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Pictured from left, Maeve Stone, Abigail Geschwindt, Vincent Zhao and their winning poster for the enzyme manganese peroxidase.
And the Winner Is …
ESF Names Manganese Peroxidase Named 2025 Enzyme of the Year
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Dec. 22, 2025 — Manganese peroxidase, an enzyme secreted by fungi to degrade wood and other tough materials in their environment, has been crowned the coolest enzyme, thus taking the title Enzyme of the Year at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF).
This enzyme has a variety of biotechnological applications, including the degradation of complex, organic pollutants. It can also be used in the paper industry for biopulp production and in the textile industry for bleaching.
ESF biochemistry students showcased their research and persuasive skills during the annual “My Enzyme is the Coolest” competition, where the 2025 Enzyme of the Year was crowned.
The winning enzyme was presented by Maeve Stone, Abigail Geschwindt, and Vincent Zhao.
Students in Dr. Jennifer Goff’s biochemistry class spent the semester researching the structure and function of an enzyme for their “My Enzyme is the Coolest” project to determine the 2025 ESF Enzyme of the Year. The project culminated in a final poster session Dec. 15. Students presented their posters and worked to convince observers to vote for their enzyme for the coveted title.
The exercise also helped students practice science communication skills, said Goff.”
Students Samantha Phoenix, Carlos Rodriguez-Bornot, Alexis Miskelly, and Kaelin Feliu’s poster for glucose oxidase was chosen for Best Design and Best Presentation. This enzyme is referred to as a "Ferrari of enzymes" due to its extremely high efficiency. It was originally isolated from fungi but has been applied for blood glucose monitoring, baking, and food preservation.
About SUNY ESF
The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) is dedicated to the study of the environment, developing renewable technologies, and building a sustainable and resilient future through design, policy, and management of the environment and natural resources. Members of the College community share a passion for protecting the health of the planet and a deep commitment to the rigorous application of science to improve the way humans interact with the world. The College offers academic programs ranging from the associate of applied science to the Doctor of Philosophy. ESF students live, study and do research on the main campus in Syracuse, N.Y., and on 25,000 acres of field stations in a variety of ecosystems across the state.