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Exploring, Mentoring and Learning

a dedicated community of biologists

It’s been less than a month since the students returned to campus, and fall quarter started even more recently. It was my privilege to welcome over 500 transfer students, 1,600 first-year students, and nearly 60 new graduate students to our college this year. In every category, these are substantial incoming classes, and, as I told each group, I cannot wait to see what they accomplish during their time on campus.

Excitingly, CBS now claims 4 of the top 10 majors at UC Davis! (For those keeping score at home, those would be biological sciences, biochemistry and molecular biology, neurobiology, physiology and behavior, and human biology.) This is a testament to the dedication of our faculty, staff and students and their efforts to create high-value educational programs—as well as to the impact of CBS as a powerhouse of life sciences research, teaching and service.

So yes, the students are definitely back in force. Davis is again the obvious bike capital it’s famous for being, and our labs and classrooms are again filled with activity. Our focus now is supporting our students through classroom engagement and enrichment through hands-on research into the wonders of modern biology.

Whether it’s a lecture, a research lab, or work in the field, that’s where you’ll find our faculty and students—exploring, mentoring and learning.

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Frédéric Chédin, Ph.D.

Dean, College of Biological Sciences

Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology

Featured image above: Using nematodes, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology researchers found that mutations associated with muscular dystrophy reduce ribosome production, disrupting the internal organization of muscle cells.

Delicate pink Hydra with tentacles on black background

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Secrets of Regeneration May Mimic Cancer

Researchers in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology have found that a Hydra’s stem cells temporarily break through a collagen barrier to reach damaged tissue and rebuild the animal from the inside out. The process shares surprising similarities with how cells move during human development—and even cancer.

Research & Discovery

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When Trees Die, Soil Fungi Shift—but Carbon Remains

Researchers in the Department of Plant Biology found that fungi beneath dead oaks shift from supporting living roots to breaking down wood, yet soil carbon remains stable for at least three years. The findings could help explain how forests store carbon as trees die.

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Muscular Dystrophy Mutations Leave Cells Short of 'Packing Peanuts'

Three researchers in a laboratory setting

Researchers in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology found that mutations linked to muscular dystrophy reduce production of the protein-making machinery in cells. Boosting that production could offer a new direction for developing treatments.

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'Enchanted Broomstick' Protein Walks on Two Stubby Legs to Keep Our Nerve Cells Alive

Portrait of two men standing outside, one holding a small red object

Researchers in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology found that the motor protein kinesin-1 folds in half to lock its transport system. Since kinesin-1 malfunctions are tied to neurodegenerative diseases, this discovery could help develop future therapies.

Research Spotlight

Closeup image of a small brown fruit fly

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A ‘Male Organ’ for Flies Reveals How Evolution Invents New Body Parts

Researchers in the Department of Evolution and Ecology have discovered how fruit flies evolved a “sex comb” that helps males grasp a mate: by speeding up cell growth using existing genes. The findings show how small changes in gene activity can give rise to complex new body parts.

Donors & Philanthropy

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A Philanthropy-Forged Friendship: 2 UC Davis Leaders Bond over Generosity, Love of Learning

For longtime UC Davis supporters Lin Weaver and Deb Neff ’76, a shared commitment to science sparked a lasting friendship. Their giving honors loved ones while advancing research—from biophysics to Alzheimer’s disease—and their service keeps them connected to a community they love.

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New Labs Complete Launch of Donor-Funded Introductory Biology Curriculum

A $1 million gift from UC Davis alumni Kamal and Ravi Khaira helped bring the new BIO123 introductory biology series to life. With renovated labs and new equipment, thousands of students each year can gain hands-on research skills that prepare them for advanced coursework and future careers.

Featured Opportunity

Beautiful plant image with "Crowdfund UC Davis" text on a blue gradient

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Preserve a UC Davis Botanical Collection Like No Other

Help preserve a unique botanical collection and invest in student learning by supporting CBS's Botanical Conservatory through Crowdfund UC Davis.

The Botanical Conservatory Collections Care Fund will support the creation of a digital database documenting the approximately 4,000 plant species in the conservatory's collection. Your support will help preserve valuable records for rare plants while providing a paid student internship to inventory the collection and make it more accessible for teaching, research and conservation.

Every gift, no matter the size, supports education, conservation and discovery at UC Davis. Give by October 31 to make your impact.

Campus & Community

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Remembering A. Kathleen Grey, Recent Winner of UC Davis Medal and Beloved Campus Stalwart

Elderly woman sitting in a chair wearing a black sweater

A. Kathleen Grey, an educator and 2026 UC Davis Medal recipient, died September 5 at age 86. Through her work in early childhood education and nearly six decades of service and philanthropy alongside her husband, Bob, she leaves a lasting legacy of support for children, families and scientific discovery.

Awards & Laurels

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Among the Academies: Questions for Plants

Woman with crossed arms standing in front of iillustrated biology posters

By growing plants outside their usual habitats, Department of Evolution and Ecology Professor Emerita Sharon Strauss uncovers what helps them thrive. Her research offers clues to how plants respond to a warming world, while her mentorship helps new generations of ecologists.

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Among the Academies: A Lifelong Fascination with Fish

Man holding out a fish skull standing in front of aquaria

A lifelong fascination with fish led Department of Evolution and Ecology Professor Emeritus Peter Wainwright to uncover how their remarkable feeding adaptations shape coral reef ecosystems. More than 35 of his former mentees are in faculty positions around the world.

Featured Laurel

A man and a woman stand with their arms crossed smiling outside

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CBS Graduate Students Receive UC President's Pre-Professoriate Fellowship

CBS doctoral students Destiny Gomez and Camilo Echeverria received UC President’s Pre-Professoriate Fellowships to support their professional development. Studying asthma and embryonic development, respectively, both aim to extend their impact beyond the lab through public service, mentorship and outreach.

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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