Department of Molecular
and Cellular Biology

About us

Our Science 

We research and teach how the collective behavior of molecules and cells forms the basis of life. We are driven by a passion for discovery and value collaborative approaches to scientific inquiry, where connections between people fuel interdisciplinary science and break boundaries across varied experimental systems. Against a backdrop of cutting-edge biological research, we work as a team of educators and mentors to inspire and train the next generation of scientists and global citizens. 

 Our Community 

At the core of the MCB department is a commitment to foster an environment in which all individuals have the opportunity to thrive. It is our shared responsibility to create an inclusive culture, where we support and respect each other as colleagues. We embrace a diverse range of perspectives, expertise, identities, experiences, talents, and abilities. By continually strengthening this foundation of investing in the well-being of our people, we enable our community’s growth and pursuit of the creative and innovative approaches that underlie scientific excellence. 

Our Guiding Principles

We hold ourselves and the community accountable to the following set of values: 

Respect
We foster a safe and supportive environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity and is able to work towards their aspirations. 

Engagement
We encourage difficult conversations about racial, gender, structural and other inequities in our labs, institutions, and society.We listen actively and openly and seek to continually learn from one another during these respectful and open dialogues. 

Action
We take active steps to diversify our community demographics, promote equitable practices, and eliminate systemic racism and other inequities in our departmental structures. 

Support
We prioritize the well-being of our community members and create avenues of support for all, with a particular focus on the needs of Black people, Indigenous people, people of color, first generation students, people from underprivileged backgrounds, and other community members underrepresented in the scientific community.We prioritize diversity, inclusion, and belonging work, advocate for it at all levels and actively include it in all departmental discussions.  

Integrity 

We carry out our work responsibly and ethically, recognizing that our own choices are reflections of both ourselves and our community. As a department, we are committed to building institutional accountability and transparency in our decision-making processes.  

Our research

Latest News

MCB’s Daniel Cardozo Pinto and Wendy Valencia Montoya Named 2025 Harvard Junior Fellows

Harvard has named Daniel Cardozo Pinto and Wendy Valencia Montoya as two of its newest Junior Fellows, joining the prestigious Society of Fellows this year. They will begin […]

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Kickstart Your Career Development: Exploring Career Resources with the Mignone Center for Career Success

On Monday, May 5th, Caroline Rende, Associate Director, Graduate Career Exploration with  Harvard’s Mignone Center for Career Success will give a presentation tailored for graduate students, but open […]

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New Microbiology Course to Launch This Fall – REGISTRATION OPEN NOW

The Microbes Are Coming This Fall! Don’t worry—it’s not another pandemic, but an exciting new general microbiology course for undergraduates launching in Fall 2025, taught by MCB Assistant […]

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Six MCB, CPB, and Neuro Juniors Elected to Phi Beta Kappa 2025

We are thrilled to announce that five outstanding juniors concentrating in Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB), Chemical and Physical Biology (CPB), and Neuroscience have been elected to the […]

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Upcoming Events

Dissertation Defense: Vivian Jou

  • 11am - Monday Apr 14, 2025
  • Yenching Auditorium

Dissertation Defense: Will Mallard

  • 2pm - Monday Apr 14, 2025
  • BioLabs 1080