Spring began just two months ago, and already here in Davis it’s starting to feel like summer. There’s just about a month of the quarter left, during which our students will be preparing for final exams and then, for many, commencement. There’s still much to do between then and now, but the excitement of graduation season is already being felt in our classrooms, labs and across campus.

The 2025 Undergraduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activities Conference saw hundreds of UC Davis students (many of whom are CBS majors) gather in the University Credit Union Center to present posters of their research to their peers and mentors. I had a great time there, as I do every year, meeting our talented students and learning about their work.

We also hosted the inaugural Under the Microscope webinar, which focused on the future of cancer research. We had nearly two hundred people in attendance, and the faculty panel delivered a fascinating and insightful presentation. For those who missed the event, you can watch the video here.

More recently, we announced that student programs have been affected by changes to federal funding. These changes are disappointing, and will have a significant impact on many aspects of the UC Davis student experience, as well as to the future of the biotechnology and medical fields. Though these changes are difficult, we will continue our efforts to support all CBS students as they continue to learn and grow as thinkers, leaders and innovators.

Because that’s what we do. And what we will keep on doing.

Go Ags.

______________



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 seasonal bird patterns are reliably reflected in citizen science data from iNaturalist and eBird.



Department of Evolution and Ecology researchers have shown that data from iNaturalist and eBird—even when contributed by casual observers—can reliably track bird migration patterns across Northern California and Nevada.

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A new study by researchers in the Department of Evolution and Ecology found that the Moorish idol and surgeonfish can move their jaws side-to-side, an extremely rare motion among vertebrates. This adaptation helps them graze algae efficiently from rocks and reef crevices.

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Graham Coop’s research blends genetics, mathematical modeling, and big data to illuminate how populations evolve—especially humans. His work has provided key insights into genetic adaptation, migration, and evolutionary forces across species.

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Azucena Virgen and Kush Narang have been awarded Goldwater Scholarships for uncovering the secrets of tissue regeneration using Hydra, and designing AI-driven solutions for safer pain management and pediatric care.

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