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.  

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIROur research

Latest News

Doeke Hekstra

Watching Ion Channels in Action

Potassium ion channels are responsible for the rapid, selective flow of potassium (K+) ions through cell membranes, making it possible for spikes of electric activity (action potentials) to […]

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ColinKim(l) and Loranzie Rogers

Loranzie Rogers and Colin Kim Chosen as Hanna H. Gray Fellows by HHMI

Two MCB postdocs, Loranzie Rogers of the Bellono Lab and Colin Kim of the Nett Lab, have been awarded prestigious Hanna H. Gray Fellowships from the Howard Hughes […]

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Marissa Gredler

Faculty Spotlight: Marissa Gredler—Unraveling the Mysteries of Embryonic Development

On January 1, 2025, Marissa Gredler officially joined MCB as an Assistant Professor. Her journey into the world of science began in a place familiar to many—uncertainty. Growing […]

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(l to r) Marc Fishman, Marc Duque, Alex Chen, and Florian Engert

Ketamine Prevents Zebrafish from Giving Up by Acting on Non-neuronal Astrocytes [Engert Lab]

Giving zebrafish ketamine can stop them from “giving up” during tasks where trying to swim is futile. A new study led by researchers from the Engert Lab and […]

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Upcoming Events

Winter Recess

  • 12am - Saturday Dec 21, 2024

Martin Luther King Day

  • 12am - Monday Jan 20, 2025