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

Loranzie Rogers

Postdoc Spotlight: Loranzie Rogers

As previously announced, postdoc Loranzie Rogers of the Bellono Lab has been named as a 2024 Hanna H. Gray Fellowship from HHMI. The fellowship provides up to 1.5 […]

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Adam Lowet

Neuroscience Graduate Adam Lowet Wins Bowdoin Prize for Essay on Risk and Learning

Adam Lowet, a recent PhD graduate from Harvard’s Program in Neuroscience, has been awarded the prestigious Bowdoin Prize for Graduate Essay in the Natural Sciences with his composition […]

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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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Upcoming Events

Winter Recess

  • 12am - Saturday Dec 21, 2024

Martin Luther King Day

  • 12am - Monday Jan 20, 2025