Though there is much turmoil in the higher education landscape—and though it will continue, and may even worsen—one thing remains the same: commencement is a joyful time.

And it’s that time of year. Students are in their caps and gowns, families are here and the stage is set. This year, UC Davis commencements will see approximately 8,000 students complete their undergraduate journeys.

As a parent myself, I know the feelings of pride and accomplishment felt by the families of our outstanding students—and I hope those of you reading from afar feel the same. Our students have achieved a tremendous amount. (We were able to recognize many of them at this year’s CBS award ceremony at the end of May. You can find photos here.)

CBS is especially well represented at this year’s commencement ceremonies, with two undergraduate speakers and a faculty speaker spread across three of the five ceremonies, all of which will be livestreamed here.

If you would like to see one or more of the CBS speakers, here is the lineup:

2:00pm Friday, June 13 — Marina Ellefson

Associate Professor of Teaching, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology

Ellefson, a first-generation college graduate and UC Davis alum, received the 2024 Faculty Teaching Award for her exceptional commitment to undergraduate biology education. A faculty member since 2015, she uses a data-driven approach to improve science teaching and co-directs a program that trains doctoral students to become effective educators.

Watch the livestream

9:00am Saturday, June 14 — Shanlea “Sen” Tabofunda

B.S. in Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, Minor in Sociology

Tabofunda, a recipient of the 2024–25 Karim Abou Najm Memorial Change-Makers Prize, has conducted research on how airborne pollutants affect the brain, co-authored an academic paper, and served as chief of staff at the Joan Viteri Memorial Clinic, which provides free care to underserved populations.

Watch the livestream

9:00am Sunday, June 15 — Hala Al Saidali

B.A. in Biological Sciences

Al Saidali, a Syrian refugee and co-founder of MENA Med, drew on her personal journey and her father’s illness to inspire resilience in others, including her fraternal twin sister, who is graduating alongside her. At UC Davis, she found community through the Arab Student Union and now plans to apply to dental school.

Watch the livestream

I will be on the commencement stage for each ceremony, right behind the students, and enjoying the view of so much success, inspiration and achievement. I’m not alone in saying that our students—and their achievements—make our college and campus what they are.

Said another way: congrats, Aggies!

______________



Mark Winey, Ph.D.

Dean, College of Biological Sciences

Distinguished Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology 

Featured image above: The college’s annual student award ceremony was on May 31, and recognized our outstanding undergraduates for their achievements in research, scholarship and service.

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Neil Hunter, a professor in the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, has been elected a Fellow of The Royal Society for research on homologous recombination—a process essential to heredity, fertility and evolution.

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From cancer research to science education, this year’s top CBS award recipients made an impact in their labs, classrooms and communities. Each honoree reflects the curiosity, compassion and drive that make the college a special place to grow.

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Four CBS majors were recognized for their outstanding use of library resources to tackle complex research—from dementia risk and PCOS treatment, to energy drinks and online health misinformation.

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Claire Murphy, a Ph.D. candidate in the Population Biology Graduate Group, was honored with the 2025 CBS Dean’s Mentorship Award for her dedication to fostering inclusion and curiosity in science through hands-on research and guidance.

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