the three required advanced laboratory courses as well as the upper division lecture and seminar courses. Problem solving, data analysis, project-centered work, and understanding complex systems are at the center of everything we do. We greatly appreciate that our goals and efforts align with those of the premier professional biochemistry organization. Joining with the ASBMB provides new capabilities which include annual standardized examinations which will help us identify and address any gaps in the curriculum and continually improve.”
ASBMB also recognized UM-Dearborn’s substantive mechanisms for program review developed by the Biochemistry discipline, which underscore a strong culture of cultivating continuous improvement, supporting student learning, and a focus on long-term program growth.
Department Chair of Natural Sciences and Professor of Chemistry, Krisanu Bandyopadhyay notes, "This ASBMB accreditation affirms the quality and rigor of UM-Dearborn’s Biochemistry program and reflects the outstanding work of our faculty and students. We’re proud that this recognition strengthens the value of our degree and the opportunities available to our graduates.”
ASBMB accreditation is a nationally recognized, independent evaluation that affirms the quality and effectiveness of bachelor’s degree programs in biochemistry and molecular biology. Grounded in outcomes-based assessment, this accreditation reflects the program’s commitment to academic excellence, student learning, and continuous improvement.
Through a rigorous external evaluation, ASBMB accreditation supports faculty and departments in assessing student outcomes and strengthening curriculum. The review process helps identify both program strengths and opportunities for growth, ensuring our students receive a high-quality, future-ready education.
