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A New Chapter

why we do what we do

Finals are over, students are done, families are gathering—it’s commencement, the inspiring culmination of why we’re here, doing what we do. I will be on stage for this year’s ceremonies, as I have been for almost all of them over the last decade. This year, however, will be my last as dean of the College of Biological Sciences.

As many of you know, I will conclude my tenure as dean at the end of August. Earlier this quarter, Frédéric Chédin—a friend, colleague, and fellow member of my home Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology—was appointed as the next dean of the college. I am delighted to see the college pass into the hands of such a respected scientist and leader. I know Fred—and the college—will continue to do great things together.

This year was also my last as emcee of the college’s undergraduate awards and honors ceremony, which is always a highlight of the year. More than 300 people gathered to acknowledge outstanding undergraduate achievement. Friends, families, and mentors all applauded our students. My thanks to all who participated and to those who have supported our students during their time in CBS.

Davis is getting warmer, which is expected in June, but this time feels a little different. This is likely to be the final Biome note I will share with all of you. Over the years, we have been fortunate to hear from many readers, including alumni and friends. To all those who have read the Biome and supported the college, you have my sincerest thanks and gratitude.

For our students, the end of their college career is the start of a new chapter. The same is true for a dean. I know great things will continue for all of us.

Until we meet again… Go Ags!

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Mark Winey, Ph.D.

Dean, College of Biological Sciences

Distinguished Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology

Featured image above: The college's annual undergraduate award ceremony was on Saturday, May 30 and saw over 300 students, friends, family members and faculty gather to honor our outstanding students.

Two men in blue shirts tending to a raised garden bed

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Training Naturalists Behind Prison Walls

Researchers in the Department of Evolution and Ecology are working at the California Health Care Facility, a prison in Stockton, to develop curriculum that allows incarcerated people to earn certification as California naturalists. This collaborative project aims to foster lifelong learning and environmental stewardship among incarcerated people in California.

Research & Discovery

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Children with Rare, Debilitating Brain Diseases Suffer from Mutations in a Little-Known Protein Complex

Two male researchers in lab coats with a pipette

Researchers in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology have uncovered how a tiny cellular machine helps build the nervous system. Their findings could help scientists better understand rare genetic neurological disorders in children.

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A Baby Bird’s Wishlist: Mild Weather, Attentive Parents, Not Being the Smallest Sibling

Small bird on branch with green background

A study from the Department of Evolution and Ecology found that barn swallow chicks are especially vulnerable to weather extremes. Cold spells stunted growth, while heat stress affected chicks throughout development. The findings offer new insight into how climate change may impact birds.

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A Fresh Approach to Peppermint

Two men and one woman standing outside, the woman is holding a small plant

Researchers in the Department of Plant Biology have introduced new genetic variation into peppermint by using radiation to create hundreds of new plant varieties. The work could help breeders develop mint plants with improved disease resistance, flavor and yield.

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A DNA-Organizing Protein Offers New Insight into Infertility, IVF and Generational Health

A mand and woman in blue lab coats in a laboratory setting

Researchers in the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics have identified a protein that plays a critical role in fertility and early development. Their findings could improve understanding of male infertility and how paternal health impacts offspring health.

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This Single Mother Must Learn Quickly — Or Her Colony Won’t Survive

Researchers in the Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior have found that queen bumblebees learn flower scents and colors faster than worker bees. This cognitive edge may help them survive the challenge of starting colonies alone each spring.

Research Spotlight

Macro photo of a small yellow flower with curled petals

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These California Wildflowers Could Save Other Plants

Researchers in the Departments of Evolution and Ecology, and Plant Biology study how mountain jewelflowers adapted to life across deserts, foothills, and snowy mountain slopes. Their work shows how climate change is disrupting the environmental signals the flowers rely on to survive and may help scientists protect vulnerable native plants and restore ecosystems across California.

Campus & Community

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Discovery, Leadership and Service: CBS Honors Outstanding Undergraduates at Annual Awards Ceremony

A group of students with their awards standing by the dean in regalia

Each year, CBS celebrates students who exemplify the spirit of discovery, leadership, and service. The undergraduate awards ceremony recognizes students for exceptional accomplishments in research, academics, mentorship, and community engagement.

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Remembering Robert D. Grey, Visionary Stalwart of the UC Davis Community

A group of people of varying ages standing outside

Robert D. Grey, a professor emeritus in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, served in many roles at the university, closing his career as provost. Grey championed the 1992 founding of the Center for Neuroscience, the university’s first interdisciplinary research center.

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CBS Faculty Awards Recognize Excellence in Research and Teaching

Two outdoor portraits of two men cropped together

Two faculty in the Department of Plant Biology were the recipients of this year's CBS faculty research and teaching awards, which recognize outstanding achievement in original research, and accomplishment in the classroom.

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Satoshi Namekawa Named Chair of the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics

A man in a light blue shirt standing outside in front of foliage

Namekawa, a genome biologist who studies fertility and genome organization, will help one of the college's most research-intensive departments while supporting its teaching, research and mentorship missions.

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Meet the 2025-26 Officers of the Phi Sigma Honor Society, Gamma Delta Chapter

Three people standing outside beneath a tree with a lawn in the background

Throughout the 2025-26 academic year, the Phi Sigma Honor Society brought together students who are not only strong scholars, but also emerging leaders committed to advancing research, healthcare, innovation, and community engagement.

Featured Announcement

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Genome Biologist and Department Chair Named New CBS Dean

Frédéric Chédin, a professor and chair in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, has been named the next dean of the college. An internationally recognized genome biology expert, Chédin has spent more than 20 years serving the UC Davis community through research, teaching and leadership. He officially begins Sept. 1.

To celebrate the college's 20th anniversary, every gift to the CBS Dean’s Innovation Fund will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $202,500, from now through June 30, 2026. Your gift to CBS is an investment in the continued exploration of life sciences by a new generation of researchers and future leaders.

Give to the CBS Dean's Innovation Fund

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Land Acknowledgement Statement

UC Davis acknowledges the land on which it stands. For thousands of years, this land has been the home of the Patwin people, who have remained committed to the stewardship of this land over many centuries. We are honored and grateful to be here today on their traditional lands.

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