All signs point to CBS!

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All Signs Point to CBS!

Hello, {First Name},

Welcome to the Fall Quarter 2024 in the College of Biological Sciences (CBS)! We were delighted to meet our 2,000+ new first-year and transfer students at the College Welcome on September 20, and we're equally happy to see all 6,500+ of our #CBSAggies in classes and roaming the halls of Green, Esau, Briggs, Storer, and beyond.

As we head into this new year, we hope you'll agree that all signs point to CBS as the place where your curiosity and passion to Be a Biologist will thrive. Our faculty, advisors, and staff are here to support your academic, research, and experiential journey, ensuring you succeed both in and out of the classroom.

We encourage you to take advantage of the many opportunities available—from research and internships to office hours and CBS clubs. Embrace your curiosity, ask questions early and often, and always, always reach out to our faculty and the academic advisors in the Biology Academic Success Center (BASC) when you need guidance.

We’re excited for the year ahead and so glad to have you as part of the CBS community!

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Your CBS Undergraduate Deans,

Mark Winey, Michele Igo, Helen Frasier, and Ebony McClain

Navigating the bike circle is hard.

VOTING is easy!

Join the millions of college students committing to cast their votes in the November 5, 2024 General Election. Start by verifying your existing registration or getting registered! It takes about five minutes and might be the easiest thing you’ll do today, so don’t put it off! Online voter registration in California ends October 21.

>> Start HERE

Image capture of the myucdavis.edu home screen

Reboot in Action!

Check out the NEW myucdavis!

The myucdavis website got a summer refresh and is ready to support you throughout the new academic year. Whether you are a new or returning #CBSAggie, the myucdavis portal centralizes many of the services and tools you need into one location. Customize your widgets and resources to get the most out of your campus experience.

>> Check it out

Image of 15 scholars holding and waving certificates of completion after participating in the UC Davis College of Biological Sciences Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP).

Donor-Supported Research Brings Experiential Learning to 15 CBS Undergraduate Scholars in Summer 2024!

Each year, the Dean’s Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) helps provide vital support to students wishing to stay on campus —and in the lab — over the summer term. This year’s cohort of 15 SURP scholars began their projects earlier in the 2023-24 academic year. Over the summer, your fellow students worked directly with individual faculty on research projects and met regularly with faculty and staff organizers of the program. On September 23, these outstanding scholars presented their research projects and findings to their peers, mentors, and college leadership.

Save the Date: 10.11.2024

BioBoosters Welcome Meeting

Welcome back to Davis, Aggies! BioBoosters is hosting a welcome meeting—with pizza—for CBS students on October 11 from 5-6p in the Lin Lounge (2nd floor of Esau). Learn more about this college-wide club and the opportunities to connect with other CBS students and faculty, all while having fun.

>> Learn more

Image of two people standing on either side of a table at a career fair tabling event. The employer is handing the student an informational flyer. Behind the employer is a banner that says "Work with the brightest minds."

Save the Date: 10.15.2024

Fall STEM Career Fair

Join the STEM Career Fair on October 15 from 11a-3p at the University Credit Union Center. Meet representatives from companies who are hiring a wide variety of internship positions available immediately and into Summer 2025. Represented fields include biological sciences, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, biotech, and other related fields.

>> Register on Handshake

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Be a Biologist!

Image of a young woman wearing a laboratory coat while sitting at an experiment table in a lab.

What are YOU Researching?

Establishing your identity as a scientist, specifically—as a BIOLOGIST—is an important part of your undergraduate journey in CBS. As you craft your narrative, discover what drives and defines you, sharpen your sense of purpose, and seek research opportunities, here are a few reflections from scientists at various career stages regarding the steps they took to establish their professional and personal identities.

>> Get inspired

Image of a faculty member sitting in the outdoor courtyard behind Green Hall on the UC Davis campus surrounded by students who are observing a demonstration.

What are OTHERS Researching?

The College of Biological Sciences is hosting a meet-and-greet style graduate group fair for CBS undergrads on October 30 from 12-1p in the Green Hall Courtyard! You’re invited to meet current grad students and faculty from the college’s eight graduate groups. You’ll learn about graduate research, the programs and admissions, get tips and advice, and enjoy snacks and raffle prizes. Don’t miss this opportunity!

>> Learn more

Image of three women standing behind a table covered in a tablecloth with the words "UC Davis Health Professions Advising" across the front. On the table are various information pamphlets and water bottles.

What can I DO with my Research?

Are you hoping your research and efforts as a #CBSAggie will lead to a career in the health professions? Health Professions Advising (HPA) is here to assist you—either virtually or in-person—as you develop your health career plan via advising appointments, informational workshops on the different health fields, hands-on learning activities, test skills tutoring and application preparation assistance.

>> Learn more

Image of a student wearing headphones while studying in front of a laptop.

Wellness Corner:

Finding your study rhythm, literally

Research shows that the right beat helps with everything from relaxation to concentration. Create YOUR study playlist this week! Consider the beat, tempo, and genre of the songs you select and the length of your playlist. If you hit it just right, the transitions can define the intensity of your study time and the energy you need during breaks!

>> Find playlist tips here

Image of 3 pumpkins, one of which is carved with a DNA helix and the letters CBS positioned vertically next to the helix.

School Spirit Alert ...

Carve or paint a CBS Pumpkin!

Halloween will be here before we know it, which means hitting the patch, exploring the corn maze, and finding the perfect pumpkin to carve or paint! Show your college spirit this year by adding a CBS DNA Helix to your patch! Post a picture to Instagram and tag @ucdavisbiology with the hashtags #CBSAggies and #CBSPumpkins.

>> Get the CBS Pumpkin Template

Image of dark blue clouds with the words "Options & Opportunities" in gold font.

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CBS Student Bulletin

UPDATED: 10.7.2024

CBS faculty and staff are really connected. Throughout the year, we receive a plethora of internship and job postings you may not find on Handshake. Bookmark the CBS Bulletin page and check back regularly.

>> Take a look

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Career Center News

Want all of your options at your fingertips on a regular basis? Check out and subscribe to the Career Center's Health & Biological Sciences Newsletter for all of the upcoming events and tips on using Handshake!

>> Subscribe today

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Questions or comments?

You are a part of the CBS community, and the reason for The DNA! Send your questions, ideas and submissions for future issues to Assistant Dean Helen Frasier at: hsfrasier@ucdavis.edu.

The Deans' News and Announcements (The DNA) is a monthly electronic newsletter for undergraduate students in the College of Biological Sciences.

The DNA is published by the CBS Dean’s Office.