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Mentorship, Compassion and Support


representing the best of campus


Sadly, as of this writing, there is much turmoil here in California. Many here on campus have been affected by the fires ravaging the southern parts of our state, and the scenes of devastation are heartrending. But we’re remaining strong, and we’re supporting those in need.


As ever, Aggies help Aggies.


Though the holidays were less than a month ago, they already feel long past. And not only because of the fires. In fact, many positive things have happened, even this early into the year. Our faculty have continued to make advances in their respective fields, our students have returned to the classroom, the lab and the field, and our community—with mentorship, compassion and support—continues to represent many of the best parts of UC Davis.


To our colleagues, students, alumni, donors and all those who connect with the college in other ways, I encourage you to embrace community, resilience and not let go of hope.

 

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Mark Winey, Ph.D.

Dean, College of Biological Sciences

Distinguished Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology 


Featured image above: Research from the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology suggests that specific mutations in zebrafish can trigger the fish to change from female to male.



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From Researcher to Educator: One Grad Student’s Path to Teaching

Nate Herrera, a Ph.D. candidate in the Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Physiology Graduate Group, has been devoted to student mentorship since he was an undergraduate. Now, Herrera plans to embark on a career in teaching, hoping to spread his passion for STEM with the next generation of undergraduates.


>> Read more



Research & Discovery

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Genetics of Alternating Sexes in Walnuts

Researchers in the Department of Evolution and Ecology have uncovered the genetic basis behind certain walnut trees' ability to produce both male and female flowers. Their research reveals a mechanism that has remained stable in walnuts and their ancestors for 40 million years.


>> Read more

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Wrong Place, Wrong Time: Why Zika Virus Hijacks a Protein Needed for Brain Growth

How does the Zika virus cause such devastating effects during pregnancy? Researchers in the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics discovered that Zika hijacks a protein crucial for brain development to create "virus factories."


>> Read more

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Do Collagen, Omega-3 and Whey Supplements Help Your Bones?

Keith Baar, in the Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, studies the effects of supplements on bone and tendon health. In this Q&A, he shares the findings from his studies of these supplements.


>> Read more

Event Spotlight

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Storer Lectureship on Evolutionary Theory and Sustainability

Monique Borgerhoff Mulder is an evolutionary anthropologist whose research explores human behavior through the lens of evolutionary biology. Her work spans topics such as wealth inequality, demographic transitions, social networks, and the conservation of biodiversity in African ecosystems. She is a Member of the National Academy of Sciences.


1.29.25 - Applying Cultural Evolution to Sustainability Challenges

This presentation explores the work of a scientist applying cultural evolutionary theory to examine how sustainable forest management practices spread across an island in the Zanzibari archipelago.

More information.


1.30.25 - Polygyny: The Evolution of a Model

This presentation traces the development of a model for polygyny across several disciplines, including Behavioral Ecology, Anthropology, Economics, and International Development.

More information.



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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 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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