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Inspiration and Hope


innovation, discovery and exploration in the face of uncertainty


Spring quarter just started, and the trees outside Green Hall are in bloom. There’s pollen in the air (and on the cars — a quintessentially Davis occurrence) and our students are back. It’s always a welcome and comforting sight to see our CBS Aggies on their bikes and scooters, in the classroom and lab, and studying in our lobby. It helps us remember that things continue to move forward.


Right now, higher education is on unsteady footing. A shifting political and budgetary landscape makes it difficult to forecast exactly how things will look even a month out, but one thing remains constant: the dedication of our faculty, staff and remarkable students. This is reflected in recent QS World Rankings, which placed UC Davis in the top 40 globally for biological sciences.


Truly, our community of researchers, leaders, innovators and learners is a source of inspiration and hope. I’ve said this many times over my career, and it bears repeating — especially now: our CBS Aggies really do inspire.


As happens each year around this time, UC Davis Give Day is a chance to show support for programs across the college. Gifts help unlock challenges that further strengthen support for CBS students, faculty and programs. On Friday and Saturday, April 11 and 12, the year’s biggest day of giving coincides with Picnic Day, now in its 116th year. I hope you will consider giving, and attending the festivities.


While the world around us may be tumultuous, some things do remain constant, like innovation, discovery and exploration.


Just ask any CBS Aggie.


 

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Mark Winey, Ph.D.

Dean, College of Biological Sciences

Distinguished Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology 


Featured image above: Researchers in the Department of Evolution and Ecology found that African Cichlid fish can easily switch between simple and complex teeth, a flexibility that fuels their rapid evolution.



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Restoring Voices—and Identity—with Neuroengineering

What if we could restore lost voices? Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior researchers are training computers to decode subtle muscle movements in the face and mouth—turning silent speech into natural, personalized sound.


>> Read more



Research & Discovery

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3D Genome Structure Guides Sperm Development

A single set of genetic instructions produces thousands of structures in our bodies. Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics researchers have now discovered how specific genomic architecture guides this development.


>> Read more

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Fish Teeth Show How Ease of Innovation Enables Rapid Evolution

Department of Evolution and Ecology researchers discovered that the ability to gain or lose complex teeth plays a key role in the rapid evolution of cichlid fish. Their work shows that it’s not just about developing an innovation—it’s about how readily it can change.


>> Read more

Alumni Spotlight

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Alum Receives HHMI Early Career Fellowship

Victoria Watson-Zink, who earned a Ph.D. in the Population Biology Graduate Group, received the prestigious Hanna H. Gray Fellowship for her research on how crabs evolve from aquatic to terrestrial life through genomic and physiological changes.


>> Read more



Awards & Laurels

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CBS Department and Graduate Group Faculty Among the 2024-25 UC Davis Chancellor's Fellows

Four faculty members affiliated with the College of Biological Sciences were among those named 2024-25 UC Davis Chancellor’s Fellows—a prestigious award honoring scholars for their exemplary contributions to research and education.


>> Read more

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UC Davis Ranked in World’s Top 40 for Biological Sciences

In the latest Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings, UC Davis was ranked 38th globally in biological sciences and 41st in life sciences and medicine—a testament to the university’s excellence in research, education and innovation.


>> Read more

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CBS Dept and Grad Group Faculty Elected as AAAS Fellows

Three faculty affiliated with CBS have been elected as fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science for their exceptional achievements in research, teaching, administration and science communication.


>> Read more

UC Davis Give Day is an opportunity to uplift CBS students, faculty and programs. Whether your passion is setting students up for success, fueling world-class research, or supporting college and department operations, you can make a difference on Give Day.


Thanks to the generosity of our alumni, parents and friends, CBS is proud to feature 16 sponsored challenges totaling over $243,000!


Join us in transforming tomorrow!


>> Give now

Campus & Community

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Meet the 2024-2025 Officers of the Phi Sigma Honor Society, Gamma Delta Chapter

Nabiya Haider and Yashneet Kaur are the 2024-25 Phi Sigma Honor Society officers. Kaur volunteers as an EMT and clinic manager, while Haider researches barriers to oral healthcare and leads pre-dental initiatives.


>> Read more

Featured Event

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Under the Microscope: The Next Generation of Cancer Research

Join us to learn how UC Davis researchers are driving breakthroughs in pancreatic, lung and breast cancer. From uncovering the molecular mechanisms of cancer to advancing early detection and developing innovative therapeutics, their work is shaping the future of cancer treatment and improving patient outcomes.


Webinar Only

Tuesday, April 29, 1:30-2:30pm

More information & registration here



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When you support UC Davis with a gift to the College of Biological Sciences, you are making an investment in the continued exploration of life sciences by a new generation of researchers and future leaders.



Give to the College of Biological Sciences Annual Fund


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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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