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Pushing the Boundaries of What We Know

a community of discovery and innovation

Here in Davis, it's getting warmer, spring quarter is just around the corner, and the energy of campus is high. It’s hard to believe we’re already in March! As usual, there’s been no shortage of activity in the college.

Whether it’s one of our systems and synthetic biology majors developing an app to study neurological disorders, or one of our faculty using nematodes to understand ALS in humans, there’s always something going on. I have said it many times before, but the innovation, discovery and curiosity of our researchers to explore fundamental biological processes – to ask questions and push the boundaries of what we know – is an enduring source of pride.

So, it’s no surprise when a CBS faculty member is recognized for their excellence. Katherine Ralston, an associate professor in the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, was among the new class of UC Davis Chancellor's Fellows early this month for her work studying a parasite that “nibbles” host cells, and also dresses in their remains to evade detection by the immune system. (It’s a brutal world for microbes!)

I was also especially pleased to see the 2026 UC Davis Medal awarded to Robert D. and A. Kathleen Grey, whose longtime support of UC Davis and CBS has made a permanent impact on our college and campus. I hope you will join me in congratulating them.

For those members of the CBS community who are on campus, in Davis or often in town, the college has revamped its online event listing. Technical talks, research presentations for the general public, instructive short courses – there is always a lot going on!

Whether you’re here in town or following us virtually from farther away, you’re still part of the CBS community.

Go Ags!

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Mark Winey, Ph.D.

Dean, College of Biological Sciences

Distinguished Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology

Featured image above: Animal Behavior Graduate Group students study many different species. Monk sakis are studied by Abigail Morris, whose work understanding how monkeys make decisions may help inform conservation efforts.

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Mirror Image Pheromones Help Beetles Swipe Right

New work from the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology shows how Japanese beetles use mirror-image pheromones to find a mate. Their work could lead to better monitoring and control of significant agricultural pests.

Research & Discovery

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Plant Cell Structure Could Hold Key to Cancer Therapies and Improved Crops

A small green plant and blue 3d-printed structure being held in open hands

Researchers in the Departments of Plant Biology and Molecular and Cellular Biology have revealed the structure of augmin, a protein complex that helps maintain the cellular skeleton in plants and animals — work that could inform research on cancer, infertility and crop breeding.

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A Pint-Sized Gene Editor Could Expand Precision Breeding in Plants

A bushy green plant with large ruffled leaves

In a new study, researchers from the Department of Plant Biology show that a compact alternative to CRISPR/Cas9 could make plant gene editing faster and more accessible, potentially expanding the range of crops that can benefit from gene-editing technologies.

Student Spotlight

Three people in lab coats standing in a research lab talking

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Developing Apps to Investigate Neurological Disorders

Systems and synthetic biology major Iliya Voytsyshyn is creating systems to accelerate lab breakthroughs. A fourth-year student from Ukraine, his plans to study cancer have grown into a fascination with tools that fuse biology, systems design and gene editing to re-engineer cells.

Awards & Laurels

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UC Davis Medal Awarded to Campus Leaders Robert D. and A. Kathleen Grey

Two people nicely dressed and sitting in a lobby

The university’s highest honor has been awarded to Robert D. and A. Kathleen Grey. The couple have dedicated their lives and careers to the university and have played an integral role in the university’s transformation into the world-class research institution it is today.

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CBS Parasitologist Among 2025-26 Chancellor’s Fellows

Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics researcher Katherine Ralston was named a Chancellor's Fellow for work with a parasitic amoeba, Entamoeba histolytica, that is spread by contaminated food and water and causes severe gut disease.

To celebrate the college's 20th anniversary, every gift to the CBS Dean’s Innovation Fund will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $202,500, from now through June 30, 2026. 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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Learn More About CAAA and Get Involved | Update Your Alumni Info

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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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