Dillon Dejam is a recent graduate who majored in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the Biological Sciences School.  He will continue doing research and volunteering at the School while waiting to applying to medical school next year.

Dillon has had an exceptional career as an School of Biological Sciences student.  He has maintained an excellent academic record, all while pursuing a host of diverse extracurricular activities.  For example, in his second year, Dillon began conducting undergraduate research in the lab of Professor Thomas Poulos.  His research project utilizes X-ray crystallography to examine structure-function relationships in heme proteins. In addition to participation in the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program and the Biological Sciences School’s Excellence in Research Program, Dillon’s research has earned him the Dean’s Award for Excellence in Research two years in a row, and two co-authored scientific publications. He has recently solved the structure of a novel peroxynitrite scavenging enzyme and hopes to continue working on his project after graduation.

In addition to research, Dillon has served as an Organic Chemistry Peer Tutor through the UCI Department of Chemistry, interned at the Irvine Clinical Experience Program, volunteered at the UC Irvine Medical Center, served as a Bio Sci 2A Peer Teaching Assistant, and hosted his own radio show on the school’s radio station 88.9FM KUCI.  During this past school year, Dillon has also served as a Resident Advisor with UCI Student Housing, where he mentored over 42 new UCI undergraduates.

Lastly, as a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, Dillon has had additional opportunities to serve and support his fellow students.  As a fraternity member, Dillon has taken on multiple leadership positions within the fraternity, ultimately being elected Vice President this year. Dillon was also elected President of the Interfraternity Council, where he focused on raising the standards for fraternity membership. In addition to campus involvements, Dillon has held numerous national positions and ambassadorships within his fraternity.