The courtyard between Green Hall and Briggs Hall is sunny, and our trees are in full bloom. Spring is most definitely here.

And with it comes Picnic Day, the longstanding student-run UC Davis tradition, which is on Saturday, April 20. For those planning to attend, I hope you enjoy the fun and engaging activities across campus. From the parade to the doxie derby, there’s a lot to do and even more to see.

As in years past, Picnic Day coincides with Give Day, the largest single-day fundraiser on campus, which provides support for hundreds of programs, initiatives and organizations. This year's CBS challenges cover everything from student support to research and teaching infrastructure. You can give early and help us get a jump-start on meeting our challenge goals. Each gift, no matter the size, makes a difference.

I would also like to remind UC Davis alumni that there are changes coming to @ucdavis.edu email addresses. This is a good time for alumni to update their preferred, non-UC Davis email addresses in the campus database to ensure they continue receiving Biome. You can do so here.

As the weather continues to warm, I plan to make full use of the many bike paths here in Davis. If you’re in the area, maybe I’ll see you on the trail!

______________



Mark Winey, Ph.D.

Dean, College of Biological Sciences

Distinguished Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology 

Featured image above: Department of Plant Biology researchers have revealed how soil microbes help sorghum plants resist witchweed infections. Shown above, a cross-section of sorghum roots (brightly stained concentric circles in pink) that are infected by witchweed (Striga hermonthica). (Tamera Taylor / UC Davis)



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