Finding the Rhythm of Fall | |
Hello, CBS Student,
The start of fall quarter always brings a special kind of energy to campus — one filled with curiosity, possibility, and the shared excitement of discovery. As we begin this new academic term — and celebrate the 20th anniversary of the College of Biological Sciences — we invite you to reflect on what it means to be part of this community of biology scholars. Each of us contributes to the DNA of CBS: our curiosity, collaboration, and commitment to discovery. Together, we make this quarter — and this milestone year — a success.
In CBS, it’s our mission to advance knowledge, foster belonging, and prepare the next generation of scientists and leaders. That mission comes alive every day — in classrooms, labs, and field sites — and here in The DNA, where we share the stories, opportunities, and celebrations that connect our community. This issue is packed with updates, so be sure to read all the way to the end where you'll find (and can respond to) the October Quick Question!
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This fall, we are thrilled to welcome more than 2,000 new students to the college—and just like our new students, we also have new faculty joining our community. We are excited to introduce you to four new faculty members who've joined CBS in 2025. Representing the Departments of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Evolution and Ecology, and Molecular and Cellular Biology, they bring expertise spanning plant–environment interactions, inclusive STEM education, archaeal cell biology, and host–microbiota–pathogen dynamics. Their work expands our community’s commitment to innovation and mentorship.
As you settle into the rhythm of your courses, research and internship activities, and student life, we look forward to the ways our community will continue to learn, discover, and grow together.
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Your CBS Undergraduate Deans,
Mark Winey, Michele Igo, Helen Frasier, and Ebony McClain
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It's in The DNA ...
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Happy 20th Anniversary, CBS!
The UC Davis College of Biological Sciences is celebrating 20 years of advancing knowledge, discovery, and innovation. Since our founding in 2005, we’ve trained thousands of scientists, educators, and leaders whose work continues to transform our understanding of life and improve the world around us. You can be part of the celebration with downloadable logos, Zoom backgrounds, and CBS merchandise!
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CBS Welcome event photos!
Are you in the CBS Class of 2029 or the new transfer student Class of 2027? Did you attend your CBS Welcome event? Do you want to see photos from the event?
You are in LUCK! Our CBS photographers have curated albums from both events where you can check out and download your favorite CBS pics! Hint: scroll all the way to the bottom of the page.
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Mentor Check-In: Your Week 4 Boost
Feeling the Week 4 crunch? Midterms, labs, and assignments can pile up fast — but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Reach out to your BioLaunch mentor or mentee to check in, share study tips, swap campus spots for focused work, or just take a quick coffee break together. A short conversation goes a long way!
New to CBS and still need a BioLaunch mentor?
Click on the NEW #CBSAggies link below!
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CBS Undergrads Conclude Summer Research Experiences
| 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. Normally, undergraduates leave campus for the summer if they are not enrolled in classes. SURP, which is comprised of several different donor-funded undergraduate research awards, provided support for 11 CBS students to continue their research projects over the summer when they might have otherwise lost several months on their research projects. |
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UC Davis Student Resources
Are you looking for an answer to a question you are not sure how to ask? The Student Resources page is a giant FAQ from your fellow UC Davis students. Answers include links to campus resources to help you navigate centers, programs, and additional resources designed to support your academic career. The Q&A is sorted into four main categories: Academic Support, Health and Wellness, Career & Internships, and Campus Community.
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Bio Bonds: Connecting with Alumni
CBS Aggies who came before you are ready to help you succeed. Want to tap into that support?
Start with LinkedIn!
Keep your profile fresh, connect with CBS alumni, and don’t be shy — introduce yourself, reply when others reach out, and build relationships. You never know…that message may lead to an internship or a first job!
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Be a Biologist!
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What are YOU Researching?
Have you ever heard of the “Black Plague” of Eelgrass? Leo Konefat has, and he can tell you all about it! Konefat, a rising third-year CBS student majoring in Molecular and Medical Microbiology, spent his summer conducting independent research at the Bodega Marine Laboratory (BML) as part of the 2025 EVE Scholars program. His research focused on Labyrinthula zosterae, the microbe responsible for eelgrass wasting disease. Leo's project explored whether disease severity depends on water temp.
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YOU can participate in Research!
Here’s an opportunity to get involved in research that will impact your UC Davis experience and cover your next CoHo coffee run!
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Student Affairs is inviting students to participate in a focus group to share their thoughts and experiences. Complete the short form by October 24 to indicate your interest and select a date and time that fits your schedule.
All participants who are selected and attend a focus group will receive a $15 CoHo gift card.
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What are OTHERS Researching?
Charles Piller will present the next Storer Lecture on 10/23, 4:10-5:00 pm. Piller is an investigative journalist at Science and author of Doctored: Fraud, Arrogance, and Tragedy in the Quest to Cure Alzheimer’s (2025). He has reported worldwide on public health, infectious disease, and science policy, previously working for STAT, the Los Angeles Times, and The Sacramento Bee. His award-winning reporting has earned honors from AAAS/Kavli, the National Academies of Sciences, and the NIHCM, among others.
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Bike, Scooter & E-Device Need-to-Know
If there’s one constant on the UC Davis campus, it’s wheels! Whether you’re riding a traditional bike, a scooter, or an e-bike, it’s essential to understand how to navigate campus safely.
We want everyone moving throughout the campus, especially those on some form of wheel, to help prevent injuries by staying alert, yielding to pedestrians, and following traffic signs and signals.
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Wellness Corner: Feeling Hangry?
With the quarter in full swing, it's up to you to make sure that you are feeding your body and your mind. When you don't, you may experience the biology of being hangry. What is hangry? When your blood sugar gets too low, it triggers a cascade of hormones, including cortisol (a stress hormone), which can in turn cause aggression in some people. If you are prone to getting hangry, there are steps you can take to give your metabolism the balance it needs.
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October Quick Question: RESEARCH
Help us gauge the interest of CBS undergrads in getting involved in research. It’s a quick, one-question, anonymous, and non-scientific survey, but your response helps us take the temp on research interest!
Here's the question:
How interested are you in getting involved in research during your time as a CBS undergraduate?
[ 0 = no interest | 10 = very interested ]
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Options and Opportunities
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CBS Student Bulletin
UPDATED: 10/14/2025
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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
| | | College of Biological Sciences | Dean's Office Advising 1023 Katherine Esau Science Hall | Davis, CA 95616 US | | | | |
